Physical attributes and organic material in pastures of Brachiaria brizantha at degradation levels

Pastures cover, in Brazil, around 165 million ha, most of them are at some degradation level. Recovering these pastures is essential. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensibility of soil organic matter (SOM) and its physical attributes in pasture soil at different degradation levels (1 to 4), Capoeiras (1 and 2) and secondary Forest (Control). Samples were collected at four depths (0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m). We verified higher values for SOM and hydraulic conductivity (Ko) in Forest, especially in the most superficial layer (0.00-0.05). We noted low values for macroporosity in this area. In all areas under Pastures lower values for Ko were observed in the superficial layer (0.00-0.05 m) when compared to layers 0.05-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m, which indicates that the pasture management and cattle trampling negatively affect the physical quality of the pastures. For field capacity and wilting point the average values were observed in Pasture 4 (more degraded), which caused higher values for water availability. According to the principal components analysis, except for SOM at 0.20-0.40 m, all variables studied presented correlation above 0.6. From grouping analysis, we separated 3 groups: Forest; Capoeiras 1 and Capoeira 2 and Pastures 1 to 4.

Correlations between soil attributes and the occurrence of nematodes and grain yield in an off-season maize crop in Mato Grosso do Sul / Correlações entre atributos do solo e ocorrência de nematóides e produtividade de grãos em milho safrinha no Mato Grosso do Sul

Systems of soil cultivation and use directly influence crop yield by interfering with the soil chemical, physical, and biological attributes. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between maize grain yield, soil chemical and biological attributes, and the occurrence of nematodes in maize crops grown in the off-season, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Soil samples from 21 off-season maize crops were collected in 2015. The samples were used to identify and quantify nematodes, determine biomass carbon and microbial activity, and for chemical analysis. The attributes were clustered based on the variables evaluated using the mean Euclidean distance and Ward's clustering method. The interrelationship between the variables was analyzed by correlations, and its unfolding in the cause and effect investigations was evaluated by the path analysis. Organic matter and microbial biomass carbon positively influence grain yield. Magnesium negatively influences the population of Pratylenchulus spp. in maize crops. The potential acidity and organic matter are related to the presence of Rotylenchulus spp.

Sistemas de cultivo e uso do solo influenciam diretamente o rendimento das culturas, interferindo nos atributos químicos, físicos e biológicos do solo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a correlação entre a produtividade de grãos de milho, os atributos químicos e biológicos do solo e a ocorrência de nematoides em milho cultivado no período de entressafra, no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. Amostras de solo de 21 safras de milho fora de temporada foram coletadas em 2015. As amostras foram usadas para identificar e quantificar os nematóides, determinar a atividade microbiana e o carbono da biomassa, e para análises químicas. Os atributos foram agrupados com base nas variáveis avaliadas usando a distância euclidiana média e o método de agrupamento de Ward. A inter-relação entre as variáveis foi analisada por meio de correlações, e seu desdobramento nas investigações de causa e efeito foi avaliado pela análise de trilha. A matéria orgânica e o carbono da biomassa microbiana influenciam positivamente o rendimento de grãos. O magnésio influencia negativamente a população de Pratylenchulus spp. nas culturas de milho. A acidez potencial e a matéria orgânica estão relacionadas à presença de Rotylenchulus spp.

Litter decomposition and nutrient release dynamics of leaves and roots of the babassu palm in eastern Amazonia

The ruderal babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) is expanding on large areas of degraded Amazon landscapes. Decomposition of leaves and roots is in the center of plant:soil interactions. We evaluated decomposition and nutrient concentrations of leaves and fine roots of babassu in comparison with two exotic reference species, Acacia mangium (slow degradability) and Leucaena leucocephala (fast degradability), in a 138-day litterbag assay carried out in secondary forest stands of different age and babassu abundance. We chose 4-mm over 2-mm mesh litterbags based on a pilot study. Babassu leaves degraded slower than leaves of A. mangium and L. leucocephala, and also had lower nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium concentrations in all stages of decomposition. By contrast, potassium concentrations in babassu leaves were higher than in both reference species at 0 and 50 days. Roots of all three species decomposed slower than leaves. Compared to the leaves, both biomass loss and nutrient concentrations differed less between babassu and reference-species roots, except for lower nitrogen concentration in babassu roots. Leaf-litter decomposition of all three species was significantly faster in old than in young secondary forest, suggesting an acceleration of decomposition along succession. Babassu leaves decomposed faster in old babassu-dominated than non-dominated secondary forest, pointing to the existence of specialized decomposer communities in babassu-dominated stands. (AU)

Carbon sequestration potential of a teak plantation forest in the Eastern Ghats of India

Aim: The present study aimed to estimate the total carbon sequestration potential of a 20-years-old teak (Tectona grandis) plantation forest spread over an area of 23 ha (in Odisha under Eastern Ghats stretch) through analysis of above ground and below ground biomass carbon of trees and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock.Methodology: The sampling was carried out during May to July 2017. Random non-destructive quadrate method was used for vegetation analysis. Based on the girth, height, basal area and bio volume of trees, the above ground carbon (AGC), below ground carbon (BGC) and total carbon storage in biomass (CSB) of teak plantation forest was calculated. Similarly, soil samples were taken by a soil core sampler at different depths and based on their organic carbon, bulk density, stone and gravel contents, soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of soil was calculated. Results: The total SOC stock and CSB of the entire teak plantation forest was 489.21 t and 6670 t, respectively, across an area of 23 ha. Taking two carbon pools into account, the total carbon sequestration (TCS) of teak plantation forest patch was 7159.21 t, which arrived to be 311.27 t ha-1 with AGC of 230.16 t ha-1 and BGC of 59.84 t ha-1 and TOC stock of 21.27 t ha-1. The highest contribution in terms of carbon storage was established by above ground carbon (74%) followed by below ground carbon (19%) and SOC (7%). Interpretation: The current study reflects that teak plantation forest has rich potential of carbon sequestration not only in tree biomass but also in the SOC form and this plantation can act as a potent reservoir of carbon in the Eastern Ghats of India

