Acidity Correction in Tillage System with Steel Slag in a Brazilian Oxisol.

Soil acidity and low natural fertility are the main problems for grain production in many Brazilian soils. Although lime has been the most applied source for soil acidity correction, silicate may be an alternative material due to its higher solubility and Si supply, which is beneficial to several crops. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess of the acidity correction and production of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), according to the types of slags applied in no-tillage system. The experiment was carried out under a Rhodic Hapludox in the experimental field at São Paulo State University - UNESP in Botucatu city, Brazil. The treatments consisted of surface and incorporated application of six soil acidity correctives: steel slag (SS), ladle furnace slag (LFS), stainless steel slag (SSS), wollastonite (W), lime (L) and calcined dolomite lime (CDL), and one control without corrective application. The dose applied of each material was calculated to raise the base saturation to 70%. The base saturation until 5cm increased to 69% and 71% to silicates and limes respectively. The silicates and the limes showed similar effects on soil acidity correction and to increase grain productivity on the surface and incorporated application system.