Assessment of new pelletized biofertilizers in wheat: a pot experiment

Abstract

The expansion of agriculture and increased demand for meat have increased intensive livestock farming activities. The waste generated is an environmental problem, but it is also a source of nutrients. Pelletization could be an alternative for the massive use of these materials. The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of pelletized biofertilizers and in mixture with chemical fertilizers in extensive crops. Pots were prepared with loam-textured soil and low fertility level, to plant wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in greenhouses. The experimental design (n=102) included 16 treatments and a control without fertilization. Fertilizers were applied at two different times: pre-sowing and sowing. Vegetative production was harvested, the number of tillers per plant was counted and the material was dried in an oven to determine dry matter. No significant differences were found between fertilizer application dates. Significant differences (p<0.0001) were found between treatments for both variables studied. Yields were similar between mineral and organic-mineral treatments, suggesting that chemical fertilizers could be economized and large amounts of N and P present in the organic residues could be recycled, in addition to incorporating organic matter to the soil.