Author(s): LIMA, F. L. de O.; CAMPOS, D. V. B. de; CARMO, D. de F. do; FIGUEIREDO, M. A.; ABREU, Q. C. de; ARAUJO, E. da S.; MOURA, F. J.

Summary: Biochar is a product derived from pyrolysis, a carbonization process at high temperatures and with low oxygen availability. By many, it is considered an alternative for reducing phosphate loss in soils due to its high capacity to retain nutrients and water. This study assessed the effects of different types of fertilizers, including biochar- based fertilizers, on phosphorus (P) supply, corn growth, and soil properties. These fertilizers, made from Eucalyptus charcoal and blended with MAP (monoammonium phosphate) or thermophosphate, were compared to traditional mineral fertilizers and a control group without fertilization. The study revealed that all fertilizers resulted in more robust growth of corn plants compared to the control treatment and, among the tested fertilizers, MAP and ORGMAP were the treatments where plants showed higher dry matter (11.87g and 9.54g respectively) and greater P accumulation in the plant 50 mg and 42 mg). For the soil, thermophosphate and ORGTermo exhibited higher concentrations of P. The results demonstrated that biochar-based fertilizers show technical viability for use as alternatives to mineral fertilizers, given that the outcomes are comparable.

Publication year: 2024

Types of publication: Paper in annals and proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Soils

Keywords: Agricultura, Fósforo, Solo