Diagnosis and management of spatial variability of soil fertility in the Cerrado

Abstract

The study of the spatial variability of soil chemical attributes allows for more efficient management of fertility. This study aimed to characterize the spatial variability of chemical attributes and perform the management of fertility of an Latosol Red dystrophic in Piauí Savanna through geostatistical tools. For the study were taken from 100 soil samples at a depth of 0.00 to 0.20 m, in grid of 100 x 30 m. We evaluated the pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum exchangeable acidity potential, capacity of total cation, exchange capacity of effective cation exchange, sum of bases, aluminum saturation and base saturation. All variables spatial correlation, indicating the number of sample sufficient to map the area under study, using geostatistical techniques. The use of geostatistics and the preparation of contour maps by kriging allow viewing of management areas of soil fertility where there are the highest and lowest levels of this chemical attributes, in addition to the development of diagnostic maps of fertility and recommendation concerning fertilizers. The geostatistics can be used as a tool to estimate soil fertility indicators, allowing guide the management of fertility for specific areas.