Water erosion in surface soil conditions: runoff velocity, concentration and D50 index of sediments in runoff

Water erosion and contamination of water resources are influenced by concentration and diameter of sediments in runoff. This study aimed to quantify runoff velocity and concentration and the D50 index of sediments in runoff under different soil surface managements, in the following treatments: i) cropped systems: no-tilled soil covered by ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) residue, with high soil cover and minimal roughness (HCR); no tilled soil covered by vetch (Vicia sativa L.) residue, with high soil cover and minimal roughness (HCV); chiseled soil after ryegrass crop removing the above-ground residues and keeping only the root system, with high roughness (HRR); chiseled soil after vetch crop removing the above-ground residues and keeping only the root system, with high roughness (HRV); ii) bare and chiseled soil, with high roughness (BHR). The research was conducted on a Humic Dystrupept under simulated rainfall. The design was completely randomized and each treatment was replicated twice. Eight rainfall events of controlled intensity (65 mm h1) were applied to each treatment for 90 minutes. The D50 index, runoff velocity and sediment concentration were influenced by crop and soil management. Runoff velocity was more intensely reduced by cover crop residues than by surface roughness. Regardless of surface condition, the D50 index and concentration of sediment in runoff were lower under ryegrass than vetch crop. Runoff velocity and the D50 index were exponentially and inversely correlated with soil cover by residues and with surface roughness, while the D50 index was positively and exponentially correlated with runoff velocity.

Water erosion in surface soil conditions: runoff velocity, concentration and D50 index of sediments in runoff

Water erosion and contamination of water resources are influenced by concentration and diameter of sediments in runoff. This study aimed to quantify runoff velocity and concentration and the D50 index of sediments in runoff under different soil surface managements, in the following treatments: i) cropped systems: no-tilled soil covered by ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) residue, with high soil cover and minimal roughness (HCR); no tilled soil covered by vetch (Vicia sativa L.) residue, with high soil cover and minimal roughness (HCV); chiseled soil after ryegrass crop removing the above-ground residues and keeping only the root system, with high roughness (HRR); chiseled soil after vetch crop removing the above-ground residues and keeping only the root system, with high roughness (HRV); ii) bare and chiseled soil, with high roughness (BHR). The research was conducted on a Humic Dystrupept under simulated rainfall. The design was completely randomized and each treatment was replicated twice. Eight rainfall events of controlled intensity (65 mm h1) were applied to each treatment for 90 minutes. The D50 index, runoff velocity and sediment concentration were influenced by crop and soil management. Runoff velocity was more intensely reduced by cover crop residues than by surface roughness. Regardless of surface condition, the D50 index and concentration of sediment in runoff were lower under ryegrass than vetch crop. Runoff velocity and the D50 index were exponentially and inversely correlated with soil cover by residues and with surface roughness, while the D50 index was positively and exponentially correlated with runoff velocity.(AU)

Conservation tillage, optimal water and organic nutrient supply enhance soil microbial activities during wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) cultivation

The field experiments were conducted on sandy loam soil at New Delhi, during 2007 and 2008 to investigate the effect of conservation tillage, irrigation regimes (sub-optimal, optimal and supra-optimal water regimes), and integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on soil biological parameters in wheat cultivation. The conservation tillage soils has shown significant (p<0.05) increase in soil respiration (81.1 percent), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) (104 percent) and soil dehydrogenase (DH) (59.2 percent) compared to the conventional tillage soil. Optimum water supply (3-irrigations) enhanced soil respiration over sub-optimum and supra-optimum irrigations by 13.32 percent and 79 percent respectively. Soil dehydrogenase (DH) activity in optimum water regime has also increased by 23.33 percent and 8.18 percent respectively over the other two irrigation regimes. Similarly, SMBC has also increased by 12.14 percent and 27.17 percent respectively in soil with optimum water supply compared to that of sub-optimum and supra-optimum water regime fields. The maximum increase in soil microbial activities is found when sole organic source (50 percent Farm Yard Manure+25 percent biofertilizer+25 percent Green Manure) has been used in combination with the conservation tillage and the optimum water supply. Study demonstrated that microbial activity could be regulated by tillage, water and nitrogen management in the soil in a sustainable manner.

