AJCS 9(6):504-508 (2015) ISSN:1835-2707

Effects of biofertilizers produced from rocks and organic matter, enriched by diazotrophic
bacteria inoculation on growth and yield of sugarcane

Fernando Luiz Nunes Oliveira1, Newton Pereira Stamford1, Djalma Simões Neto2, Emídio Cantídio
Almeida Oliveira1*, Wanderson Silva Oliveira1, Carolina Etienne de Rosália e Silva Santos1
1
Department of Agronomy, University Federal Rural of Pernambuco, 52.171-900, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
2
Sugarcane Experimental Station of Carpina, University Federal Rural of Pernambuco, 55.810-700, Recife,
Pernambuco, Brazil

*Corresponding author: emidio@[Link]

Abstract

Fertilizers improve nutrient absorption and plant growth. They are the most important factors to increase sugarcane yield. The aim of
this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of biofertilizer produced from P and K rocks and organic matter (earthworm compound)
(OM) enrich in N, and inoculation with free living diazotrophic bacteria on sugarcane yield and technological characteristics. The
field experiment was conducted at the Santa Teresa sugarcane industry, located in the Brazilian Northeastern. The treatments were:
Two sources of NPK (biofertilizer-NPKB and soluble fertilizers-NPKF) applied in three rates (NPKB 5000, 7500, 10000 kg ha-1;
NPKF 500, 750, 1000 kg ha-1). Earthworm compound added as control, and the NPKB was inoculated with diazotrophic bacteria.
The experiment was laid out as factorial (7×2) in randomized block design with four replicates. At harvest, the plant height, stalk
diameter and yield, dry biomass (tops, leaves and stalks), soluble solids, sucrose, purity and total sugars were determined. The results
showed that the biofertilizers increased sugarcane productivity. The best yield obtained when filter mud cake (FMC) along with
NPKB were used, and NPKF applied in recommended rate (RR). The interaction between FMC and NPKB showed a great effect in
plant characteristics. Based on results of this study, the NPKB is suggested as potential alternative for mineral fertilizers.

Keywords: Saccharum spp., earthworm compound, free-living diazotrophic bacteria, sustentable agriculture, organicmineral
fertilization,
Abbreviations: FMC_filter mud cake; NPKB_biofertilizer with NPK; NPKF_soluble fertilizer with NPK; RR_Recommended Rate.

Introduction

Soluble fertilizers are of great importance to increase plant fertilizers is a common agricultural practice in cultivation of
yield but their use by low-income farmers is difficult due to sugarcane. However, the production of conventional NPK
the high price and high solubility, which promotes fertilizers has a rather high cost with large energy
percolation into the soil and plant damage (Van Straaten, consumption, and only large companies perform the
2007). In a modern and sustainable agriculture, the use of production processes.
biofertilizers and soil amendments is eligible to increase plant In this context, production of biofertilizer from rocks mixed
production and to meet economic criteria to enhance soil with organic matter, enriched in N by inoculation with free-
fertility and to minimize environmental damage (Elsayed et living diazotrophic bacteria, could be an interesting
al., 2008). In general, Brazilian soils present low available P alternative (Lima et al., 2010). The biofertilizer production is
content and renewable natural sources of phosphate. practical and can be processed with low energy consumption.
Therefore, it is necessary to carry out studies to determine the The increase on nutrient availability minimizes the
efficient use of these sources in agriculture (van Straaten, environmental impacts, because the release of nutrients for
2007). The high demands for fertilizers and efforts to reduce plants is realized gradually reducing the leaching to deeper
environmental problems and the scarcity of primary materials layers and to the water table which may reduce
to produce soluble fertilizers have drawn attentions for environmental problems.
efficient use of fertilizer sources in sustainable agriculture The effectiveness of phosphate and potash rock
(Stamford et al., 2009). An alternative for effective and biofertilizers in various economic crops in different soil types
economic fertilization is the production of biofertilizers from in greenhouse conditions has already been described
phosphate and potash rocks mixing elemental sulfur (Stamford et al., 2006, 2008, 2011). Moreover, in a previous
inoculated with Acidithiobacillus. Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria laboratory study the potential of free-living diazotrophic
are important in recycling nutrients in the soil and some bacteria to increase the total N content in organic matter has
species have relevant importance to release elements from also been demonstrated (Lima et al., 2010).
rocks (Van Straaten, 2007; Stamford et al., 2006, 2008). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of PK rock
Brazil is currently the largest producer of sugarcane in the biofertilizers mixed with earthworm compound, enriched in
world with over 600 million tons of sugar processed every N, using inoculation with free-living diazotrophic bacteria
year, with an average yield of 60 t ha-1 (Stamford et al., (NPKB), on growth and yield characteristics of sugarcane.
2008). To increase productivity, application of soluble The experiment was conducted in field conditions, in which

