Pig Slurry Improves the Productive Performance of Eucalypt and Exceeds the Mineral Fertilization

Abstract

The nutrients contained in the liquid pig slurry (PS) make this residue a potential organic fertilizer for the cultivation of tree species for the production of wood, which can promote the circular economy. This research aimed to evaluate soil chemical parameters, nutritional status, and development of hybrid eucalyptus clone urograndis from PS application for three consecutive years. The treatments evaluated were without fertilization (C); mineral fertilization (NPK) – 300 kg ha-1 year1 of the 02-30-10 formulation; fertigation with PS of 200 m3 ha-1 year1 (FPS200); and fertigation with PS of 400 m3 ha-1 year1 (FPS400). Macronutrients and micronutrients from leaves and soil were evaluated. Tree development was analyzed using stem diameter at breast height (DBH) and total height (Ht). PS treatments resulted in leaves with higher accumulation of K and P and lower accumulation of N, Ca, M, S, Cu, and Fe. The treatments FPS200 and FPS400 presented DBH and Ht equal or superior to the mineral fertilization. Fertilizations with NPK, FPS200, and FPS400 resulted, respectively, in DBH increments 16, 27, and 30% higher than the control. Regarding the chemical attributes of the soil, the use of PS reduced the pH of the soil and increased the levels of P in comparison with the other treatments. The micronutrient values were adequate for fertility and no accumulation of potentially toxic elements at a level considered harmful was observed. The application of PS in eucalyptus hybrid urograndis proved to be an attractive alternative to increase wood production.