Qualitative soil quality assessment is efficient in a grazing system with or without trees.

BACKGROUND: Soil quality (SQ) assessment is affected by methods that convert data sets into indices, and such analyses are expensive and time-consuming. Qualitative SQ assessments are faster and cheaper than quantitative methods and they can be repeated to monitor SQ in crop and pasture systems. We evaluated SQ using qualitative and quantitative SQ indicators of two grazing systems under Voisin rational grazing (VRG) with trees (WT) or without trees (NT). We took an adjacent native forest as a reference and we used principal component analysis (PCA) to compare the accuracy of the assessment methods. RESULTS: According to the set of indicators used for quantitative assessment, the WT system and the Forest had higher SQ than other systems as a result of higher values of soil physical and chemical indicators. This the reflected better performance of soil in functions related to structural support, nutrient cycling and biological productivity. According to the set of indicators used for qualitative assessment, the WT system showed better SQ than the NT areas because of the higher scores of all indicators and better performance of the soil functions, and those values were close to the Forest in the indicators. PCA applied to integrate the data of qualitative and quantitative indicators indicated that SQ in WT was similar to Forest. CONCLUSION: The qualitative evaluation was as efficient as the quantitative evaluation for SQ assessment in VRG areas with and without trees. Its use can promote farmers' autonomy and the development of skills to identify environmental factors that help to evaluate their practices. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diversity and botanical composition of native species in the Pampa biome in vineyards cultivated on soils with high levels of copper, zinc and manganese and phytoremediation potential.

Viticulture allows the preservation of native species inside vineyards in the Pampa biome. However, phytosanitary treatments in these areas can increase the levels of Cu, Zn and Mn. The study aimed to (i) verify the influence of Cu, Zn and Mn contents in Pampa biome soils; (ii) identify variables related to Cu, Zn and Mn that most contribute to the variation in richness, diversity, and dry matter production of native vegetation, (iii) investigate the phytoremediation potential of species present in vineyards. Botanical composition, Cu, Zn, Mn available in the soil, and plant nutritional composition in two vineyards (V1 and V2) and native field (NF) were evaluated. Vineyards showed higher Cu, Zn and Mn contents in the soil, resulting in the lowest biomass, richness, and diversity of native species. Mn in tissue was the most important variable in explaining the variation in dry matter. Zn in the soil helped to explain the difference in species richness and diversity. P concentration in tissue was important in elucidating the variation in species diversity. Paspalum plicatulum and Paspalum notatum have potential for phytostabilization of metals in vineyards.

Proposition of critical thresholds for copper and zinc transfer to solution in soils.

Several studies have reported increased copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in agricultural soils worldwide, mainly due to organic waste and successive leaf fungicide applications in crops. However, the critical transfer thresholds in soils, which can indicate the real risk of environmental contamination and toxicity to plants, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to define the maximum Cu and Zn adsorption capacity (MAC) and threshold (T-Cu and T-Zn) in different soils in Southern Brazil, which present different clay and organic matter (OM) levels. Bw (Oxisol) and A horizon (Inceptisol) samples were used to obtain soils with clay and OM contents ranging from 4 to 70% and from 0.5 to 9.5%, respectively. Cu and Zn adsorption curves were plotted for MAC determination purposes. Based on Cu and Zn MAC values, different concentrations of these elements were applied to the soils for subsequent quantification of available Cu and Zn levels (Mehlich-1 and water). T-Cu in soils with different clay contents ranged from 81 to 595 mg Cu kg-1, whereas T-Zn, from 195 to 378 mg Zn kg-1. T-Cu in soils with different OM levels ranged from 97 to 667 mg Cu kg-1, whereas T-Zn, from 226 to 495 mg Zn kg-1. T-Cu can be calculated through the equation: T-Cu = 75 × (%CL0.34) × (%OM0.39), whereas T-Zn: T-Zn = 2.7 × (CL) + 126 (by taking into consideration the clay content) and T-Zn = - 9.3 × (%OM)2 + 92.4 × (%OM) + 66 (by taking into consideration OM content). T-Cu and T-Zn can be used by researchers, inspection bodies, technical assistance institutions, and farmers as safe indicators to monitor the potential for environmental contamination.

