Designing and validation of specific primers for the quantitative detection of bacteria in sugarcane inoculant.

Endophytic diazotrophic plant growth-promoting bacteria Herbaspirillum rubrisubalbicans (HCC103), Herbaspirillum seropedicae (HRC54), Paraburkholderia tropica (Ppe8T), Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus (Pal5T), and Nitrospirillum amazonense (CBAmC) have been used as inoculants for sugarcane. The genome sequences of these strains were used to design a set of specific primers for the real-time PCR (qPCR) assay. Primer specificity was confirmed by conventional PCR using the genomic DNAs of 25 related bacterial species and the five target strains. The qPCR assays were conducted using root and shoot samples from two sugarcane varieties (RB867515 and RB92579). These samples were collected both with and without inoculation, using the target strains specified in this study. The sugarcane plants were grown in a greenhouse, utilizing a substrate composed of sterile sand and vermiculite in a 2:1 ratio, for a duration of 55 days. The primers designed for this study successfully amplified target DNA fragments from each of the bacterial species, enabling their differentiation at the species level. The total bacterial population present in the sugarcane quantified using qPCR was on average 105.2 cells g-1 of fresh tissue. Across both evaluated varieties, it was observed that the population of inoculated bacteria tended to decrease over time and became more concentrated in the sugarcane roots compared to the aerial parts. The qPCR results suggest that both the host and the microbes influence the endophytic population and the bacterial number decreases with plant age.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Crossbred Cow Milk Production in a Silvopastoral System in Tropical Mexico.

In Mexico, pasture degradation is associated with extensive pastures; additionally, under these conditions, livestock activities contribute considerably to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Among the options to improve grazing systems and reduce GHG emissions, silvopastoral systems (SPS) have been recommended. The objectives of this work were to quantify the N outflow in a soil-plant-animal interface, as well as the CH4 emissions and milk production in an SPS with woody legumes (Leucaena leucocephala) that is associated with stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). This was then compared with stargrass in a monoculture system (MS) in the seasons (dry and rainy period) over a two-year period. Dung was collected from the animals of each of the grazing systems and applied fresh to the land plots. Fresh dung and urine were collected from the cows of each grazing system and were applied to the experimental plots. In addition, the soil CH4 and N2O contents were measured to quantify the emissions. Average milk yield by seasons was similar: MS (7.1 kg per animal unit (AU)/day-1) and SPS (6.31 kg per AU/day-1). Cows in the MS had a mean N intake of 171.9 g/UA day-1 without seasonal variation, while the SPS animals' mean N intake was 215.7 g/UA day-1 for both seasons. For the urine applied to soil, the N2O outflow was higher in the MS (peak value = 1623.9 µg N-N2O m-2 h-1). The peak value for the SPS was 755.9 µg of N-N2O m-2 h-1. The N2O emissions were higher in the rainy season (which promotes denitrification). The values for the feces treatment were 0.05% (MS) and 0.01% (SPS). The urine treatment values were 0.52% (MS) and 0.17% (SPS). The emissions of CH4 showed that the feces of the SPS systems resulted in a higher accumulation of gas in the rainy season (29.8 g C ha-1), followed by the feces of the MS system in the dry season (26.0 g C ha-1). Legumes in the SPS helped to maintain milk production, and the N2O emissions were lower than those produced by the MS (where the pastures were fertilized with N).

Nitrogen Use Efficiency in an Agrisilviculture System with Gliricidia sepium in the Cerrado Region.

Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) is a tree legume that has great potential for use in agriculture because of its multiple-use characteristics. However, there is little information in the literature about the effect of agrisilvicultural systems on nitrogen (N) cycling. This study evaluated the effect of densities of gliricidia on N cycling under an agrisilvicultural system. The treatments were composed of different densities of gliricidia: 667, 1000 and 1333 plants ha-1, with a fixed spacing of 5 m between the alleys. The efficiency of N use was investigated by using the 15N isotope tracer. In each plot, a transect perpendicular to the tree rows was established in two positions: (i) in the corn (Zea mays) row adjacent to the trees, and (ii) in the corn row in the center of the alley. The N fertilizer recovery efficiency ranged from 39% in the density of 667 plants ha-1 to 89% with 1000 plants ha-1. The effect of gliricidia on the N uptake by corn was higher in the central position of the alley with 1000 plants ha-1. The agrisilvicultural system with 1000 plants ha-1 was highly efficient in the recovery of mineral N, representing an excellent option for integrated production systems in tropical regions.

Increase in Milk Yield from Cows through Improvement of Forage Production Using the N2-Fixing Legume Leucaena leucocephala in a Silvopastoral System.

The objective was to evaluate milk production, N2-fixation and N transfer, forage yield and composition (under two cutting intervals) in a silvopastoral system (SPS) with Leucaena leucocephala-Megathyrsus maximus and M. maximus-monoculture (MMM) with crossbred cows in a completely randomized design. Forage yield in the SPS was 6490 and 6907 kg DM ha-1 for cutting intervals (CI) of 35 and 50 days. Forage yield for the MMM was 7284 and 10,843 kg DM ha-1, and forage crude protein (CP) was 29.0% and 26.1% for L. leucocephala, harvested at 35 and 50 days, respectively. CP for the associated M. maximus was 9.9% and 7.8% for CI 35 and 50 days, respectively, and for MMM was 7.4% and 8.4%, harvested at 35 and 50 days. Milk production was 4.7 kg cow-1 day-1 for cows grazing MMM and 7.4 kg cow-1 day-1 under SPS. Nitrogen fixation in L. leucocephala (%Ndfa) was estimated to be 89% and 95%, at 35 and 50 days, with an N2 transfer to the associated grass of 34.3% and 52.9%. SPS has the potential to fix and transfer important amounts of N2 to the associated grass, and increase forage CP content and milk production.

Bradyrhizobium as the Only Rhizobial Inhabitant of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Nodules in Tropical Soils: A Strategy Based on Microbiome for Improving Biological Nitrogen Fixation Using Bio-Products.

The mung bean has a great potential under tropical conditions given its high content of grain protein. Additionally, its ability to benefit from biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) through association with native rhizobia inhabiting nodule microbiome provides most of the nitrogen independence on fertilizers. Soil microbial communities which are influenced by biogeographical factors and soil properties, represent a source of rhizobacteria capable of stimulating plant growth. The objective of this study is to support selection of beneficial bacteria that form positive interactions with mung bean plants cultivated in tropical soils, as part of a seed inoculation program for increasing grain yield based on the BNF and other mechanisms. Two mung bean genotypes (Camaleão and Esmeralda) were cultivated in 10 soil samples. Nodule microbiome was characterized by next-generation sequencing using Illumina MiSeq 16S rRNA. More than 99% of nodule sequences showed similarity with Bradyrhizobium genus, the only rhizobial present in nodules in our study. Higher bacterial diversity of soil samples collected in agribusiness areas (MW_MT-I, II or III) was associated with Esmeralda genotype, while an organic agroecosystem soil sample (SE_RJ-V) showed the highest bacterial diversity independent of genotype. Furthermore, OTUs close to Bradyrhizobium elkanii have dominated in all soil samples, except in the sample from the organic agroecosystem, where just B. japonicum was present. Bacterial community of mung bean nodules is mainly influenced by soil pH, K, Ca, and P. Besides a difference on nodule colonization by OTU sequences close to the Pseudomonas genus regarding the two genotypes was detected too. Although representing a small rate, around 0.1% of the total, Pseudomonas OTUs were only retrieved from nodules of Esmeralda genotype, suggesting a different trait regarding specificity between macro- and micro-symbionts. The microbiome analysis will guide the next steps in the development of an inoculant for mung bean aiming to promote plant growth and grain yield, composed either by an efficient Bradyrhizobium strain on its own or co-inoculated with a Pseudomonas strain. Considering the results achieved, the assessment of microbial ecology parameters is a potent coadjuvant capable to accelerate the inoculant development process and to improve the benefits to the crop by soil microorganisms.