CARACTERIZACIÓN DE LA FERTILIDAD QUÍMICA DE LOS SUELOS EN SISTEMAS PRODUCTIVOS DE LA ALTILLANURA PLANA, META, COLOMBIA / CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL FERTILITY IN PRODUCTION SYSTEMS OF A FLAT HIGH PLATEAU, META, COLOMBIA

La Altillanura Plana de la Orinoquia de Colombia es por excelencia una despensa agropecuaria. Su fertilidad química dependerá principalmente de sistemas productivos que involucren un manejo de los suelos de manera apropiada y que incrementen los contenidos de la materia orgánica del suelo (MOS). Se aplicó un análisis de tipo multivariado con el objetivo de caracterizar la fertilidad química de los suelos en algunos sistemas productivos de la Altillanura Plana comparados con otros de Piedemonte del departamento del Meta, Oriente de Colombia. Fueron seleccionados cinco sistemas productivos en cada zona. Se encontró una alta variabilidad en las características químicas de los suelos, siendo la MOS y la acidez de los suelos las que tuvieron mayor capacidad discriminatoria entre los sistemas productivos. El análisis de clúster conformo tres grupos bien definidos: suelos de alta, mediana y baja fertilidad; y aunque no se encontró un patrón definido en cuanto a los sistemas productivos que los caracterice en cada uno de los grupos, cinco de los sistemas productivos de Piedemonte estuvieron ubicados en suelos de baja fertilidad. Las pasturas mejoradas y los sistemas silvopastoriles (SPSs) de la Altillanura Plana son una buena opción para aumentar la fertilidad química de los suelos.

The flat high plateau of the Colombian Orinoquia is, par excellence, an agricultural pantry. Its chemical soil fertility depends mainly of productive systems that involve appropriate soil management that increment soil organic matter (SOM). A multivariate analysis was applied in order to characterize the soil chemical fertility in some productive systems of the flat high plateau compared to other foothills of the Department of Meta in the western region of Colombia. Five production systems were selected for each zone. A high variability in the chemical characteristics of the soils was found, being SOM and the acidity of the soils the ones having greater discriminatory capacity among the productive systems. Cluster analysis consisted of three well-defined groups: high, medium and low fertility soils and, although a definite pattern of productive systems was not found in each of the groups, five productive foothill systems were located in low fertility soils. The improved pastures and the silvopastoral systems (SPSs) of flat high plateaus are a good option to increase the chemical fertility of the soils.

Studies on Composition of Soil Organic Matter by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy Differential Analysis / 分析化学

Fourier transform mid-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method was used to analyze the soil organic matter (SOM) composition of a black soil under different management types. Spectral subtraction method was used for eliminating the interference of soil mineral to the absorption peak. Peaks at 2920,2850,1630 and 1420 cm-1were selected as a range of organic functional groups, and relative areas of these peaks were calculated by integral method. The correlation between peak areas and the content of SOM fractions were analyzed. Positive correlations between carbon (C) in fractions representing labile SOM (water-soluble organic carbon,hot water-soluble organic carbon, free light fraction carbon, occluded light fraction carbon) and the peak area at 2920 cm-1in the bulk soil indicated that this aliphatic peak corresponded to the more labile C compounds. Negative correlations between the same fractions and the area of the predominantly aromatic peak at 1630 cm-1in the bulk soil suggested a relationship with more stable SOM compounds. The ratio of the peaks at 1630 and 2920 cm-1was positively correlated with the ratio of stable C(heavy fraction) to labile C (light fraction) and thus taken as an indicator of SOM stability. This method was convenient, low cost and less sample usage,and could be used to analyze the organic carbon composition of soils which has the same mineral composition.

Chemical and physical properties of an anthropogenic dark earth soil from Bragança, Para, Eastern Amazon / Propriedades físicas e químicas de Terra Preta Antropogênica em Bragança, Pará, Amazônia Oriental

Although anthropogenic dark earth (ADE) is generally found in non-floodable land, it also occurs on floodplains but, there is no information about the chemical and physical characteristics of ADE in this environment. In this study, we propose to check the hypothesis that a Gleysol, classified as ADE, presents improved chemical and physical conditions than an adjacent soil, no anthropogenic. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize the chemical and physical properties of the top layer of two ADE profiles in a Gleysol and compare them with an adjacent soil. Samples were taken from two areas classified as ADE in Bragança, Pará State, Brazil, at the "Jabuti" archaeological site, and from an adjacent non-anthropogenic site. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected at the soil depth of 0.05-0.10 m for chemical (pH, potential acidity, exchangeable cations, and soil organic carbon) and physical (soil particle size distribution, particles density, water retention curve, total porosity, microporosity, macroporosity, and bulk density) analysis. The two areas of ADE in a Gleysol, showed improved soil chemical properties compared to the adjacent soil, particularly in relation to phosphorus and calcium levels that contributed to higher cation exchange capacity which, in turn, was positively related to organic carbon content. Changes in soil physical properties were less noticeable but both areas of ADE presented higher water retention capacity, particularly at low tension. The improved conditions of the ADE soil under Gleysols shows that these areas are adequate for soil cultivation, especially with plants adapted to floodplain.

