Chemical properties of soil treated with waste from the pulp and paper industries

Abstract

The use of wastes generated in the pulp and paper industries as an input to agricultural and forestry is an alternative to the disposal problem, and contribute to reducing the cost of agricultural and forestry production. However, for proper and safe use of this waste, it is necessary to know its effects on soil chemical properties. The effect of doses of calcium carbonate, ash forest biomass, lime mud and cellulosic sludge in chemical attributes of a Dystrophic humic Entisol. The pH, exchangeable Ca, Mg and P increased with increasing doses, while the Al content and its saturation were reduced with the application of doses of all tested materials. The K levels increased mainly by wood ash. The Ca/Mg ratio was increased by the application of calcium carbonate, lime mud and sludge cellulosic to values that can be harmful. The ashes were important sources of K, Ca, Mg and P.