Accumulation Capacity of Nickel and Zinc in Yerba Mate Cultivated in Soils with Contrasting Parent Materials.

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hill.) has shown a relatively high capacity for micronutrient absorption and could be a candidate for biofortification and combating a lack of micronutrients. To further evaluate the accumulation capacity of Ni and Zn, yerba mate clonal seedlings were grown in containers under five rates of Ni or Zn (0, 0.5, 2, 10, and 40 mg kg-1) with three soils originating from different parent material (basalt, rhyodacite, and sandstone). After 10 months, plants were harvested, divided into component parts (leaves, branches, and roots), and evaluated for 12 elements. The use of Zn and Ni enhanced seedling growth under rhyodacite- and sandstone-derived soils at the first application rate. Application of Zn and Ni resulted in linear increases based on Mehlich I extractions; recovery of Ni was smaller than Zn. Root Ni concentration increased from approximately 20 to 1000 mg kg-1 in rhyodacite-derived soil and from 20 to 400 mg kg-1 in basalt- and sandstone-derived soils; respective increases in leaf tissue were ~ 3 to 15 mg kg-1 and 3 to 10 mg kg-1. For Zn, the maximum obtained values were close to 2000, 1000, and 800 mg kg-1 for roots, leaves, and branches for rhyodacite-derived soils, respectively. Corresponding values for basalt- and sandstone-derived soils were 500, 400, and 300 mg kg-1, respectively. Although yerba mate is not a hyperaccumulator, this species has a relatively high capacity to accumulate Ni and Zn in young tissue with the highest accumulation occurring in roots. Yerba mate showed high potential to be used in biofortification programs for Zn.

Multi-elemental Analysis and Health Risk Assessment of Commercial Yerba Mate from Brazil.

Consumption of yerba mate occurs mostly in the form of hot infusion (chimarrão). Water solubility of elements found in commercialized yerba mate is needed to establish nutritional value and risks associated with potentially toxic elements. In this study, yerba mate products marketed in three Brazilian states (Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul) for chimarrão were analyzed. Total (dry product) and hot water-soluble concentrations of Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, S, Se, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Total concentrations of the ten top elements followed the order of K>Ca>Mg>Mn>P>S>Al>Fe>Ba>Zn. The most soluble elements were B, Cs, Ni, Rb, and K, with values greater than 80%. The lowest water-soluble elements were V, Fe, and Ti (values <10%), followed by Ba, Cd, Al, As, Sr, Ca, and Pb with solubility between 10 and 20%. Although total Cd levels in yerba mate products were often above those permitted by South America legislation, estimated daily consumption intake indicated no risk associated with the chimarrão beverage. Manganese was the micronutrient with the highest total and soluble levels in yerba mate, which surpassed recommended daily intake values when considering a consumption amount of 50 g day-1 of yerba mate as chimarrão. The consumption of yerba mate is safe and contributes to intake of nutrients. The Cd and Pb reference values of yerba mate products sold in South America should be revised.

A new hypothesis for the origin of Amazonian Dark Earths.

Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are unusually fertile soils characterised by elevated concentrations of microscopic charcoal particles, which confer their distinctive colouration. Frequent occurrences of pre-Columbian artefacts at ADE sites led to their ubiquitous classification as Anthrosols (soils of anthropic origin). However, it remains unclear how indigenous peoples created areas of high fertility in one of the most nutrient-impoverished environments on Earth. Here, we report new data from a well-studied ADE site in the Brazilian Amazon, which compel us to reconsider its anthropic origin. The amounts of phosphorus and calcium-two of the least abundant macronutrients in the region-are orders of magnitude higher in ADE profiles than in the surrounding soil. The elevated levels of phosphorus and calcium, which are often interpreted as evidence of human activity at other sites, correlate spatially with trace elements that indicate exogenous mineral sources rather than in situ deposition. Stable isotope ratios of neodymium, strontium, and radiocarbon activity of microcharcoal particles also indicate exogenous inputs from alluvial deposition of carbon and mineral elements to ADE profiles,  beginning several thousands of years before the earliest evidence of soil management for plant cultivation in the region. Our data suggest that indigenous peoples harnessed natural processes of landscape formation, which led to the unique properties of ADEs, but were not responsible for their genesis. If corroborated elsewhere, this hypothesis would transform our understanding of human influence in Amazonia, opening new frontiers for the sustainable use of tropical landscapes going forward.

Manganese hyperaccumulation capacity of Ilex paraguariensis A. St. Hil. and occurrence of interveinal chlorosis induced by transient toxicity.

