Restoration of degraded pasture of Urochloa decumbens through different managements using mineral fertilizers and biochar

Abstract

ABSTRACT Residues generated in sugarcane production such as biochar, originated from bagasse burning, are used as a fertilizer source, which can increase forage dry matter yield, as well as improving soil chemical attributes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of using biochar from sugarcane bagasse burning and mineral fertilization, as well as their association, on the dry matter yield of Urochloa decumbens and on the chemical attributes of the soil. The design was randomized blocks, which consisted of eight treatments and four blocks. The treatments were: T1- mineral fertilization; T2- fertilization with limestone plus mineral fertilizer; T3- liming; T4- biochar; T5- biochar plus mineral fertilizer; T6- liming plus biochar; T7- double fertilization with biochar and T8- control. Association of mineral fertilizer and biochar was able to increase dry matter yield by up to 131% when compared to the control treatment during the first year. The use of fertilization strategies in the restoration of degraded area under U. decumbens does not interfere with soil chemical attributes, except for sulfur.