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application of soluble mineral fertilizers (NPKF) at different FMC), and for RST (116.2 and 120.0 with and without
rates, in presence and absence of filter mud cake (FMC) were FMC), which are similar with effects of NPKF applied in
compared with biofertilizers. 150% RR for Purity (.83.9 and 83.1 with and without FMC)
and for RST (104.3 and 112.6 with and without FMC)
Results
Discussion
The results showed that yield and shoot dry biomass were
affected by the fertilizers treatments with and without FMC Stamford et al. (2008) reported positive and significant
application (Table 1). The filter mud cake (FMC) showed effects of the PK rock biofertilizer inoculated with
significant effects for the evaluated parameters, in all Acidithiobacillus and observed best effectiveness in relation
fertilization treatments. For the fertilizer effects, increase may with the soluble mineral NPK fertilizer in sugarcane shoot
be observed between the sources and rates. The BNPK dry biomass.
(150% RR) displayed the best results on yield and shoot dry The results are also in accordance with Santos et al. (2010)
biomass, when compared with the fertilizer treatments that found positive correlation between sugarcane yield and
without FMC. mud cake application in field conditions. In addition,
The biofertilizer (NPKB) applied in 150% RR promoted Rossetto et al. (2008), described that filter mud cake (FMC)
the best results (86.6 and 70.9 t ha-1), greater than mineral promoted increase in sugarcane yield and supported that the
fertilizer treatment (NPKF) with and without filter mud cake organic matters release phosphorus and calcium and others
(FMC) application (64.5 and 67.7 t ha-1). The biofertilizer in nutrients increasing nutrient uptake. These results are in
150% RR showed significant difference on sugarcane yield accordance with Elsayed et al. (2008) that described
with and without FMC, which promoted very great difference interaction of organic and mineral fertilizers in the plant
on sugarcane yield, comparing with the control treatment nutrient status.
(earthworm compound) with and without FMC (53.6 and The NPKB applied in 150% RR produced the best results,
49.3 t ha-1). Thus, the effects of the FMC application was greater than the mineral fertilizer treatment and dependent of
evident on sugarcane yield and shoot biomass that showed the sugarcane FMC, with very different sugarcane yield (86
positive and significant response for the different fertilization and 25.5), with and without FMC application, respectively.
treatments, with and without FMC application. The results are higher than the normal sugarcane yield (50 t
The results of sugarcane plant height and stalks diameter ha-1) obtained in the Pernambuco state (IPA, 2008).
subjected to fertilization treatments and filter mud cake The obtained results for yield and shoot dry biomass are in
(FMC) were shown in Table 2. It shows increase of height by accordance with Stamford et al. (2008) who concluded that
FMC application, especially in plants that received the higher the PK rock biofertilizer inoculated with Acidithiobacillus,
rates of the different fertilization treatments. The maximum mixed with earthworm compound, may be applied as
height achieved when NPKB applied in higher rates (225 cm). alternative for replacement of mineral fertilizer, in field
Furthermore, without FMC, significant increase in plant conditions.
height was not observed by application of NPKB and NPKF In greenhouse conditions, the application of P and K rock
in rates equivalent to 100 and 150% RR. However, when biofertilizers in tableland soil (Stamford et al., 2006)
FMC applied, the NPKB treatment showed great increase on increased the sugarcane yield and showed effects on decrease
plant height, which significantly differed for NPKF in the of P and K in soil, especially when applied in the highest rate.
used rates. For stalk diameter low response of the fertilization El Tarabily et al. (2006) described the effects of sulfur
treatments were observed. No significant difference of FMC oxidative bacteria increasing soil fertility and maize growth,
application was observed. The maximum stalk diameter was when applied in calcareous soils in United Arab Emirates,
achieved, when NPKB and NPKF in higher rates applied. especially in availability of Phosphorus. Ossom and Dlamini
Application of earthworm compound (control) showed the (2012) described the effects of filter mud cake on onion
low values with significant difference, compared with the productivity and increase of nutrients.
others fertilization treatments (p≤0.05). Dario et al. (2003) reported the significant effects by
The data of total soluble solids (Brix) and apparent sucrose application of sugarcane residues. Their results confirmed the
(Pol) in sugarcane analysis for the different fertilization increase in sugarcane plant height in field conditions. In
treatments with and without filter mud cake (FMC) are addition, the sugarcane FMC combined with mineral
shown in Table 3. In general, Brix and Pol displayed best fertilizers resulted in higher levels of N, P, K and organic
results under treatments containing the sugarcane FMC. The carbon in soil (Kaur et al., 2005; Elsayed et al., 2008). Pereira
results for Brix were greater, when biofertilizers applied in et al. (2005) also described significant and positive effect of
rates of 100 and 150% RR, especially in the treatment with sugarcane FMC on cotton height. These results demonstrated
mud cake application and without mud cake application. Low the potential of the biofertilizer in sugarcane as reported by
effect of the fertilization treatments observed on brix, but the Stamford et al. (2006) for sugarcane in greenhouse
best results obtained when NPKB and NPKF applied in experiment.
higher rates (150% RR). The effectiveness of PK rock biofertilizers inoculated with
The results on Pol present greater effect of NPKB, oxidative bacteria Acidithiobacillus reported by Stamford et
especially when applied in the higher rate with FMC al. (2008) demonstrated the positive and significant effects of
(14.15%). No significant difference for the NPKF treatment biofertilizers in sugarcane, grown in the tablelands of the
with FMC (13.70%) was observed on Pol. Brazilian rainforest region, especially when applied along
The results for Purity and RTS, affected by the fertilization with PK rock biofertilizer mixed with earthworm compound.
treatments with and without FMC, are present in Table 4. Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients to increase
There were greater effect of FMC application for Purity in plant growth and yield. It has vital roles in some chemical
the control (68.5 and 76.8 with and without FMC) and RTS compounds such as proteins, nucleic acids and many other
(90.7 and 102.9 with and without FMC). This represents low components necessary for all kind of life in the world.
values. The NPKB application in rate of 150% RR showed However, the P and K rock biofertilizers do not directly
some effects on Purity (84.9 and 83.5 with and without release N to be uptake by plants and microbial organisms in

