Management alternatives for sandy soils to overcome edaphic limitations in irrigated okra cultivation
¹Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Posgraduate Program in Agronomy, Rodovia BR 465, Km 7, 23890-000, Seropédica, Brazil
²Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), Embrapa Soils, Rua Jardim Botânico, 1024 - Jardim Botânico, 22460-000 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
³Federal Fluminense University, School of Engineering, Department of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, Rua Passo da Pátria, 156 - São Domingos, 24210-240 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
⁴Federal Fluminense University, Postgraduate Program in Biosystems Engineering, Rua Passo da Pátria, 156 - São Domingos, 24210-240 Niterói, RJ, Brazil
⁵Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), Embrapa Maize and Sorghum, Rodovia MG 424, Km 45, 35701-970 Sete Lagoas, MG, Brazil
*Correspondence: rodriguesnataliafe@gmail.com
Abstract:
Sandy soils are often unsuitable for agriculture due to their poor physical and chemical properties. However, using conditioners can improve these parameters, making these soils viable for cultivation. This study evaluated Red-Yellow Argisol (Clay), Biochar, and Ceramic residues as soil conditioners for Planosol. The experiments were conducted in pots in a greenhouse and the experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and five replications, compared to a control (100% P). Treatments included Clay (50% P + 570.6 t ha-1 A), Biochar (50% P + 189.9 t ha-1 B), and Ceramic (50% P + 459.9 t ha-1 C). Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) was used to assess the impact on development and productivity over 90 days from transplanting (DAT). Granulometry of conditioners, and the carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and ash content were analyzed. For constructed soils, granulometry, bulk density, particle density, and water retention capacity (CRA) were measured before planting. Chemical parameters, including Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Al³⁺, H⁺, pH, and others, were measured at 0 and 90 DAT. Okra growth parameters, such as height, stem diameter, leaf number, leaf area, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll a fluorescence dry biomass and leaf nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na) were assessed at 90 DAT. Results indicated that conditioners improved the physical and chemical properties of the Planosol and the physiological parameters of okra. Biochar increased phosphorus and potassium, while Clay enhanced nitrogen and sodium for okra cultivation.
Key words:
Abelmoschus esculentus L., horticulture, soil conditioners