Dark septate endophytic fungi increase the activity of proton pumps, efficiency of 15N recovery from ammonium sulphate, N content, and micronutrient levels in rice plants.

Plants colonised by dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi show increased uptake of nutrients available in the environment. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of DSE fungi on the activity of proton pumps, nitrogen (N) recovery from ammonium sulphate, and nutrient accumulation in rice plants. Treatments consisted of non-inoculated plants and plants inoculated with two isolates of DSE fungi, A101 and A103. To determine N recovery from the soil, ammonium sulphate enriched with 15N was added to a non-sterile substrate while parameters associated with the activity of proton pumps and with NO3- uptake were determined in a sterile environment. The A101 and A103 fungal isolates colonised the roots of rice plants, promoting 15N uptake, growth, and accumulation of nutrients as compared with the mock control. A103 induced the expression of the plasma membrane H+-ATPase (PM H+-ATPase) isoforms OsA5 and OsA8, the activity of the PM H+-ATPase and H+-pyrophosphatase. Our results suggest that the inoculation of rice plants with DSE fungi represents a strategy to improve the N recovery from ammonium sulphate and rice plant growth through the induction of OsA5 and OsA8 isoforms and stimulation of the PM H+-ATPase and H+-pyrophosphatase.

Dark Septate Endophytic Fungi Increase Green Manure-15N Recovery Efficiency, N Contents, and Micronutrients in Rice Grains.

An understanding of the interaction between rice and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi, under green fertilization, may lead to sustainable agricultural practices. Nevertheless, this interaction is still poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the accumulation of macro- and micronutrients, dry matter, and protein and N recovery efficiency from Canavalia ensiformis (L.)-15N in rice inoculated with DSE fungi. An experiment under greenhouse conditions was conducted in a randomized complete block design comprising split-plots, with five replicates of rice plants potted in non-sterilized soil. Rice (Piauí variety) seedlings were inoculated with DSE fungi, A101 and A103, or left uninoculated (control) and transplanted into pots containing 12 kg of soil, which had previously been supplemented with dry, finely ground shoot biomass of C. ensiformis enriched with 2.15 atom % 15N. Two collections were performed in the experiment: one at 54 days after transplanting (DAT) and one at 130 DAT (at maturation). Growth indicators (at 54 DAT), grain yield, nutrient content, recovery efficiency, and the amount of N derived from C. ensiformis were quantified. At 54 DAT, the N content, chlorophyll content, and plant height of inoculated plants had increased significantly compared with the control, and these plants were more proficient in the use of N derived from C. ensiformis. At maturation, plants inoculated with A103 were distinguished by the recovery efficiency and amount of N derived from C. ensiformis and N content in the grain and shoot being equal to that in A101 inoculation and higher than that in the control, resulting in a higher accumulation of crude protein and dry matter in the full grain and panicle of DSE-rice interaction. In addition, Fe and Ni contents in the grains of rice inoculated with these fungi doubled with respect to the control, and in A103 inoculation, we observed Mn accumulation that was three times higher than in the other treatments. Our results suggest that the inoculation of rice with DSE fungi represents a strategy to improve green manure-N recovery, grain yield per plant, and grain quality in terms of micronutrients contents in cropping systems with a low N input.

The relative isotopic abundance (δ13C, δ15N) during composting of agricultural wastes in relation to compost quality and feedstock.