Embora as terras pretas antropogênicas (TPA) geralmente são encontradas em áreas de terra firme, elas também ocorrem em áreas e várzeas, mas, não há informações sobre as características químicas e físicas de TPA neste ambiente. Neste estudo, nós propomos verificar a hipótese de que um Gleissolo, classificado como TPA, apresenta melhores condições químicas e físicas do que o solo adjacente, não antropogênico. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi caracterizar as propriedades químicas e físicas da camada superficial de dois perfis de TPA em um Gleissolo e compará-los com um solo adjacente. Amostras de solo foram coletadas em duas áreas classificadas como TPA em Bragança, Estado do Pará, Brasil, no sítio arqueológico "Jabuti" e em uma área adjacente não antropogênica. Amostras de solo com estrutura deformada e indeformada foram coletadas na profundidade de 0,05-0,10 m para análises químicas (pH, acidez potencial, cátions trocáveis, e carbono orgânico do solo) e físicas (distribuição do tamanho das partículas do solo, densidade de partículas, curva de retenção de água, porosidade total, microporosidade, macroporosidade e densidade do solo). As duas áreas de TPA em Gleissolo, apresentaram melhores propriedades químicas comparadas com o solo adjacente, principalmente em relação aos níveis de fósforo e cálcio que contribuíram para a maior capacidade de troca catiônica que, por sua vez, foi positivamente relacionada com o conteúdo de carbono orgânico. Mudanças nas propriedades físicas do solo foram menos pronunciadas, mas as duas áreas de TPA exibiram maior capacidade de retenção de água, sobretudo em baixa tensão.

Caracterização e estoques de carbono de sistemas agroflorestaisno Cerrado de Minas Gerais / Characterization and carbon storage of agroforestry systems in brazilian savannas of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Os sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) além de geração de renda e conservação da biodiversidade pode ser uma alternativa para a estocagem de carbono. O trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar três sistemas agroflorestais (SAFs) e estimar os estoques de carbono na fitomassa aérea, na serapilheira e no solo. Os SAFs e suas respectivas vegetações nativas adjacentes foram caracterizados quanto ao número, classificação botânica,distribuição diamétrica e estratificação vertical dos indivíduos arbóreose. Em cada um dos sistemas, foram estimados os estoques de carbono na fitomassa aérea, na serapilheira e no solo. Os SAFs,implantados a partir do manejo da vegetação nativa, apresentaram uma biodiversidade vegetal e estoque de carbono na fitomassa, na serapilheira e no solo semelhantes à área de vegetação nativa adjacente. Por outro lado, os estoques de carbono no SAF implantado em área anteriormente cultivada com culturas anuais apresentou menor diversidade de espécies arbóreas e estoques de carbono na fitomassa, serapilheira e no solo, em relação à vegetação nativa adjacente. Sistemas agroflorestais bem manejados se assemelham à vegetação nativa em estoque de carbono e conservação da biodiversidade dos recursos naturais.

Agroforestry systems (SAFs) as well as income generation and biodiversity conservation can be an alternative to carbon stocks. The study aimed to characterize and estimate the soil and plant carbon stocks of SAFs in Brazilian savannas of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Three agroforestry systems and their adjacent native vegetation were evaluated. In addition, the forest inventory, the diameter distribution and vertical stratification of tree species were measured. The SAFs deployed from the management of native vegetation had a plant biodiversity and carbon stock in biomass, litter and soil similar to that of the adjacent area of native vegetation. On the other hand, carbon stocks in SAF deployed in the area cultivated with annual crops had lower species diversity and carbon stocks in biomass, litter and soil in relation to native vegetation adjacent. Agroforestry systems well managed have carbon stocks and biodiversity of natural resources like native vegetation.

Abundância natural de δ 13C e δ 15N em sistemas de manejo conservacionista no cerrado / Natural abundance of δ 13C and δ 15N in management systems conservation in the cerrado

Diferentes sistemas de uso e manejo do solo modificam o sinal isotópico do 13C e 15N do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a abundância natural de 13C e 15N no perfil do solo em áreas com diferentes sistemas de uso do solo no Cerrado goiano. Foram avaliados dois sistemas com rotação de culturas: integração lavourapecuária - ILP (milho+braquiária/feijão/algodão/soja) e sistema plantio direto - SPD (girassol/milheto/soja/milho). Uma área de Cerrado natural (Cerradão) foi tomada como condição original do solo. Foram coletadas amostras de solo nas camadas de 0,0-10,0; 10,0-20,0; 20,0-30,0; 30,0-40,0; 40,0-50,0; 50,0-60,0; 60,0-80,0 e 80,0-100,0 cm e mensurados o 15N e 13C do solo por meio de espectrômetro de massa. Em relação ao 13C, verificou-se predomínio de plantas C3 no Cerrado e influência das plantas C4 nas áreas de SPD e ILP. Os valores de 15N apresentaram um enriquecimento isotópico de acordo com o aumento da profundidade, com maiores valores de 15N observados nas áreas cultivadas. A substituição da vegetação original de Cerradão para implantação de SPD e ILP acarretou mudanças no sinal 13C, ou seja, após 17 anos de cultivo, a incorporação de carbono das gramíneas nestas áreas proporcionou um aumento do sinal de 13C. A análise isotópica de 15N indicou maior mineralização da matéria orgânica do solo com o aumento da profundidade do solo e com maiores taxas nas áreas cultivadas.

