Influência da variabilidade espacial de atributos químicos de um latossolo na aplicação de insumos para cultura de cana-de-acúcar

Abstract

Geostatistics and precision agriculture supports on techniques for local application of agricultural amendments at varied rates, has been one of the areas where recent efforts of research and development have been focused. Therefore, the present paper aimed to evaluate lime and phosphorus application needs according to the spatial distribution of soil chemical attributes. Soil samples were collected from 0.0-0.20 m soil layer in the intersection points of a 42 ha grid, 50 m distant from each other. Ca, Mg, P, pH, V% as well as P and liming needs were determined. The data set was submitted to descriptive analysis, geostatistics and kriging analysis. The geostatistics analysis allowed a precise description of soil attributes and, consequently, the definition of site-specific management indicating where nutrient deficit or excess occurred. The spatial variability of soil chemical attributes allowed the recommendation of lime and phosphorus at suitable rates, providing economy and greater efficiency in their application.