MACRONUTRIENTS IN THE Eucalyptus Dunnii Maiden ROWS SUBMITTED TO POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION IN VARIABLE CHARGE SOILS

ABSTRACT The contribution of nutrient cycling from eucalyptus residues in an Integrated Crop-Livestock System (ICLS) extracting potassium (K) in deeper layers and releasing on the surface should be further investigated in soils with variable charge. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of K rates (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1 yr-1 of K2O) applied on the soil surface in the entire area in rows of ICLS with eucalyptus, and relate these doses to macronutrient levels in the soil. The implemented experimental design was a randomized complete block using a split plot with three replications. The plot consisted of two rows and subplot by K rates. Soil fertility attributes were conducted at 6, 12 and 30 months after the start of the experiment. Medium to high concentrations of K were observed in profile up to 12 months, and very low concentrations of K were observed in the profile 30 months after the experiment was initiated. High concentrations of Ca, Mg were observed throughout the profile favoring saturation in an effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC). However, high K saturation in ECEC was observed at 6 and 12 months, and this decreased at 30 months of study. No leaching was observed, although acidity was high.