Abstract

Many researches have performed on gypsum application to correct high exchangeable aluminum content in acidic soils, especially in subsurface. Although, they have found increases in the exchangeable calcium and sulfur contents, exchangeable aluminum has not been decreased. The exchangeable aluminum buffering by organic matter may contribute to non-significant reduction in exchangeable acidity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mineral gypsum on the aluminum compartments of Hardsetting Ultisol and monitor the capacity of gypsum to provide exchangeable calcium and sulfur in subsurface. Increasing amounts of mineral gypsum (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 Mg ha^-1) were applied with broadcast at the field. The experimental design consisted of randomized block with four replicates. Aluminum compartments (Al-organic matter, Al-amorphous and Al-crystalline) were evaluated at 0 and 15 days after gypsum application and the exchangeable calcium and sulfur contents were evaluated at 0, 15, 64 and 90 days. The evaluations were performed in three different layers. Gypsum application increased the exchangeable calcium and sulfur contents in subsurface and did not reduce the exchangeable aluminum content. Al-organic matter in the surface layers decreased along the incubation time and application gypsum. Al-amorphous in the subsurface layers increased with the increased amounts of gypsum. Al-crystalline decreased as soil depth increased. The exchangeable aluminum buffering in surface layers was performed by Al-organic matter and, in subsurface, by Al-crystalline.

Key words: Aluminum compartments, aluminum fractionation, soil acidity, soil pH, exchangeable calcium.