Abstract

Soil acidity correction is mandatory for plants to reach their production potential. Lime is the most used product; however, it has hindrances for action in depth, especially when liming is broadcast on the soil surface. Silicates (or slags), originating from the industrialization of iron and steel, are byproducts that present corrective effect. These two types of corrective differ on specific area (contact area) and in neutralization ability. The corrective power of slags can be greater due to the particle characteristics, presenting greater specific surface, which confers greater reactivity. The application of Ca and Mg silicates as acidity corrective does not differ from lime use. Therefore, the soil acidity correction demand is determined initially, and the silicate dose used should follow the same recommendations established for lime application. In a consolidated no till system, where corrective application is broadcast on the soil surface, it should correct the 0-10 cm layer, and the silicate dose to be applied should be one half of that found for the conventional cultivation system.

Key words: Calcium and magnesium silicate, liming criteria, aluminum, bases saturation, reactivity