Cover crops and multifunctional microorganisms in nutrient cycling and weed suppression

Cover crops, with or without the application of multifunctional microorganisms, may enhance nutrient cycling, weed suppression, and the sustainability of agricultural systems in the Cerrado. This study aimed to evaluate biomass production, nutrient accumulation, weed infestation, and the economic feasibility of cover crops cultivated during the off-season under a no-tillage system. The experiment was conducted during the 2022, 2023, and 2024 growing seasons in a randomized complete block design, arranged in a 5 × 3 factorial scheme with four replications. Five vegetation covers and three microorganism managements (Embrapa, commercial, and control) were evaluated. Pearl millet and Mix 1 showed the highest biomass production, with increases of 63.17% and 43.78%, respectively, compared to fallow. Pearl millet stood out in nutrient accumulation, the highest fertilizer economic equivalence, and weed suppression. The application of microorganisms did not promote consistent gains in the evaluated variables. It was concluded that the use of cover crops during the off-season is an efficient strategy for no-tillage systems in the Cerrado, with pearl millet and Mix 1 showing the best performance.