Gafsa Rock Phosphate Research Articles

Phosphate solubilizing rhizobacteria inoculation to increase rock phosphates efficiency and improve maize growth

Rock phosphates are less soluble and agronomically not as efficient as the acidulated. However, some rhizobacteria can improve the solubilization of inorganic phosphates in the soil, raising the efficiency of the rock phosphates. The objective was to evaluate the development of maize plants in response to the application of soluble and rock P sources associated with rhizobacteria inoculation. A greenhouse experiment was carried out with six P sources: no P application; ​​Triple Superphosphate (TSPh); Gafsa rock phosphate (reactive); Itafós rock phosphate (non-reactive); TSPh + Gafsa; and TSPh + Itafós, and three inoculation forms: no inoculation, Burkholderia pickettii GN 2214 and Pseudomonas sp. fluorescens group P21. Plant height, stem diameter, leaf area, shoot dry weight (ShDW), root dry weight (RDW), total dry weight, cumulative P content in ShDW, RDW/ShDW ratio and relative agronomic efficiency were assessed. Agronomic efficiency and growth of the TSPh-treated plants were better than of those treated with rock phosphates. The association of TSPh with rock phosphates increases the agronomic efficiency and maize plant growth more than the isolated rock sources. Inoculation with P. fluorescens strain P21, improved the performance of maize fertilized with Gafsa phosphate, but had no effect when associated with Itafós phosphate. Together with TSPh, inoculation intensified shoot and root growth, indicating the potential to increase the efficiency of soluble sources as well.

Growth-promoting bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi differentially benefit tomato and corn depending upon the supplied form of phosphorus.

The ability of plants to take up phosphorus (P) from soil depends on root morphology and root exudates release and can be modulated by beneficial soil microbes. These microbes can solubilize P, affect root elongation and branching, and lead to a higher uptake of P and other nutrients. However, coordination of these mechanisms is unclear, especially the mechanism for changing the available form of P. We aimed to dissect the effects of two different beneficial microbial taxa (plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)) on root morphological traits, plant nutrient content, and growth in tomato and corn fertilized with either Gafsa rock phosphate (RP) or triple superphosphate (TSP), which have contrasting solubility levels. Tomato and corn were grown in pots and inoculated with one of three PGPB species or a mix of two AMF species or were not inoculated. Root traits, botanical fractions, and the contents of various mineral nutrients were measured. TSP stimulated tomato biomass accumulation compared to RP but did not stimulate corn biomass accumulation. PGPB improved the growth of both plant species under RP, with limited differences among the strains, whereas AMF only improved tomato growth under TSP. These differences between microbial systems were explained by a bacterial effect on the total root length but not on the mean root diameter and by the ability of AMF to improve the mineral nutrient content. The effects of PGPB were less dependent on the plant species and on P form than the effects of AMF.These results have implications for the improvement of the early plant growth through the management of beneficial microbes.

Organomineral phosphate fertilizer from sugarcane byproduct and its effects on soil phosphorus availability and sugarcane yield

The recycling of agricultural by-products to produce organomineral fertilizers and using them as soil amendments to improve soil physical and chemical characteristics is a feasible disposal solution for the sugarcane industry. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of a bio-based phosphate (P) fertilizer produced from mineral phosphates (Gafsa rock phosphate and TSP) and filter cake (FC) in two distinct soils varying in their particle sizes, namely clayey (CLY) and sandy loam (SDY). Biological tests were carried out to determine the performance of the OF for sugarcane production against commercial P sources. The addition of filter cake (+FC) was responsible for an increase in yield when compared to soils that did not receive it (−FC), yet similar sugarcane production for either soil was obtained. Phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) was ~10% higher in CLY under TSP +FC compared to phosphate rock (RPR) −FC. On the basis of our P fractionation data, the addition of FC decreased P concentrations in the more labile P fractions. Phosphorus X-rays Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) analysis indicated that even though P was predominantly associated with Fe- and Al-(hydr)oxides, application of FC led to a change in P speciation, causing a shift from Fe-bound P in the soil that did not receive filter cake into Al-bound P, and to an increase in P associated to organic compounds in the soil receiving this amendment. Our findings showed that PUE and dry matter yield of sugarcane can be increased in weathered soils when organic and inorganic P sources are combined to supply this element.

