CROTALÁRIA COMO PLANTA DE COBERTURA E SEU EFEITO NA PRODUTIVIDADE E DESENVOLVIMENTO DA SOJA EM SUCESSÃO

Abstract

Studies indicate that crotalarias stand out for their ability to biologically fix nitrogen, their high biomass production, and their antagonistic action against plant-parasitic nematodes, acting as non-host plants and, in some cases, releasing allelopathic compounds that hinder the reproductive cycle of these parasites. The present work aimed to evaluate, through a literature review, the use of Crotalaria spp. species as cover crops and their potential in the development and yield increase of soybean grains.

The consulted research shows that species such as C. spectabilis, C. breviflora, C. juncea, and C. ochroleuca, used either alone or in consortium with other cover crops, contribute to improved soil conditions by increasing organic matter, enhancing physical structure, and boosting nutrient availability. These benefits are reflected in the performance of the subsequent crop, with several authors reporting improvements in vegetative development and increases in soybean grain yield when compared to simple succession systems, such as soybean–second-crop maize.

The literature also highlights consistent reductions in populations of Rotylenchulus reniformis and Pratylenchus brachyurus in areas managed with crotalaria, reinforcing its effectiveness as a sustainable tool in nematode management. That way, the use of legumes during the off-season, especially Crotalaria spp., emerges as a promising alternative for building and maintaining soil health, contributing to more productive and environmentally balanced agricultural systems, with positive impacts on soybean profitability in the Cerrado region.