Caracterização dos resíduos de rocha basáltica de Diamantino/MT para aplicação como remineralizador de solos

Abstract

Brazil's dependence on imported fertilizers, mainly from Russia, Canada, and China, to sustain its intensive agricultural production of soybeans and corn in the Midwest and Southern regions, exposes the country to significant economic and diplomatic risks. In this context, soil remineralizers emerge as a viable alternative to enhance agricultural efficiency, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and improving soil fertility without compromising environmental balance. This study aimed to characterize basalt rock residues from a quarry in the municipality of Diamantino/MT, assessing their potential as soil remineralizers and as a sustainable alternative to imported fertilizers. The sample collected from the quarry’s waste pile was subjected to detailed physical and chemical analyses, including moisture tests, pycnometry, sieving, atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and ICP-OES for the quantification of nutrients and toxic elements. The results showed that, although the residues meet physical specifications and do not contain excessive levels of toxic elements, they did not reach the minimum required levels of potassium oxide (K₂O), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) oxides as per Normative Instruction No. 5 of 2016. Nevertheless, this research establishes a solid foundation for future investigations and underscores the importance of pursuing sustainable alternatives that promote a circular economy, reduce import dependence, and minimize the environmental impacts of mining, contributing to more conscious and sustainable agricultural practices in Brazil.