Different land use systems and soil management modify the isotopic signal of soil 13C and 15N. The objective of this study was to evaluate the natural abundance the 13C and 15N in the soil profile in areas with different land use systems in the Cerrado of Goias State, Brazil. We evaluated two systems with crop rotation: croplivestock integration - CLI (corn + brachiaria/beans/cotton/soybean) and no-tillage system - NTS (sunflower/millet/soybean/corn). An area of natural Cerrado (Cerradão) was taken as the original condition of the soil. Soil samples were collected in layers of 0.0 to 10.0, 10.0 to 20.0, 20.0 to 30.0, 30.0 to 40.0, 40.0 to 50.0, 50.0 to 60.0, 60.0 to 80.0 and 80.0 to 100.0 cm, and the measured the 15N and 13C of the soil by mass spectrometer. Regarding 13C, it was found predominantly in the C3 plant Cerrado influence plant and C4 in the areas of NTS and CLI. The values presented 15N an isotopic enrichment according to the increase in depth, with higher values of 15N observed in cultivated areas. The replacement of the original vegetation of Cerrado for implantation of NTS and CLI led to changes in 13C, i.e., after 17 years of cultivation, the incorporation of carbon from grasses in these areas resulted in an increase in 13C signal.. Isotopic analysis of 15N indicated greater mineralization of soil organic matter with increasing soil depth and with higher rates in cultivated areas.

Effects of Nitrogen Availability on the Fate of Litter-Carbon and Soil Organic Matter Decomposition.

Aims: To determine whether addition of inorganic nitrogen (N) directly to maize litter (stalk and leaf) with differing tissue quality impacts litter and soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. We tested whether N addition leads to 1) faster litter decomposition, 2) less SOM-C decomposition and 3) increased incorporation of organic-C into soil-C fractions thereby increasing C sequestration potential in maize-based systems. Methodology: We investigated decomposition of two types of maize litter (stalk and leaf) with differing tissue quality both in the field and in a laboratory incubation experiment. In the field, litter was placed on the soil surface and at 10 cm soil depth to investigate the effect of litter burial and N addition on litter decomposition. Litter was harvested at six and twelve month intervals. In the incubation experiment, maize and stalk litter was ground and incorporated into the soil and incubated at 25ºC for 120 days. We measured CO2-C evolved and employed δ13C natural abundance differences between litter-C and SOM-C to measure both litter-C and SOM-C decomposition. At the end of the experiment, we examined soil-C storage via soil physical fractionation. Results: Exogenous N addition to litter had little effect both litter and SOM decomposition in the field and the laboratory except for in the stalk litter treatment where there was an 8% decrease in litter-C loss and a 5% increase in SOM-C loss in the laboratory incubation experiment. N addition to litter increased decomposition of litter in the first 20 days of litter decomposition in the laboratory incubation experiment, but reduced litter decomposition rates after day 20. N addition to litter had very little effect on C storage in soil aggregates. In the field, litter placement, and physical litter structure influenced decomposition much more than N inputs. Thus, adding N to litter is not an effective strategy to sequester C in maize-based systems.

The southern Brazilian grassland biome: soil carbon stocks, fluxes of greenhouse gases and some options for mitigation

The southern Brazilian grassland biome contains highly diverse natural ecosystems that have been used for centuries for grazing livestock and that also provide other important environmental services. Here we outline the main factors controlling ecosystem processes, review and discuss the available data on soil carbon stocks and greenhouse gases emissions from soils, and suggest opportunities for mitigation of climatic change. The research on carbon and greenhouse gases emissions in these ecosystems is recent and the results are still fragmented. The available data indicate that the southern Brazilian natural grassland ecosystems under adequate management contain important stocks of organic carbon in the soil, and therefore their conservation is relevant for the mitigation of climate change. Furthermore, these ecosystems show a great and rapid loss of soil organic carbon when converted to crops based on conventional tillage practices. However, in the already converted areas there is potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by using cropping systems based on no soil tillage and cover-crops, and the effect is mainly related to the potential of these crop systems to accumulate soil organic carbon in the soil at rates that surpass the increased soil nitrous oxide emissions. Further modelling with these results associated with geographic information systems could generate regional estimates of carbon balance.

Os campos do sul do Brasil são ecossistemas naturais com alta diversidade e têm sido há séculos importantes para a atividade pastoril e para outros importantes serviços ambientais. Este trabalho aponta os principais fatores que controlam os processos ecossistêmicos, revisa e discute os dados disponíveis sobre os estoques de carbono no solo e as emissões de gases de efeito estufa dos solos, e sugere oportunidades de mitigação das mudanças climáticas. A pesquisa sobre as emissões de carbono e gases de efeito estufa nos campos do sul do Brasil é recente e os resultados são ainda fragmentados. Os dados disponíveis indicam que os ecossistemas campestres naturais manejados adequadamente contêm estoques importantes de carbono orgânico no solo e, portanto, sua conservação é relevante para a mitigação das mudanças climáticas. Além disso, esses ecossistemas apresentam uma grande e rápida perda de carbono orgânico do solo quando convertidos para lavouras com preparo convencional do solo. No entanto, nas áreas já convertidas, há potencial para mitigar as emissões de gases de efeito estufa por meio de sistemas de cultivo usando plantio direto e rotações de culturas baseadas em plantas de cobertura de solo. O efeito está relacionado principalmente ao potencial desses sistemas de cultivo para acumular matéria orgânica do solo em taxas que superam o aumento das emissões de óxido nitroso. O uso de modelos com esses resultados associados aos sistemas de informação geográfica poderá gerar estimativas regionais de balanço de carbono.

The southern Brazilian grassland biome: soil carbon stocks, fluxes of greenhouse gases and some options for mitigation / Campos do sul do Brasil: estoques de carbono no solo, fluxos de gases de efeito estufa e algumas opções para mitigação

The southern Brazilian grassland biome contains highly diverse natural ecosystems that have been used for centuries for grazing livestock and that also provide other important environmental services. Here we outline the main factors controlling ecosystem processes, review and discuss the available data on soil carbon stocks and greenhouse gases emissions from soils, and suggest opportunities for mitigation of climatic change. The research on carbon and greenhouse gases emissions in these ecosystems is recent and the results are still fragmented. The available data indicate that the southern Brazilian natural grassland ecosystems under adequate management contain important stocks of organic carbon in the soil, and therefore their conservation is relevant for the mitigation of climate change. Furthermore, these ecosystems show a great and rapid loss of soil organic carbon when converted to crops based on conventional tillage practices. However, in the already converted areas there is potential to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by using cropping systems based on no soil tillage and cover-crops, and the effect is mainly related to the potential of these crop systems to accumulate soil organic carbon in the soil at rates that surpass the increased soil nitrous oxide emissions. Further modelling with these results associated with geographic information systems could generate regional estimates of carbon balance.