Conservation tillage, optimal water and organic nutrient supply enhance soil microbial activities during wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) cultivation.

The field experiments were conducted on sandy loam soil at New Delhi, during 2007 and 2008 to investigate the effect of conservation tillage, irrigation regimes (sub-optimal, optimal and supra-optimal water regimes), and integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on soil biological parameters in wheat cultivation. The conservation tillage soils has shown significant (p<0.05) increase in soil respiration (81.1%), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) (104%) and soil dehydrogenase (DH) (59.2%) compared to the conventional tillage soil. Optimum water supply (3-irrigations) enhanced soil respiration over sub-optimum and supra-optimum irrigations by 13.32% and 79% respectively. Soil dehydrogenase (DH) activity in optimum water regime has also increased by 23.33% and 8.18% respectively over the other two irrigation regimes. Similarly, SMBC has also increased by 12.14% and 27.17% respectively in soil with optimum water supply compared to that of sub-optimum and supra-optimum water regime fields. The maximum increase in soil microbial activities is found when sole organic source (50% Farm Yard Manure+25% biofertilizer+25% Green Manure) has been used in combination with the conservation tillage and the optimum water supply. Study demonstrated that microbial activity could be regulated by tillage, water and nitrogen management in the soil in a sustainable manner.

Conservation tillage, optimal water and organic nutrient supply enhance soil microbial activities during wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) cultivation

The field experiments were conducted on sandy loam soil at New Delhi, during 2007 and 2008 to investigate the effect of conservation tillage, irrigation regimes (sub-optimal, optimal and supra-optimal water regimes), and integrated nutrient management (INM) practices on soil biological parameters in wheat cultivation. The conservation tillage soils has shown significant (p 0.05) increase in soil respiration (81.1%), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) (104%) and soil dehydrogenase (DH) (59.2%) compared to the conventional tillage soil. Optimum water supply (3-irrigations) enhanced soil respiration over sub-optimum and supra-optimum irrigations by 13.32% and 79% respectively. Soil dehydrogenase (DH) activity in optimum water regime has also increased by 23.33% and 8.18% respectively over the other two irrigation regimes. Similarly, SMBC has also increased by 12.14% and 27.17% respectively in soil with optimum water supply compared to that of sub-optimum and supra-optimum water regime fields. The maximum increase in soil microbial activities is found when sole organic source (50% Farm Yard Manure+25% biofertilizer+25% Green Manure) has been used in combination with the conservation tillage and the optimum water supply. Study demonstrated that microbial activity could be regulated by tillage, water and nitrogen management in the soil in a sustainable manner.

Phosphorus loss by surface runoff in no-till system under mineral and organic fertilization

The no-till system has been intensively used in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and it has increased the nutrients level at the soil surface. This has contributed for nutrient losses via runoff and consequently, off-site water pollution. The objective of this study was to evaluate phosphorus loss in surface runoff by simulated rainfall on an Oxisol, under no-till system following application of mineral fertilizer and liquid swine manure. Nitrogen, soil and water losses from the same study are reported in a separated paper. The application of liquid swine manure, compared with mineral fertilization, increased runoff concentration of total P, particulate P and dissolved reactive P by 193%, 111% and 506%, respectively, averaged for all rainfall intensities. Independently on the fertilizer source, the highest rainfall intensity provided the greatest concentration and loads of P in runoff.

