Identification of nutrient deficiencies in soils of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso

Abstract

Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine nutrient deficiencies in fourteen soils belonging to six of the main great soil groups of the Pantanal of Mato Grosso, by using the missing element technique, with Brachiaria humidicola as test plant. The main nutritional limitations were in phosphorus, deficient in all soils, and nitrogen and sulphur, deficient in thirteen soils. Potassium deficiencies occurred in six soils and calcium deficiencies in four soils. Deficiencies of magnesium and micronutrients (copper, zinc, boron and molibdenum) were practically inexpressive.