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Table 1. Sugarcane shoot dry biomass and stalk yield subjected to different source and rates of biofertilizer NPKB and mineral
soluble fertilizer NPKF, with and without FMC.
Fertilization Shoot Dry biomass (t ha-1) Stalk yield (t ha-1)
(% RR)2 Without FMC With FMC Without FMC With FMC
Control 28,97±1,17Gb 30,92±1,12Ea 49.3±2.81Gb 53.6±2.86Fa
NPKB 50 46,28±0,80Db 59,79±0,80Da 59.2±2.76Eb 79.8±5.30Ca
NPKB 100 47,02±1,89Cb 60,07±0,65Ba 62.9±2.70Cb 80.8±0.77Ba
NPKB 150 49,78±0,99Ab 66,16±1,20Aa 70.9±1.56Ab 86.6±0.85Aa
NPKF 50 31,3, ±0,55Fb 45,03±3,70Da 57.8±1.21Fb 65.9±1.61Ea
NPKF 100 45,43±9,76Eb 53,02±0,65Ca 61.9±0.62Cb 67.6±2.66Ea
NPKF 150 48,49±1,03Bb 56,46±1,25Da 64.5±1.00Bb 67.7±5.80Da
Data followed by the same letter, upper case letter in columns and low case letters in rows, are not different by the Tukey’s test (p≤0.05). C.V. (%) = shoot biomass = 9.76;
yield = 9.25. 2 Percent of recommended rate for sugarcane in the state of Pernambuco (IPA, 2008). Control = earthworm compound (10 t ha -1).

