UFMT research shows gains in soybeans with limestone and gypsum

An experimental project led by researchers from the Federal University of Mato Grosso (UFMT), Sinop campus, in partnership with the Mato Grosso State Research Support Foundation (Fapemat), evaluated the impact of dolomitic limestone and agricultural gypsum on soybean crops in a commercial area in the municipality. Initial results from the 2024/2025 harvest already indicate positive responses in the first growing season.

The study was conducted in 64 experimental plots, with different combinations of lime and gypsum doses applied superficially before sowing. The variety used was Olimpo IPRO (80i82), grown in a no-till system. The soybean cycle began on October 20th and concluded with harvest on February 6th, totaling 109 days.

The experiment is part of Cooperation No. 0251/2024 Fapemat/UFMT, a Scientific Initiation Grant (IC) in the Agricultural Sciences area, led by student Luis Marciano Toniazzo Putton and coordinated by Professor Cassiano Spaziani Pereira. The study, titled "Application of Agricultural Gypsum on Soybean Productivity Components," evaluated indicators such as plant height, stem diameter, number of pods, number of grains per pod, thousand-grain weight, final yield, in addition to laboratory analyses related to chlorophyll, relative transpiration, and plant nutrition.

Among the main results, the researchers observed that lime application contributed to increased productivity in the first harvest, showing an immediate effect in correcting soil acidity. The use of agricultural gypsum increased the average grain weight, improving the quality of the harvested product, and the plants that received the input tended to grow taller.

The survey also found a reduction in copper and iron levels in leaves in treatments with higher limestone doses. This effect is related to increased soil pH, which can reduce the availability of these micronutrients, reinforcing the need for continuous nutritional monitoring and balanced use of amendments.

According to the research coordinator, Professor Cassiano Spaziani Pereira, "the results suggest that producers in the region, especially in areas with acidic soils and low base saturation, can benefit from applying limestone and gypsum as early as the first harvest. However, the most consistent effects tend to occur cumulatively over the years, due to the gradual interaction with the soil profile."

The study is part of a scientific initiation project involving Agronomy students from UFMT, under the guidance of professors and researchers from the Sinop campus. The team plans to continue monitoring in future harvests, assessing soil fertility, plant physiology, and nutrient dynamics.