Effectiveness of phosphate and potash rocks with Acidithiobacillus on sugarcane yield and their effects on soil chemical attributes

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of biofertilizers produced from phosphate and potash rocks mixed with sulfur inoculated with Acidithiobacillus oxidizing bacteria on sugarcane yield and their effects on some chemical attributes of a Brazilian tableland soil. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized factorial design 2 9 4 9 3 + 1, with four replicates. Two varieties of sugarcane, four rates of three sources of P and K (apatite + biotite, P + K biofertilizers with Acidithiobacillus, and soluble fertilizers-triple superphosphate and potassium chloride) were tested. A control without P and K fertilization was applied. A significant reduction in soil pH was observed with biofertilizers, especially when applied at higher rates, although no harmful effect on sugarcane yield was observed. Available P and K and exchangeable Ca and Mg increased with biofertilizer application compared to mineral fertilizers and P and K rocks. Biofertilizers may be used as an alternative source of P and K for sugarcane grown in soils with low available P and K.

Plant and soil characteristics affected by biofertilizers from rocks and organic matter inoculated with diazotrophic bacteria and fungi that produce chitosan

“…After inoculation, the trays were incubated for 30 days at 28 ±5 °C. The humidity was maintained near the water holding capacity using distilled water, according to Stamford et al (2008). Samples were collected, and the total N content was determined by the Kjeldhal method, using the Kjeltec auto analyzer (1030 Model).…”

“…Several studies conducted on acidic soil from rainforest regions have shown that plant yield is reduced as a function of acidity. These studies indicated that it is controlling this specific problem will improve the productivity and quality of crops (Stamford et al, , 2008.…”

“…Soil acidity is one of the most important factors that requires consideration, especially because of the effects of increased exchangeable aluminum on the nutrient uptake reduces the soil's pH, which negatively affects nutrient availability (Stamford et al, 2008). Several studies conducted on acidic soil from rainforest regions have shown that plant yield is reduced as a function of acidity.…”

“…Therefore, it is necessary to use organic matter with high pH to control the acidic effects of rock biofertilizers (Lima et al, 2010). Studies carried out in tableland soil from the Brazilian Northeast reported that sulfur inoculated with Acidithiobacillus is a promising material for soil fertilization because it releases P and K from rock minerals, which reduces the nutrient deficiency of acidic soils used to grow different crops (Stamford et al, 2008, Lima et al, 2007, Moura et al, 2007.…”

“…However, recent studies suggest the potential use of rock biofertilizers from phosphorus-and potassiumbearing rocks and minerals as alternatives to synthetic fertilizers. Moura et al (2007) and Stamford et al (2007Stamford et al ( , 2008 evaluated the effects of these alternative materials on different economic crops and soils. However, the phosphorus-and potassium-bearing rocks contain no N, and thus, they do not supply N for improved plant development and yield.…”