The anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in flooded soils produces short chain organic acids that can be toxic for the rice crop. With the objective of studying the effect of propionic and butyric acids on the growth and nutrients uptake of rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants in nutrient solution, two experiments were carried out on the Plant Nutrition Laboratory DS/FAEM/UFPEL. The experiments were designed as complete randomized plots with six replications, consisting of seven levels of propionic (0.00; 1.25; 2.50; 3.75; 5.00; 6.25; 7.50mM) and butyric (0.00; 1.00; 2.00; 3.00; 4.00; 5.00; 6.00mM) acids, respectively. Two-day old rice seedlings of cultivar BRS 7 were placed for thirteen days on test tube containing complete nutrient solution and differents levels of propionic and butyric acids. Root and shoot growth of rice plants was decreased with an increase in organic acid levels. The root presented greater sensitivity than shoot. Small levels of acid such as 1.25mM (propionic) and 1.00mM (butyric) were enough to cause an inhibition of 37% and 33% in the length of the radicular system, respectively. The addition of propionic and butyric acids decreased N, K, Ca e Mg uptake by rice plants.
organic acids; toxicity; anaerobic decomposition