O sistema plantio direto tem sito intensivamente utilizado no Estado do Paraná Brasil o qual tem aumentado os níveis de nutrientes na superfície do solo. Isto tem contribuído para a perda de nutrientes via escoamento superficial e consequentemente com a poluição não pontual das águas. Avaliou-se a perda de fósforo via escoamento superficial ocasionado por chuva simulada sobre um Latossolo originário de basalto, em sistema plantio direto submetido à aplicação de fertilizante mineral e dejeto líquido de suíno. As perdas de nitrogênio, solo e água deste mesmo estudo foram publicadas em outro artigo. A aplicação de dejeto líquido suíno, comparado com o fertilizante mineral, aumentou a concentração de P total, P particulado e P dissolvido reativo em 193%, 111% e 506%, respectivamente, na média das chuvas. Independentemente da fonte de fertilizante, a chuva de maior intensidade proporcionou maior concentração e quantidade perdida de P no escoamento superficial.

Phosphate fertilization and phosphorus forms in an Oxisol under no-till

Under no-till phosphorus (P) accumulates in a few centimeters of the topsoil layer. Plant residues left on the soil surface release P and organic acids, which may improve P availability and fertilizer efficiency, including both soluble (such as triple super phosphate) and less soluble sources (such as reactive natural phosphates). In this study, soybean response to P fertilizer and P forms in the top 40 cm of an Oxisol were evaluated after surface application of different phosphates in a 5-year-old no-till system. Treatments consisted of 0 or 80 kg ha-1 of total P2O5 applied on the soil surface, both as natural reactive phosphate (NRP) or triple super phosphate (TSP). In addition, 80 kg ha-1 of P2O5 were applied to subplots, in furrows below and beside the soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds, in different combinations of NRP and TSP. Soil samples were taken before and after the soybean growth, down to 0.40 m and soil phosphorus was chemically fractionated. The responses to NRP were similar to TSP, with an increase in P reserves at greater depths, even in non-available forms, such as P-occluded. After the soybean harvest, P-occluded levels were lower at the surface layer, but an increase was observed in the soluble, organic and total P down to 40 cm. An improved P distribution in soil depth, especially regarding the soluble and organic forms, resulted in higher soybean yields, even when the phosphates were applied to the soil surface.

Em semeadura direta o fósforo (P) acumula-se na camada mais superficial do solo, mas os resíduos deixados na superfície liberam P e ácidos orgânicos, que podem melhorar a disponibilidade e a eficiência de fertilizantes como o superfosfato triplo e fosfatos naturais reativos. Neste estudo, a resposta da soja à adubação com P e as formas de P até 40 cm de profundidade do solo foram avaliadas após a aplicação de fosfatos em um sistema conduzido em semeadura direta há cinco anos. Os tratamentos consistiram de 0 ou 80 kg ha-1 P2O5 total, aplicados na superfície do solo como fosfato natural reativo (FNR) ou superfosfato triplo (SFT). Nas subparcelas foram aplicados, no sulco de semeadura, 80 kg ha-1 de P2O5, em diferentes combinações de FNR e SFT. Amostras de solo foram coletadas até 0.4 m, antes e depois do cultivo da soja (Glycine max L.), para fracionamento do P. As respostas ao FNR foram semelhantes às do SFT, com aumento das reservas de P em profundidade, mesmo em formas não-disponíveis como P-ocluso. Após a colheita da soja, os teores de P-ocluso diminuíram na camada mais superficial, mas foi observado um aumento nas formas solúvel, orgânica e P - total em toda a espessura de solo estudada. A melhor distribuição do P no solo, principalmente em formas solúvel e orgânica, resultou em maior produtividade da soja, mesmo quando o fertilizante foi aplicado na superfície do solo.

