Association between organomineral fertilizers derived from sewage sludge and microbial consortium on phosphorus use efficiency and sugarcane development

• Grant number: 25/10794-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Paulo Sergio Pavinato
• Grantee: Carlos Andrei Teza Cadeti
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The low efficiency of phosphate fertilization requires the application of high dosesof fertilizers to compensate for losses and achieve high yields. This limitation is even moreevident with the use of conventional soluble sources, since phosphorus (P) is rapidly releasedand subject to interactions with soil constituents. Therefore, studying more sustainable and efficient sources, such as organomineral fertilizers (OMFs), is important. Additionally, it is necessary to consider better ways to utilize waste materials, such as sewage sludge (SS),which is still underutilized in agriculture. In this context, the present study aims to evaluatethe effect of different proportions of organomineral fertilizers composed of sewage sludge compost (SSC) and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) on sugarcane (variety RB04 5836),both individually and in association with a microbial consortium (MGB3314 - Priestiamegaterium, MGB289 - Priestia aryabhattai, and RZ2MS13 - Bacillus toyonensis), with thegoal of enhancing P mobilization for the crop. The experiment will be conducted in agreenhouse with 14 treatments and four replications. Biometric parameters, macro- andmicronutrient contents in leaves, soil chemical analyses, P fractionation, and the activity ofphytase and acid phosphatase enzymes will be evaluated. Normality will be assessed using theShapiro-Wilk test and homogeneity using Bartlett's test. When significant effects are found (atthe 5% level), means will be compared using the t-LSD test. It is expected that this researchwill lead to the development of an efficient OMF for agricultural use, especially whenassociated with P-solubilizing microorganisms, promoting more sustainable agriculturalsystems. (AU)