Variations in the relative isotopic abundance of C and N (δ13C and δ15N) were measured during the composting of different agricultural wastes using bench-scale bioreactors. Different mixtures of agricultural wastes (horse bedding manure + legume residues; dairy manure + jatropha mill cake; dairy manure + sugarcane residues; dairy manure alone) were used for aerobic-thermophilic composting. No significant differences were found between the δ13C values of the feedstock and the final compost, except for dairy manure + sugarcane residues (from initial ratio of -13.6 ± 0.2 ‰ to final ratio of -14.4 ± 0.2 ‰). δ15N values increased significantly in composts of horse bedding manure + legumes residues (from initial ratio of +5.9 ± 0.1 ‰ to final ratio of +8.2 ± 0.5 ‰) and dairy manure + jatropha mill cake (from initial ratio of +9.5 ± 0.2 ‰ to final ratio of +12.8 ± 0.7 ‰) and was related to the total N loss (mass balance). δ13C can be used to differentiate composts from different feedstock (e.g. C3 or C4 sources). The quantitative relationship between N loss and δ15N variation should be determined.

Dark Septate Endophytic Fungi Help Tomato to Acquire Nutrients from Ground Plant Material.

Dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi are facultative biotrophs that associate with hundreds of plant species, contributing to their growth. These fungi may therefore aid in the search for sustainable agricultural practices. However, several ecological functions of DSE fungi need further clarification. The present study investigated the effects of DSE fungi inoculation on nutrient recovery efficiency, nutrient accumulation, and growth of tomato plants fertilized with organic and inorganic N sources. Two experiments were carried out under greenhouse conditions in a randomized blocks design, with five replicates of tomato seedlings grown in pots filled with non-sterile sandy soil. Tomato seedlings (cv. Santa Clara I-5300) inoculated with DSE fungi (isolates A101, A104, and A105) and without DSE fungi (control) were transplanted to pots filled with 12 kg of soil which had previously received finely ground plant material [Canavalia ensiformis (L.)] that was shoot enriched with 0.7 atom % 15N (organic N source experiment) or ammonium sulfate-15N enriched with 1 atom % 15N (mineral N source experiment). Growth indicators, nutrient content, amount of nitrogen (N) in the plant derived from ammonium sulfate-15N or C. ensiformis-15N, and recovery efficiency of 15N, P, and K by plants were quantified 50 days after transplanting. The treatment inoculated with DSE fungi and supplied with an organic N source showed significantly higher recovery efficiency of 15N, P, and K. In addition, the 15N, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn content, plant height, leaf number, leaf area (only for the A104 inoculation), and shoot dry matter increased. In contrast, the only positive effects observed in the presence of an inorganic N source were fertilizer-K recovery efficiency, content of K, and leaf area when inoculated with the fungus A104. Inoculation with A101, A104, and A105 promoted the growth of tomato using organic N source (finely ground C. ensiformis-15N plant material).

Nitrous Oxide and Methane Fluxes Following Ammonium Sulfate and Vinasse Application on Sugar Cane Soil.

This study aimed to quantify nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) emission/sink response from sugar cane soil treated with fertilizer nitrogen (N) and vinasse applied separately or in sequence, the latter being investigated with regard to the time interval between applications for a possible effect on emissions. The study was carried out in a traditional area of unburned sugar cane in São Paulo state, Brazil. Two levels of N fertilization (0 and 100 kg N ha(-1)) with no added vinasse and combined with vinasse additions at different times (100 m(-3) ha(-1) at 3 and 15 days after N fertilization) were evaluated. Methane and N2O fluxes were monitored for 211 days. On average, the soil was a sink for CH4, which was not affected by the treatments. Emissions of N2O were induced by N fertilizer and vinasse applications. For ammonium sulfate, 0.6% of the added N was emitted as N2O, while for vinasse, this ranged from 1.0 to 2.2%. Changes in N2O fluxes were detected the day after application of vinasse on the N fertilized areas, but although the emission factor (EF) was 34% greater, the EF was not significantly different from fertilizer N alone. Nevertheless, we recommend to not apply vinasse after N fertilization to avoid boosting N2O emissions.