Effect of Different Soil Phosphate Sources on the Active Bacterial Microbiota Is Greater in the Rhizosphere than in the Endorhiza of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Phosphate is a macronutrient and often the limiting growing factor of many ecosystems. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of various phosphate sources on the active bacterial microbiota of barley rhizosphere and endorhiza. Barley was grown on poor soil supplemented with either Ca(H2PO4)2 (CaP), Gafsa rock phosphate (Gafsa), sodium hexaphytate (NaHex), or not amended (P0). RNA was extracted and cDNA synthesized via reverse transcription from both rhizosphere and endorhiza of barley roots; the obtained 16S rRNA cDNA was sequenced by Ion Torrent and analyzed with QIIME and co-occurrence network analysis. Phosphatase activity was measured in the rhizosphere. The phosphate source significantly affected alpha- and beta-diversities of the active microbiota, especially in the rhizosphere. CaP enriched the relative abundance of a broad range of taxa, while NaHex and Gafsa specifically enriched one dominant Massilia-related OTU. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that the most abundant OTUs were affected by phosphate source and, at the same time, were low connected to other OTUs (thus they were relatively "independent" from other bacteria); this indicates a successful adaptation to the specific abiotic conditions. In the rhizosphere, the phosphatase activities were correlated to several OTUs. Moreover, the phosphodiesterase/alk. phosphomonoesterase ratio was highly correlated to the dominance index of the microbiota and to the relative abundance of the dominant Massilia OTU. This study shows the differential response of the rhizosphere- and endorhiza bacterial microbiota of barley to various phosphate sources in soil, thus providing insights onto this largely unknown aspect of the soil microbiome ecology and plant-microbe interactions.

Uso de fosfato natural Gafsa e cama de aviário em sistema orgânico de produção de batata

This work was carried out in Sao Joaquim, Santa Catarina, Brazil, during the 2009/2010 crop cycle, in order to evaluate the use of Gafsa rock phosphate combined with poultry litter on tuber yield and leaf mineral composition of organically grown potatoes. The experimental design was a completely randomized block with five replications testing four rates of Gafsa rock phosphate (0; 1.333; 2.666 and 4,000 kg ha-1) combined with the single application of 8 t ha-1 of poultry litter. Regardless of rate applied, the tuber production was not affected by rock phosphate fertilization. Even with the maximum rate of Gafsa rock phosphate, tuber yield was similar to the control with just poultry litter, indicating that the rock phosphate solubility was low during a single crop cycle. Except for P and Ca contents, the poultry litter rate of 8 t ha-1 promoted adequate concentrations for the other nutrients evaluated in the leaves. Due the low P content in the leaves, it was inferred that P was the main limiting nutrient for potato tuber yield in our study.

Changes in soil phosphorus pools of grasslands following 17 yrs of balanced application of manure and fertilizer

AbstractLimiting the use of phosphorous (P) in intensive agriculture is necessary to decrease losses to surface waters. Balanced fertilizer application (P supply equals P offtake by the crop) is a first step to limit the use of P. However, it is questioned whether this balance approach is sufficient to maintain soil fertility. A long‐term field experiment (17 yr), on grazed grassland, has been conducted on sandy soil, marine clay soil and peat soil to obtain insight into the effects of balanced P fertilizer application on soil test P values and to explain the results by changes in P pools in the soil. The balance approach led to a gradual decline in plant available P, measured as P‐AL, in the topsoil (<0.10 m deep). This decline was accompanied by a decline in oxalate extractable P, dithionite extractable P and inorganic P (0.5 m H2SO4). The decline in these mineral P pools in the topsoil was (partly) compensated by an increase in the amount of organic P. There was evidence for the accumulation of P in an occluded form, especially at one of sites which received P as Gafsa rock phosphate [Ca3(PO4)2].