Manganese (Mn) toxicity is common in plants grown on very acid soils. However, some plants species that grow in this condition can take up high amounts of Mn and are referred to as hyperaccumulating species. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of Ilex paraguariensis to accumulate Mn and the effect of excessive concentrations on plant growth and nutrition. For this, a container experiment was conducted using soils from different parent materials (basalt and sandstone), with and without liming, and at six doses of applied Mn (0, 30, 90, 270, 540 and 1,080 mg kg-1). Clonal plants grown for 203 days were harvested to evaluate yield, and leaf tissue samples were evaluated for Mn and other elements. Without liming and with high Mn doses, leaf Mn concentrations reached 13,452 and 12,127 mg kg-1 in sandstone and basalt soils, respectively; concentrations in excess of 10,000 mg kg-1 are characteristic of hyperaccumulating plants. Liming reduced these values to 7203 and 8030 mg kg-1. More plant growth accompanied increased Mn leaf concentrations, with a growth reduction noted at the highest dose in unlimed soils. Elemental distribution showed Mn presence in the mesophyll, primarily in vascular bundles, without high Mn precipitates. Interveinal chlorosis of young leaves associated with high Mn concentration and lower Fe concentrations was observed, especially in sandstone soil without liming. However, the occurrence of this symptom was not associated with decreased plant growth.

Elemental composition of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) under low input systems of southern Brazil.

Elemental composition of food can be used to determine nutritional potential as well as guiding legislation for establishing maximum acceptable limits (MAL) of metals in consumption products. This study aimed to determine the elemental background levels of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.-Hil.) under varied geologic formations in southern Brazil. Mature leaves were randomly collected from four wild-grown plants at thirty native sites in three states and analyzed for 32 elements. Since yerba mate is not washed to obtain the final product, leaves were analyzed with and without washing to assess foliar deposition. Concentration values of As, Ag, Be, Cs, Cr, Li, Se, Tl, U, and V were near detection limits, indicating low potential as a source and/or toxicity to the consumer. Washing decreased concentrations of Fe, Ti, As, Mo, Li, V, and Pb, suggesting atmospheric contributions/dust deposition. Concentrations of Mn (very high), Zn (high), and Ni (high) demonstrated that leaves could be an important source of these elements. Soil parent material affected elemental composition with basalt providing higher concentrations of Mn, P, and Co while Rhyodacite provided higher concentrations of K and Na. All samples exhibited Pb values below the MAL of 0.6 mg kg-1, but 23% of washed leaves and 20% of unwashed leaves had Cd concentrations close to or above the MAL value of 0.4 mg kg-1. Study results indicated that Cd MAL values for yerba mate in southern Brazil should be reassessed.

Environmental Soil Phosphorus Threshold under No-Tillage and Swine Manure Application

Abstract Swine manure is applied in agricultural fields as a source of nutrients for plant growth, however, excessive application over the years can promote soil phosphorus (P) accumulation. The objective of this study was to establish the environmental soil P threshold based on the degree of P saturation (DPS), as well, to evaluate the soil P storage capacity. The experiment was carried out in an Oxisol (sandy clay loam texture), under no-tillage and crop rotation. Treatments consisted of four annual doses of liquid swine manure (0, 100, 200, and 300 m3 ha-1 year-1), and three doses of mineral fertilizer (0, 50, and 100% of the crop nutrients requirement), in a randomized block with split-plot design (four replications). Soil P content was analyzed by PMehlich-1, PCaCl2, water-soluble P (WSP) and total P. The application of swine manure and mineral fertilizer increased soil P contents mainly at 0-10 cm depth. The DPS corresponding to the change point was 14.9% at depth 0-10 and 8.6% at depth 0-20 cm with WSP and 18.7% at 0-10 cm and 8.9% at 0-20 cm depth with PCaCl2. The lowest change point value was DPS 8.6% which corresponds to 43 mg kg-1 of PMehlich-1, so, in practical terms, we suggest this value as the environmental soil P threshold. The soil P storage capacity indicated negative values with the higher doses of swine manure and mineral fertilizer which increases the vulnerability of P loss by surface and subsurface hydrological transfer pathway.

Assessing soil contamination in automobile scrap yards by portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and magnetic susceptibility.

A by-product of industrialization and population growth, automobile scrap yards are a potential source of metal contamination in soil. This study evaluated the use of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry and magnetic susceptibility (χ) analysis in assessing metal soil contamination in scrap yards located in Brazil. Five automobile scrap yards were selected in Curitiba, Paraná State (CB1, CB2, and CB3) and Lavras, Minas Gerais State (LV1 and LV2). By evaluating metal concentrations and geoaccumulation index values, we verified moderate Cu, Pb, and Zr contamination and moderate to high Zn contamination, primarily in the topsoil (0-10 cm). Soil Zn concentrations in automobile scrap yards were on average four times higher than in reference soils, suggesting that galvanized automobile parts may be the primary source of this soil contaminant. Although other elements (i.e., As, Cr, Fe, Nb, Ni, and Y) were slightly increased compared to reference values in one or more soils, concentrations did not constitute contamination. Automobile scrap yard topsoil had higher χ values (5.8 to 52.9 × 10-7 m3 kg-1) at low frequency (χlf) compared to reference soil (3.6 to 7.5 × 10-7 m3 kg-1). The highest values of χlf occurred in LV soils, which also represented the highest Zn contamination. Magnetic multidomain characteristics (percent frequency-dependent susceptibility between 2 and 10) indicated magnetic particle contributions of anthropogenic origin. The use of pXRF and χlf as non-destructive techniques displays potential for identifying soil contamination in automobile scrap yards.

