Abstract
Utilizing wood ash as a fertilizer in agriculture is a viable alternative to the soil nutrients absorbed by the crops. The aim of this study was to assess the phytometric and productive features of Brachiaria brizantha (cv. BRS Piatã) fertilized with wood ash in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse, adopting a completely randomized design, and applying five rates of wood ash (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g·dm-3) with five replicates. The shoot plant parts were subjected to three successive cuts 30-day intervals each. The results were submitted to the analysis of variance and regression analysis at 5% probability. The wood ash rates between 13 to 17 g·dm-3 clearly produced the best results for plant height (102.24, 84.42 and 63.27 cm), leaf/stem ratio (1.61, 1, 78 and 1.94), and chlorophyll index (46.66, 41.93 and 38.39), respectively, during the first, second and third evaluations. A 94% increase in the shoot dry mass (2nd and 3rd evaluations) and root parts was noted for the wood ash rate of 20 g·dm-3, compared with the treatment involving wood ash fertilization. Wood ash affects the phytometric features, increases the chlorophyll concentration and thus the BRS Piatã grass production in the Oxisol of the Brazilian Cerrado.
Highlights
IntroductionRanked among of the principal production systems of the world, pastures ac-
A 94% increase in the shoot dry mass (2nd and 3rd evaluations) and root parts was noted for the wood ash rate of 20 g∙dm−3, compared with the treatment involving wood ash fertilization
The chlorophyll index was adjusted to the quadratic model of regression, for all the three cuttings of the Piatã grass, revealing the degree of correction and fertilization the wood ash made to the soil
Summary
Ranked among of the principal production systems of the world, pastures ac-. Possesses nearly 200 million of hectares of edaphoclimatic conditions and native and cultivated pastures [3], mainly the Brachiaria grasses. Genus Brachiaria has contributed significantly to Brazil, as it enabled cattle ranching on the acidic and poorly fertility, and the basis of the cultivated pastures in the country [4]. The soil fertility is normally corrected by applying chemical fertilizers, obtained from non-renewable sources, and which in turn affect the production costs. Certain measures and alternatives need to be established to maintain the systems on a long-term basis and wood ash is one such alternative source [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
