REDUÇÃO DA SODICIDADE EM SOLO IRRIGADO COM A UTILIZAÇÃO DE ÁCIDO SULFÚRICO E GESSO AGRÍCOLA

Abstract

In order to evaluate the effects of chemicals amendments sulphuric acid and gypsum to decrease sodicity in a saline-sodic soil of Irrigated Perimeter of Condado, Paraiba State, Brazil, an experiment was carried out in a green house of the Departamento de Solos e Engenharia Rural, Centro de Ciencias Agrarias, Universidade Federal da Paraiba, Areia, Paraiba State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in 2x5 factorial design referring to chemical amendments sulphuric acid and gypsum at levels equivalent to 0; 1.8; 3.6; 5.4 and 7.2 g kg-1 of sulphate (SO4 -2). The chemical amendments exercised positive effects on reduction of exchangeable sodium percentage and pH in saturation extract evidencing improvement in relation to sodicit and alkalinity of the soil. The gypsum was superior to sulphuric acid in reduction of exchangeable sodium percentage and soluble sodium content in the soil solution.