Long-Term Effects of Phosphorus on Dynamics of an Overseeded Natural Grassland in Brazil

Fertilization can affect vegetation dynamics and natural grassland diversity. This study evaluated the vegetation dynamics of a natural grassland 16 years after the initial fertilization, discussing the long-term effects of addition of triple superphosphate (TP) or Gafsa rock phosphate (RP) sources, as well as the effect of exotic species introduction on the inter seasonal dynamic of floristic composition. Phosphate (P) was applied in 1997, 1998, 2002, 2010, and 2012 at the quantities of 78.6, 39.3, 43.7, 43.7 and 43.7 kg∙ha-1, respectively, totaling 249 kg∙ha-1 P. Total herbage mass production (THM) with RP (13 485 kg∙ha-1) and TP applications (14 668 kg∙ha-1) was higher than in the Control (11 291 kg∙ha-1). There was a higher warm tussock perennial grasses C4 contribution on herbage mass (HM) during the summer season (1 106 kg∙ha-1), whereas it was similar between treatments. In summer, the warm-season prostrate perennial grasses C4 group contribution for HM was on average 48% higher when RP was used (1 590 kg∙ha-1) in relation to the other treatments. The HM contribution from the cool season annual grasses C3 group (CAG) in the total HM, over spring 2012, winter and spring 2013 in TP treatment, was 17% higher than the other treatments. The changes in the seasonal botanical composition dynamics mainly by inducing modifications in the proportion of Paspalum notatum A. H. Liogier ex Flüggé on RP treatment and Paspalum urvillei Steud. and Lolium multiflorum Lam. on TP treatment. However, no significant effects were observed in species richness, which ranged from 19–24 species among growth seasons. In the same way, the Shannon Diversity Index and Pielou Equitability Index were not modified by historical P sources. These results indicate that phosphorus fertilization has lower effects on natural grasslands diversity and could be used as a tool with important implications for livestock.

Mineral phosphate solubilization by Streptomyces sp. CTM396 involves the excretion of gluconic acid and is stimulated by humic acids.

The actinomycetes isolates (128) which were taken from agricultural soil samples and collected near a rock phosphate processing unit were screened for mineral phosphate-solubilizing (MPS) ability. A significant MPS activity was observed for 30 isolates on various phosphate sources when grown in the National Botanical Research Institute's phosphate broth. CTM396 and CTM397 strains which showed the highest MPS abilities were identified by 16S rDNA sequencing as members of the genus Streptomyces. Their MPS activity was proved to be concomitant with a drop in pH due to the secretion of gluconic acid (GA). This was correlated with the simultaneous detection by PCR of genes gdh [encoding the glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) responsible for GA production from glucose] and pqq (involved in biosynthesis of the pyrroloquinoline quinone cofactor of GDH), as well as the highlighting of GHD enzyme activity, for the first time in a Streptomyces sp. strain producing GA. Furthermore, the 0.05% of humic acids proved to have a stimulatory effect on the growth and the ability of CTM396 to solubilize Gafsa rock phosphate. According to this study, it is possible to use humic acids and Gafsa rock phosphate in association with spores of ad hoc Streptomyces strains as natural and efficient amendments to improve plant growth with no need of costly and pollutant transformation of Gafsa rock phosphate.