13C isotopic fractionation during biodegradation of agricultural wastes.

Significant differences in δ(13)C signatures occur within and between plant tissues and their constituent biochemical entities, and also within and between heterotrophic bacteria and fungi and their metabolic products. Furthermore, (13)C isotopic fractionation occurs during the biodegradation of organic molecules as seen in the substrate, respired CO(2) and the microbial biomass, which could be related to substrate composition and/or microbial metabolism. The (13)C isotopic fractionation observed during the decomposition of a single defined C substrate appears to be due to the intra-molecular heterogeneity in (13)C in the substrate and to (13)C isotopic fractionation during microbial metabolism. Very limited data suggest that the latter may be quantitatively more important than the former. Studies with defined fungi in culture media have highlighted the complexities associated with the interpretation of the observed patterns of (13)C isotopic fractionation when a single defined C source is added to the culture medium which itself contains one or more C sources. Techniques involving (13)C enrichment or paired treatments involving an equivalent C(3)- and C(4)-derived substrate have been devised to overcome the problem of background C in the culture medium and (13)C isotopic fractionation during metabolism. Studies with complex substrates have shown an initial (13)C depletion phase in respired CO(2) followed by a (13)C enrichment phase which may or may not be followed by another (13)C depletion phase. Basic studies involving an integrated approach are required to gain a new insight into (13)C isotopic fractionation during organic residue decomposition, by simultaneous measurements of δ(13)C in all C moieties. New analytical tools to measure real-time changes in δ(13)CO(2) and the intra-molecular δ(13)C distribution within plant biochemical entities offer new opportunities for unravelling the complex interactions between substrate and microbial metabolism with respect to (13)C isotopic fractionation during biodegradation.

Identifying N fertilizer regime and vegetable production system in tropical Brazil using (15) N natural abundance.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted in areas of vegetable production in tropical Brazil, with the objectives of (i) measuring the variation in δ(15) N in soils, organic N fertilizer sources and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from different farming systems, (ii) measuring whether plant δ(15) N can differentiate organic versus conventional lettuce and (iii) identifying the factors affecting lettuce δ(15) N. RESULTS: Samples of soil, lettuce and organic inputs were taken from two organic, one conventional and one hydroponic farm. The two organic farms had different N-sources with δ(15) N values ranging from 0.0 to +14.9‰ (e.g. leguminous green manure and animal manure compost, respectively), and differed significantly (P < 0.05) in lettuce δ(15) N (+9.2 ± 1.1‰ and +14.3 ± 1.0‰). Conventional lettuce δ(15) N (+8.5 ± 2.7‰) differed from hydroponic lettuce δ(15) N (+4.5 ± 0.2‰) due to manure inputs. The N from leguminous green manure made a small contribution to the N nutrition of lettuce in the multi-N-source organic farm. CONCLUSION: To differentiate organic versus conventional farms using δ(15) N the several subsets of mode of fertilization should be considered. Comparisons of δ(15) N of soil, organic inputs and lettuce allowed a qualitative analysis of the relative importance of different N inputs.

Crescimento e produção de brócolis em sistema orgânico em função de doses de composto / Growth and yield of broccoli on organic production system as a function of compost dosages

A utilização de composto orgânico na produção de olerícolas resulta em efeitos diversos e complexos. Embora seja crescente a pesquisa voltada para a produção orgânica de olerícolas, os efeitos do composto orgânico sobre o crescimento e a produção dessas culturas são ainda pouco conhecidos cientificamente. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento e a produção de brócolis cultivado com composto orgânico e determinar a variável não destrutiva com maior correlação com o acúmulo de matéria seca. O experimento foi conduzido em Viçosa, MG (20º 45' sul 42º 51' oeste). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições em parcelas subdivididas no tempo para as variáveis de crescimento. Os tratamentos consistiram em doses de composto orgânico: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 t ha-1 em base de massa seca, fornecidos à cultura do brócolis híbrido 'Domador'. A maior produção, 564 g planta-1, correspondente a 12,53 t ha-1, foi obtida com a dose de 25 t ha-1 de composto. A área do dossel foi a variável de maior correlação com o rendimento comercial e com o acúmulo de massa seca, sendo a mais indicada para a avaliação do crescimento por método não destrutivo. O período inicial de maior acúmulo de massa seca varia com as doses de composto, sendo que na dose de 25 t ha-1 ,este período ocorreu entre 28 e 56 dias após o transplantio. As mais altas taxas de crescimento relativo foram verificadas entre a segunda e a quarta semana após o transplante.