Phosphate fertilization and phosphorus forms in an Oxisol under no-till

Under no-till phosphorus (P) accumulates in a few centimeters of the topsoil layer. Plant residues left on the soil surface release P and organic acids, which may improve P availability and fertilizer efficiency, including both soluble (such as triple super phosphate) and less soluble sources (such as reactive natural phosphates). In this study, soybean response to P fertilizer and P forms in the top 40 cm of an Oxisol were evaluated after surface application of different phosphates in a 5-year-old no-till system. Treatments consisted of 0 or 80 kg ha-1 of total P2O5 applied on the soil surface, both as natural reactive phosphate (NRP) or triple super phosphate (TSP). In addition, 80 kg ha-1 of P2O5 were applied to subplots, in furrows below and beside the soybean (Glycine max L.) seeds, in different combinations of NRP and TSP. Soil samples were taken before and after the soybean growth, down to 0.40 m and soil phosphorus was chemically fractionated. The responses to NRP were similar to TSP, with an increase in P reserves at greater depths, even in non-available forms, such as P-occluded. After the soybean harvest, P-occluded levels were lower at the surface layer, but an increase was observed in the soluble, organic and total P down to 40 cm. An improved P distribution in soil depth, especially regarding the soluble and organic forms, resulted in higher soybean yields, even when the phosphates were applied to the soil surface.

Em semeadura direta o fósforo (P) acumula-se na camada mais superficial do solo, mas os resíduos deixados na superfície liberam P e ácidos orgânicos, que podem melhorar a disponibilidade e a eficiência de fertilizantes como o superfosfato triplo e fosfatos naturais reativos. Neste estudo, a resposta da soja à adubação com P e as formas de P até 40 cm de profundidade do solo foram avaliadas após a aplicação de fosfatos em um sistema conduzido em semeadura direta há cinco anos. Os tratamentos consistiram de 0 ou 80 kg ha-1 P2O5 total, aplicados na superfície do solo como fosfato natural reativo (FNR) ou superfosfato triplo (SFT). Nas subparcelas foram aplicados, no sulco de semeadura, 80 kg ha-1 de P2O5, em diferentes combinações de FNR e SFT. Amostras de solo foram coletadas até 0.4 m, antes e depois do cultivo da soja (Glycine max L.), para fracionamento do P. As respostas ao FNR foram semelhantes às do SFT, com aumento das reservas de P em profundidade, mesmo em formas não-disponíveis como P-ocluso. Após a colheita da soja, os teores de P-ocluso diminuíram na camada mais superficial, mas foi observado um aumento nas formas solúvel, orgânica e P - total em toda a espessura de solo estudada. A melhor distribuição do P no solo, principalmente em formas solúvel e orgânica, resultou em maior produtividade da soja, mesmo quando o fertilizante foi aplicado na superfície do solo.

Phosphorus loss by surface runoff in no-till system under mineral and organic fertilization

The no-till system has been intensively used in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and it has increased the nutrients level at the soil surface. This has contributed for nutrient losses via runoff and consequently, off-site water pollution. The objective of this study was to evaluate phosphorus loss in surface runoff by simulated rainfall on an Oxisol, under no-till system following application of mineral fertilizer and liquid swine manure. Nitrogen, soil and water losses from the same study are reported in a separated paper. The application of liquid swine manure, compared with mineral fertilization, increased runoff concentration of total P, particulate P and dissolved reactive P by 193%, 111% and 506%, respectively, averaged for all rainfall intensities. Independently on the fertilizer source, the highest rainfall intensity provided the greatest concentration and loads of P in runoff.

O sistema plantio direto tem sito intensivamente utilizado no Estado do Paraná Brasil o qual tem aumentado os níveis de nutrientes na superfície do solo. Isto tem contribuído para a perda de nutrientes via escoamento superficial e consequentemente com a poluição não pontual das águas. Avaliou-se a perda de fósforo via escoamento superficial ocasionado por chuva simulada sobre um Latossolo originário de basalto, em sistema plantio direto submetido à aplicação de fertilizante mineral e dejeto líquido de suíno. As perdas de nitrogênio, solo e água deste mesmo estudo foram publicadas em outro artigo. A aplicação de dejeto líquido suíno, comparado com o fertilizante mineral, aumentou a concentração de P total, P particulado e P dissolvido reativo em 193%, 111% e 506%, respectivamente, na média das chuvas. Independentemente da fonte de fertilizante, a chuva de maior intensidade proporcionou maior concentração e quantidade perdida de P no escoamento superficial.