Physiological responses of beet and cabbage plants exposed to copper and their potential insertion in human food chain.

Copper (Cu) can be toxic to vegetables when it is absorbed and accumulated at large concentrations, a fact that increases the risk of excessive addition of this metal to the human food chain. The aims of the current study are (1) to determine the Cu concentrations that have critical toxic effects on beet and cabbage plants, and the potential of these plants to enter the human food chain, as well as (2) to assess the physiological and biochemical responses of representatives of these vegetables grown in nutrient solution presenting increasing Cu concentrations. Beet and cabbage plants were grown for 75 days in pots filled with sand added with nutrient solution presenting six Cu concentrations: 0.00, 0.52, 1.02, 1.52, 2.02 and 2.52 mg Cu L-1. Dry matter yield and Cu accumulation in different plant organs were evaluated. Photosynthetic pigment contents, lipid peroxidation levels (TBARs), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activity and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations in leaves were evaluated. Critical Cu concentrations that led to toxicity in plant organs such as beetroot and cabbage head, which are often found in human diets, corresponded to 1.43 mg Cu L-1 and 1.59 mg Cu L-1, respectively. High Cu concentrations in the nutrient solution have increased Cu concentrations and accumulation in plant tissues. This outcome justified the increased POD and SOD enzyme activity in the leaves of beet and cabbage plants, respectively, and was the cause of reduced plant growth in both crops. Cabbage plants presented higher tolerance to increased Cu levels in the growing environment than beet plants. However, it is necessary being careful at the time to consume both vegetables, when they are grown in Cu-enriched environments.

Natural abundance analysis of the role played by 15 N as indicator for the certification of organic-system deriving food.

BACKGROUND: The natural abundance of stable isotope 15 N (δ15 N) in production systems has emerged as an alternative to distinguish organic products from conventional ones. This study evaluated the use of δ15 N values recorded for nitrogen fertilizers, soil and plant tissue in order to set the differences between organic and conventional agricultural production systems applied to rice, potatoes, apple and banana crops. RESULTS: Values of δ15 N recorded for N sources ranged from +5.58‰ to +18.27‰ and from -3.55‰ to +3.19‰ in organic and synthetic fertilizers, respectively. Values recorded for δ15 N in food from organic rice, potatoes and banana farms were higher than values recorded for δ15 N in conventional farms; the same was observed for values recorded for δ15 N in leaves from the four crops. CONCLUSION: Results have allowed for differentiation between production systems due to values of δ15 N recorded in leaves of all crops and food, for rice, potatoes and banana trees. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Application of Azospirillum on seeds and leaves, associated with Rhizobium inoculation, increases growth and yield of common bean.

Association of rhizobia with other plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB), such as Azospirillum, have the potential to increase crop yields. This work aimed to assess how Rhizobium tropici and Azospirillum brasilense alone or in combination, affect the growth and yields of common bean grains (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). In a field experiment, R. tropici and A. brasilense were inoculated on seeds, alone or in combination, associated or not with foliar spraying of A. brasilense. Shoot biomass, nitrogen accumulation, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield were evaluated. Application of A. brasilense, on seed or by foliar spraying, and seed inoculation of R. tropici, had an additive effect, increasing biomass and accumulated nitrogen, thousand-grain weight, and grain yield.

