Ash content, carbon and C/N ratio in paricá in function of NPK fertilization

ABSTRACT Fertilization in areas of forest plantations is needed to supplement plants´ nutritional needs until harvest. An experiment was performed to check the influence of fertilization on levels of ash, carbon and C/N relation in Schizolobium amazonicum. Soil liming was performed and fertilization occurred after 15 days of incubation. S. amazonicum seedlings were produced and submitted to fertilization with N, P and K: N = 0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1; P2O5 = 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1; K2O = 0, 50, 100 and 200 kg ha-1. The plants were measured after 180 days. The seedlings of 20 treatments with the highest increase in height and diameter were transplanted to the field. Soil was fertilized and limestone was spread; seedlings were distributed into randomized blocks, with six replications. After 12 months, the plants were removed to determine ash, organic carbon, C/N relation contents. The ashes were submitted to digestion to determine nutrient concentrations. Fertilization influenced the levels of ash and organic carbon and C/N relation in S. amazonicum. Results indicate that the species has a potential for energy production.

Plant growth, nutrients and potentially toxic elements in leaves of yerba mate clones in response to phosphorus in acid soils

ABSTRACT Native to subtropical region of South America, yerba mate is responsive to P under some conditions, but the degree of influence of genetic and soil on the growth and composition of the leaf is unknown. The aim of study was to evaluate plant growth, nutrients and potentially toxic elements in leaves of yerba mate clones in response to P application in acid soils. In greenhouse condition, two yerba mate clone seedlings were grown (210 days) in pots, each clone in a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (with and without P; four acid soils). The elemental composition of leaves and the growth of plants were determined. Phosphorus promoted plant growth, but this was not accompanied by increased P in leaf tissue in all conditions tested. The P effect on the elemental composition varied: decrease/null (N, K, Mg, Mn, Cu, Ni, B, Mo, Al, Cd); increase/null (C/N, C, Ca, Fe, V); increase/decrease/null (Zn, Ba, Pb) and; null (Cr). The soils affect the elemental composition of the leaves, especially Mn, with accumulation greater than 1000 mg kg-1. The Ba, Pb, Al and Zn in the leaves varied among clones. Yerba mate response to P was affected by edaphic and plant factors.

Biological properties of disturbed and undisturbed Cerrado sensu stricto from Northeast Brazil / Propriedades biológicas de Cerrado sensu stricto preservado e não preservado do Nordeste do Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to measure soil microbial biomass and soil surface fauna in undisturbed and disturbed Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) from Sete Cidades National Park, Northeast Brazil. The following sites were sampled under Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) at the park: undisturbed and disturbed Css (slash-and-burn agricultural practices). Total organic and microbial biomass C were higher in undisturbed than in disturbed sites in both seasons. However, microbial biomass C was higher in the wet than in the dry season. Soil respiration did not vary among sites but was higher in the wet than in the dry season. The densities of Araneae, Coleoptera, and Orthoptera were higher in the undisturbed site, whereas the densities of Formicidae were higher in the disturbed site. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis separated undisturbed from disturbed sites according to soil biological properties. Disturbance by agricultural practices, such as slash-and-burn, probably resulted in the deterioration of the biological properties of soil under native Cerrado sensu stricto in the Sete Cidades National Park.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar as propriedades biológicas do solo em área de Cerrado sensu stricto preservadas e não preservadas do Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades, Nordeste do Brasil. Os seguintes sites sob Cerrado sensu stricto (Css) foram avaliados: preservado (UND) e não preservado (DIS). O C orgânico total e da biomassa microbiana foram maiores na área preservada do que na não preservada em ambas estações seca e chuvosa. Entretanto, o C da biomassa microbiana foi maior na estação chuvosa do que na seca. A respiração do solo não variou entre as áreas, mas foi maior na estação chuvosa. As densidades de Araneae, Coleoptera e Ortoptera foram maiores na área preservada, enquanto as densidades de Formicidae foram maiores na área não preservada. A analise de escalonamento não-métrico separou a área preservada da não-preservada de acordo com as propriedades biológicas. Os distúrbios no solo pelas atividades agrícolas, como corte-e-queima, resultaram na deterioração das propriedades biológicas do Cerrado nativo no Parque Nacional de Sete Cidades.