Effects of Tillage Practices on Dissemination and Spatial Patterns of Heterodera glycines and Soybean Yield.

Two field experiments were conducted in central Iowa to assess the effects of tillage on Heterodera glycines dissemination and reproduction and soybean (Glycine max) yield. Plots in both experiments were artificially infested with equivalent numbers of H. glycines cysts. In one experiment, plots were left noninfested or received aggregated or uniform infestation, and a susceptible soybean cultivar was grown for 3 years. By the end of the first growing season and through the second, H. glycines population densities were consistently greater (P ≤ 0.05) in uniformly infested plots than in plots with aggregated infestations. No differences in soybean yield among the treatments were detected. In a second experiment, a 1-m2 area of each plot was infested with H. glycines cysts, susceptible soybeans were grown for four seasons, and crop residue was managed with either ridge-, conventional-, reduced-, or no-tillage. After 1 year, nematode population densities were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater in conventional- and reduced-tillage treatments than in no- and ridge-tillage treatments. After 2 years, H. glycines had been disseminated 6.9 m from the infestation site in conventional- and reduced-tillage treatments but only 0.5 and 1.4 m for no-tillage and ridge-tillage treatments, respectively. After 3 years, H. glycines population densities were 10 times greater in conventional- and reduced-tillage treatments than in the no-tillage treatment; conventional-tillage was the only treatment with yield significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) than the noninfested control. Aggregation of H. glycines eggs was greater (P ≤ 0.05) in no- and ridge-tillage treatments than in conventional- and reduced-tillage treatments. Results indicate tillage can quickly disseminate H. glycines in newly infested fields, facilitating more rapid nematode reproduction and subsequent yield loss.

Propriedades físicas de um Cambissolo Húmico afetadas pelo tipo de manejo do solo

Physical degradation of soils favors water erosion. Because of its intensity, conventional tillage usually acellerates the soil erosion process. Therefore, no-tillage is considered a soil conservation management system, because it preserves crop residues on soil surface. However, no-tillage may also increase bulk density and decrease surface soil total porosity. This study investigates the effects of soil management on a Haplumbrept, from May 1995 to November 1999, in the region of Lages, SC, Brazil. Three soil tillage treatments were used: conventional tillage (plowing plus disking), no-tillage and natural pasture. The crop sequences used were maize and vetch in the no-tillage system, and maize and fallow in the conventional tillage system. Soil strength and mean weight diameter of soil aggregates (MWD) were evaluated for soil layers of 0-2.5 cm, 2.5-5.0 cm, 5.0-10.0 cm and 10.0-15.0 cm. Soil water intake rate was also evaluated. The MWD did not differ betwen treatments for the 0-2.5 cm layer; in the other layers the soil presented higher values for the natural pasture and no-tillage treatments. Soil strength was higher for the no-tillage treatment in the 0-2.5 cm layer. The water intake rate was higher in the soil of the conventional tillage as compared to other management treatments.

