Can Basalt Rock Powder be Used as an Alternative Nutrient Source for Soybeans and Corn?

In Brazil, mining companies produce many products from rocks, resulting in large amounts of residue. Among them, basalt rock powder (BRP) can be used as an alternative fertilizer source and has considerable environmental and economic importance. In this study, we evaluated the effects of BRP and limestone on soil fertility and soybean and corn plants. The study included four experiments in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement: two soils (clay and sandy clay loam) and four doses (BRP: 0, 33, 66, and 99 Mg ha(-1); limestone: 0, 1, 2, and 4 Mg ha(-1)), evaluated in soybean and corn, with four replicates. To evaluate the effects of P and K on the soil and plants, additional pots of each soil were filled with single superphosphate and potassium chloride. The application of BRP and limestone significantly increased the shoot dry matter (DM), Ca, Mg, P, and pH levels in the soil. The foliar P levels were slightly affected by limestone or BRP application. K levels in the soil decreased because of its uptake by plants, especially in clayey soil. This reduction was less significant in the BRP treatments than in limestone treatments, despite its greater extraction. BRP significantly increased the soybean and corn DM. Ca, Mg, P, and pH levels of the soil were increased with BRP use.

Automated summary

In Brazil, mining companies generate a significant amount of residue from rock processing, including basalt rock powder (BRP). BRP has potential as an alternative fertilizer and holds environmental and economic importance. This study investigated the effects of BRP and limestone on soil fertility and the growth of soybean and corn plants. The results showed that BRP and limestone application led to increased levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and pH in the soil, as well as enhanced shoot dry matter of soybean and corn plants. However, potassium levels in the soil decreased due to plant uptake, with BRP treatments showing lower reduction compared to limestone treatments.