Elemental composition and nutritional value of Araucaria angustifolia seeds from subtropical Brazil.

Consumed by populations in South America, Araucaria angustifolia seeds have received little study regarding elemental composition and nutritional value. Thirty-five seed sites from subtropical Brazil were sampled and seed concentrations of C, N, K, Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Mo, Ni, Co, Cr, Ba, and Cd were determined. The highest concentration of N was observed in samples from regions with Cfa climate (humid subtropical, oceanic climate, without dry season with hot summer) and igneous rock, which was superior to regions with Cfb climate (humid subtropical, oceanic climate, without dry season with temperate summer) and metamorphic rock. Seeds can be a source of nutrients: K (11.8 g kg-1), P (4.1 g kg-1), Mn (9.1 mg kg-1), Cu (7.2 mg kg-1), Mo (0.93 mg kg-1), and Cr (0.65 mg kg-1). Values for Ba (0.93 mg kg-1) and Cd (0.19 mg kg-1) indicated no risk to human health. This study expands knowledge regarding the elemental composition of A. angustifolia. Results indicate that these seeds have nutritional value, and their consumption can be a good strategy to improve overall human nutrition in this region of South America.

Boron alters cation exchange properties of corn roots but does not decrease aluminum toxicity / Boro altera as propriedades de troca catiônica da raiz de milho, mas não diminui a toxidez por alumínio

Most studies that have registered amelioration of Al toxicity due to root cation exchange capacity (CEC) decrease with B application were conducted using eudicotyledonous species (high root CEC). However, the effect of B/Al interaction on the root CEC values in species with low root CEC such as corn (Zea mays L.) has been understudied. Thus, this study aimed to: (1) verify if B decreases root CEC and if it benefits the growth and nutrient uptake in corn plants under Al toxicity; and (2) verify which method of root CEC analysis better differentiates the effects of B and Al. Corn seedlings were grown in complete nutrient solution with the following treatments: 0, 50, and 200 µM of B versus 0 and 300 µM of Al. Root attributes showed correlations with nutrient depletion from the nutrient solution, but nutrient depletion generally varied with transpiration in two depletion tests. The addition of B or Al in nutrient solution decreased root CEC; however, B failed to decrease Al toxicity in corn plants. The four methods used to determine CEC of corn roots had contrasting results, particularly with respect to the effect of B in the presence of Al.

A maioria dos estudos que registraram amenização da toxidez de Al devido ao decréscimo da capacidade de troca de cátions (CTC) radicular com a aplicação de B foram realizados com espécies eudicotiledôneas (alta CTC radicular). Contudo, o efeito da interação B/Al nos valores de CTC radicular em espécies de baixa CTC radicular, como no milho (Zea mays L.), é pouco conhecido. Assim, os objetivos desse estudo foram: (1) verificar se o B reduz a CTC radicular e se isso beneficia o crescimento e a absorção de nutrientes em plantas de milho sob toxidez por Al; (2) verificar qual método para análise de CTC radicular diferencia melhor o efeito do B e Al. Plântulas de milho foram cultivadas em solução nutritiva completa com os seguintes tratamentos: 0, 50 e 200 µM de B versus 0 e 300 µM de Al. Os atributos radiculares apresentaram correlações com a depleção de nutrientes da solução nutritiva, mas, em geral, a depleção de nutrientes variou principalmente com a transpiração em dois testes de depleção. A adição de B na solução nutritiva reduziu a CTC radicular, o que também ocorreu quando o Al foi adicionado, contudo, o B não aliviou a toxidez por Al nas plantas de milho. Os quatro métodos usados para determinar a CTC radicular do milho tiveram resultados contrastantes, particularmente com relação ao efeito do B na presença de Al.

