Phosphorus, lime and gypsum application effects on pigeon pea. I. Dry matter and protein yield and protein and fiber content

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of the application of four levels of phosphorus (zero, 80, 160, and 240 kg/ha of P₂O₅) utilizing a natural phosphata (Araxá) as the source, two levels of lime (zero and 3 t/ha), and three levels of gypsum (zero, one, and 2 t/ha) on the dry matter and protein yields, and protein and fiber contents of pigeon pea plants, an experiment was conducted on a soil classified as Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo álico. A randomized block design with four replications in a split-split plot scheme was utilized. Pigeon pea seeds were inoculated with Rhizobium and were planted in rows spaced 0.50 m. All plots received 50 kg/ha of P₂O₅ triple (superphosphate) and 40 kg/ha of K₂O (potassium chloride), applied in the planting lines. At 85, 213, 365 and 455 days after planting, the plants were cut 20 cm high and dry matter and protein yields, and protein and fiber contents were determined. The results showed significant and positive effects of lime and gypsum application on the determined values of dry matter and protein yields and protein content.