A degradação das propriedades físicas do solo é um dos principais processos responsáveis pelo aumento da erosão hídrica. O preparo convencional predispõe o solo a este processo, já que é executado com intenso revolvimento mecânico do solo. A semeadura direta, por outro lado, é um sistema de manejo conservacionista, pois a ausência de preparo mantém os resíduos vegetais e aumenta o teor de matéria orgânica na superfície, apesar de aumentar a densidade e diminuir a porosidade superficial do solo. O trabalho foi desenvolvido num CAMBISSOLO HÚMICO alumínico, em Lages- SC, de maio de 1995 a novembro de 1999, com o objetivo de avaliar as modificações em algumas propriedades físicas do solo afetadas pelo manejo. Os tratamentos foram, preparo convencional executado com uma aração+duas gradagens (PCO) e semeadura direta (SDI), ambos com quatro repetições, além de um tratamento de campo nativo pastejado (CNP), com duas repetições. Na SDI foram cultivadas ervilhaca e milho em sucessão e, no PCO, adotou-se a sucessão milho seguido de pousio. Foram avaliadas a resistência do solo ao penetrômetro e diâmetro médio ponderado de agregados (DMP), ambos nas profundidades de 0-2,5; 2,5-5,0; 5,0-10,0 e 10,0-15,0 cm, e a taxa de infiltração de água no solo. O tipo de manejo não afetou o DMP na camada de 0-2,5 cm; nas demais camadas, no entanto, o CNP e SDI apresentaram valores maiores do que o PCO, não diferindo entre si. A resistência do solo ao penetrômetro foi maior na SDI do que nos demais tratamentos, na camada de 0-2,5 cm. A taxa de infiltração de água no solo, tanto inicial quanto final, foi maior no PCO do que nos demais tratamentos.

Propriedades físicas de um Cambissolo Húmico afetadas pelo tipo de manejo do solo

Physical degradation of soils favors water erosion. Because of its intensity, conventional tillage usually acellerates the soil erosion process. Therefore, no-tillage is considered a soil conservation management system, because it preserves crop residues on soil surface. However, no-tillage may also increase bulk density and decrease surface soil total porosity. This study investigates the effects of soil management on a Haplumbrept, from May 1995 to November 1999, in the region of Lages, SC, Brazil. Three soil tillage treatments were used: conventional tillage (plowing plus disking), no-tillage and natural pasture. The crop sequences used were maize and vetch in the no-tillage system, and maize and fallow in the conventional tillage system. Soil strength and mean weight diameter of soil aggregates (MWD) were evaluated for soil layers of 0-2.5 cm, 2.5-5.0 cm, 5.0-10.0 cm and 10.0-15.0 cm. Soil water intake rate was also evaluated. The MWD did not differ betwen treatments for the 0-2.5 cm layer; in the other layers the soil presented higher values for the natural pasture and no-tillage treatments. Soil strength was higher for the no-tillage treatment in the 0-2.5 cm layer. The water intake rate was higher in the soil of the conventional tillage as compared to other management treatments.

A degradação das propriedades físicas do solo é um dos principais processos responsáveis pelo aumento da erosão hídrica. O preparo convencional predispõe o solo a este processo, já que é executado com intenso revolvimento mecânico do solo. A semeadura direta, por outro lado, é um sistema de manejo conservacionista, pois a ausência de preparo mantém os resíduos vegetais e aumenta o teor de matéria orgânica na superfície, apesar de aumentar a densidade e diminuir a porosidade superficial do solo. O trabalho foi desenvolvido num CAMBISSOLO HÚMICO alumínico, em Lages- SC, de maio de 1995 a novembro de 1999, com o objetivo de avaliar as modificações em algumas propriedades físicas do solo afetadas pelo manejo. Os tratamentos foram, preparo convencional executado com uma aração+duas gradagens (PCO) e semeadura direta (SDI), ambos com quatro repetições, além de um tratamento de campo nativo pastejado (CNP), com duas repetições. Na SDI foram cultivadas ervilhaca e milho em sucessão e, no PCO, adotou-se a sucessão milho seguido de pousio. Foram avaliadas a resistência do solo ao penetrômetro e diâmetro médio ponderado de agregados (DMP), ambos nas profundidades de 0-2,5; 2,5-5,0; 5,0-10,0 e 10,0-15,0 cm, e a taxa de infiltração de água no solo. O tipo de manejo não afetou o DMP na camada de 0-2,5 cm; nas demais camadas, no entanto, o CNP e SDI apresentaram valores maiores do que o PCO, não diferindo entre si. A resistência do solo ao penetrômetro foi maior na SDI do que nos demais tratamentos, na camada de 0-2,5 cm. A taxa de infiltração de água no solo, tanto inicial quanto final, foi maior no PCO do que nos demais tratamentos.