Abstract

ROCHA DOS SANTOS, Marcelo et al. Using of the time domain reflectometry to evaluate the phosphorus distribution in soils columns fertirrigateds. Idesia [online]. 2012, vol.30, n.1, pp. 45-53. ISSN 0718-3429.  doi: 10.4067/S0718-34292012000100006.

Studies to monitor soil solute dynamics in fertigated areas are of great importance, because they allow the adoption of measures of fertigation management, making the nutrients available in the places of greatest root density. The objective of this study was to evaluate, using the TDR technique, the phosphorus distribution in Neosol Quartizarenic (RQ) and Red Latossol (LV) soil columns fertigated with MAP. The MAP fertigations were performed in the columns; the soil water content (8) and soil bulk electric conductivity (CEs) were obtained using (with) TDR probes installed at various depths, and the nutrient concentration was estimated using mathematical models. In both soils the phosphorus was adsorbed in surface layer, not reaching 12 cm depth, regardless of the moment of the fertigation was started.

Keywords : fertigation; soil phosphorus; TDR.