Use of rock dust and *Trichoderma* spp. strains for phosphorus solubilization: an alternative to mineral fertilizers in forage crops
Rock dusting, phosphate fertilization, phosphorus-solubilizing agents
This research evaluated the capacity of different Trichoderma spp. strains to solubilize phosphorus (P) from rock dust, aiming to reduce the use of mineral fertilizers in the cultivation of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaça). The study was conducted in Alta Floresta-MT, using a randomized block design in a 4x2x2 factorial scheme, testing three Trichoderma isolates (TS, TZ, and T. atruviridi - TQ) and a control, associated or not with rock dust and mineral fertilization. Results demonstrated that mineral fertilization was the factor that most influenced the initial development of the forage, promoting significant increases in plant height and green mass production. However, it was observed that TZ and TQ isolates were more efficient in promoting dry biomass accumulation when specifically associated with rock dust, suggesting the potential of these fungi to provide nutrients from low-solubility sources. Furthermore, the TQ strain stood out by providing the highest levels of foliar phosphorus, regardless of the remineralizer application. In the soil, rock dust application significantly increased potassium (K) levels but showed no immediate influence on phosphorus content. It is concluded that the use of Trichoderma associated with rock dusting is a promising alternative for the nutritional management of forage crops