Biossólido no estabelecimento de espécies herbáceas e nos atributos químicos e microbiológicos em solo impactado pela mineração de carvão / Biosolids in the establishment of herbaceous species and in chemical and microbiological attributes in soil impacted by coal mining

RESUMO O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito da aplicação de diferentes concentrações de biossólido de lodo de esgoto, submetido a tratamento térmico, no estabelecimento de espécies herbáceas (aveia preta, ervilhaca e azevém) e nos atributos químicos e microbiológicos de um solo degradado pela mineração de carvão. O experimento foi instalado em área degradada pela mineração de carvão, localizada no munícipio de Treviso (SC), sendo os tratamentos compostos pelas concentrações de 0, 6,25, 100, 250 e 500 Mg ha-1 de biossólido, em parcelas de 2×2 m. Foram cultivadas espécies de aveia preta, ervilhaca e azevém de maneira consorciada, avaliando-se os parâmetros das plantas e os atributos químicos do solo nas profundidades 0-5, 5-10 e 10-20 cm. O biossólido proporcionou a elevação do pH do solo e o aumento dos teores disponíveis de P, K e carbono orgânico total e não influenciou na colonização micorrízica, na respiração basal do solo e na nodulação radicular. O uso do resíduo biossólido como substrato em áreas degradadas é uma alternativa para sua disposição final pela economia ao utilizá-lo como fertilizante, além dos benefícios ambientais, associados ao seu uso.

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of sewage sludge biosolid concentrations, submitted to thermal treatment, in the establishment of herbaceous species (black oats, vetches, and ryegrass) and in the chemical and microbiological attributes of a soil degraded by coal mining. The experiment was installed in an area degraded by coal mining, in Treviso/SC, with treatments composed of concentrations of 0; 6.25; 100; 250; and 500 Mg ha-1 of biosolids, in 2×2 m plots. Species of black oat, vetch, and ryegrass were grown in a consortium manner, evaluating the plant parameters and chemical attributes of the soil at depths 0-5, 5-10, and 10-20 cm. The biosolids provided improvements in soil fertility, such as pH elevation, increased levels available of P, K, and total organic carbon, in addition to not influencing mycorrhizal colonization, basal soil respiration, and root nodulation. The use of biosolid waste as a substrate in degraded areas is an alternative to its final disposal due to the economy when using it as a fertilizer, in addition to the environmental benefits associated with its use.

Copper and Zn distribution in humic substances of soil after 10 years of pig manure application in south of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

This study aims to evaluate available Cu and Zn levels in soil and related in soil organic matter (SOM) fractions (fulvic acids-FA, humic acids-HA, and humins-HU) after 10 years of application of pig slurry (PS) and pig deep litter (PL). Soil samples were collected from an experiment with black oat/corn succession under no-tillage in southern Brazil. The treatments consisted of fertilization of 90 and 180 kg N ha-1 applied as PS and PL from 2002 to 2012 and a control treatment without any fertilization. SOM chemical fractionation was performed in air-dried samples. Copper and Zn concentrations were analyzed in soil (total, EDTA- and CaCl2-extracted) and in SOM fractions. The amount of Cu and Zn (in mol) related to each fraction of SOM (Cu/C and Zn/C molar ratios) was established. The applications of PS and PL promoted the accumulation of total and available Cu and Zn, especially in the PL180 treatment. The highest amount of Zn was found with HU, while for Cu both HA and HU were important retention compartments. The highest Cu/CFA, Cu/CHA and Cu/CHU ratios were found with the addition of PL. Increases in Zn/C ratio were found mainly in FA fraction. The high levels of Cu and Zn obtained in the HCl-extracted SOM fraction suggest that a considerable part is bound to SOM and clay minerals with low energy. However, the SOM is an important source of metal adsorption in soils with swine manure application.

