Spatial distribution of soil attributes and macronutrients in banana leaves under the application of limestone

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the spatial variability of the chemical attributes of the soil and macronutrients in leaves by means of the geostatistic analysis of a soil cultivated with banana in an area with two different methods of applying corrective. The study was carried out in the district of Cristino Castro, Piaui, where 21 soil samples were collected at a depth of 0.00-0.20 m from an area of incorporated limestone, and 21 samples from an area without limestone on the surface, giving a total of 42 duly georeferenced points. The following were analysed in the soil samples: pH, OM, P, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, H+Al; and the sum of bases, cation exchange capacity and base saturation were calculated. The Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ and P content was determined in leaves collected from the same locations as the soil. The results were investigated using analysis of variance, descriptive analysis and geostatistics, and by interpretating the levels of the chemical attributes of the soil and plants. The chemical attributes and nutrient content of the leaves showed a significant variation in the study areas. The use of geostatistics allowed zones with different patterns of behaviour to be identified, which can help in the specific management of soil correctives and fertiliser using precision agriculture. The spatial variability of Ca2+ in the soil was similar to the variability of the nutrient in the banana leaves.