Remineralization in pasture soils in west region of São Paulo state

• Grant number: 16/10798-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2016
• End date: August 31, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Carlos de Azevedo
• Grantee: Marina Elias Cury
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Cattle ranching in West region of Sao Paulo State competes against sugar cane plantations for area, and is criticized due to its low productivity and high GHG emission. We hypothesize that remineralization of soils may be a viable alternative to improve soil quality and therefore, increase pasture productivity and help to sustain the beef cattle industry. The objective of this project is to help to test this hypothesis by establishing a long term greenhouse experiment with sand soils collected under pastures in West São Paulo State. During the experiment, agronomic efficiency of remineralizers will be monitored, as well as mineralogical and chemical changes in soils (primary mineral alteration/dissolution, possible neofomation of solid phases, suitability of analytical methods, mass balance) will also be performed to better understand the mechanisms and rates of rock and minerals dissolution.