Alkalinized sewage sludge application improves fertility of acid soils / Aplicação de lodo de esgoto alcalinizado melhora a fertilidade de solos ácidos

ABSTRACT Although it is known that alkalinized sewage sludge raises the pH of acid soils, there is limited knowledge regarding its effects on other soil fertility indicators, such as P and K availability and soil organic C content. Thus, the goal of this study was to evaluate how the application of alkalinized sewage sludge affects the fertility of acid soil. Twenty sewage treatment plants were selected throughout Paraná State (Brazil), and samples of alkalinized sewage sludge and samples of the most representative agricultural soil of the region were collected (covering soils with medium, clayey or very clayey texture). Each soil was incubated for 60 days with doses of sewage sludge (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 Mg ha-1) from its region and equivalent doses of limestone. The alkalinized sewage sludge was superior to limestone in the correction of soil acidity (pH, Al3+, and H + Al3+) and P and Ca2+ availability. The sludge also increased Mg2+ availability in all soils, K+ in seven soils and organic C in three soils. The very clayey soils (higher buffering capacity) supported higher sludge doses than did clayey and medium texture soils. The alkalinized sewage sludge application in acid soils proved to be an interesting alternative to recycling this type of waste, because it improved soil fertility and could reduce costs associated with soil management and crop fertilization.

RESUMO Embora seja conhecido a capacidade do lodo de esgoto alcalinizado em elevar o pH de solos ácidos, tem-se um limitado conhecimento sobre o efeito em outros indicadores da fertilidade do solo, como disponibilidade de P e K e, teor de C orgânico no solo. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar como a aplicação de lodo de esgoto alcalinizado afeta a fertilidade de solos ácidos. Foram selecionadas vinte estações de tratamento de esgoto ao longo do Paraná (Brasil), onde foram coletadas amostras de lodo de esgoto alcalinizado e amostras do solo agrícola mais representativo da região (abrangendo solos com textura média, argilosa ou muito argilosa). Cada solo foi incubado por 60 dias com doses de lodo de esgoto (0, 10, 20, 40, e 80 Mg ha-1) da sua região e com doses equivalentes de calcário. O lodo de esgoto alcalinizado foi superior ao calcário na correção da acidez do solo (pH, Al3+ e H+Al3+) e na elevação da disponibilidade P e Ca2+. O lodo também aumentou a disponibilidade de Mg2+ em todos os solos, K+ em sete solos e C orgânico em três solos. Os solos muito argilosos (alta poder tampão) suportam maior dose de lodo em comparação aos solos de textura argilosa e média. A aplicação de lodo de esgoto alcalinizado em solos ácidos demonstrou ser uma interessante alternativa para reciclar esse tipo de resíduo, pois melhorou a fertilidade dos solos e pode vir a reduzir custos com manejo do solo e adubação das culturas.

Zinc, copper and manganese availability in soils treated with alkaline sewage sludge from Paraná state (Brazil) / Disponibilidade de Zn, Cu e Mn em solos tratados com lodo de esgoto alcalinizado do estado do Paraná (Brasil)

ABSTRACT In Paraná, most of the sludge generated in sewage treatment plants is subjected to the prolonged alkaline stabilization process. Although it is known that the alkaline sewage sludge contains micronutrients such as Zn, Cu and Mn, little is known about the availability of these elements in soils treated with this type of sewage sludge. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the influence of alkaline sewage sludge from Paraná on Zn, Cu and Mn availability in soils. Twenty sewage treatment plants were selected throughout Paraná, where alkaline sewage sludge and the most representative agricultural soil of the each region were collected. Each soil was incubated for 60 days with alkaline sewage sludge rates (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 Mg ha-1) from their region. Subsequently, Zn, Cu and Mn availability was determined using the Mehlich-1 extractant. The alkaline sewage sludge increased Zn availability and decreased Mn availability in most soils. Cu showed intermediate results, with increased availability, primarily in medium texture soils and decrease in most of the clayey soils. In soils with pH close to ideal for the plant growth, the alkaline sewage sludge rate should be carefully calculated so that there is no excessive increase in the pH and Zn, Cu and Mn imbalance.

RESUMO No Paraná, a maioria do lodo de esgoto gerado em estações de tratamento é submetida ao processo de estabilização alcalina prolongada. Embora seja conhecido que o lodo de esgoto alcalinizado contém micronutrientes como Zn, Cu e Mn, pouco se conhece sobre a disponibilidade desses elementos em solos tratados com esse tipo de lodo de esgoto. Assim, o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência de lodos de esgoto alcalinizados do estado do Paraná sobre a disponibilidade de Zn, Cu e Mn no solo. Foram selecionadas vinte estações de tratamento de esgoto ao longo do Paraná, onde foram coletadas amostras de lodo de esgoto alcalinizado e amostras do solo agrícola mais representativo da região. Cada solo foi incubado por 60 dias com doses de lodo de esgoto (0, 10, 20, 40, e 80 Mg ha-1) da sua região. Posteriormente, foi determinada a disponibilidade de Zn, Cu e Mn no solo usando o extrator Mehlich-1. A aplicação de lodo de esgoto alcalinizado ao solo aumentou a disponibilidade de Zn e diminuiu a disponibilidade de Mn na maioria dos solos. Já o Cu apresentou resultados intermediários, com aumento de disponibilidade basicamente em solos de textura média e com diminuição para a maioria dos solos muito argilosos. Em solos com pH próximo ao ideal para o cultivo agrícola, a dose de lodo de esgoto alcalinizado deve ser cuidadosamente calculada para que não ocorra o aumento excessivo do pH e desbalanço nos teores de Zn, Cu e Mn.