Os campos do sul do Brasil são ecossistemas naturais com alta diversidade e têm sido há séculos importantes para a atividade pastoril e para outros importantes serviços ambientais. Este trabalho aponta os principais fatores que controlam os processos ecossistêmicos, revisa e discute os dados disponíveis sobre os estoques de carbono no solo e as emissões de gases de efeito estufa dos solos, e sugere oportunidades de mitigação das mudanças climáticas. A pesquisa sobre as emissões de carbono e gases de efeito estufa nos campos do sul do Brasil é recente e os resultados são ainda fragmentados. Os dados disponíveis indicam que os ecossistemas campestres naturais manejados adequadamente contêm estoques importantes de carbono orgânico no solo e, portanto, sua conservação é relevante para a mitigação das mudanças climáticas. Além disso, esses ecossistemas apresentam uma grande e rápida perda de carbono orgânico do solo quando convertidos para lavouras com preparo convencional do solo. No entanto, nas áreas já convertidas, há potencial para mitigar as emissões de gases de efeito estufa por meio de sistemas de cultivo usando plantio direto e rotações de culturas baseadas em plantas de cobertura de solo. O efeito está relacionado principalmente ao potencial desses sistemas de cultivo para acumular matéria orgânica do solo em taxas que superam o aumento das emissões de óxido nitroso. O uso de modelos com esses resultados associados aos sistemas de informação geográfica poderá gerar estimativas regionais de balanço de carbono.

Variation in carbon stocks on different slope aspects in seven major forest types of temperate region of Garhwal Himalaya, India.

The present study was undertaken in seven major forest types of temperate zone (1500 m a.s.l. to 3100 m a.s.l.) of Garhwal Himalaya to understand the effect of slope aspects on carbon (C) density and make recommendations for forest management based on priorities for C conservation/sequestration. We assessed soil organic carbon (SOC) density, tree density, biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC) on four aspects, viz. north-east (NE), north-west (NW), south-east (SE) and south-west (SW), in forest stands dominated by Abies pindrow, Cedrus deodara, Pinus roxburghii, Cupressus torulosa, Quercus floribunda, Quercus semecarpifolia and Quercus leucotrichophora. TCD ranged between 77.3 CMg ha−1 on SE aspect (Quercus leucotrichophora forest) and 291.6 CMg ha−1 on NE aspect (moist Cedrus deodara forest). SOC varied between 40.3 CMg ha−1 on SW aspect (Himalayan Pinus roxburghii forest) and 177.5 CMg ha−1 on NE aspect (moist Cedrus deodara forest). Total C density (SOC+TCD) ranged between 118.1 CMg ha−1 on SW aspect (Himalayan Pinus roxburghii forest) and 469.1 CMg ha−1 on NE aspect (moist Cedrus deodara forest). SOC and TCD were significantly higher on northern aspects as compared with southern aspects. It is recommended that for C sequestration, the plantation silviculture be exercised on northern aspects, and for C conservation purposes, mature forest stands growing on northern aspects be given priority.

Caracterizacióneestructural de la materia orgánca de tres suelos provenientes del municipio de aquitania-boyacá, Cloombia / Strucural characcterization of organi matter of three soils from aquuitania-boyacá, Colomiaa / Caracteriação esstrutural da matéria orgânica de três sols provenientes do municipio de aquitania-boyacá, Colombia

La materia orgánica del suelo puede variar considerablemente en su estructura, composición y conformación, de acuerdo con el origen y la edad de los materiales que la constituyen. En la presente investigación se procedió a caracterizar, mediante el empleo de la espectroscopia infrarroja y la resonancia magnética nuclear en estado sólido, dos suelos inceptisoles (I01 y I02) y un histosol (H03) destinados al cultivo de cebolla larga, en el municipio de Aquitania-Boyacá, Colombia, a dos profundidades: 0 - 10 y 40 - 50 cm. Según los espectros infrarrojos, se detectó la presencia de grupos OH (debida posiblemente a fenoles, ácidos carboxílicos o alcoholes), grupos aromáticos y alifáticos. Los espectros de 13C-RMN en estado sólido con CPMAS evidenciaron el siguiente orden respecto a la cantidad de carbonos que conforman la materia orgánica del suelo: H03-0 =100 y H03 -40 = 88, I02-0 = 23 y I02-40 = 0, y finalmente I01-0 = 17 y I01-40 = 12, confirmándose la disminución de carbonos en la materia orgánica a través del perfil del suelo, y además se estableció que el carbón resonante en la región δ = 108-50 ppm de los espectros (N - y O-alquilos y acetales) dominó en toda la MOS obtenida; le siguió el carbón aromático (la cantidad de carbonos que conforman la materia orgánica del suelo: H03-0 =100 y H03 -40 = 88, I02-0 = 23 y I02-40 = 0, y finalmente I01-0 = 17 y I01-40 = 12, confirmándose la disminución de carbonos en la materia orgánica a través del perfil del suelo, y además se estableció que el carbón resonante en la región δ = 108-50 ppm de los espectros (N - y O-alquilos y acetales) dominó en toda la MOS obtenida; le siguió el carbón aromático (ó = 168-108 ppm) para los suelos I01-0 y H03-40, y el carbón alifático (δ = 0-50 ppm) para los suelos I01-40, I02-0 y H03-0. Finalmente, el carbón C = O (δ = 220-162 ppm) fue el menos dominante en la materia orgánica del suelo en todos los tres suelos caracterizados.

