Basalt dust potential as a soil remineralizer in vegetable production systems

Abstract

In the last decade, after the standardization of remineralizers in agriculture, several studies have confirmed the positive effects of these products in agricultural systems, with these effects being more intensive in basic volcanic rocks, such as basalt dust. In this context, this research aimed to evaluate the effect of a basalt filler powder on the growth of lettuce and cabbage crops and on soil chemical indicators. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in pots, in a completely randomized design in a 2x4x2 factorial, with two types of soil (Cambisol and Quartzarenic Neosol), four doses of basalt dust (0, 5, 10 and 20t ha^-1) with and without soluble fertilizer, with four repetitions. There was interaction between the factors for all indicators evaluated. The basalt filler dust effectively increased crops' dry mass production when cultivated in a Neosol up to a dose of 10t ha^-1. In both cultures, there was a negative correlation between basalt powder and soluble fertilizer. In the soil, 115 days after the incorporation of the doses and after the cultivation of lettuce and cabbage, the basalt filler dust effectively altered the soil attributes, this effect being more pronounced in the Neosol. In both types of soil, there was a quadratic increase in pH and the levels of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and base saturation (V%) according to the increase in product doses. The results indicate the promising potential of the product for use in agriculture.