Attributes of the soil with cactus pear under organic fertilization, different spacings and sampling times

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical attributes of the soil cultivated with ‘Gigante’ cactus pear under different doses of organic fertilizer, planting spacings and sampling times. Four doses of organic fertilizer with bovine manure (0, 30, 60 and 90 Mg ha-1 year-1), three spacings (1.0 x 0.5, 2.0 x 0.25 and 3.0 x 1.0 x 0.25 m) and three sampling times (0, 390 and 600 days after planting) corresponding to the periods prior to planting, growth and harvest of the first cycle, were evaluated in a randomized block design in a 4 x 3 x 3 factorial scheme, with three repetitions. The pH in water, macronutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg), micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn), variables of the soil sorption complex (H + Al, SB, CEC, T, V) and soil organic matter (SOM) were determined. Organic fertilization increased the values of SOM, P, K, Ca, Mg, SB, CEC, T and V and reduced H + Al in soils cultivated with ‘Gigante’ cactus pear at different times. The doses of manure increased pH and Mn, regardless of sampling time and spacing. The spacings did not influence the chemical attributes of the soil.