The use of organic compost on vegetable crops production results in complex and diverse effects. Although the research on organic vegetable production has been increasing, the effects of organic compost on the growth and yield of these crops are still poorly scientifically known. This work aimed to evaluate the growth and yield of broccoli grown on organic compost, besides determining the non-destructive parameter with higher correlation to dry mass accumulation. The experiment was carried out in Viçosa, MG (20º 45' S 42º 51' W). The experiment was set up in a randomized block design with four replicates in split-plot (time) design for growth parameters. The treatments consisted of doses of organic compost: 5, 10 15 20 and 25 t ha-1 on a dry matter basis, supllied to hybrid "domador". The highest broccoli yield, 564 g plant-1, corresponds to 12,53 t ha-1, and was obtained with the 25 t ha-1 compost dose. Canopy area presented the highest correlation with both commercial yield and dry mass accumulation and it is the best non-destructive parameter for growth evaluation. The initial period of higher dry mass accumulation varies according to the compost dose, So that the 25 t ha-1 dose, this period was between 28 and 56 days after transplant. The highest relative growth rates happened between the second and fourth week after transplant.

Transferência do N fixado por leguminosas arbóreas para o capim Survenola crescido em consórcio / Transference of N fixed by legume trees to Survenola grass grown in intercropped system

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito na transferência de N proveniente de três leguminosas arbóreas para o capim Survenola (Híbrido entre Digitaria setivalva e D. valida) amostrado em cinco distâncias (D1- 50cm do caule; D2- metade do raio da projeção da copa; D3- uma vez o raio da projeção da copa; distâncias estas correspondentes às áreas de influência das copas; e D4- uma vez e meia o raio da projeção da copa; D5- duas vezes o raio da projeção da copa; distâncias correspondentes às áreas fora das copas e consideradas como testemunhas). Duas espécies arbóreas, Dalbergia nigra (Jacarandá da Bahia) e Enterolobium contorsiliquum (Orelha de Negro), são nodulíferas e fixam N simbioticamente, enquanto que Peltophorum dubium (Angico Canjiquinha) é uma espécie não-nodulífera. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado em parcela subdividida, com três repetições, em que a árvore representou a parcela e as cinco distâncias as subparcelas. Determinou-se a abundância natural de 15N(delta15N,ë) com o auxílio do espectrômetro de massa Finnigan Mat, modelo Delta plus, da Embrapa Agrobiologia. Os valores de delta15N (ë) na parte aérea do capim Survenola indicaram que a maior influência das árvores como fornecedoras de N para a gramínea se deu na área mais próxima ao tronco. Nos tratamentos com Dalbergia nigra e Enterolobium contortisiliquum, a gramínea apresentou valores crescentes de delta15N com o aumento da distância do raio de projeção da copa, indicando o efeito da reciclagem do N2 fixado por estas duas leguminosas. O nitrogênio na gramínea derivado das espécies arbóreas variou entre 0 e 38 por cento, dependendo da espécie e da distância consideradas. Houve um decréscimo de transferência de N da leguminosa para o capim Survenola com o aumento da distância em relação ao tronco das espécies arbóreas. A transferência de N da leguminosa para a gramínea foi de 29,9; 37,7 e 28 por cento do total acumulado pelo capim Survenola,...