Agronomic Application of Olive Mill Wastewater with Rock Phosphate Influence Soil Phosphorus Availability, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungal Colonisation and Olive Tree Performance under Long-Term Field Conditions

The use of organic acids and phenolic compounds that are present in olive mill wastewater (OMW) represents a new perspective in rock phosphate (RP) research and a possible solution for the recycling of the OMW. To test the hypothesis that OMW applied in combination with Gafsa RP to olive tree plants can affect P mobilisation from RP to olive trees, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential use of OMW with RP as soil amendment on olive tree alkaline soils. Treatment included three levels of OMW and RP application: M0 (non-amended control), M1PN (30 m3 ha-1 of OMW+150 kg ha-1 of RP) and M2PN (60 m3 ha-1 of OMW+150 kg ha-1 of RP). Five years after the start of the experiment, the available phosphorus decreased significantly. Amended olive trees had lower rate of photosynthates compared to the control, mostly due to decreased sink demand for carbon by the root. The biomass of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and the development of colonisation in the olive tree roots decreased dramatically by the application of OMW and RP. Phenols accumulation in leaves was significantly higher in the OMW and RP amended soils, whereas total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b in olive trees leaves decreased significantly after agronomic application of OMW and RP. Taken with data from experiments in field conditions, our results suggest that the use of OMW in combination with RP, in order to mobilise P from RP to olive trees, are expected to have a major negative impact on plant performance.

Investigating the Use of Silage Effluent to Improve Available Phosphorus from Gafsa Phosphate Rock

Plant phosphorus (P) requirements are largely met through the application of mineral fertilizers with an abundant supply of available P, but matching this supply from organic or alternative P fertilizer sources remains a challenge. An investigation was undertaken to determine if addition of phosphate rock (PR) to silage effluent could be used as a mechanism to increase available P. Addition of PR to effluent reduced recovery of available P, regardless of silage effluent batch, amount of PR added, particle size, and length of PR exposure. This reduction was attributed to a low dissolution of apatite, the presence of calcium (Ca) ions, and the formation of stable iron-phosphate precipitates. Additionally, the anion exchange membrane (AEM) method for available P analysis was found to be affected by organic acids concentrations. The implications are that dilution of silage effluent, rather than addition of PR, may provide improved short-term P availability from tank-recovered silage liquor.

Phosphorus application and liming effects on forage production, floristic composition and soil chemical properties in the Campos biome, southern Brazil

AbstractStudies of responses of native and introduced grassland species to lime and phosphorus (P) applications could contribute to improved understanding of the potential production of South American natural grasslands. To determine the effect of applying lime and different P sources on forage production, diversity and floristic composition, and on soil chemical properties, a small‐plot experiment was conducted over 12 years in natural grassland oversown with Lolium multiflorum and Trifolium vesiculosum in the Campos of southern Brazil. In treatments with soluble phosphate application, dry‐matter (DM) yield in November 2008, after 164 d of winter and early spring growth, increased from 2·3 to 3·2 t ha−1. Differences in DM yield in March 2009, after 111 d of growth during late spring and early summer, were not significant. The DM yield in April 2010, after 419 d of growth, increased from 7·7 to 9·2 t ha−1 in the treatments with P, regardless of the P source. Increased forage yield during the slow growth period in winter was only possible with the introduction of winter‐growing species (L. multiflorum and T. vesiculosum) and soluble phosphate application. Assessment of annual forage yield showed that the effectiveness of Gafsa rock phosphate was equivalent to that of soluble phosphates in the long term. Soluble phosphates and liming modified the botanical composition of natural Campos grassland in the long term, but floristic diversity was not altered.

Produtividade de milho adubado com composto de lodo de esgoto e fosfato natural de Gafsa

Neste trabalho propôs-se avaliar a produtividade e os teores de nutrientes no solo e na planta de milho em resposta à adubação com doses de composto de lodo de esgoto e de fosfato natural. O trabalho foi realizado em Cambissolo Háplico com os tratamentos em esquema fatorial 2 x 4 correspondentes a 2 doses de fosfato natural de gafsa (0 e 90 kg ha-1 de P2O5) e 4 doses de composto de lodo de esgoto (0, 25, 50 e 75 t ha-1, em base seca). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com 3 repetições. A produtividade do milho e os teores de nutrientes no solo e na planta não foram, de modo geral, influenciados pela adubação com fosfato natural. Entretanto, a produtividade de milho e os teores de nitrogênio, fósforo, potássio, cálcio e enxofre no solo e nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio nas folhas, aumentaram com a adição de composto de lodo de esgoto ao solo, sendo a dose ótima recomendada de 75 t ha-1.

