Paraná basin basalt powder: A multinutrient soil amendment for enhancing soil chemistry and microbiology

• Published in: Journal of South American earth sciences Vol. 141; p. 104957
• Main Authors: Rodrigues, Marlon, da Silva Junges, Lucas Francisco, Mozorovicz, Claiane, Seidel Ziemmer, Guilherme, Kosera Neto, Carlos, Américo de Andrade, Ederson, Izabel dos Passos, Amanda, Palczewski Pacheco, Fábio, Cezar, Everson, de Melo Teixeira, Leticia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-08-2024
• Subjects: Microorganisms; Remineralizer; Respirometry; Rock dust; Sustainable development; Remineralizer; Microorganisms; Rock dust; Sustainable development; Respirometry
• ISSN: 0895-9811; 1873-0647
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsames.2024.104957

This study evaluated the effects of Paraná Basin basalt powder, a mining byproduct from southern Brazil, on the macro- and micronutrient content of two soil types, Oxisol (OX) and Typic Quartzipsamment (TQ), as well as the metabolic activity of soil microorganisms. Basalt powder doses were determined based on CaO levels required to correct Ca2+ levels in each soil, ranging from 0 to 4 times the recommended amount. Soil samples were collected for analysis after 60 and 170 days of incubation to assess soil attributes. Additionally, a laboratory study examined soil basal respiration (SBR) after 168 days of greenhouse incubation. The results revealed that higher doses of basalt powder application led to increased pH, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cu, B, and Si levels in OX, while decreasing Al3+ levels in the same soil. In TQ soils, the effects were more limited, showing specific increases in pH, P, S–SO42-, and Si levels. Moreover, there was a 21% increase in SBR in OX with higher basalt rates. These findings suggest that basalt powder has the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly solution for soil fertilization, positively impacting its chemical and biological properties.
[Display omitted]
•Basalt powder application increased soil pH and most nutrient contents.•Higher basalt doses reduced Al3+ contents in soil.•Basalt powder enhanced soil basal respiration by 21%.•Study suggests basalt powder as eco-friendly soil fertilizer.