This research was aimed at evaluating the effect on the transference of N from legume trees to Survenola grass (Hybrid between Digitaria setivalva e D. valida). Two of legume trees are N fixers, Dalbergia nigra (Jacarandá da Bahia) and Enterolobium contortisiliquum (Orelha de Negro), while Peltophorum dubium (Angico Canjiquinha) does not form nodules. Samples of Survenola grass were taken from D1) 50cm from trunk; D2) half of the canopyÆs projection ray; D3) canopyÆs projection ray; D4) one and a half of the canopyÆs projection ray; D5) twice the canopyÆs projection ray, which were considered control. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized split plot design, with three repetions, where each tree was treated as plot and the five sampling distances the subplots. The natural 15N abundance (delta15N, ë) analysis was carried out using the mass spectrometer Delta Plus, Finnigan Mat, of Embrapa Agrobiologia. The delta15N values (ë) from the Survenola grass shoot clearly indicated that the contribution of N fixed occurred mainly closer to the legume trees trunks Dalbergia nigra and Enterolobium contortisiliquum presented greater delta15N values with the increase in distance of the canopyÆs projection ray, indicating the recycling effect of the fixed N2 by the two legume trees. The grass N content derived from the legume trees varied from 0 to 38 percent but depended on leguminous species and distance. The N transferred from the legumes to the Survenola grass decreased with the sampling distance from the trunks of the tree species. The maximum N transfered from legumes to the grass was 29.9; 37.7 and 27.7 percent of the total N accumulated by Survenola grass, which was equivalent to 22.0; 16.7 and 8.2kg ha-1 of N for Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Dalbergia nigra e Peltophorum dubium, respectively.

Efeito residual da adubação verde no rendimento de brócolo (Brassica oleraceae L. var. Italica) cultivado em sucessão ao milho (Zea mays L. ) / Residual effect of the green manures in broccoli (Brassica oleraceae var. Italica) yield cultivated in succession to corn (Zea mays L. )

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar o efeito residual do cultivo isolado e consorciado dos adubos verdes crotalária (Crotalaria juncea) e milheto (Pennisetum americanum) sobre a transferência de Nitrogênio (N) e produção de brócolo, em sucessão ao milho, na ausência e presença da adubação de 150kg ha-1 de N. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos da parcela constaram do pré-cultivo dos adubos verdes crotalária, milheto, crotalária + milheto e vegetação espontânea. Na subparcela, os tratamentos foram 150kg ha-1 de N e testemunha (ausência de N-fertilizante no brócolo). A sucessão envolveu o cultivo dos adubos verdes (26/09/2001 a 03/12/2001), seguido pelo cultivo de milho (04/12/2001 a 28/05/2002) e brócolo híbrido Big Sur (05/06/2002 10/08/2002), em plantio direto, sobre os resíduos do milho. Não foi detectado efeito residual dos adubos verdes sobre o diâmetro, peso da matéria seca das inflorescências e produção de matéria seca do brócolo, tanto na ausência quanto na presença de N-fertilizante. A crotalária isolada em pré-cultivo elevou o teor e acúmulo de N nas folhas e inflorescência de brócolo, na ausência ou presença de 150kg ha-1 de N. No consórcio crotalária + milheto, a presença da leguminosa elevou o teor e acúmulo de N, na inflorescência, comparativamente ao milheto isolado. O diâmetro das inflorescências do brócolo, nas parcelas sem N-fertilizante precedidas da crotalária, foi similar à vegetação espontânea + 150kg ha-1 de N. Entretanto, a produção de brócolo e o teor e acúmulo de N, nas inflorescências, foram maiores após vegetação espontânea + 150kg ha-1 de N do que após adubos verdes sem N-fertilizante. O aproveitamento do N proveniente da fixação biológica pela inflorescência de brócolo foi 9,15 por cento, quando isolada e 8,48 por cento, quando consorciada.