Coexpression of the Pyrroloquinoline Quinone and Glucose Dehydrogenase Genes from Serratia marcescens CTM 50650 Conferred High Mineral Phosphate-Solubilizing Ability to Escherichia coli

The genes gdh and pqqABCDE encoding glucose dehydrogenase and its pyrroloquinoline quinone cofactor were cloned from the mineral phosphate-solubilizing (MPS) bacterium Serratia marcescens CTM 50650. We investigated, for the first time, the impact of their coexpression in Escherichia coli on MPS ability. The production of recombinant PQQGDH conferred high MPS activity to the engineered E. coli. In fact, the amounts of soluble phosphorus (P) produced from tricalcium phosphate, hydroxyapatite, and Gafsa rock phosphate (GRP) were 574, 426, and 217 mg/L, respectively. In an attempt to increase the soluble P concentration, the E. coli strain coexpressing the gdh and pqqABCDE genes was immobilized in agar, calcium alginate, and k-carrageenan and was then further applied in a repeated batch (six batches) fermentation process to solubilize GRP. Compared to other encapsulated systems, alginate cell beads were noted to yield the highest concentration of soluble P, which attained 300 mg/L/batch. MPS efficiency was maximal in the presence of 5 and 40 g/L of GRP and glucose, respectively.

Efeito da calagem, do fosfato natural de Gafsa e superfosfato triplo no crescimento inicial e absorção de P em Eucalyptus dunnii

The effect of combined application of lime, phosphorus sources and forms of application of the phosphorus sources on growth and P uptake of Eucalyptus dunnii have been studied in pots. The treatments consisted of two levels of liming (C0, C1 lime to raise to pH 5.5 in water by pH SMP method), two phosphorus sources (triple superphosphate and Gafsa rock phosphate) and two forms of application of phosphorus sources (incorporated and located). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a Humic Cambisol Ta aluminate Typical for 67 days. Liming increased dry matter production of shoots, plant growth, accumulation and P use efficiency in Eucalyptus; the incorporated application was more efficient than localized. Liming decreased efficiency of Gafsa rock phosphate and triple superphosphate was the most efficient phosphorus source. doi: 10.4336/2011.pfb.31.68.355

Phosphorus Leaching in an Acid Tropical Soil “Recapitalized” with Phosphate Rock and Triple Superphosphate

With high rates of phosphorus applied to increase “capital P” as a stock for plant uptake over several years, the question of P leaching is inevitable. We conducted an intact soil column experiment in the field to evaluate P leached from soils treated with triple superphosphate (TSP) and Gafsa phosphate rock (GPR) at 300, 600, and 900 kg P ha-1 with and without integration of cattle manure. The lysimeters, made from PVC tubes of 30-cm length, were inserted into the soil up to the 25-cm depth. The tubes were fitted with a resin bag containing a mixture of cation and anion exchange resin (50:50) at the lower end of the tube inserted into the soil. The tubes, arranged in a completely randomized design, were sampled randomly at 10-week intervals for 12 months. Phosphorus extractable from the top- and subsoil at the end of experiment and leached P were determined. More P was leached out from TSP (threefold) compared to GPR, and the amount of P leached increased with increasing rates of P fertilizer applied. Application of manure intensified the amounts of P leached from TSP, particularly at the 6-month sampling time. There was hardly any substantial P leached from the soil treated with GPR. Thus, for effective and efficient long-term P fertilizer management strategies, choosing the right P fertilizer source and monitoring P losses through leaching has to be done for enhanced fertilizer use efficiency and thus reducing P pollution of ground waters.