Generally, soil organic matters may differ in structure, composition and conformation according to their origin and age. In the present work structural composition of three soil organic matters, as determined by IR and solid-state CPMAS 13C-NMR spectroscopy of two Inceptisol soils (I01 and I02) and one Histosol soil (H03) from the Aquitania-Boyacâ town in Colombia are presented (in these soils farmers have grown large onion crops). Measurements were performed at two different depths 0 - 10 and 40 - 50 cm, respectively. According to the IR spectra the presence of OH-groups (from phenols, carboxylic acids and alcohols), aromatic and aliphatic groups were identified. The 13C NMR spectra revealed a decreasing amount of organic matter with increasing depth in the following relative order: H03-0 = 100 and H03-40 = 88, I02-0 = 23 and I02-40 = 0, and finally I01-0 = 17 and I01-40 = 12. The carbon peaks resonating in the ô = 108-50 ppm region of the spectra (N- and O-alkyls and acetals) dominated in almost all the extracted soils, with aromatic carbon peaks (δ = 168-108 ppm) showing the second most intense peaks for the samples I01-0 and H03-40. The aliphatic carbon (δ = 0-50 ppm) revealed the second most intense peaks in samples I01-40, I02-0 and H03-0. Finally, carbonyl carbon (δ = 220-162 ppm) contributed the smallest signal intensity in all the three soil samples.

A matéria orgânica do solo pode variar consideravelmente em sua estrutura, composição e conformação. Na presente pesquisa procedeu-se à caracterização mediante o emprego da espectroscopia de infravermelho e ressonância magnética nuclear no estado solido dos solos inseptisoles (101 e 102) e um histosol (H03) destinados ao cultivo de cebola no município de Aquitania -Boyacá, Colômbia a duas profundidades diferentes 0 - 10 e 40 - 50 cm, respectivamente. Encontrou-se de acordo aos espectros de infravermelho a presença de grupos OH (devido possivelmente a fenóis, ácidos carboxílicos o álcool), grupos aromáticos e alifáticos. Os espectros de 13C-RMN em estado solido com CPMAS evidenciarão o seguinte ordem de acordo à quantidade de carbonos que conformam a matéria orgânica do solo: H03-0 = 100 e H03-40 = 88, I02-0 = 23 e I02-40 = 0, e finalmente I01-0 = 17 e I01-40 = 12, sugerindo que a quantidade total de carbonos na matéria orgânica decresce a través do perfil do solo e além de mais, estabeleceu-se que o carbono ressonante na região δ = 108-50 ppm dos espectros (N- y O-alquilos e acetales) dominó em tudo a MOS extraída, seguiu-se o carbono aromático (δ = 168-108 ppm) para os solos I01-0 e H03-40; e o carbono alifático (δ = 0-50 ppm) para os solos I01-40, I02-0 e H03-0, finalmente o carbono carbonilo (δ = 220-162 ppm) foi o menos dominante na matéria orgânica do solo em todos os três solos caracterizados.

Estoques de C e de N e produtividade do milho sob sistemas de preparo e adubação nitrogenada em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo do cerrado piauiense / C and N stocks and maize yield under tillage systems and nitrogen fertilization at Red Yellow Latosol in the savanna of the Piauí State

Os estoques totais de carbono orgânico (C) e nitrogênio (N) e a produção de culturas são influenciados pelo preparo do solo, pelo aporte de resíduos e pela fertilização nitrogenada. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito de diferentes sistemas de preparo associados às doses de nitrogênio sobre a produtividade do milho e os estoques de C e N de um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo no cerrado piauiense. O experimento foi realizado no Município de Baixa Grande do Ribeiro, sudeste do Estado do Piauí. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 5, (dois sistemas de preparo: (plantio direto (PD) e convencional (PC) e; cinco doses de nitrogênio (0, 60, 120, 180 e 240kg N ha-1)), com seis repetições. Foram avaliados a produtividade de grãos (PG), os aportes de C e N, provenientes da cultura do milho, e os estoques de C e N no solo, nas camadas de 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 e 20-40cm. As doses de N ocasionaram resposta quadrática na produtividade de grãos e no aporte e estoque de C e N, tanto no PC, quanto no PD. As maiores produtividades de grãos foram obtidas com as doses de 138 e 134kg N ha-1 para PC e PD, respectivamente. Os maiores aportes de C e N no PC foram observados nas doses de 140 e 175kg ha-1 de N e no PD, nas doses de 139 e 100kg ha-1 de N, respectivamente. A adubação nitrogenada aumentou os estoques de C no solo, no sistema PD, em comparação ao PC, nas camadas de 0-5 e 5-10cm. A adoção do sistema plantio direto em combinação com aplicação balanceada de fertilizante nitrogenado é importante para construção da matéria orgânica em solos do cerrado piauiense.

