Soil attributes affected by calcite ash and natural phosphate in associated ecosystem of caiva

Abstract

The “caivas” systems are forest remnants which consists of herbaceous forage species grazed extensively, forming a
silvopastoral system. In general, the caivas soil present high acidity and low levels of phosphorus, which restricts the production
of forage. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of combined superficial application of calcite ash and Gafsa
phosphate on soil chemical and physical characteristics. Was used the randomized block design with three replications, with
treatments in a factorial with four doses of calcite ash (0, 3, 6 and 9t ha-1) and two doses of Gafsa phosphate (0 and 600kg ha-
1). The calcite ash increased soil pH in the 005cm layer and the levels of Ca and Mg and decreased the levels of Al into 10cm
layer. Surface application of Gafsa phosphate increased levels of extractable P in the 0-5cm layer. The soil physical properties
related to compaction were not influenced by the application of calcite ash and natural phosphate. The dry weight of pasture
increased with the application of calcite ash and natural phosphate, but was not affected by the interaction between them.