EFEITOS DA CAMA DO SISTEMA COMPOST BARN NAS PROPRIEDADES FÍSICAS E QUÍMICAS DO SOLO

Abstract

The intensive rearing of animals for milk production has increased around the world, as it is necessary to produce more and use smaller areas. However, this intensification leads to greater production of manure, which in many cases is not treated properly. Milk production in Brazil has also increased in recent years. This increase is related to the implementation of new models and methods for raising animals. Among several systems used for the confinement of animals, there is one that comes space. This animal breeding model is called the Compost Barn System, which assesses the health, animal welfare and the treatment of waste generated through a composting process, with the animals remaining free in a resting area called a bed. This litter is formed by plant residues and remains in the stable for a period of 12 months. Animal manure has become a risk to the environment, however, many farmers have used this manure as organic fertilizer, however the excessive use of manure can cause environmental degradation of the soil. Manure is considered organic fertilizer as it provides nutrients and improves the physical properties of the soil. Therefore, the objective of this research was to know the effects of using the Compost Barn system litter on physical (porosity, density and stability of aggregates) and soil chemical (pH, organic matter, macro and micronutrients) properties. This study was carried out at the Farm Três Gerações, located in the municipality of União da Vitória – PR. Three areas were analyzed, A1 being a forest area without application of the manure; A2 area with only one year of manure application and A3 with five years of compost application, with A2 and A3 showing the same cultivation and management. Area A3 showed an increase in organic matter content, which led to an improvement in some soil physical parameters. There was also an increase in soil pH and nutrients and for the elements phosphorus and zinc, which are the most worrying elements in relation to environmental pollution, the levels obtained were considered acceptable by the agronomic parameters. The use of litter was positive in relation to physical and chemical parameters in the area with longer application time, generating savings in the use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural cultivation.