Dejeto líquido bovino em plantio direto: Perda de carbono e nitrogênio por escoamento superficial

Abstract

The use of manure in agricultural system is a possibility to dispose of the waste generated in animal production, but improper use can cause environmental problems. The general objective of this study was to evaluate carbon and nitrogen concentrations and losses in runoff in four doses of liquid dairy manure (0, 60, 120, 180 m3 ha-1 yr-1) applied to a silt clay loam Oxisol with 13 % slope, in no-till with soybean, oat, corn, and wheat in crop rotation. The runoff was collected for two years and seven months in 60 L containers after every rain with runoff from at least one plot. Soluble nutrients were analyzed in runoff samples filtered through a 0.45??ìm membrane and total nutrients in unfiltered samples. The application of liquid dairy manure reduced the losses of organic carbon and nitrogen, with positive consequences for water quality. However, higher rates tended to increase the concentrations of these elements and, consequently, reduce water quality. The weighted average concentrations of nitrate were below the limit allowed by Brazilian legislation, but ammonium exceeded the threshold values, indicating the need of control measures to prevent the runoff from reaching the water bodies, even in no-tillage systems. It should be pointed out that these data were obtained under low potential polluting conditions, i.e, on 13 % slope, low rainfall and with a minimum interval of ten days between manure application and rainfall. Further studies should also evaluate nitrate leaching.