Abstract

PEGORARO, Vanesa et al. CHANGES IN SOIL ATTRIBUTES DUE TO CONTINUOUS APPLICATION OF PIG SLURRY. Cienc. suelo [online]. 2023, vol.41, n.2, pp.261-272. ISSN 1850-2067.

Animal manures and slurry are considered nutrient sources for meeting crop nutrient demands, maintaining soil fertility, and improving crop yields. However, there is limited national information available on the effects of pig slurry application on soil quality indicators in real field scenarios. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify changes in the chemical and microbiological soil properties resulting from the prolonged application of pig slurry. Six pig farms situated in the southeastern region of the Córdoba province were chosen as study sites. Two treatments were established at each site: soils with pig slurry application and soils without pig slurry application. Soil assessments were conducted at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm to determine chemical and microbiological properties. Significant increases in soil organic nitrogen (SON), extractable phosphorus (Pe), and electrical conductivity (EC) were observed at both depths. In addition, there were increases in particulate organic carbon, potassium, and sodium (Na), along with a decrease in pH in the topsoil, due to pig slurry applications. The elevation in Na levels also affected the percentage of exchangeable sodium. Regarding microbiological indicators, the application of slurry stimulated enzymatic activities and increased the potential for N mineralization (p<0.05). In conclusion, the application of pig slurry led to enhanced soil fertility and microbiological activity. However, careful consideration should be given to the increases in Pe, Na, and EC to prevent adverse environmental effects like watercourse eutrophication, salinization, or the sodification of agricultural soils.

Keywords : manure; Molisol; soil chemistry; soil microbiology..

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