Extractable Bray-1 phosphorus and crop yields as influenced by addition of phosphatic fertilizers of various solubilities integrated with manure in an acid soil

Soil extractable Bray-1 P (B1P) and response to phosphate (P) of Setaria anceps cv. Kazungula (Setaria grass) were monitored in a field trial bimonthly for 14 months in an acid soil fertilized with triple super phosphate (TSP), Gafsa phosphate rock (GPR) or Christmas Island phosphate rock (CIPR) integrated with or without manure. Extractable B1P from the same soil incubated with the same fertilizers in wet and dry 3-day cycles for 91 days was determined. Field experimental design was randomized complete block (RCB) with three replications. Results indicated that B1P magnitude for field and incubation trial were; TSP > GPR > CIPR, consistent with their solubility. An integration of manure and fertilizers resulted in much higher extractable B1P than sole fertilizers or manure. Over time, P availability decreased at a fast rate for the first 6 months and later was relatively constant. The dry matter yields (DMYs) exhibited quadratic relationships with P rates. Maximum DMYs (6–11 t ha−1) were attained between 100 and 200 kg P ha−1, above which they declined. Average DMYs were not significantly different for TSP, GPR and CIPR (6.1–6.6 t ha−1). Maximum individual DMY were attained at 2–6 months and then declined to a minimum (2–4 t ha−1) after 1 year. Cumulative yields (20–55 t ha−1) also were not significantly different for the three fertilizers. Manure-CIPR integration increased DMY whilst in GPR and TSP/manure combinations DMYs were depressed. The PRs could supplement the expensive TSP without loss of yields but the non-reactive PR should be integrated with manure.

Disponibilidade de cádmio e chumbo para milho em solo adubado com fertilizantes fosfatados

Fertilizantes fosfatados são utilizados intensamente na agricultura, pois a baixa disponibilidade de P frequentemente limita o rendimento das culturas nas condições brasileiras. Esses fertilizantes, entretanto, constituem uma via de entrada de metais pesados no solo. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o potencial de contaminação do solo por Cd e Pb adicionados por diferentes fertilizantes fosfatados, bem como a absorção destes por plantas de milho. Foram aplicadas cinco doses de diferentes fontes de P: superfosfato simples, superfosfato triplo, fosfato de Araxá, termofosfato de Yoorin e fosfato natural de Gafsa. As doses de P equivaleram a 0, 100, 300, 500 e 800 kg ha-1 de P2O5. Dois cultivos sucessivos com milho foram conduzidos no solo. O fosfato natural de Gafsa apresentou os maiores teores de Cd e Pb. Entre os fertilizantes acidulados, o superfosfato simples apresentou maior teor de Cd e Pb, e o termofosfato, maior concentração de Pb do que os acidulados. A aplicação de fosfato de Gafsa proporcionou as maiores concentrações de Pb na parte aérea do milho no primeiro cultivo. Este fosfato também foi responsável pelo maior teor de Cd nas plantas no segundo cultivo. O ácido cítrico foi mais eficiente em prever os teores disponíveis de Cd, enquanto o DTPA estimou melhor os teores de Pb.

Characterization of the mineral phosphate solubilizing activity of Serratia marcescens CTM 50650 isolated from the phosphate mine of Gafsa

The mineral phosphate solubilizing (MPS) ability of a Serratia marcescens strain, namely CTM 50650, isolated from the phosphate mine of Gafsa, was characterized on a chemically defined medium (NBRIP broth). Various insoluble inorganic phosphates, including rock phosphate (RP), calcium phosphate (CaHPO(4)), tri-calcium phosphate (Ca(3)(PO(4))(2)) and hydroxyapatite were tested as sole sources of phosphate for bacterial growth. Solubilization of these phosphates by S. marcescens CTM 50650 was very efficient. Indeed, under optimal conditions, the soluble phosphorus (P) concentration it produced reached 967, 500, 595 and 326 mg/l from CaHPO(4), Ca(3)(PO(4))(2), hydroxyapatite and RP, respectively. Study of the mechanisms involved in the MPS activity of CTM 50650, showed that phosphate solubilization was concomitant with significant drop in pH. HPLC-analysis of culture supernatants revealed the secretion of gluconic acid (GA) resulting from direct oxidation pathway of glucose when the CTM 50650 cells were grown on NBRIP containing glucose as unique carbon source. This was correlated with the simultaneous detection by PCR for the first time in a S. marcescens strain producing GA, of a gene encoding glucose dehydrogenase responsible for GA production, as well as the genes pqqA, B, C and E involved in biosynthesis of its PQQ cofactor. This study is expected to lead to the development of an environmental-friendly process for fertilizer production considering the capacity of S. marcescens CTM 50650 to achieve yields of P extraction up to 75% from the Gafsa RP.

