EVALUATION OF PHONOLITE ROCK AS AN ALTERNATIVE POTASSIUM FERTILIZER

What is it about?

In recent years, research has been carried out on the possible use of potassium silicates for production and/or application as potassium fertilizers, due to Brazil's growing external dependence. Stonemeal is an alternative agricultural practice that helps to rehabilitate poor soils and renew the fertilization of farm areas through the incorporation of ground rocks into the soil. In this context, the objective of this work is to evaluate the physical and chemical characteristics of the phonolite rock, from the Poços de Caldas Plateau, MG, according to the parameters for evaluation of potassium fertilizers, established by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply. The phonolite rock has about 9% of K2O, in addition to other nutrients that are also required by plants, such as Mn, Ca, and Fe. The main minerals that make up the rock, identified by XRD, are microcline and orthoclase, confirming that its main mineralogy is formed by potassium feldspar minerals. The analysis of IV and FRX results corroborates the phases observed by XRD. The analysis of these results indicates that the phonolite rock has potential for application in agriculture as an alternative input of potassium.

Featured Image

Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The results indicate that the phonolite rock has potential for application in agriculture as an alternative POTASSIUM FERTILIZER.