Fertilidade do solo como indicativo para adubação e correção de áreas agrícolas localizadas em comunidades no município de Santana de Mangueira-PB

Abstract

Soil fertility assessment is essential to support appropriate management practices and nutritional correction of agricultural crops in the semiarid region of Paraíba State, Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate soil fertility in five agricultural areas located in the municipality of Santana de Mangueira, Paraíba. Soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm layer following a zigzag sampling pattern, forming composite samples for each area. After air-drying and sieving through a 2 mm mesh, the samples were analyzed at the Soil Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture of the Center for Human, Social and Agricultural Sciences at the Federal University of Paraíba. Based on the results of the chemical analyses and the Fertilization Recommendations for the State of Pernambuco (IPA, 2008), which are widely adopted in Paraíba, specific fertilization recommendations were established for each evaluated area and cropping system. Overall, the studied areas showed low levels of phosphorus and potassium, requiring corrective fertilization for crops such as maize, common bean, cassava, sweet potato, and banana. For annual crops, the application of phosphate and potassium fertilizers at planting was recommended, with doses varying according to crop requirements. In areas cultivated with perennial or high nutrient-demand crops, such as banana, a higher potassium supply combined with organic matter application was recommended. The use of cattle manure or well-composted poultry litter was suggested in some areas as a complementary strategy to improve soil fertility and quality. The results highlight the importance of soil analysis as an indispensable tool for rational fertility management, contributing to the sustainability and productivity of local agricultural systems.