Mariel S. Mitidieri1, Virginia Brambilla1, Estela Piris1, Martín Barbieri1, Leonardo García1 y Néstor Paolinelli2
1Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria San Pedro; Argentina
2Actividad privada: productor. Zárate, Buenos Aires; Argentina
Abstract
The need to replace methyl bromide for nematodes and soil pathogens control and the difficulty in acquiring some inputs has motivated horticultural producers to adopt biosolarization (BS). The role of demonstrator growers is fundamental to disseminate innovations in crop management. In 2014, grower Nestor Paolinelli, a pioneer of under protected cultivation in Argentina, agreed to carry out a BS experience on his farm. During January 2021 Paolinelli introduced the innovation of appling chicken manure (2 kg/m2) plus tomato residue as biofumigant. Soil analysis was performed before and after BS and the incorporated tomato residue was analyzed. The health of the tomato crop obtained after treatment was very satisfactory, allowing harvests with a reduced application of pesticides and fertilizers. The soil went from being poorly to moderately supplied with total nitrogen (0.12/0.17), the C/N ratio did not change substantially (10.94/11.14), the phosphorus content in ppm (P) remained high (142.3/111). Cation exchange capacity (CEC) went from high to mostly high (15.95/19.58), the concentration of soluble cations (meq/L) decreased for sodium (Na=13. 33/4.88), calcium (Ca=8.15/4.46) and magnesium (Mg=6.38/3.89) and increased for potassium (K = 2.75/3.70); the sodium absorption rate (SAR) decreased a little after BS (5.15/4.38). The use of horticultural crop residues by the BS technique requires the analysis of the nutrient content of the incorporated materials and of the soil after treatment, in order to corroborate BS impact.
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