The effect of ash from ceramic industry on the soil chemistry and on the nutrition of guava plants

Abstract

Considering the inexistence of information about the use of ash from ceramic industry on the soil chemical attributes and on the nutrition of the guava plants, Psidium guajava (Myrtaceae), this work was developed in substratum with and without previous limestone application. Two base saturation values (50 and 80%) and 5 doses of ash were used. The doses of ash were calculated from the soil with base saturation 50%, to achieve the values of half, one time, one time and half and two times the theoretical value of 70%. The application of ashes resulted in neutralization of soil acidity, with increase in Ca and Mg concentration, base saturation value and the concentration of micronutrients, such as: B, Cu and Mn in the soil. The application of ashes improved the mineral nutrition of P, Ca, Mg, B, Cu and Mn of the plants. In the absence of limestone, ash application was enough to guarantee the adequate nutrition of guava plants. As the ash from ceramic industry resulted in beneficial effects on soil fertility and on mineral nutrition of guava plants its agronomic use may be recommended