Influence of zinc deficiency on the mineral composition of maize plants in contrasting soils / Influência da deficiência de zinco na composição mineral de plantas de milho em solos contrastantes

In Brazil, Zn deficiency is common in soils used for maize cultivation. However, the changes in the mineral composition in plants with Zn deficiency have been little studied. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between Zn deficiency and the mineral composition in the parts of maize plants grown under contrasting soils. Maize was grown in greenhouse conditions with increasing of Zn rate (0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg kg-1) in two soils (Ferralsol and Cambisol). After 60 days of emergence, the plant were separated into roots, stalk nodes, stalk internodes, leaves and leaf sheath, and subsequently determined the dry matter and mineral composition (P, Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and Al). Besides the symptoms commonly described for Zn deficiency, darkening of the stalk nodes was found (related to the preferential accumulation of Fe), and also occurred maize P deficiency in the Ferralsol. The Zn deficiency favored increasing concentrations of Fe, Mn and Al in all parts of maize plants in Cambisol, whereas in Ferralsol this did not happen for any of the elements analyzed. Relations between the elements and Zn were more correlated with maize dry matter production than Zn concentrations in leaves, leaf sheaths and stalk nodes. In conclusion, the accumulation of minerals in maize was favored by Zn deficiency, especially for maize in Cambisol.

No Brasil, a deficiência de Zn é comum em solos utilizados para o cultivo do milho. Contudo, as mudanças na composição mineral das plantas resultantes da deficiência de Zn têm sido pouco estudadas. Assim, esse estudo objetiva avaliar a relação entre a deficiência de Zn e a composição mineral nas partes de plantas de milho cultivadas em solos contrastantes. O milho foi cultivado em casa de vegetação com doses crescentes de Zn (0; 0,125; 0,25; 0,5 e 1,0 mg kg-1) em dois solos (Latossolo e Cambissolo). Após 60 dias da emergência, as plantas foram fracionadas em raízes, nós do colmo, entrenós do colmo, folhas e bainha das folhas, sendo, posteriormente, determinadas a matéria seca e a composição mineral (P, Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu e Al). Além dos sintomas comumente descritos para deficiência de Zn, constatou-se escurecimento dos nós do colmo (relacionado ao acúmulo preferencial de Fe), sendo que no Latossolo também ocorreu deficiência de P. A deficiência de Zn favoreceu o aumento das concentrações de Fe, Mn e Al em todas as partes das plantas de milho no Cambissolo, enquanto que no Latossolo isso não ocorreu para nenhum dos elementos analisados. As relações entre os elementos e o Zn foram mais correlacionadas com a produção de matéria seca do milho que as concentrações de Zn em folhas, bainhas das folhas e nós do colmo. Pode-se inferir que a acumulação de minerais no milho foi favorecida pela deficiência de Zn, principalmente no Cambissolo.

Acúmulo de forragem e morfogênese de Trachypogon plumosus sob diferentes níveis de adubação nitrogenada / Forage accumulation and morphogenesis of Trachypogon plumosus under different levels of nitrogen fertilization

O efeito da adubação nitrogenada (0, 50, 100 e 200 kg N ha-1) sobre o acúmulo de forragem e características morfogênicas e estruturais de Trachypogon plumosus foi avaliado nos cerrados de Roraima. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com três repetições. A adubação nitrogenada proporcionou incrementos quadráticos na produção de matéria seca, teores de nitrogênio, taxas de aparecimento e alongamento foliar, número de folhas vivas/perfilho, comprimento final de folha e índice de área foliar, sendo os máximos valores estimados com a aplicação de 153,5 (2.849 kg ha-1); 124,0 (23,97 g/kg); 155,4 (0,155 folha perfilho-1 dia-1); 116,1 (2,64 cm dia-1 perfilho-1); 147,0 (6,43 folhas perfilho-1), 135,1 (19,04 cm) e 181,2 kg de N ha-1 (2,56), respectivamente. A densidade populacional de perfilhos e a taxa de senescência foliar foram diretamente proporcionais às doses de nitrogênio, ocorrendo o oposto quanto à eficiência de utilização e a recuperação aparente do nitrogênio.

