An experiment was carried out in order to evaluate the stillage as K source for pineapple (Ananas Comosus L.) in comparison with KCl, and the effects on chemical soil characteristics. The experiment was assessed in a Red Yellow Latosol with Smooth Cayenne cultivar. The treatments consisted of four application doses of stillage (0 - 100 - 200 - 400 m³/ha) and of an additional treatment (12 g/plant K2O KCl). The design of the trial was in randomized blocks with three replications. Yields statistically responded to stillage and KCl and yields obtained with 400 m³/ha of stillage and 20.5 g of KCl per plant were 70% and 73%, respectivelly, over the control. Addition of K increased the content of tritratable acidity and total soluble solids in the fruit with no difference between the sources. Concentration of K in the leaves increased and Mg content decreased by stillage and KCl application. Addition of stillage in the soil increased K, Ca, Mg content and leached K to 20-40 cm depth. Stillage and KCl increased K to adequate levels in the bases sum.
distillery residue; potassium; pineapple yield; Ananas comosus
