Growth of millet and pigeon pea, performance of citrus trees, and soil physical properties in a chiselled orchard

Chiseling and cover crops can be used in the management of orchards with the purpose of improving soil physical conditions and reducing soil compaction. This study had the objective of evaluating the influence of chiseling on the development of cover crops and citrus trees and on soil physical properties in an orchard with a compaction history in a clayey Typic Haplorthox. The soil was chiseled at 0.30 m, followed by three soil cover crops: spontaneous vegetation, pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and millet (Pennisetum americanum). The statistical design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 3 (chiseling and non-chiseling and three soil covers). After 110 days the above ground phytomass of cover crops was collected and trenches were dug for root evaluation. The soil physical properties were determined at three points (under canopy, wheel track and inter-row) and four depths (0-0.1; 0.1-0.2; 0.2-0.3 and 0.3-0.4 m). The phytomass of the aboveground part and root system of the cover crops was greater in the chiseling treatment. In the chiseling management the root growth of pearl millet was greater than of pigeon pea and equal in the unchiseled treatment. Development and yield of citrus trees were not affected by treatments. Soil chiseling resulted in a higher soil macro porosity and lower soil bulk density and soil penetration resistance.