Abstract

Application of organic wastes in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) is an alternative possibly replacing or supplementing mineral fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of poultry litter, organo-mineral fertilizer and mineral fertilizer on soil chemical properties, yield and plant content of macronutrients in sugarcane. The experiment was conducted at the Jalles Machado Mill in Goianésia- GO, from July 2009 to April 2010, as randomized complete blocks design (RCBD). The mineral fertilizer was applied at the following doses: 66; 120 and 82 kg ha^-1 of N, P₂O₅ and K₂O, respectively; poultry litter and organ-mineral fertilizer were applied at doses of 3.0, 6.0 and 9.0 t ha^-1, in addition to the control (no fertilization). The following variables were analyzed: organic matter, macronutrients in soil and leaves and sugarcane yield. The productivity of sugarcane was higher with poultry litter and organo-mineral fertilizer in relation to mineral fertilization, and organo-mineral fertilization was superior to poultry litter. There was an increase in soil phosphorus levels in soil by fertilizing with poultry litter and organo-mineral fertilizer. Levels of soil K, Ca, Mg contents, acidity and soil organic matter, and  levels of macronutrients in sugarcane  did not change by the application of poultry litter and organo-mineral fertilizer comparing with mineral fertilizer. The use of organo-mineral fertilizer, as well as pure poultry litter is recommended.

Key words: Wastes, biofertilizers, compost.