PERFORMANCE OF TURNIP (Raphanus sativus L.) AND WILD RADISH (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) AS GREEN MANURE

Abstract

This study had as objective to evaluate the behavior of turnip (Raphanus sativus L.) and wild radish (Raphanus raphanistrum L.) as winter green manures. An experiment was carried out as randomized complete blocks design, using 20 m2 plots, with two treatments (species) and four replications. When the plants reached 50% flowering, height, number of leaves, leaf area, dry matter, and macronutrient and organic carbon contents in the dry matter were evaluated. Plants were cut close to soil surface, and the number of sprouts per plot was counted after 30 days. The results showed that there were not significant differences in growth, phytomass and N, P, Ca, and Mg accumulation, as well as C:N ratio. Both species presented desirable attributes for use as green manures in the winter period. However, the cut performed did not resulted in the complete elimination of plants in both species. In this way, the recommendation of these species as green manures must be related to use of desiccant herbicide.

KEY-WORDS: Green manure; phytomass; nutrient accumulation; C:N ratio; Cruciferae.