Composição corporal de cálcio e fósforo do útero gestante e da glândula mamária de ovelhas Santa Inês / Calcium and phosphorus content in gravidic uterus and mammary gland of Santa Inês breed ewes

Ovelhas Santa Inês com gestação simples e múltipla foram alimentadas com dietas formuladas para atender a 100% - grupo não restrito - e 85% - grupo restrito - das suas necessidades de energia metabolizável (EM) e proteína bruta (PB). Os animais foram abatidos aos 140 dias de gestação para a retirada do útero da glândula mamária e do útero gestante, os quais foram analisados para o conteúdo de cálcio e de fósforo em função dos tratamentos. A restrição nutricional não influenciou as concentrações de cálcio e fósforo no feto e no útero gestante. Foi observado um aumento de 11,68 gramas de cálcio e de 6,37 gramas de fósforo para cada quilograma de massa fetal produzido aos 140 dias de gestação. As concentrações de cálcio e de fósforo do útero e das membranas foram mais baixas nas ovelhas gestantes submetidas à restrição nutricional. O número de fetos e o manejo nutricional não resultaram em alterações na concentração nem no conteúdo de cálcio e fósforo nos fluidos fetais. O conteúdo de cálcio e de fósforo no útero gestante teve como principal fator de variação o tamanho da massa fetal produzida.

Santa Inês breed ewes with single and multiple gestations were fed diets to meet 100% - Group ad libitum - and 85% - restricted group - of metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) needs. The animals were slaughtered at 140 days of gestation for the removal of the gravidic uterus and mammary gland which were analyzed for calcium and phosphorus content. The nutritional restriction did not influence the calcium and phosphorus concentrations in the fetus and the pregnant uterus. The calcium and phosphorus content in the gravidic utero increased 11.68 grams and 6.37 grams for each kilogram of fetal mass produced at 140 days of gestation respectively. The calcium and phosphorus concentration in the uterus and membranes were lower in pregnant ewes subjected to nutritional restriction. The number of fetuses and nutritional management did not result in changes in the concentration or amount of calcium and phosphorus in fetal fluids. The calcium and phosphorus content in the gravidic uterus had the fetal weight as main variation factor.

Internal loads of nutrients in Lake Chaohu of China: implications for Lake Eutrophication

This study investigated the impact of internal nitrogen and phosphorus loading on water quality of Lake Chaohu, China. Results showed that the overall mean concentration of TN and TP in lake water was 1.09 +/- 0.84 and 0.15 +/- 0.84 [SD] mg/L, respectively, indicating Lake Chaohu was highly eutrophic during the study period. Mean benthic flux of NH[4+], NO[3-], and PO[43-] were 3.56 +/- 1.52 mg N/m[2]/d, -0.14 +/- 0.40 mg N/m[2]/ d, and -1.54 +/- 21.94 micro g P/m[2]/d in summer and were 3.16 +/- 1.83 mg N/m[2]/d, -0.03 +/- 0.30 mg N/m[2]/d, and - 0.11 +/- 2.58 micro g P/m[2]/d in fall, respectively. In this study, lake sediments acted as both a source of NH[4+] and a sink of PO[4][3-]. A scenario was used to understand the role of sediments on lake water quality. Results showed that Lake Chaohu would be eutrophic within a month under the impact of internal NH[4+] loading when water was diverted to the lake. This indicates that an integrated project combining both a diversion project and dredging of sediments would be necessary for future lake restoration

Fitase na dieta de alevinos de carpa húngara: desempenho e características de carcaça / Phytase in diet of common carp fingerlings: produtive performance and carcass traits

Foram utilizados 240 alevinos de carpa húngara, com peso médio de 3,42±0,32g, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e quatro repetições. A dieta basal foi formulada com ingredientes de origem vegetal (36 por cento de proteína bruta e 3.200kcal de energia digestível). Os tratamentos corresponderam a quatro níveis de fitase ativa (UF) por kg na dieta: zero (controle), 500, 1000 e 1500UF/kg. A cada 15 dias, foi realizada uma biometria e, ao término do período experimental (45 dias), 5 por cento dos animais foram eutanasiados para determinação do rendimento de carcaça e composição químico-bromatológica. Os parâmetros de desempenho avaliados foram: peso final, ganho de peso, comprimento total, taxa de crescimento específico e sobrevivência. A suplementação de fitase não influiu no desempenho produtivo, entretanto melhorou significativamente as características da carcaça.