Table 2. Plant height and stalk diameter of sugarcane with biofertilizer (NPKB) and mineral fertilizer (NPKF) application, subjected
to FMC addition1
Fertilization/ Plant height (cm) Stalk diameter (mm)
(RR-%)2 Without FMC With FMC Without FMC With FMC
Control 104.50±0.58Ca 113.25±0.5Ca 17.45C 17.39C
NPKB 50 149.00±0.82Ab 207.63±19.5Aa 18.39BC 18.27BC
NPKB 100 154.00±1.63Ab 211.50±1.9Aa 22.17A 22.00A
NPKB 150 162.75±3.77Ab 225.25±0.96Aa 22.30A 22.20A
NPKF 50 128.25±5.68BCb 164.00±20.74Ba 19.63B 19.00B
NPKF 100 148.00±.2.52Aa 152.50±0.58Ba 21.95A 21.70A
NPKF 150 151.50±0.58Aa 153.50±17.94Ba 22.38A 22.25A
1
Data with the same low case letter in rows and up case letter in the different fertilizers treatments were not different by the Tukey test (p≤0.05). C.V. (%) = height = 6.94;
diameter = 6.72. 2 Percent of recommended rate for sugarcane in the state of Pernambuco (IPA, 2008). Control = earthworm compound (10 t ha -1).

soil are necessary to release this nutrients. On the other hand, Pernambuco state, Brazil, with the geographical coordinates
the mixture of rock biofertilizers with organic matter, such as 07 º 33 'S and 35 º 00' W and altitude 13 m. The soil
earthworm compound, inoculated with free-living classified as Spodosol Humiluvic Ortic (Embrapa, 2006),
diazotrophic bacteria showed effectiveness in biological representing the characteristic of the tableland from the
nitrogen fixation (BNF) (Lima et al., 2010). This process may Brazilian rainforest region.
be important to increment soil fertility. The sugarcane (Saccharum spp.–variety RB92579),
Caione et al. (2011) demonstrate the effectiveness of FMC recommended for the rainforest region by the Sugarcane
application, especially by increasing the phosphorus Experimental Station of Carpina (SESC/UFRPE), was
availability. They found significant effect on sugarcane’s cropped during August 2010 to December 2011.
stalk diameter due to P application. In addition, they reported The soil samples were collected in deep 0-30 cm, before
no effects of the fertilization treatments with and without filter treatments application. The chemical and physical
FMC application. analysis were processed (Embrapa, 2009) and presented the
There is no literature on effect of biofertilizer in Brix and following results: pH water (1:2,5) = 6.0; Al = 0.1 (cmolc
Pol on sugarcane. Brix and Pol displayed highest values dm-3); total N = 0.3 (g kg-1); available P = 12 (mg dm-3);
under mud cake treatments. The data are in agreement with exchangeable cations (cmolc dm-3) - K = 0.05; Ca = 2.54; Mg
Santos et al. (2010) that found greater values of Brix and Pol = 0.94; CTC = 3.63 (cmolc dm-3); Density = 2.65 g kg1;
in sugarcane when sugarcane residues applied. granulometric analysis (g kg1); coarse sand = 740; fine sand=
Santos et al. (2010), studied the influence of mud cake and 210; silt = 10; clay= 40.
phosphorus application on sugarcane, and obtained excessive
values of Brix and Pol when higher rates of phosphorus Biofertilizer production
applied (Stamford et al., 2009). Stamford et al. (2008), in a
greenhouse study also verified positive and significant effect The P and K rock biofertilizers were produced at the
of PK rock biofertilizer inoculated with Acidithiobacillus University Federal Rural of Pernambuco, using 4,000 kg of
mixed with earthworm compound in increasing soil nutrients natural phosphate (11 % total P, purchased from Irecê Bahia),
availability, compared with application of mineral fertilizers. Brazil) and 4,000 kg of biotite (10 % total K), from Santa
The effects of the NPKB inoculated with the free living Luzia (Paraíba), Brazil, following the procedure described by
diazotrophic bacteria were significant. Furthermore, there Stamford et al. (2008).
were greater effect for FMC application on Purity and ATR. Analysis of the P and K rock biofertilizer were: (P-
These results are in accordance with Santos et al. (2010) who biofertilizer)-pH= 3.8, available P = 60 (g kg-1); (K-
also obtained greater values of Purity and ATR when biofertilizer)- pH = 3.3, available K = 10 (g kg-1). The mixed
sugarcane residues applied. The effects of BNPK biofertilizer biofertilizer (BNPK) from PK rock biofertilizers plus
in rate of 150% RR were greater than the different sources earthworm compound organic matter (OM) inoculated with
and rates of other fertilization treatments, with and without the selected free-living bacteria (NFB 1001) cultured in LG
FMC application. liquid media according to Lima et al. (2010). The BNPK was
produced mixing 4 m3 (OM) with BPK biofertilizers (1 dm3).
Materials and Methods The chemical analysis of the earthworm compound showed:
pH 7.15; organic carbon (100.7 g/kg); total N (8.6 g/kg); total
Site and soil description S (2.98 g/kg); available P (11.2 g/kg). The Biofertilizer at the
final period present (Embrapa, 2009): pH (H2O) = 6.9; total
A field experiment was conducted in the Santa Tereza
sugarcane Industry, located at the Goiana District,