Liming as a means of reducing copper toxicity in black oats / Calagem como forma de redução da toxidez por cobre em aveia preta

ABSTRACT: Soils which are cultivated with grapevines have high available copper (Cu) content, which can be toxic to cover crops cohabiting vineyards, such as black oats. This study aimed to assess the effect of liming in reducing Cu toxicity in black oats grown in sandy soils. Samples of a Typic Hapludalf were collected at 0-20cm, dried and subjected to the addition of Cu (0 to 50Mg kg-1) and limestone (0, 1.5, and 3.0Mg ha-1). The soil was placed in a rhizobox and black oats were grown for 30 days. We assessed root and shoot dry matter production, copper (Cu), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents in the tissues; Cu content in the root symplast and apoplast, as well as Cu, carbon and pH values in the rhizosphere and bulk soil. Liming reduced Cu toxicity in black oats. Cu was preferentially accumulated in the roots, mostly in the apoplast, which may be the result of a plant tolerance mechanism to prevent the transport of Cu to the shoots.

RESUMO: Solos cultivados com videiras possuem alto teor de cobre (Cu) disponível, que pode ser tóxico às plantas de cobertura do solo que coabitam vinhedos, como a aveia preta. O estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da calagem na redução da toxidez por Cu em plantas de aveia preta cultivadas em solo arenoso. Amostras de um Argissolo Vermelho foram coletadas na camada de 0-20cm, secas e submetidas à adição de duas doses de Cu (0 e 50Mg kg-1) e três de calcário (0, 1,5 e 3,0Mg ha-1). O solo foi acondicionado em rhizobox e submetido ao cultivo de aveia preta durante 30 dias. Avaliaram-se a produção de matéria seca das raízes e da parte aérea, o teor de cobre (Cu), cálcio (Ca) e magnésio (Mg) nos tecidos; o teor de Cu no simplasto e apoplasto das raízes, e os teores de Cu, de carbono e valores de pH no solo rizosférico e não rizosférico. A aplicação de calcário reduziu a toxidez por Cu na aveia preta. O Cu foi preferencialmente acumulado nas raízes, especialmente no apoplasto, o que pode ser resultado de mecanismo de tolerância das plantas para evitar o transporte de parte do elemento para a parte aérea.

Forms of phosphorus transfer in runoff under no-tillage in a soil treated with successive swine effluents applications.

Successive swine effluent applications can substantially increase the transfer of phosphorus (P) forms in runoff. The aim of this study was to evaluate P accumulation in the soil and transfer of P forms in surface runoff from a Hapludalf soil under no-tillage subjected to successive swine effluent applications. This research was carried out in the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, from 2004 to 2007, on a Typic Hapludalf soil. Swine effluent rates of 0, 20, 40, and 80 m3 ha(-1) were broadcast over the soil surface prior to sowing of different species in a crop rotation. Soil samples were collected in stratified layers, and the levels of available P were determined. Samples of water runoff from the soil surface were collected throughout the period, and the available, soluble, particulate, and total P were measured. Successive swine effluent applications led to increases in P availability, especially in the soil surface, and P migration through the soil profile. Transfer of P forms was closely associated with runoff, which is directly related to rainfall volume. Swine effluent applications also reduced surface runoff. These results show that in areas with successive swine effluent applications, practices that promote higher water infiltration into the soil are required, e.g., crop rotation and no-tillage system.

Lixiviação e volatilização de nitrogênio em um Argissolo cultivado com videira submetida à adubação nitrogenada / Lixiviation and volatilization of nitrogen in Sandy Typic Hapludalf soil cultivated with grapevine submitted to the nitrogen fertilization

