Desenvolvimento de Milho (Zea mays L.) com o uso de diferentes fontes de fósforo

Abstract

The culture of corn is of paramount importance to Brazil, with significant implications for both the domestic and international markets. Phosphorus (P) is a nutrient crucial for grain production but is characterized by low levels and a complex dynamic in tropical soils. This study evaluated the performance of corn plants using different phosphate fertilizers, including organominerals (FOM) and conventional ones.A randomized block design was employed in a 4X2+2 factorial arrangement with four repetitions. The first factor comprised four phosphorus treatment sources (T1 – FOM Crushed 05-26-00, T2 – FOM Granulated, T3 – Kimberlit 11-52-00 NPK, 05-26-00 NPK, and T4 – Conventional 11-52-00 NPK), and the second factor involved two soil types (Oxisol LVd and Arenosol RQ), with two additional controls (no fertilizer application). The evaluation of corn development occurred 60 days after sowing. Data analysis utilized ASSISTAT 7.7pt software, and distinct means were determined by the Scott-Knott test at a significance level of 5%. At 60 days after sowing (DAS), assessments were made for height, SPAD index, stem diameter, as well as fresh and dry mass. Additionally, soil P (Mehlich 1) and leaf P (acid digestion) were determined. The analyses revealed that the application of phosphate fertilizer resulted in treatments differing from the additional controls. Fertilizer application, especially with conventional MAP and polymer-coated Kimberlit MAP, led to significant increases in all morphophysiological variables evaluated in corn plants. This pronounced response was more evident in the clayey LVd. In the medium-textured RQ, all fertilizers showed similar efficacy. Conventional MAP demonstrated superior performance in both soil textures, indicating a dynamic release of phosphorus for corn cultivation. Means of plant-related variables were higher in LVd, while in RQ, phosphorus analyses in soil and aerial parts responded more positively to fertilization. However, it is essential to consider that results may vary depending on soil and crop conditions. These findings contribute to advancing knowledge about different fertilizer sources and their implications in agriculture.