ABSTRACT Sewage sludge (SS) from wastewater treatment has reasonable phosphorus (P) levels, which could be used as fertilizer in agriculture. However, SS-P content is lower than mineral fertilizers, which limits its operational application. The blend of organic and mineral material can increase the P content, formulating organomineral fertilizers (OMF) with higher P levels, enabling agricultural use. This study aimed to assess the agronomic efficiency and residual effect of organomineral fertilizers derived from SS as phosphorus sources for Urochloa brizantha. A […]

ABSTRACT Natural phosphate rocks (PR) are characterized by low phosphorus (P) solubility in water. Acidulation is the normal method to raise P solubility of these materials, however, it increases the cost and causes operational issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of partially acidulated and micro-granulated Arraias phosphate rock, which has a lower P content (6.88 %) than normal apatite concentrates. Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse at the University of Rio Verde, […]

ABSTRACT Forest seedlings production generally uses polypropylene plastic tubes due to their advantages, as root protection and easy operation. However, these tubes have limitations, as small substrate accommodates capacity, there is a possibility of root deformation, and there is a composition of pollutant and non–renewable material. It is necessary to find environmentally correct alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and nutritional aspects of Eucalyptus urophylla seedlings produced in biodegradable containers, compared to plastic polypropylene tubes. For this, seedlings […]

ABSTRACT The use of native and exotic species in the reforestation of degraded areas has been considered an important strategy to improve soil quality. However, there is still scarce information about which species are more efficient for soil organic matter (SOM) formation. This study aimed to evaluate the decomposition of leguminous and non-leguminous tree litter, its impact on light organic matter (LOM), particulate organic matter (POM), and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) dynamics, and consequently, SOM formation efficiency. Leaf litter from […]

ABSTRACT Determining soil phosphorus (P) buffer capacity (PBC) is crucial for establishing optimal P fertilizer rates in corrective fertilization practices. However, in subtropical regions, changes in soil chemical and physical properties, such as soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation and texture modifications, can significantly impact PBC values, altering soil adsorption capacity. Consequently, P rates recommended by generalized guidelines for soil correction in these regions may be insufficient to achieve the critical P level in the soil. This study aimed to define […]

ABSTRACT Corrective phosphate is a usual practice in poor soils to improve P levels and yield potential. However, the broadcast P application in soils with high P fixing capacity may have low efficiency. This study evaluated sugarcane yield response to corrective phosphate (broadcast application and incorporated) and in planting maintenance phosphate application in four sugarcane sites during three crop cycles in South-Central Brazil. The experimental design was a factorial 2 × 5: presence or absence of corrective phosphate and five […]

ABSTRACT Extreme weather events, such as heavy rains and droughts, necessitate the rapid adaptation of production systems to prevent the degradation of natural resources and to maximize production potential. Defining adaptive practices requires an in-depth understanding of the factors that control the formation and propagation of surface runoff and the identification of specific practices tailored to each location. No-till system, coupled with complementary storm runoff management practices, is effective in controlling surface runoff and related processes. However, the planning of […]

ABSTRACT Growing off-season cover crops effectively enhances ecological diversity and improves nutrient cycling in agricultural systems, particularly when nutrient losses and low use efficiency are prominent. This study aimed to assess the interaction between different off-season cover crops and varying nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) application rates on common beans, soybeans, and corn yields, as well as on soil organic matter (SOM) and available P content (Mehlich-1) in a Cerrado loamy soil. The experiment was conducted as a strip-plot factorial […]

ABSTRACT Demand for phosphate fertilizers in Brazil, combined with its reliance on external sources, highlights the need to explore alternative phosphorous (P) sources for limed cultivated soils. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the agronomic performance of phosphates from various sources, including national sedimentary (Arraias, Bonito, and Pratápolis) and igneous deposits (Catalão and Registro) imported sedimentary sources (Algeria, Bayovar, and Morocco), and residue-recovered sources (Bonechar and effluent recovered phosphate – ERCP). Phosphates underwent mineralogical and chemical characterization, including P […]

ABSTRACT Soils polluted by potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pose a high risk to human health and must be remediated. Applying biochar to such soils can reduce metal bioavailability and phytotoxicity, improving phytoremediation techniques. This study aimed to assess the effects of rice straw biochar (RSB) on mitigating metal stress and accumulation of Si, Cd, Pb, and Zn in corn plants grown in soil contaminated by metallurgy slag. Soil in pots was amended with RSB rates equivalent to 0, 5, 10, […]