Change in the chemical attributes of soils fertilized with pig slurry in maize culture and pasture at different application periods

Abstract

The successive application of high doses of pig slurry in agricultural areas may cause soil and water contamination problems. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate changes in soil chemical properties in areas of maize culture and pasture submitted to pig slurry application (PS) at different application periods (short and long). The study was carried out in the municipality of Braço do Norte, SC and assessments were held on farms within the Coruja / Bonito watershed in 03 forest areas, 09 maize areas and 09 pasture areas at depths from 0 to 10cm, 10 to 20cm, 20 to 40cm and 40 to 60cm, with analyses of pH and MO, N, P, K, Cu, and Zn contents. The highest P, K and Zn concentrations were observed in the long period (>10 years), which may cause accumulation of these nutrients in the soil. Regarding the soil uses studied, pasture showed the highest MO, N, P, K concentrations and the lowest pH value when compared to maize. As for the depth analyzed, the highest values of parameters studied were found in the surface layer (0 to 10cm) in all uses (forest, maize and pasture).