Gypsum effects on soil chemical properties under two management systems

The combination of gypsum application and soil management may influence soil chemical properties. In this context, the aim of this paper was to evaluate soil chemical properties under two management systems and residual gypsum in soil after 55 months from treatment application. This experiment was developed in FCA/UFGD in Dourados-MS, Brazil under a randomized block design with subdivided plots and four replications. Main plots, subplots and subsubplots consisted of tillage systems (conventional and no tillage), gypsum application and soil depth (0-0,05, 0,05-0,10, 0,10-0,15, 0,15-0,20 and 0,20-0,30 m), respectively. There were no effects of residual gypsum on calcium levels. The combination of no tillage system and residual gypsum increased potassium and sulfur as well as reduced potential acidity. However, residual gypsum increased soil potential acidity in conventional system. No tillage system increased calcium levels in the depths 0-0.05 and 0.05-0.10 m, organic matter down to 0.05 m, sulfur accumulation in the depths 0.05-0.10 and 0.10-0.15 m, sum of bases and base saturation in the depth 0.05-0.10. Conversely, magnesium levels in the depth 0.10-0.15 m, phosphorus from 0.05 to 0.15 m, potential acidity from 0.05 to 0.10 m and ECC in the depth 0.10-0.15 m were decreased. Effects of residual gypsum increased sulfur and base saturation from 0.20 to 0.30 m, but decreased magnesium and phosphorus levels in the depth 0.05-0.10 m. Soil active acidity and potassium levels were decreased in deeper soil layers.