Manejo do solo para altas produtividades com uso de basalto

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.2692405018

• Palavras-chave: rochas ígneas, agricultura orgânica, fontes alternativas.

• Keywords: igneous rocks, organic farming, alternative sources.

• Abstract: Brazil, due to its intensive agricultural production, faces challenges associated with its high dependence on imported fertilizers, notably potassium. This dependence, which compromises the trade balance and food security, encourages the search for sustainable alternatives for soil management with high productivity. Among them, the use of mining waste stands out, such as basalt dust in the remineralization process. The practice of remineralization, consisting of the controlled application of rock powder, presents advantages such as low cost, gradual release of nutrients, and improvement of the physical and chemical properties of the soil. Although historical, this practice was relegated to the predominance of soluble fertilizers. The resurgence of basalt dust is linked to the search for options regarding the import of fertilizers, the need to value mining waste and the need to optimize soil management for high productivity. Studies show that basalt dust, abundant in Brazil, has the potential to increase agricultural productivity. Its application reveals benefits, such as controlled release of nutrients, neutralization of soil acidity, and water retention. The effective implementation of this resource demands policies that encourage its adoption, considering its positive impacts on soil quality, reduction of production costs and contribution to agro- environmental sustainability. Promoting the use of basalt powder represents a promising strategy to improve Brazilian agricultural productivity in a sustainable and resilient way.