Spatial variability of soil properties and cotton yield in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

This research aimed at assessing the spatial variability and relationships between factors that affect cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) yield. Plant and soil data were collected by a 90 ha area divided in a regular grid of 100 m. In order to detect the variation at small scale, more intense samplings were made with spacing of 33 m, resulting in 5 "clusters" and totalizing 170 samples. Data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis, geostatistic and interpolation through ordinary kriging. Variability expressed by the coefficient of variation was from low to moderate for all the variables except for retained bolls and soil P content. Geostatistical analysis indicated that most cotton yield factors presented spatial dependence and this should be considered when defining sampling schemes for soil and crop management practices.