O nitrogênio (N) aplicado na superfície do solo em vinhedos pode ser perdido por volatilização ou lixiviação, sendo uma das possíveis explicações para o baixo aproveitamento de N pelas videiras. O trabalho objetivou avaliar as perdas de N por volatilização e lixiviação do N mineral em solo cultivado com videira submetida à adubação nitrogenada. Foram instalados dois experimentos em um vinhedo de Cabernet Sauvignon, em Rosário do Sul (RS), Brasil. No experimento 1, foram instalados lisímetros no solo que recebeu a aplicação de 0, 40, 80 e 120kg de N ha-1 ano-1 na forma de ureia e, durante o período de agosto a dezembro de 2009, foi coletada a solução do solo para a análise de N mineral. No experimento 2, foram instaladas câmaras coletoras no solo que recebeu, em agosto de 2010, a aplicação de 0, 20, 40, e 80kg de N ha-1 ano-1 na forma de ureia, 40kg de N ha-1 ano-1 de composto orgânico e 40kg de N ha-1 ano-1 de ureia revestida com polímeros, para avaliar a volatilização de N-NH3 do momento da aplicação até 80 horas depois da aplicação. As maiores concentrações de nitrogênio mineral na solução lixiviada foram encontradas nas doses mais elevadas de fertilizante mineral aplicado e ao longo da brotação e florescimento das videiras, o que pode diminuir o aproveitamento do nutriente pelas plantas. Os maiores fluxos e perdas de amônia do solo cultivado com videira para a atmosfera aconteceram nas doses mais elevadas de nitrogênio mineral aplicado, especialmente, depois de 44 horas da sua aplicação sobre a superfície do solo. A aplicação de ureia revestida com polímeros e composto orgânico promoveram as menores perdas de amônia por volatilização, o que pode estimular o aproveitamento de nitrogênio pelas videiras.

Nitrogen (N) applied in vineyards may be lost through volatilization or lixiviation. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the N losses through volatilization or lixiviation in vineyard submitted the N fertilization, at Sandy Typic Hapludalf soil in Southern Brazil. In the experiment 1, the treatments were applications of 0, 40, 80 and 120kg N ha-1, as urea form, and analyze N concentration in soil solution. The soil solution was collected by lysimeters during the cycle of the grapevines. In the experiment 2, the treatments were 0, 20, 40, and 80kg N ha-1, as urea form, 40kg ha-1 N as composed organic form and 40kg N ha-1 as urea covered with polymer to evaluate ammonia volatilization until 80 hours after N fertilization. The largest concentration of mineral nitrogen were detected in the leach solution from treatments of higher doses of mineral fertilizer, along the budding and along the flowering of grapevines and this factors may decrease the nutrient efficiency. The largest flows and losses of ammonia to the atmosphere from a soil cultivated with grapevines happened at treatments with highest doses of mineral nitrogen. The highest lose happened 44 hours after fertilizer application on soil surface. The application of urea coated with polymers and organic compounds showed the smallest ammonia losses by volatilization, which may improve nitrogen efficiency by grapevines.

Produção e composição química da uva de videiras Cabernet Sauvignon submetidas à adubação nitrogenada / Grapes yield and chemistry composition in Cabernet Sauvignon grapevine with nitrogen fertilization

A adubação nitrogenada em videiras é realizada para suprir a demanda da planta pelo nutriente. Porém, o nitrogênio (N) deve ser usado com prudência porque afeta a produção e a composição química da uva e do seu mosto, nem sempre na mesma direção. O trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito da aplicação de N na produção de uva, em seus componentes e na composição química do seu mosto. O experimento foi desenvolvido na safra 2004/05, em vinhedo de viníferas Cabernet Sauvignon, na área experimental da Embrapa Uva e Vinho, em Bento Gonçalves, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), sobre NEOSSOLO LITÓLICO. Os tratamentos foram testemunha, 15, 30, 45 e 60kg ha-1 de N aplicados durante o ciclo vegetativo e produtivo. Na maturação, a uva foi colhida, e o seguintes variáveis foram avaliadas: a produção por planta e por hectare, o comprimento e a largura de cachos e a massa de 100 bagas. Foram coletadas bagas de uva, sendo uma parte amassada, e no mosto foram determinados os sólidos solúveis totais, o pH, a acidez total, o ácido tartárico e málico, os polifenóis totais, as antocianinas e o N amoniacal. As bagas restantes foram trituradas, e foi analisado o total de N, P, K, Ca e Mg. Os resultados mostraram que a produção de uva de viníferas Cabernet Sauvignon em solos com teores médios de matéria orgânica é máxima com a aplicação de doses de 15 e 30kg ha-1 de N. A aplicação de N aumenta os teores de N amoniacal no mosto, mas diminui as antocianinas, e aumenta a porcentagem de K nas bagas, o que interfere na cor dos vinhos tintos e na formação de precipitados.

