ABSTRACT The application of organic composts derived from animal husbandry or agro-industry is a promising option to improve nutrient cycling and supply of soils and, consequently, forage production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the soil chemical properties and the nutritional state of elephant grass in response to rates of organic fertilizer composted from the waste of small ruminant production and slaughter systems. The experiment was conducted on a Fluvisol of a forage field with elephant grass var. […]

The application of sugarcane residues to the soil may induce changes in soil compressibility parameters. The objective of this study was to investigate the compressibility behavior of a dystrophic cohesive Yellow Latosol in the coastal tablelands of the state of Alagoas, in three different management systems with sugarcane, with different levels of organic residue application. The experiment was conducted in an area of sugarcane production (Usina Santa Clotilde), Alagoas. Three plots were chosen in sugarcane fields: sugarcane under irrigation (SMI), […]

Due to human activity, large amounts of organic residue are generated daily. Therefore, an adequate use in agricultural activities requires the characterization of the main properties. The chemical and physical characterization is important when planning the use and management of organic residue. In this study, chemical and physical properties of charcoal, coffee husk, pine-bark, cattle manure, chicken manure, coconut fiber, sewage sludge, peat, and vermiculite were determined. The following properties were analyzed: N-NH4+, N-N03–, and total concentrations of N, P, […]

This study was carried out to assess the influence of winter plant cover on the chemical soil properties in a Structured Terra Roxa soil in Santa Catarina, Brazil. The plant cover consisted of an association of black oats (Avena stirgosa Schreb) with pasture turnip (Raphanus sativus L.) and organic fertilization using poultry manure and mineral fertilization. Soil samples collected in August 1994 and January 1995, at depths of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm, were analyzed for an experiment initiated in […]