The effect of nitrogen fertilization (0, 50, 100 and 200 kg N ha-1) on forage production and morphogenetic and structural characteristics of Trachypogon plumosus was evaluated in the Roraima´s savannas. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with three replicates. Nitrogen fertilization promoted quadratic increase in the dry matter (DM) yield, nitrogen contents, leaf appearance rate, leaf elongation rate, number of live leaves/tiller, final leaf length and leaf area index; maximum values were estimated with application of 153.5 (2,849 kg ha-1); 124.0 (23.97 g/kg); 155.4 (0.155 leaf tiller-1 day-1); 116.1 (2.64 cm day-1 tiller-1); 147.0 (6.43 leaves tiller-1); 135.1 (19.04 cm) and 181.2 kg N ha-1, (2.56), respectively. Tiller population density and leaf senescence rate were directly proportional to nitrogen levels, and the opposite occurred for efficiency of utilization and apparent nitrogen recovery.

Produtividade de forragem e composição química de Trachypogon plumosus sob níveis de correção da fertilidade do solo e desfolhação / Forage production and chemical composition of Trachypogon plumosus under soil fertility correction and defoliation levels

Foram avaliados os efeitos de níveis de correção da fertilidade do solo (testemunha, calagem, adubação e calagem + adubação), níveis de desfolhação (remoção de 50 e 75% da parte aérea da gramínea) e estações de crescimento (períodos chuvoso e seco) sobre a produtividade e composição química da forragem de Trachypogon plumosus nos cerrados de Roraima. A gramínea apresentou alta responsividade à melhoria do ambiente de produção, apesar de sua boa adaptação aos solos de baixa fertilidade de cerrados. O aumento da intensidade de desfolhação, durante o período chuvoso, reduziu as taxas de crescimento e a produtividade e qualidade da forragem, independentemente do nível de correção da fertilidade do solo, não sendo detectado efeito significativo (P>0,05) durante o período seco. Os maiores rendimentos de matéria seca verde (P<0,05) foram registrados durante o período chuvoso, com 50% de desfolhação e utilização da calagem + adubação (6.607 kg ha-1) ou adubação (6.314 kg ha-1). A remoção de 75% do dossel da pastagem em combinação com a calagem + adubação (2.433 kg ha-1) ou adubação (2.335 kg ha-1), durante o período chuvoso, resultou em maior acúmulo de material morto. Os maiores teores de nitrogênio (N) e os menores de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) foram estimados durante o período chuvoso e com a utilização de calagem + adubação (16,22 g kg-1 de N; 71,89% de FDN e 34,11% de FDA) ou adubação (15,79 g kg-1 de N, 72,14% de FDN e 35,83% de FDA). A utilização da adubação ou calagem + adubação e do nível de desfolhação de 50% asseguram melhor distribuição estacional e maior produtividade e qualidade da forragem, além da redução no intervalo entre pastejos.

To evaluate the effects of soil fertility correction levels (control, liming, fertilization and liming + fertilization), defoliation levels (removal of 50 or 75% of pasture canopy) and growing season (rainy and dry season) on forage production and chemical composition of Trachypogon plumosus in Roraima´s savannas. The grass showed responsivity to the improvement of the production environment, despite its good adaptation to soils of low fertility of savannas. The increased grazing intensity, during the rainy season, reduced growth rates and forage productivity and quality, irrespectively to soil fertility correction levels, while was not detected significative effect (P>0.05) during dry season. The highest yields of green dry matter (P<0.05) were recorded during the rainy season, with 50% defoliation and use of lime + fertilizer (6,607 kg ha-1) or fertilization (6,314 kg ha-1). The removal of 75% of pasture canopy in combination with lime + fertilizer (2,433 kg ha-1) or fertilization (2,335 kg ha-1), during the rainy season resulted in higher accumulation of dead material. The highest levels of nitrogen (N) and the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were estimated during the rainy season jointly with lime + fertilizer (16.22 g kg-1 of N; 71.89% of NDF and 34.11% of ADF) or fertilization (15.79 g kg-1 of N; 72.14% of NDF and 35.83% of ADF). The use of fertilizer and lime + fertilizer and defoliation level of 50% provided better seasonal distribution and higher productivity and quality of forage, besides the reduction in grazing interval.

Lodos de esgoto alcalinizados em solos do estado do Paraná: taxa de aplicação máxima anual e comparação entre métodos para recomendação agrícola / Alkaline sewage sludge on soils of Paraná state: maximum annual application rate and comparison between methods for agricultural recommendation

Para o uso agrícola do lodo de esgoto higienizado por processo de estabilização alcalina prolongada (lodo EAP), além de estabelecer limites de aplicação máxima conforme a legislação, é necessário estudar atributos dos lodos e dos solos que favoreçam as metodologias de sua recomendação. Objetivou-se determinar a taxa de aplicação máxima anual (TAMA) de lodo EAP pelo critério de elevação do pH para 20 lodos e solos do estado do Paraná; determinar a influência dos atributos desses solos nos valores da TAMA de lodo EAP; avaliar o uso dos métodos de saturação por bases (V%) e pH referência (SMP), utilizando como padrão o método da incubação. Empregou-se o ensaio de incubação para lodo EAP aplicado ao solo, conforme metodologia oficial. Os resultados indicam que as TAMA de lodo EAP variaram de 10 a >80 Mg.ha-1 para as 20 regionais estudadas; Os atributos químicos (capacidade de troca de cátions, H+Al e carbono) e físico (argila) são os que melhor definem a determinação da TAMA, apresentando relação diretamente proporcional. Os métodos do V% e do pH referência (SMP) para pH H2O 5,5 mostraram-se seguros quanto à recomendação agrícola.