Fertilization of grapevines with N is generally accomplished to supply the demand for N. However N should be used with prudence because affect the yield and chemical composition of the grape and your must. The experiment was carried out in 2004/05, to evaluate the effect of N fertilization on the grape yield and on the chemical composition of the grape and must of Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines, at Udorthent soil at Southern Brazil, Bento Gonçalves city. The treatments were control, 15, 30, 45 and 60kg ha-1 N, added during the vegetative and productive period. In the maturation, the grape was collected. Grape yield by plant and by hectare, length and width of bunches were evaluated and 100 berries were weighted. Berries were collected and a part of them was used to evaluate soluble solids in the must, pH, total acidity, tartaric acid, malic acid, total phenols, anthocyanins and N ammonia. The remaining berries were triturated and used to evaluated total N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The results showed that the yield of Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines in soils with medium content of organic matter is maximum with the fertilization of 15 and 30kg ha-1 N. The N fertilization increased the values of ammonia in the must and potassium percentage in the berry, but decreased the values of anthocyanins, what interferes the color of red wines and the formation of precipitate

Aplicação de nitrogênio em videiras na Campanha Gaúcha: produtividade e características químicas do mosto da uva / Application of nitrogen in grapevines in the campaign of the Rio Grande do Sul: productivity and chemical characteristics of the grape must

A aplicação de N na videira, em geral, causa grande impacto na produção e nas características químicas da uva e do seu mosto e, conseqüentemente, no vinho. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito da aplicação de N na produção de uva e nas características químicas desejáveis do mosto. O experimento foi conduzido na safra 2004/05 em vinhedo comercial de viníferas Cabernet Sauvignon, na Empresa Pernod Ricard Brasil/Almadén, em Santana do Livramento, RS, sobre Argissolo Vermelho distrófico arênico. Os tratamentos constaram da aplicação de 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 e 85kg ha-1 de N. Na maturação, a uva foi colhida e avaliada a produção por planta, por hectare, o comprimento e a largura de cachos, e o peso de 100 bagas. Foram coletadas bagas de uva, sendo uma parte amassada e, no mosto, foram determinados os sólidos solúveis totais, o pH, a acidez total, o ácido tartárico, o ácido málico, os polifenóis totais, as antocianas e o N amoniacal. As bagas restantes foram trituradas e analisado o total de N, P, K, Ca e Mg. Os resultados mostraram que a aplicação de N em viníferas Cabernet Sauvignon não afetou a produção de uva e os componentes de rendimento. Além disso, a aplicação de doses crescentes de N em viníferas Cabernet Sauvignon, de forma destacada, aumentou, no mosto, os valores de acidez total e N amoniacal e diminuiu os valores de antocianas e, na baga de uva, aumentou a porcentagem do total de N e K.

The N fertilization in vines, in general, causes great impact in the yield and in chemistries characteristics of the grape and your must, consequently of the wine. The experiment was carried out in 2004/05, to evaluate the effect of the N fertilization in the grape yield and in chemistries characteristics of the must of Cabernet Sauvignon vines, at Sandy Typic Hapludalf soil in Southern Brazil, Santana do Livramento. The treatments were 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 85kg ha-1 N. In the maturation, the grape was collection and evaluate yield vine, yield hectare, length and width of bunches, and weight 100 berry. Berries were collected, a part mass the evaluate in the must soluble solids, pH, total acidity, tartaric acid, malic acid, total phenols, anthocyanins and N ammonia. The remaining berries were triturated and evaluate total N, P, K, Ca and Mg. The results showed that the N fertilization did not affect the grape yield and yield components. The application of N rates increased in the must the total acidity and N ammonia, and decreased anthocyanins, and in berry increased the percentage total N and K.