A total of 240 fingerlings, with initial average weight 3.42±0.32g, were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments and four replicates. Basal diet consisted of vegetal ingredients (36 percent crude protein and 3,220kcal of digestible energy). Treatments corresponded to four levels of active phytase (UF) per kg of diet: zero (control), 500, 1,000, and 1,500. Every 15 days, a biometry was made and at the end of the experimental period (45 days) 5 percent of animals were euthanized to determine carcass yield and chemical-bromatologic composition. The following variables were evaluated: final weight, weight gain, total length, specific growth rate, and survial. There was no effect of phytase on productive performance; however, it significantly improved carcass characteristics.

Optimización de un juego de reactivo para determinar fósforo por método ultravioleta / Determination of phosphorus presence by UV method and the of a reactant kit optimization

Cada día, en la medicina clínica, cobra mayor auge el estudio de las enfermedades relacionadas con la formación del esqueleto y el metabolismo de los minerales, de gran importancia en afecciones renales y las relacionadas con la nutrición, donde desempe±a una función primordial el ion fósforo. Con vistas a ofertar a los laboratorios clínicos de Cuba un diagnosticador para determinar fósforo por un método ultravioleta, se formuló un monorreactivo listo para su uso, realizando la optimización de este, así como de la técnica de anßlisis dise±ada para su determinación, la cual es aplicable en los laboratorios clínicos de la red de salud que cuentan con el equipamiento tecnológico para la lectura en el espectro ultravioleta. Se optimizó cada uno de los componentes del monorreactivo, así como la técnica analítica mediante dise±os experimentales, y quedaron establecidos los valores óptimos de cada uno. Adicionalmente, se realizó una evaluación con el reactivo optimizado donde se obtuvo una curva lineal en el intervalo de interés clínico y un coeficiente de variación menor del 3 por ciento.

Every day, in clinical medicine, increase the interest for the diseases study related to skeletal development and the mineral metabolism, very important in renal affections and those related to nutrition, where it has an essential role the phosphorus ion. To offer Cuban clinical laboratories with diagnosis tool to determine the presence of phosphorus by a UV method, we formulated a monoreactive component ready for use, performing its optimization, as well as of the analysis technique designed to its assessment, which is applicable in clinical laboratories of health network with the technological equipment to read in UV spectrum. Each monoreactive component was optimized, as well as the analytical technique by means of experimental designs, staying the optimal values of each. Also, we performed an assessment using optimized reactive obtaining a lineal curve in clinical interest interval, and a variation coefficient lower than 3 percent.

Studies on production and characterization of enriched urban waste composts and their influence on crops productivity.

Enriched compost produced with use of municipal solid wastes (MSW) recorded narrow C:N ratio at the end of decomposition period than municipal solid wastes decomposed without enrichers. To enhance the decomposition rate, quality of municipal solid wastes and enrichers/amendments are found very significant for production of compost. Nutrient content particularly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium could be enhanced with addition of organic amendment/enrichers. Response of different crops for composts produced with addition of different enrichers like night soil, 25% distillery sludge and bio-fertilizers (Azospirillum sp and Bacillus sp) was conspicuous compared to the compost derived from municipal solid wastes alone with respect to increased growth and yield of crops. Among the enriched composts, night soil enriched compost significantly increased the response of potato and groundnut crops. According to farmer's opinion obtained with matrix scoring, chemical fertilizers and sheep penning are cheaper compared to pit compost or urban solid waste compost. While chemical fertilizers are considered to have adverse effects on soil more than pit compost, tank silt, sheep penning and urban solid waste. Weed infestation is associated more with urban waste than other sources. For dry land, agriculture urban waste could be useful due to good moisture holding capacity. Crop yields could be improved under low rainfall condition whenever pit compost or urban solid waste is used.

