The paper recycling process produces a large amount of waste and applying it on the soil may be one important strategy for use of this product. However, it is necessary to study the effects of application of this waste product on soil properties and crop performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of paper recycling waste on the chemical properties of an acidic Inceptisol and on the yield of soybean and common bean. A randomized complete block design was used, with three replications. The following treatments were evaluated: paper recycling waste at the rates of 50, 100, 150, 250, 400 and 600 Mg ha-1 of wet mass; dolomitic limestone to raise soil pH in water to 6.0; and a control, without waste or limestone application. The recycling waste increased soil pH and Ca and P levels. The application rates of recycling waste did not affect the levels of heavy metals in the soil and in the grains, even at the higher rates. The greatest yields of soybean and common bean were obtained at the rates of 323 and 372 Mg ha-1 of waste wet mass, respectively.
soil acidity; heavy metals; grain yield; Glycine max L; Phaseolus vulgaris L
