Shale-based matrix as an alternative fertilizer supplement for 'irati' plum

Abstract

Plant nutrition is one of the factors that can influence fruit yield and quality. Brazilian soils are generally highly weathered, acidic and have low natural fertility with generalized nutrient deficits, especially of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The use of alternative sources of nutrients such as rock powder and mining co-products, when applied together, can increase the efficiency of soluble sources of P and K, and could reduce the need for soluble fertilizer imports that are often expensive and have low residual effect in the soil. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate MBR matrix fertilizer rates on fruit quality and plum cultivation, cv. Irati. This study was conducted at the UTFPR Campus Pato Branco, from 2009 to 2014. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications and three plants per plot. Treatments (Tn) were: recommended chemical fertilizer replacement (T5); 2/3 of the recommended fertilization plus: 0 (T1), 500 (T2), 1000 (T3) and 2000 (T4) kg ha−1 yr−1 of MBR matrix; and without replacement (T6). Characteristics of plant quality, productivity and development, as well as leaf and soil contents of P and K were evaluated. The annual application of 1,000 kg ha−1 of the shale-based fertilizer matrix can be used as a complement to 1/3 of the P and K fertilization, in ‘Irati’ plum cultivation, by increasing accumulated production by 21.4%, maintaining the quality of the fruits, and maintaining adequate soil levels of P and K. The results demonstrate that the use of mining co-products of the Irati Formation has the potential for being used in agriculture as a source of nutrients, contributing to an increase in the efficiency of soluble sources of P and K, reducing the dependence on imported nutrient inputs and increasing local sustainable development..