Bone response to a Ca- and P-enriched titanium surface obtained by anodization

This study evaluated bone response to a Ca- and P- enriched titanium (Ti) surface treated by a multiphase anodic spark deposition coating (BSP-AK). Two mongrel dogs received bilateral implantation of 3 Ti cylinders (4.1 x 12 mm) in the humerus, being either BSP-AK treated or untreated (machined - control). At 8 weeks postimplantation, bone fragments containing the implants were harvested and processed for histologic and histomorphometric analyses. Bone formation was observed in cortical area and towards the medullary canal associated to approximately 1/3 of implant extension. In most cases, in the medullary area, collagen fiber bundles were detected adjacent and oriented parallel to Ti surfaces. Such connective tissue formation exhibited focal areas of mineralized matrix lined by active osteoblasts. The mean percentages of bone-to-implant contact were 2.3 (0.0-7.2 range) for BSP-AK and 0.4 (0.0-1.3 range) for control. Although the Mann-Whitney test did not detect statistically significant differences between groups, these results indicate a trend of BSP-AK treated surfaces to support contact osteogenesis in an experimental model that produces low bone-to-implant contact values.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a resposta do tecido ósseo à superfície de titânio (Ti) enriquecida com Ca e P obtida por anodização (BSP-AK). Três cilindros de Ti (4,1 x 12 mm) BSP-AK ou usinado (controle) foram implantados bilateralmente nos úmeros de dois cães de raça indefinida. Oito semanas após a implantação, os fragmentos ósseos contendo os implantes foram removidos e processados para análises histológica e histomorfométrica. A formação óssea foi observada na região cortical e no canal medular até aproximadamente um terço da extensão do implante. Na maioria dos casos, feixes de fibras colágenas dispostos paralelamente à superfície do implante foram observados na região medular. Nessa região observaram-se também áreas focais de formação de matriz mineralizada e osteoblastos ativos. Os implantes do grupo BSP-AK apresentaram média de contato osso-implante 2,3 por cento, com medidas variando de 0,0 a 7,2 por cento e os do grupo controle tiveram média 0,4 por cento, com medidas variando de 0,0 a 1,3 por cento. Apesar do teste de Mann-Whitney não mostrar diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos, nossos resultados indicaram uma tendência para a ocorrência de osteogênese de contato na superfície BSP-AK em um modelo experimental que resulta em baixos valores de contato osso-implante.

Determination of reaction rates and activation energy in aerobic composting processes for yard waste.

The reaction rates and activation energy in aerobic composting processes for yard waste were determined using specifically designed reactors. Different mixture ratios were fixed before the commencement of the process. The C/N ratio was found to be optimum for a mixture ratio of 1:6 containing one part of coir pith to six parts of other waste which included yard waste, yeast sludge, poultry yard waste and decomposing culture (Pleurotosis). The path of stabilization of the wastes was continuously monitored by observing various parameters such as temperature, pH, Electrical Conductivity, C.O.D, VS at regular time intervals. Kinetic analysis was done to determine the reaction rates and activation energy for the optimum mixture ratio under forced aeration condition. The results of the analysis clearly indicated that the temperature dependence of the reaction rates followed the Arrhenius equation. The temperature coefficients were also determined. The degradation of the organic fraction of the yard waste could be predicted using first order reaction model.

Microhardness and fluoride release of restorative materials in different storage media

This study evaluated the surface microhardness and fluoride release of 5 restorative materials - Ketac-Fil Plus, Vitremer, Fuji II LC, Freedom and Fluorofil - in two storage media: distilled/deionized water and a pH-cycling (pH 4.6). Twelve specimens of each material, were fabricated and the initial surface microhardness (ISM) was determined in a Shimadzu HMV-2000 microhardness tester (static load Knoop). The specimens were submitted to 6- or 18-h cycles in the tested media. The solutions were refreshed at the end of each cycle. All solutions were stored for further analysis. After 15-day storage, the final surface microhardness (FSM) and fluoride release were measured. Fluoride dose was measured with a fluoride-specific electrode (Orion 9609-BN) and digital ion analyzer (Orion 720 A). The variables ISM, FSM and fluoride release were analyzed statistically by analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p<0.05). There was significant difference in FSM between the storage media for Vitremer (pH 4.6 = 40.2 ± 1.5; water = 42.6 ± 1.4), Ketac-Fil Plus (pH 4.6 = 73.4 ± 2.7; water = 58.2 ± 1.3) and Fluorofil (pH 4.6 = 44.3 ± 1.8; water = 38.4 ± 1.0). Ketac-Fil Plus (9.9 ± 18.0) and Fluorofil (4.4 ± 1.3) presented higher fluoride release in water, whereas Vitremer (7.4 ± 7.1), Fuji II LC (5.7 ± 4.7) and Freedom (2.1 ± 1.7) had higher fluoride release at pH 4.6. Microhardness and fluoride release of the tested restorative materials varied according to the storage medium.