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Table 3. Total soluble solids (Brix) and apparent sucrose (Pol) for sugarcane submitted to fertilization treatments with and without
sugarcane mud cake (FMC).
Fertilization / (%RR) Brix (%) Pol (%)
Without FMC With FMC Without FMC With FMC
Control 13.59±0,59Cb 15.06±0,01Da 9.32±0,11Eb 11.58±0,55Ca
NPKB 50% 14.22±0,42Bb 16.61±0,06Aa 11.17±0,15Cb 13.01±0,59Ba
NPKB 100% 15.47±0,38Ab 16.84±0,13Aa 12.35±0,51Bb 13,82±0,42Aa
NPKB 150% 15.87±0,39Ab 16.95±0,19Aa 13.47±0,35Ab 14.15±0,43Aa
NPKF 50% 14.39±0,02Ba 15.25±0,26Ca 10.11±0,18Db 12.14±0,32Ca
NPKF 100% 14.43±0,04Bb 15.31±0,08BCa 11.96±0,03Ba 12.40±0,28Ca
NPKF 150% 15.41±0,01Ab 16.48±0,04Ba 12.94±0,06ABb 13.70±0,10Aa
Data with by the same letter (upper case letter in columns and low case letters in rows), are not different by the Tukey’s test (p≤0.05). C.V. (%) Brix = 3.42
and Pol = 4.15. 2 Percent of recommended rate for sugarcane in the state of Pernambuco (IPA, 2008). Control = earthworm compound (10 t ha -1).

Table 4. Purity and Recoverable Total Sugar (RTS) for sugarcane submitted to the different sources and rates of fertilizers with and
without sugarcane mud cake FMC.
Purity (%) RTS (kg t-1)
Treatment /RR
Without FMC With FMC Without FMC With FMC
Control 68.5±0.18Fb 76.8±0.69Ea 90.7±0.28Fb 102.9±0.34Ga
NPKB 50% 78.5±0.58Da 79.3±0.37Da 98.7±0.58Db 109.9±0.60Da
NPKB 100% 79.8±0.13Cb 82.0±0.58Ca 109.1±0.69Bb 116.9±0.65Ba
NPKB 150% 84.9±0.10Aa 83.5±0.30Aa 116.2±0.78Ab 120.0±0.58Aa
NPKF 50% 70.2±0.04Eb 79.6±0.57Da 92.1±0.59Eb 105.7±0.58Fa
NPKF 100% 82.9±0.06CDb 80.9±0.24Ca 98.9±0.18Db 108.4±0.14Ea
NPKF 150% 83.9±0.54Bb 83.1±0.71Ba 104.3±0.28Cb 112.6±0.20Ca
Data followed by the same letter, upper case letter in columns and low case letters in rows, are not different by the Tukey test (p≤0.05). C.V. (%) Purity =
2.7 and RTS = 4.15. 2Fertilization in function of the recommendation for sugarcane in Pernambuco state, by IPA (2008). Control = earthworm compound (10 t ha-1).

