RESPOSTA DA ALFACE EM SISTEMA AGROFLORESTAL IRRIGADO POR GOTEJAMENTO

Abstract

Agroforestry systems (SAFs) commonly provide an optimization of the cultivation area, labor, inputs and water, with yield diversification and stability, greater efficiency in the weed control and soil protection against erosion. However, studies on irrigated SAFs are currently scarce. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the production of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) in single cultivation and intercropped with arugula (Eruca sativa L.) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.), grown in an agroforestry system and in full sun. The study was conducted at the Sítio Agroecológico of Embrapa Meio Ambiente (experimental farm), in city of Jaguariúna, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The results showed that the conduction system did not influence the horizontal diameter of the lettuce, while cultivation in full sun promoted greater production of dry mass and number of lettuce and arugula leaves. The radish showed longer leaves in SAF when compared to full sun. Polyculture increased production per unit area, by 129.5% on average, compared to monoculture in SAF and full sun. These results showed that intercropping was advantageous in relation to monoculture, as it produced a greater number of vegetables per unit area and inputs.