This work aimed to evaluate the soil microbial community cultivated with sweet pepper (Capsicum annum) in no-tillage and conventional systems associated with weed management strategies. The experiment was conducted in split plots distributed in a randomized complete block design. Two soil tillage systems were evaluated in the plots (no-tillage and conventional), and three weed management strategies were evaluated in the sub-plots: soil coverage with black polyethylene film, regular weeding and no weeding. The characteristics evaluated were maximum and minimum soil temperatures using thermocouple sensors connected to dataloggers, and the community of total bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes, which were quantified in soil samples collected at 0, 21, 42, 63, 84 and 105 days after transplanting. The soil microbial community presented the following order in terms of population: bacteria> actinomycetes> fungi, with variation between different times of sample collection throughout the crop cycle, for all treatments; it was influenced by tillage systems and weed management. Soil disturbance in conventional tillage system reduced the population of microorganisms at the time of transplanting, compared to the no-tillage system. Coverage of soil with straw mulch in notillage system or with weeds in both tillage systems reduced soil heating compared to treatments where soil was kept uncovered through weeding or covered with polyethylene film. This provided better conditions for the development of fungi, bacteria and actinomycetes.
Capsicum annum; straw mulch; polyethylene film; soil microorganisms
