The objective of the this study was to evaluate the effect of organic compost and compaction levels of two soils on shoot dry weight and macronutrient contents of corn (Zea mays), cultivar Itapoã 700. In 54 pots, three doses of the processed organic compost residue from Recife Central Market were applied in two soils, one being a dark red Argissoil (DRA) and the other a yellow red Argissoil (YRA), collected in Ap horizon (0 to 0.20 m depth) and under three compaction levels in a factorial arrangement 2 × 3 × 3 with three replications. Shoot dry matter and N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents were evaluated. The results indicate that soil compaction does not affect corn growth. The organic compost application increased K and Ca but decreased Mg content in shoots. Calcium content in corn shoot increased with the organic compost in DRA soil, but was found to decrease in YRA soil.
residue use; fertilizing; nutrient; Zea mays