Este estudo avaliou as propriedades de microdureza de superfície e liberação de flúor de 5 materiais restauradores (Ketac-Fil Plus, Vitremer, Fuji II LC, Freedom e Fluorofil) em dois meios de imersão: água destilada/deionizada e modelo de ciclagem de pH (4,6). Doze corpos-de-prova de cada material foram confeccionados e tiveram a microdureza de superfície inicial (MSI) determinada utilizando o microdurômetro Shimadzu HMV-2000 Micro Hardness Tester (carga estática Knoop). Os corpos-de-prova foram submetidos a ciclos de 6 e 18 h para os dois meios de imersão. A cada final de ciclo as soluções foram substituídas e armazenadas. Após 15 dias de imersão, a microdureza de superfície final (MSF) e a liberação de flúor foram determinadas. A dosagem de flúor foi feita com um eletrodo específico combinado para íon flúor (9609 BN - Orion) e analisador de íons digital (Orion 720 A). As variáveis MSI, MSF e liberação de flúor foram submetidas à análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Houve diferença estatisticamente significante na MSF entre os meios de imersão para o Vitremer (pH 4,6 = 40,2 ± 1,5; água = 42,6 ± 1,4), Ketac-Fil Plus (pH 4,6 = 73,4 ± 2,7; água = 58,2 ± 1,3) e Fluorofil (pH 4,6 = 44,3 ± 1,8; água = 38,4 ± 1,0). O Ketac-Fil Plus (9,9 ± 18,0) e o Fluorofil (4,4 ± 1,3) liberaram mais flúor na água; o Vitremer (7,4 ± 7,1), Fuji II LC (5,7 ± 4,7) e o Freedom (2,1 ± 1,7) no pH 4,6. A microdureza e liberação de flúor dos materiais restauradores estudados variaram de acordo com o meio de imersão.

Retarding fluoride accumulation in Amaranthes viridis through liming and implications of phosphorous treatment.

With an objective to retard fluoride being taken up by the plants from soil, a study was carried out on Amaranthes viridis. Four groups of treatment were carried out vis-à-vis fluoride alone, fluoride and calcium, fluoride and phosphorous and fluoride, calcium and phosphorous together at three different concentration levels vis-à-vis 1, 10 and 25 mg/kg soil of each. Sampling was carried out first on day 45 and at the end of reproductive phase on leaf and seed for accumulation of fluoride in the plants. It was observed that fluoride accumulation in plants could be averted through soil amendment by calcium treatment in the form of calcium carbonate thereby reducing the risk of human and livestock exposure to abnormal levels of fluoride through food chain other than protecting plants from getting affected. At the same time, fertilizing the soil contaminated with fluoride by superphosphate would aggravate fluoride accumulation and exacerbate fluorosis problem in human and livestock through food chain. Therefore it is recommended to use acid water-soluble orthophosphate or anhydrous dicalcium phosphate or soluble pyrophosphate fertilizers as an alternative.

A comparative evaluation of three fluoride varnishes: an in-vitro study.

This study was conducted to compare the caries preventive efficacy of Fluoritop - SR; the first fluoride varnish manufactured in India with Fluor Protector and Bifluorid 12, the two commercially available fluoride varnishes which have to be imported from other countries and are cost prohibitive. The demineralization inhibitory effects and the antibacterial effects on Streptococcus mutans were studied (in vitro). Calcium and Phosphorus dissolutions were estimated as a measure of the demineralization inhibitory effect. Antibiotic sensitivity tests using the serial tube dilution method and disk diffusion method were used to evaluate the antibacterial effects of the fluoride varnishes. Of the three varnishes, Fluor Protector was seen to exhibit the highest demineralization inhibitory effect, while Fluoritop-SR was found to be comparable to Bifluorid 12 in its caries protective effects.