Phosphate rock dissolution and availability in some soils of semi-deciduous Rainforest Zone of Ghana

Alfisols and Ultisols of the semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana are known to be moderately acid and very low in plant available phosphorus (P). These soils need to be fertilized to increase crop production but due to economic reasons local farmers are unable to afford water-soluble P fertilizers. Instead of expensive superphosphates, the use of less expensive phosphate rocks such as Togo rock phosphate (TRP), Gafsa rock phosphate (GRP) and 50% partially acidulated rock phosphate (PAPR) are possible alternative P sources for these soils. The rate of dissolution of TRP, GRP, PAPR and TSP in three benchmark soils of Ghana was assessed, and the effectiveness of these P sources determined in a greenhouse using maize (Zea mays var. Toxpino) as a test crop. The dissolution of the P sources in three soils Bekwai, Nzima (Ultisols) and Kokofu (Alfisol) along a toposequence was investigated in an incubation study and also in a greenhouse experiment. The rate of dissolution of the P fertilizers was determined in the laboratory by extracting with anion exchange resin membrane (AEM), 0.1M NaOH and 1M HCl at 21 days interval for 105 days. In the greenhouse study, each P source was added at the rate of 60 mg P kg-1 soil, and sown to maize (Zea mays. var.Toxpino) for 28 days. The results of the incubation study showed that the amount of P extracted by the AEM and HCl, following the addition of the P sources, decreased with incubation time in all three soils. However, there was an increase in NaOH-P in all the three soils as incubation progressed. The increase in the NaOH-P suggested that the dissolved P was adsorbed by Fe and Al oxides. The greenhouse results showed that dry matter yield was in the order TSP = PAPR > GRP > TRP. Relative to TRP, the PAPR and GRP were reactive enough to provide plant available P to satisfy the early P requirement for maize growth. Togo PR has little potential for direct application in the three soils.

Eficiência de fosfato natural reativo aplicado em misturas com superfosfato triplo em milho e soja

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do modo de aplicação do superfosfato triplo (SFT), do fosfato natural reativo de Gafsa e da mistura entre essas fontes no aproveitamento do fósforo (P) por plantas de milho e de soja. Os experimentos foram realizados em casa de vegetação, e as plantas foram cultivadas em vasos com Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico. As fontes fosfatadas foram aplicadas isoladamente ou em misturas (proporção 1:1), à dose de 90 mg kg-1 de P, de modo não localizado ou localizado no solo. Para a quantificação do P absorvido pelas plantas das diferentes fontes, empregaram-se tratamentos com o solo e com o SFT marcados com 32P. O aproveitamento do fósforo do superfosfato triplo aplicado de forma localizada (9,8%) foi superior ao da não localizada (7%). A aplicação não localizada do fosfato natural reativo proporcionou maior aproveitamento do fósforo (3,8%), em comparação à localizada (0,5%). Em comparação à aplicação isolada do fosfato de Gafsa, o aproveitamento do fósforo pelas plantas de milho e soja aumentou quando essa fonte foi aplicada como mistura compactada; em presença do superfosfato triplo, a aplicação do fosfato natural reativo de Gafsa de modo não localizado proporcionou maior aproveitamento do P pelas plantas de soja. O aproveitamento do fósforo do fosfato natural de Gafsa aumenta quando aplicado ao solo com o superfosfato triplo, e esse efeito depende do método de aplicação das fontes fosfatadas.