The density and sowing time of buckwheat in organic and conventional growing system

Abstract

The adjustment of buckwheat density and sowing time in an organic growing system guarantees satisfactory productivity with better environmental quality. The objective of the study is to adjust the sowing density and the best growing season of buckwheat, comparing the organic and conventional growing system. In the study, two experiments were conducted in 2017 and 2018. Experiment one, in a randomized block design with eight replications in a 4 x 2 factorial, for sowing density (40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1) and growing location (Augusto Pestana and Três de Maio, RS, Brazil), respectively. Experiment two, in a randomized block design in a 2 x 2 factorial with eight replications, for sowing time (September and December) and growing system (conventional and organic), respectively, carried out in Augusto Pestana, RS. Grain yield and other characters of agronomic interest of the species were evaluated, with means analysis and regression adjustment. The sowing density around 110 kg ha-1 brings benefits in the buckwheat growing in reaching maximum grain yield in conventional and organic systems. Sowing in September and December is possible regardless of the production system. However, grain yield is maximized under the milder temperature conditions of September. The grain yield in an organic system, although statistically inferior to the conventional one, proves to be advantageous due to the reduced variation in yield due to add value of the product without the use of pesticides and fertilizers