Fertilizer application in the sowing rows does not necessarily increase crop yields, but it does increase the variability of the soil chemical properties, particularly of the nutrients P and K. This variability is greater in the no-tillage system because there is no homogenization of the soil surface layer. This study evaluated the effect of fertilization strategies on soil chemical properties at distinct soil depths after three and six years from the beginning of the experiment in a Haplohumox under long-term no-tillage. Besides, the variation of these properties considering two methods of soil sampling, with and without inclusion of the seeding row, was evaluated. Ten treatments were applied, nine considering P sources (rock phosphate and triple superphosphate), row preparation equipment (double disc opener and coulter opener), fertilizer placement (in-row and broadcast), time of application (summer and winter) and one control treatment, without fertilizer. The measured soil chemical properties were higher in the surface layers and depth distribution, except for P, was not influenced by the fertilization strategies. The soil P values were the lowest in the 0-5 cm layer where the coulter opener equipment had been continuously used for more than three years and no fertilizer was applied. With the inclusion of the sowing row in the soil sampling, higher K, Ca and CEC values were observed. The methodologies of soil sampling, with and without the inclusion of the sowing row and the 0-10 and 0-20 cm sampling layers resulted in similar fertilizer and lime recommendations for areas under long-term no-tillage.
fertilizer application forms; fertilizer; soil sampling; broadcast fertilization