For agricultural use of alkalinized sludge (AS), beyond to establish the maximum application limits to comply with the legislation, it is necessary to study the attributes of sludges and soils that favor the methodologies of its recommendation. The objectives of this study were to determine the maximum annual application rate (MAAR) of alkalinized sludge (AS) according to the pH elevation criterion for 20 sludge origins and soils of the Paraná state; to determine the influence of soil attributes over the MAAR of AS; to evaluate two methods rate calculation for AS, the base saturation (V%) and pH reference (SMP) by comparing with the standard incubation methodology for AS sludge application. It was used incubation test for AS applied to soil, following official methodology. The results indicated that the MAAR were ranged 10 to >80 Mg.ha-1, for the 20 regions; the chemical properties (cation exchange capacity, H+Al and carbon) and physical properties (clay) were the best parameters to the determination of the MAAR, showing direct relationship; the V% and SMP (pH H2O 5,5) methods were safe to the agricultural recommendation.

Yield response to fertilization strategies in no-tillage soybean, corn and common bean crops

Two research fields were conducted on a Haplohumox from 1998 and to 2005. The study aimed to evaluate the strategies for starter fertilizer application on corn, soybean and common bean yield as well as the accumulation of earlier dry matter for corn in a no-tillage crop rotation system in south of Brazil. There was no increase in the yield of soybean with phosphorus and potassium application for at least seven seasons, while corn and common bean showed increased yields with phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen application. For soybean, corn and common beans in no-tillage systems with high levels of phosphorus and medium of potassium, the starter fertilizer can be applied in any of the methods evaluated and in any of the period considered. The presence or absence of potassium in the furrow, phosphorus sources and row preparation components provided similar yields to corn, soybean and common bean.

Dois ensaios foram conduzidos simultaneamente a campo entre os anos de 1998 e 2005, em um Latossolo bruno, no sul do Brasil. O objetivo foi avaliar o efeito de estratégias de aplicação de adubo mineral de semeadura sobre a produtividade de milho, soja e feijão, bem como sobre o acúmulo inicial de matéria seca no milho, em uma rotação de culturas e no sistema plantio direto. A ausência de aplicação de fósforo e potássio por sete anos não diminuiu a produtividade da soja, mas a aplicação destes nutrientes e nitrogênio aumentou a produtividade de milho e feijão. Para soja, milho e feijão, sob sistema plantio direto e altos teores de fósforo e médios de potássio, a adubação de semeadura pode ser realizada de todas as formas avaliadas e em qualquer época considerada. A presença ou não de potássio no sulco, as fontes de fósforo e os mecanismos sulcadores proporcionaram produtividades semelhantes de milho, soja e feijão.

Land reclamation recovery with the sewage sludge use

In this work, investigations were carried out with five treatments [control, three doses of lime stabilized sludge (60, 120, 240 Mg ha-1 dry base) and soil corrective plus mineral fertilizer] to evaluate the immediate recuperation of a borrowed area. The application of stabilized alkaline sewage sludge acted as an acidity corrective, allowed the increase in the organic matter contents (21 to 43.5g dm-3) and available P (44 to 156 mg dm-3). Even with the use of the highest dose, no increase in the concentration of 32 analyzed metals was observed, due to the low concentration of metals in the sludge. The experiment showed that short term restoration of degraded area was possible by using high rates of sewage sludge without metal contamination.

Obras de infra-estrutura próximas aos grandes centros levam ao surgimento de áreas degradadas por decapamento que podem ser reintegradas a paisagem através dos processos de recuperação com o uso do lodo de esgoto. Estabeleceu-se um experimento com cinco tratamentos [testemunha, três doses de lodo alcalinizado (60, 120, 240Mgha-1 em base seca) e corretivo mais adubo mineral], para avaliar a recuperação imediata de uma área de empréstimo. A aplicação de lodo de esgoto alcalinizado atuou como corretivo da acidez, proporcionou aumento no teor de matéria orgânica (21 para 43,5g dm-3) e P disponível (4,4 para 156mg dm-3) e total, se mostrando superior ao mineral mais calagem. Mesmo com uso da maior dose, não foi observado acréscimos nos teores de 32 metais analisados, dado à baixa concentração de metais no lodo. Os resultados obtidos indicam que é possível o uso de doses elevadas de lodo de esgoto na recuperação de áreas degradadas.

