Corrective Potential of Alkaline Residue (Dregs) from Cellulose Industry in an Acid Soil Cultivated Under No-tillage

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe use of alkaline residues from cellulose industry can increase soil fertility and crop productivity, but some of these residues, such as dregs, can also reduce soil physical quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the dregs compared to lime as corrective for soil acidity applied on the surface under no-tillage. The treatments applied, half in 2004 and half in 2006, were: without corrective; dregs rates of 3.25, 6.5 and 13 Mg ha−1 and dolomitic lime rates of 5.25 and 10.5 Mg ha−1. After 5.5 years since the first application, soil chemical and physical attributes were determined, as well as soybean yield in 2010 and bean yield in 2011. Positive effects were observed on the soil chemical attributes with the application of dregs or lime, such as increased pH, calcium content, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation, and decreased the aluminum saturation. However, it was observed increase in sodium content and calcium/magnesium ratio with the application of dregs, however without impairing the soil physical quality. The soybean and bean yield increased in a similar way using dregs or lime. These results indicate the possibility of using dregs as corrective of soil acidity.