Total soil organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks and crop yield are influenced by tillage, biomass input from crop and nitrogen fertilization. This research aimed to evaluate the effect of different tillage systems associated to nitrogen doses on corn yield and C and N stocks in the Red Yellow Latosol in savanna of Piauí state, Brazil. The experiment was carried out in Baixa Grande do Ribeiro, south of Piauí state. The treatments were distributed in a randomized complete blocks and factor arrange 2x5, two tillage systems (no-tillage (NT) and conventional (CT)) and five nitrogen doses (0, 60, 120,180 and 240kg ha-1 N), respectively, with six replications. The corn grain yield (GY) and C and N inputs were measured and C and N soil stocks were evaluated in the 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40cm. N doses caused a quadratic response in the grain yield, C and N inputs from maize crop and soil C stocks in both tillage systems. Higher GY were obtained by 138 and 134kg N ha-1 to CT and NT, respectively. Higher C and N inputs were obtained by 140 and 175kg N ha-1, in the CT and by 139 and 100kg N ha-1 in the NT system, respectively. Nitrogen fertilization increased soil C stocks in the NT comparing to CT in the 0-5 and 5-10 depths. No tillage adoption combined with balanced nitrogen fertilization can be important to soil organic matter production in soils under cerrado of Piauí state.

Short term diurnal and temporal measurement of methane emission in relation to organic carbon, phosphate and sulphate content of two rice fields of central Gujarat, India.

Methane emission from two rice fields of Lambhvel village, Anand district, central Gujarat, India, was measured for whole cultivation period during pre-summer season. Along with the methane emission, soil chemistry of the two rice fields (Organic carbon, PO4 -2 and SO4 -2) was determined. The methane emission ranged from 105.67 to 720.64 mg m-2hr-1, having maximum emission during noon period (11 am to 1 pm) of the day at the rice field 1. Besides, at rice field 2, the methane emission ranged between 201.59 to 430.94 mg m-2hr-1, having maximum peak during same period (11 am to 1 pm) of the day. The results of the current investigation confirm that the methane emission vary substantially between two rice fields, and suggest that soil chemistry and flood water depth might control the methane emission in both the rice fields and suppressed by the phosphate and sulphate concentrations. The greater methane emission was gradually declined from first trip to fourth trip. Correlation analysis, ANOVA and F-test showed that the methane emission from both the sites has positive correlation with organic carbon and negative correlation with sulfate and phosphate content of the soil and the details of these reasons are discussed in this paper.

Frações oxidáveis do carbono orgânico de latossolo cultivado com cafeeiro em diferentes espaçamentos de plantio / Oxidizible organic carbon fractions in a latosol cultivated with coffee at different planting spacings

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a suscetibilidade à oxidação pelo permanganato de potássio do carbono presente em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico, cultivado com cafeeiro (Coffea arabica L.), em diferentes espaçamentos de plantio, em experimento localizado na Fazenda Experimental da EPAMIG, em Machado (MG). Os tratamentos avaliados, instalados a campo em 1992, consistiram na combinação de quatro espaçamentos entre linhas (2,0, 2,5, 3,0 e 3,5 m), com três espaçamentos entre plantas (0,5, 0,75 e 1,0 m). Uma área de mata próxima ao experimento foi amostrada e usada como referência. Para a avaliação do grau de oxidação do carbono orgânico (CO), as amostras de solo foram coletadas na entrelinha (EL) e na projeção da copa (PC) do cafeeiro, nas camadas de solo de 0-0,05 e 0-0,1 m. Na camada superficial do solo (0-0,05 m), os teores de C lábil na entrelinha são, em geral, maiores do que os observados nas amostras coletadas na projeção da copa do cafeeiro. A amplitude de variação dos teores de C nas frações orgânicas obedece à seguinte ordem decrescente: C lábil> C não lábil > C orgânico, o que indica o maior potencial do C lábil em avaliar o impacto de diferentes sistemas de adensamento e manejo do cafeeiro, sobre os compartimentos de matéria orgânica. Os teores de C lábil e C não lábil não são influenciados pelo número de plantas por área, mas são dependentes da largura de rua do cafeeiro, da profundidade e do local de coleta das amostras de solo.

The present work was carried out to evaluate soil carbon susceptibility to oxidation by potassium permanganate in adystroferric Red Latosol (Oxisol) cultivated with coffee (Coffea arabica L.) at different planting spacings. The experiment was installed in 1992 at the Experimental Farm of EPAMIG, in Machado (Minas Gerais State-Brazil). Treatments consisted of a combination of four row spacings (2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 m) with three spacings within the row (0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 m). As a reference, soil samples were also collected in an area under native forest. For assessing the degree of oxidation of the organic carbon (OC), soil samples were collected at the inter-row and in the coffee canopy projection, at the 0-0.05 and 0-0.1 m soil depths. Labile C in inter-row samples located at the soil surface layer(0-0.05 m) is, in general, higher than that measured in samples collected in the coffee canopy projection. The amplitude of variation of C in different soil organic fractions follows the order: labile C > non labile C > Organic C.Thus, labile C could be used as a sensitive index to evaluate the impact of different coffee planting systems and management practices on soil organic matter pools. Labile and non labile C contents are not influenced by the number of coffee plants per area. However, these indexes are dependent on coffee plants inter-row spacings, soil depth and sampling location.

Coesão e atrito interno associados aos teores de carbono orgânico e de água de um solo franco arenoso / Cohesion and angle of internal friction associated with soil organic carbon and water content in Hapludult

Alterações na densidade, na estrutura e no teor de carbono orgânico do solo, produzidas pelo sistema de manejo, afetam os parâmetros da resistência ao cisalhamento. O presente estudo foi proposto com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos do acúmulo de carbono orgânico (CO) sobre a resistência ao cisalhamento de um Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo arênico. Amostras da camada superficial (0-0,02m) do solo, com teor de CO variando entre 6,5 e 18,8g kg-1 e umidade equilibrada nas tensões de 6, 100 e 500kPa, foram submetidas ao ensaio de cisalhamento direto, empregando-se tensões normais variando de 13,6 a 443,0kPa, determinando-se os valores de coesão e do ângulo de atrito interno. Além dos teores de CO, determinaram-se também a umidade gravimétrica, o grau de saturação de água e a densidade do solo das amostras. O ângulo de atrito interno médio do solo foi de 32,5, 34,9 e 35,4 graus, enquanto que a coesão foi de 0,00, 1,06 e 7,95kPa, respectivamente, para amostras com umidade equilibrada nas tensões de 6, 100 e 500kPa. Nas amostras mais secas (500kPa), o ângulo de atrito interno decresceu com o aumento do conteúdo de CO do solo. A coesão determinada pelo ensaio de cisalhamento direto mostrou-se independente do teor de carbono orgânico e decresceu com o aumento do teor de água do solo.

