The primary macronutrients have an important role in the forage fertilization, depending on their contribution to the production cost. This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of soil compaction on the concentration of primary macronutrients present in diagnostic leaves of Piatã and Mombaça grasses. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with a randomized statistical design, consisting of eight treatments and three replications in 2 x 4, factorial scheme, with two grases (Piatã grass and Mombaça) and four soil densities (1.0, 1.2 , 1.4 and 1.6 Mg m-3). Two harvest of shoots were made, the first 42 days after the plant thinning, and the second 46 days after the first cutting. In the first growing period, the soil compaction interfere with the absorption of nitrogen and phosphorus, while in the second growing period there is a limitation in the absorption of nitrogen and potassium. Nitrogen is the primary macronutrient most limited by soil compaction.
Mombaça grass; Piatã grass; soil bulk density; diagnostic leaf
