Response of corn plant to phosphorus fertilization on savannah soils

Abstract

Two wxperiments were conducted in soils under "cerrado" vegetation which are representative of those presently used for agricultural purposes. These experiments were located in the vicinity of Goiânia (Red-Yellow Latosol) and Santa Helena (Roxo Latosol ) municipalities of the State of Goiás, Brazil. "Catalão" natural phosphate was broadcasted in the first year at the rates of 0, 150, 300, 600 and 1200 kg of total P2O5/ha. This rock-phosphate is an apatite containing 38.2% of total P2O5 and 3.1% soluble in 2% citric acid (1:100). In the second year a second application was made by banding on the side with triple superphosphate at the rates of 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg of P2O5/ha. This second application was made on the phots that previously received dosages of P2O5 as rock phosphate. No significant response in the yield of corn (Zea mays, L.) in the two sites was observed in the first year as a result of applying "Catalão" phosphate. A significant response was recorded in Goiania in the second year. In Santa Helena no significant response was observed for "Catalão" natural phosphate. Triple superphosphate had a pronunced effect on the yield, indicating that an application of a soluble form of phosphate is necessary in the first year of cultivation on these two types of "cerrado soils".