Abstract
The savanna (Cerrado) of northeastern Brazil has undergone significant transition in land use to expand agricultural activities. In this region, soils are highly weathered, with phosphorus (P) commonly bound to aluminum (Al) and iron (Fe), creating conditions that demand the supply of P fertilizers to build soil fertility. Conservation systems, such as integrated agroforestry, can increase the inorganic P lability. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil P availability in components of an integrated agroforestry system. Four systems were studied from a 3-year experiment: eucalyptus ( E. urophylla × E. tereticornis) rows (ER), sabiá ( Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) rows (SR), inter-planted maize, and inter-planted soybean in addition to an area of native Cerrado (NC) used as a control. Inter-planted soybean and maize components showed an increase in available P in relation to NC, as a response to a liming-induced increase in soil pH and phosphate fertilization. Eucalyptus and sabiá row components showed an increase in available P in soil because of higher P recycling promoted by forest species and lower P adsorption onto Fe and Al due to the high concentrations of organic matter. Phosphorus forms, following a descending order for all components of the agroforestry system, are P–Al > P–Fe > P–Ca. This information can be used to improve management and soil quality of agricultural production in the Cerrado of the Brazilian northeast region.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
