Spatial Distribution of Weed Seed Banks in the Agricultural Field and Anthropized Cerrado

Abstract

Characterization of the seeds bank is an essential tool for decision making on weed control and management practices and the study and maintenance of the ecological dynamics of natural areas. In this context, the present study aimed to characterize the spatial variability of the seeds bank in an experimental agricultural field and an anthropized cerrado area, using the ordinary kriging geostatistical technique. Sampling was carried out on 10x10 regular grids in two different environments. Area 01 consisted of an experimental agricultural field of annual crops (soy and corn); area 02 represented the anthropized cerrado. The sample grids consisted of 25 points collected at a depth of 0.00-0.20 m. The soil samples were placed in 6.38 dm³ and 0.05 m² plastic containers. Spatial distribution maps of the species found have been drawn up, grouped in dicotyledonous, monocotyledonous, and total density, in addition, the density of three weeds most found in each area. The weed seed bank present strong spatial variability to 01 and 02, which indicates behavior in spots or in patches for both dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous plants, especially Mollugo verticillata L. and Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. in the experimental field, and for Richardia scabra L. and Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn. in the anthropized cerrado. The ordinary kriging technique made it possible to map the weed seed bank and, therefore, it may work as an efficient tool in controlling weeds in agricultural fields, especially in its pre-emergence phase. Furthermore, it can assist in the recovery of native anthropized vegetation.