Basic slag consists of calcium silicate and is an alternative for soil acidity correction. This study evaluated the residual effects of calcium silicate application on the chemical properties of a Rhodic Hapludox in a rotation system with Brachiaria grass under different grazing intensities. The experiment was a complete randomized block design, where the plots consisted of grazing intensities, determined by the forage supply of 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg t-1 of MS/ PV, respectively, and the subplots of surface applications of calcium silicate in combination with dolomitic limestone ( 0 + 0; 2 + 0; 4 + 0; 6 + 0; 2 + 4; 4 + 2 and 0 + 6 t ha-1,) with four replications. Evaluations were carried out in two seasons (summer and winter) and at three soil depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm). The results of residual calcium silicate and limestone effects 720 days after application were positive for soil pH in CaCl2, exchangeable Ca, Mg and K, concentration, H + Al values, and base saturation. A forage supply of 200 kg t-1 and the limestone treatment (0 + 6 t ha-1) increased pH in CaCl2 and base saturation values, mainly in the 0-10 cm layer. The soil silicon levels were influenced by the applied calcium silicate doses, but they resulted in no significant leaf Si concentration. The chemical-bromatological composition of the forage was affected only by forage supply and seasons. The forage supply, seasons and seasons x supply interaction influenced the pre-grazing dry matter production. The yield was highest at 200 kg t-1 and lowest at 50 kg t-1 forage supply in both seasons. Supply and seasons influenced the after-grazing forage residue. The highest rates of dry matter accumulation were obtained with forage supplies of 50 and 100 kg t-1 and application of 2 t ha-1 calcium silicate.
forage; calcium silicate; silicon