Changes in soil structure, bulk density and organic carbon content, caused by tillage systems, affect shear strength parameters. The present study was proposed with the objective of evaluating the effects of increased in soil organic carbon (SOC) content on the shear strength of an Hapludult (Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo arênico, Brazil System). Soil surface samples (0-0.02 m), with SOC content varying from 6.5 to 18.8g kg-1 and soil moisture equilibrated at tensions of 6, 100 and 500kPa, were submitted to the direct shear tests with normal tensions varying from 13.6 to 443.0kPa. Cohesion and angle of internal friction values were determined. Besides SOC content, the water content, the saturation degree and the soil bulk density of the samples were determined. The angle of internal friction was of 32.5, 34.9 and 35.4 degrees, while the cohesion was of 0.00, 1.06 and 7.95kPa, respectively for the samples with moisture at 6, 100 and 500 kPa tension. In the driest samples (500kPa), the angle of internal attrition decreased with the increase of the SOC content. The cohesion determined in the direct shear tests was independent of the SOC content. However, the cohesion decreased with the increase of the soil water content.

Copper concentration of vineyard soils as a function of pH variation and addition of poultry litter

Copper (Cu) concentration was evaluated as a function of pH variation and addition of poultry litter to a Dystrophic Lithic Udorthent and a Humic Dystrudept from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, cultivated with vines treated with successive applications of Cu-based product. Samples were collected from the surface layer (0 to 10 cm). Soluble Cu concentration was determined using DTPA and Mehlich III as extractants, and exchangeable Cu was determined in CaCl2. The availability of Cu was mainly affected by the soil pH. CaCl2 extractant had the best correlation with Cu concentration in contaminated soils, according to treatments applied. The addition of poultry litter did not reduce Cu availability in these soils. Total soil Cu content varied between 1,300 and 1,400 mg kg-1 in both soils. Copper available fractions, extracted by DTPA, CaCl2 and Mehlich III, averaged 35, 0.2 and 63 percent, respectively, of the total Cu present in the soil.

Avaliaram-se os teores de Cu em função da variação do pH e da adição de cama-de-frango de dois solos com elevados teores deste elemento. Foram coletadas amostras da camada superficial (0 a 10 cm) de um typical dystrophic Lithic Udorthent - LU (Neossolo Litólico distrófico típico) e de um Humic Dystrudept - HD (Cambissolo Húmico alumínico típico) da região da Serra do RS, cultivados com parreirais que receberam aplicações sucessivas de produtos à base de Cu. Foram determinados os teores de Cu solúvel em DTPA e pelo método Mehlich III, além do Cu trocável em CaCl2. A disponibilidade de Cu foi afetada principalmente pelo pH do solo. O extrator CaCl2 foi o que melhor se correlacionou com os teores de Cu em solos contaminados em função dos tratamentos aplicados. A adição de cama-de-frango não diminuiu a disponibilidade de Cu destes solos. Os teores de Cu total variaram entre 1.300 e 1.400 mg kg-1 nos dois solos. Considerando os teores totais de Cu nos solos, as frações "disponíveis", extraídas por DTPA, por CaCl2 e por Mehlich III representaram, em média, 35 por cento, 0,20 por cento e 63 por cento do total de Cu presente no solo, respectivamente.

Melhoria da agregação do solo através do sistema plantio direto / Soil particle aggregation improvement through no-tillage system

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar os efeitos de sistemas de manejo na melhoria do solo, principalmente quanto aos índices de agregação do solo. Em um Latosolo Vermelho distroférrico muito argiloso, na região oeste do Paraná, foram avaliados os efeitos do plantio direto, com e sem rotação de culturas, e o sistema convencional (uma aração e duas gradagens em comparação com a área de floresta, na capacidade de agregação das partículas do solo. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com três repetições. Os sistemas avaliados foram: 1) sistema plantio direto, incluindo plantas de cobertura e rotação de culturas (PD integral); 2) sistema plantio direto sem rotação de culturas previamente definida (PD tradicional); 3) sistema convencional (uma aração + duas gradagens no momento da implantação das culturas); e uma área de mata, utilizada como referência do estado original do solo. As amostras de solo foram coletadas em todos os tratamentos, e os índices de agregação do solo determinados foram: o diâmetro médio ponderado (DMP), o diâmetro médio geométrico (DMG) e o índice de estabilidade de agregados (IEA). Também os teores de carbono orgânico foram determinados em todos tratamentos. Os maiores valores de carbono orgânico, e também IEA, DMP, DMG foram encontrados na área de floresta, quando comparada aos demais tratamentos. O sistema de plantio direto, incluindo plantas de cobertura e rotação de culturas (PD integral) contribuiu para o aumento dos teores de carbono orgânico do solo, e também para um aumento do IEA, DMP e DMG em ambos locais (Santa Helena e Entre Rios dÆOeste) em ambas profundidades do solo (0 e 10 e 0,10 e 0,20m). Os melhores índices de agregação observada são indicadores de qualidade no manejo desses solos. O sistema convencional provocou a dispersão das partículas de solo, e conseqüente diminuição dos índices de agregação (IEA ), provocando queda nos níveis de matéria orgânica do solo quando comparado aos demais tratamentos.