Influence of Base Saturation on Growth and Yield Parameters of Alfalfa Cultivated in Soil of Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Alfalfa, considered one of the most important forage worldwide, requires a base saturation in the soil of approximately 80%, and this is a factor that can limit the expansion of cultivation of this crop in tropical soils that are predominantly acidic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of base saturation levels on the development of alfalfa in soil of the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse, whose experimental units consisted of plastic pots with a capacity of 2 dm 3 . The experimental design was a completely randomized design with six treatments and five repetitions. The treatments consisted of six levels of base saturation (10,

Calcium and Magnesium Ratio in Alfalfa Cultivation

“…There was no significant effect for the first stem diameter evaluation ( Figure 6). These results corroborate those obtained by Bonfim- Silva et al (2018) who observed that the increase of liming didn't influence the stem diameter of alfalfa. The authors, however, emphasized the importance of calcium in the development of the plant stem.…”

“…Thus, it was observed that in the first and second evaluation ( Figure 12B) even with liming, the pH in the second cut decreased, except for the 0/0 treatment, in other words, the soil became more acid. The results corroborate with Bonfim- Silva et al (2018) who observed reduction in pH through the consecutive cuts of alfalfa, in which plants absorbed and exported Ca and Mg from the soil. This is because as alfalfa absorbs Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ the plants possibly released from the roots, H + ions in the soil solution contributing with the acidification of the medium.…”

“…The basic fertilization was 150 mg dm -3 of potassium (K2O) using as a source the potassium chloride, divided twice, 60% at sowing and 40% after the first cut; 800 mg dm -3 of phosphorus (P2O5) in the form of simple superphosphate and micronutrients at the dose of 15 mg dm -3 of FTE (Fritted Trace Elements), containing 9% -Zn, 1.8% -B, 0.8% -Cu, 2% -Mn, 3.5% -Fe and 0.1% -Mo), both added at the time of sowing (Bonfim- Silva et al, 2018).…”

“…Liming is used to correct the soil and to provide calcium and magnesium. In study developed by Bonfim-Silva et al (2018) demonstrated that nutrients availability was pH dependent. At very high pH values there is decreased availability.…”

Mudança No Uso E Ocupação Do Solo Na Bacia Hidrográfica Do Rio Uruçuí-Preto, Piauí.

“…A adubação realizada foi 150 mg dm -3 de potássio (K2O) utilizando como fonte o cloreto de potássio, dividido duas vezes, 60 % na semeadura e 40 % após o primeiro corte; 800 mg dm -3 de fósforo (P2O5) na forma de superfosfato simples e micronutrientes na dose de 15 mg dm -3 de FTE (Fritted trace elements), contendo 9 % -Zn, 1.8 % -B, 0.8 % -Cu, 2 % -Mn, 3.5 % -Fe and 0.1 % -Mo), ambos adicionados no momento da semeadura (Bonfim Silva et al, 2018).…”