Incidência e severidade do "furo de bala" em folhas da ameixeira sob doses de nitrogênio e potássio / Incidence and severity of 'shot hole' in plum´s leaves related into nitrogen and potassium doses

A produção integrada (PI) vem suprir uma demanda crescente de frutos de qualidade, garantir segurança alimentar, produção com qualidade ambiental e rastreabilidade. Na visão da PI, as práticas da adubação e do controle de doenças estão intimamente relacionadas; no entanto, tem sido negligenciadas e pouco estudadas, principalmente para a doença "furo de bala" (Wilsonomyces carpophilus) em folhas de ameixeira (Prunus salicina). O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a incidência e severidade dessa doença em doses combinadas de adubação com N e K em dois ciclos de cultivo comercial de ameixeira cv "Reubennel", no município de Araucária (PR). Foram utilizadas cinco doses de N (40, 80, 120, 160 e 200kg ha-1ano-1) e duas de K (55 e 110kg ha-1ano-1). Realizaram-se sete avaliações para incidência e severidade a cada 20 dias, no período de novembro/2004 a março/2005 e em data única em outubro/2005. Os dados da primeira safra foram integralizados no tempo, constituindo a área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD) da incidência e severidade, e os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pela teoria dos modelos lineares generalizados para dados longitudinais. A doença foi mais severa no segundo ano de avaliação, sendo observado o máximo de 0,70 e 2,25 para o primeiro e o segundo ano, respectivamente. A incidência e a severidade de "furo de bala" em folhas de ameixeira são superiores nas doses de 160 e 200kg ha-1ano-1 de nitrogênio. O potássio não interfere na incidência e severidade da doença devido ao seu elevado teor encontrado no solo e na planta.

Integrated Production (IP) can provide the growing demand for quality fruit, food safety, environmental protection, and product traceability. In IP, fertilization practices and disease control are viewed as being closely related. However, this linkage has been mostly ignored and few studies are available concerning the 'shot hole' phytopathogen (Wilsonomyces carpophilus) in plum (Prunus salicina). In this paper, the incidence and severity of this disease were investigated by using combined doses of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer in a commercial plum orchard, cv Reubennel in Araucária (PR). The treatments consisted of combinations of five doses of nitrogen (40, 80, 120, 160 and 200kg ha-1year-1) and two doses of potassium rates (55 and 110kg ha-1year-1). The incidence and severity of "shot hole" disease were evaluated at 20 days intervals during the period of November/2004 to March/2005, and once during October/2006. The first harvest´s data were integrated in time to produce the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) of the incidence and severity and all data were analyzed statistically using generalized linear models in longitudinal data theory. The disease severity was higher in the second year of the study with the maxima being 0.70 and 2.25 in the first and second year, respectively. The incidence and severity was highest in 160 and 200kg nitrogen ha-1year-1 treatments. Potassium does not interfere in the incidence and severity of the disease due to the high content found in the soil and plant.

Shoot and root responses of Trifolium vesiculosum to boron fertilization in an acidic Brazilian soil

To analyze the influence of boron fertilization on shoot and root growth of Trifolium vesiculosum (arrowleaf clover), an acid soil profile (60 cm depth with 67 percent Al saturation) was recreated in a column (three layers of 20 cm each). Lime and fertilizer (P and K) were incorporated into the top 20 cm. The treatments consisted of six boron rates where boric acid was mixed throughout the profile. Addition of boron to soil with low pH and high Al increased the root and shoot growth, independent of the rate applied. Boron inhibited Al toxicity, but no effect was observed in the root length when Al was not present in the soil. It was also observed that there was more root growth below the plow layer (0-20 cm,) suggesting better root distribution in the soil profile which could be important for the plant growth, especially under drought conditions.

Estudos têm mostrado que o boro (B) afeta o crescimento das raízes em solo ácido reduzindo a toxidez do alumínio (Al). Para analisar a influência do boro no crescimento da parte aérea e raízes do Trifolium Vesiculosum (trevo vesiculoso) um perfil de solo ácido (60 cm de profundidade com 67 por cento de saturação de Al) foi recriado em uma coluna (três camadas com 20 cm cada). Calcário e adubos (P e K) foram incorporados na camada de 0-20 cm. Os tratamentos consistiram de seis doses de boro sendo o ácido bórico incorporado em todo o perfil. A adubação com boro em solo com baixo pH e elevado Al aumentou o crescimento da parte aérea e raízes, no entanto, independente da dose aplicada. Boro pode inibir a toxidez de Al, porém não observou-se efeito no comprimento de raízes sem a presença de Al no solo. Observou-se também um grande aumento no crescimento de raízes abaixo da camada arável (0-20 cm), fornecendo uma melhor distribuição de raízes no perfil do solo, o que pode ser importante para o crescimento da planta especialmente em condição de seca.