Each cropping system acts in a particular way on soil characteristics and may affect crop growth differently. In this research the effects of no tillage (NT) and conventional system (CS) on corn cultivated after triticale, were evaluated by using growth analysis and gas exchanges. The experimental design was completely randomized block with plots (cropping system) and sub-plots (sampling dates) with six replications. The primary data of dry matter and leaf area were collected from all plants in one meter row which were, cut at the level of the soil, every 15 days. Crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR) and leaf area index (LAI) rate were evaluated. Measurements of gas exchanges [CO2 assimilation (A); transpiration (E) and stomatic conductance (gs)] were take using photosynthesis a portable analyzer at 36, 49, and 80 days after the seedling emergence, at the stage V8, V T and R4, respectively. LAI and CGR, total dry matter, dry matter of stems, ears and grains were higher in CS. The gas exchanges did not showed any differences between the cropping systems. The occurrence of water deficiency in February and March causes reduction of A, gs and E. The differences observed in CS were related to the faster growth and higher LAI.
plant growth; photosynthesis; cropping systems; Zea mays; X Triticosecale
