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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #415671
Research Project: Sustaining Productivity and Ecosystem Services of Agricultural and Horticultural Systems in the Southeastern United States

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Chemical characterization of Brazilian soybean stover to mitigate soil acidity

Author
item DE ALBUQUERQUE, CARLA - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center
item MOTTA, ANTONIO - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center
item GAVELAKI, FABIANA - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center
item BARBOSA, JULIERME - Universidade Federal De Minas Gerais
item LAMMEL, DANIEL - Free University Of Berlin
item Prior, Stephen
item DIECKOW, JEFERSON - Federal University Of Parana Polytechnic Center

Submitted to: Bragantia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/16/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Cropping system efficiency can be depended on proper management of soil acidity. Levels of inorganic components in soybean stover from southern and northeastern states of Brazil were evaluated. Stover nutritional differences were due to inherent regional factors such as soil texture, soil organic matter, and fertilization and liming management practices. Stover additions increased pH and decreased exchangeable Al in soil regardless stover origin. For southern stover, the two parameters that showed potential for predicting the positive effects of stover on soil acidity were available alkalinity (OH-) and sum of cations. This work demonstrated the positive effect of adding plant residue to moderately reduce soil acidity regardless of soybean stover chemical quality.

Technical Abstract: Background Soybean is the primary legume cultivated worldwide, but knowledge regarding soybean stover chemical composition is sparse. Aims The objectives of this study were to characterize soybean stover from two production regions in Brazil and to evaluate the potential for mitigating Oxisol acidity. Methods Samples of soybean stover were collected in two states in southern Brazil (Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul) and one in northeastern Brazil (Bahia). Samples were analyzed for C, N, Ca, Mg, K, Na, S, P, Cu, Mn, Zn, V, Ni, Ba, pH, and available alkalinity (AVAL). Potential acidity mitigation was assessed by incubating soybean stover in an acid Oxisol and analyzing pH CaCl2 and Al3+ after a 30 day incubation period. Results Stover from Bahia had higher levels of Mg, K, and P while stover from southern Brazil had higher C, N, S, AVAL, Cu, Mn, V, Ni, and Ba. After incubation, soil pH increased and Al3+ decreased with no difference between regions; however, soil pH was correlated with AVAL (r = -0.68; southern stover) and with sum of cations (r = -0.74; northeastern stover). Conclusion Although the chemical quality of soybean stover varied due to regional fertilization and liming practices, addition of stover to soil (regardless of composition) can be beneficial for acidity reduction.