total N (21 g/kg) available P (20 g/kg) and available K (19 rows with 10 m long and 1 m between rows. For calculation,
g/kg). To prepare the mixed mineral fertilizer (NPKF) we 10 m2 from the 2 central rows was considered.
used: ammonium sulphate (20% N); simples superphosphate
(20% P2O5) and potassium sulphate (50% K2O). The amount Determinations and statistical analyzes
for application was in accord with the soil analysis and the
recommended rate for sugarcane for the Pernambuco state The sugarcane height (cm) was determined in ten plants of
(IPA, 2008). each plot. The height data was calculated from the soil level
to the intersection of the leave +1, in 40 plants per the
Soil preparation and treatments fertilization treatments. The medial diameter (mm) was
determined in the plant base (15 cm from the soil surface),
The soil was prepared by cutting and removing all of the and the sugarcane yield was estimated in plant harvest, using
vegetation from the experimental area. Soil was prepared by a dynamometer equipment used by the sugarcane industry.
the conventional tillage processing, one plowing and two Plant biomass of sugarcane was determined by wet and dry
disking, and the rows opened to plantation. The rows were weight of leaves, stalks and up shoots (pointers) separately
prepared systematically to maintain declivity around 0.2- and followed calculating the total plant biomass.
0.5% to avoid soil run off. Sugarcane technological characteristics were evaluated by
The experiment was set up in a factorial (7 x 2) in analyzes of soluble solid concentration (Brix), apparent
randomized block design with four replicates. The sucrose (pol), purity (pur) and total recoverable sugars (TRS).
fertilization treatments used two sources of NPK (biofertilizer The technological analyzes were processed in the Santa
and soluble fertilizer) applied in three rates (50, 100 and Tereza sugarcane industry, in accordance with Consecana
150% recommended rate for sugarcane in the Pernambuco (2006).
state, Brazil). Additionally, the treatments were conducted The statistical calculations for the field experiment
with sugarcane filter mud cake (FMC) (60 t ha-1) and also parameters were achieved using analysis of variance, in
No-filter mud (without filter mud cake). At harvest, the which the effects of fertilization and the FMC interactions
following characteristics were determined: plant height; Tirar were calculated by SAS software Program 11.0 version (SAS
diameter and yield; dry biomass (tops, stalk and leaves); Institute, 2011). Analyzes of variance and averages were
soluble solids, sucrose, purity and total sugars. compared by the Tukey’s test at probability (p ≤0.05). All
The treatments with sugarcane FMC (60 t ha-1) and without parameters analyzed were normally distributed.
sugarcane FMC were applied in a factorial using the
following fertilization treatments: (1) Biofertilizer (BNPK) Conclusions
and (2) Mineral Fertilizer (FNPK), applied in 3 rates: BNPK
rate 1 (5000 kg ha-1); BNPK rate 2 (7500 kg ha-1); BNPK rate The present study showed that biofertilizer (NPKB) produced
3 (10000 kg ha-1); FNPK rate 1 (500 kg ha-1); FNPK rate 2 from PK rock inoculated with Acidithiobacillus bacteria
(750 kg ha-1); FNPK rate (1000 kg ha-1). A control treatment mixed with organic matter (earthworm compound), enriched
with earthworm compound (20 t ha-1) was applied for the N by inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria may be used
comparative purpose (as control). Each plot contained four as biofertilizer to increase sugarcane yield and some plant

507
and industrial parameters. The biofertilizer (NPKB) may be Stamford NP, Silva Junior, S., Santos CERS, Freitas ADS,
used as alternative to soluble mineral fertilizers. The FMC Santos, C.M.A., Arnaud, T.M.S., Soares, H.R. (2014) Yield
application showed positive and significant effects in the of grape (Vitis labrusca cv. Isabel) and soil nutrients
sugarcane parameters and had interactive effects with the availability affected by biofertilizers with diazotrophic
fertilization treatments. bacteria and fungi chitosan. Aust J Crop Sci. 8: 301-306.
Stamford NP, Andrade IP, Santos CERS, Lira Junior MA,
Acknowledgements Silva junior S, Freitas ADS, Van Straaten P (2011) Soil
properties and grape yield affected by rock biofertilizers
The authors are grateful to the Santa Tereza Sugarcane with earthworm compound. J Soil Sci Plant Nutr. 11: 79 -
Industry for the conduction of the experiment and the 88.
technical analysis in the industry laboratory, to the Biotech Stamford NP, Moura PM, Lira Junior MA, Santos CERS,
Environmental Company for the organic matter purchase, to Duenhas LH, Gava CAT (2009) Chemical attributes of an
the Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e argisoil of the san francisco valley after melon growth with
Tecnológico (CNPq), to the Coordenação de phosphate and potash rocks biofertilizers. Braz J Hort. 27:
Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES), and 447- 452.
the Fundação de Apoio à Ciência e Tecnologia do estado de Stamford NP, Lima RA, Lira Junior MA, Santos CERS
Pernambuco (FACEPE) for the financial support and (2008). Effectiveness of phosphate and potash rocks with
scholarships. Acidithiobacillus on sugar cane yield and their effects in
soil chemical attributes. World J Microbiol Biotechnol. 24:
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