Abstract

PORTOCARRERO, Rocio et al. Salinity by vinasse application in a subtropical soil cultivated with sugarcane. Cienc. suelo [online]. 2018, vol.36, n.2, pp.39-47. ISSN 1850-2067.

Bioethanol production from sugarcane has a strong sustainability challenge. The production of 1 m³ of alcohol generates 10-13 m³ of the vinasse effluent. Vinasse is a dark brown, acidic liquid with high organic load and salts. Vinasse application in sugarcane fields is a frequent and recommended practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of differential doses of raw and biodigested vinasse application in the salinity of a soil cultivated with sugarcane in Tucumán, Argentina. Six treatments were applied: the general control with no fertilizer application (T1), one control with conventional fertilization (90 kg ha^-1 of N) (T2), two treatments with biodigested vinasses (VB) (T3: 50 m³ ha- 1, T4: 100 m³ ha^-1), and two treatments with raw vinasses (VC) application (T5: 50 m³ ha^-1, T6: 100 m³ ha^-1). After two years of the trial, the soil with T6 showed higher electrical conductivity in the first 60 cm than the other treatments. The increase does not exceed the agricultural health limits of soils. This change is explained by a higher salt concentration in the vinasse than the extraction capacity of the crop; intermediate soil retention capacity, associated with the exchange complex, type and mineralogy of the clays and high inicial base saturation.

Keywords : bioethanol; electrical conductivity; potassium; soluble cations.

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