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The timing of nitrogen fertilizer application in vineyards can determine the amount of nitrogen (N) absorbed, distributed, and accumulated in grapevine organs. The study aimed to evaluate the annual contribution of N from urea, applied at different times in Cabernet Sauvignon, grown in sandy and clayey soil in a subtropical climate. The sandy soil received 21.42 kg N ha−1 and the clayey soil 30 kg N ha−1, both enriched with 3% excess 15N atoms, applied at different times. The N derived from the fertilizer in grapevines, at all times of N application, and in sandy and clayey soil did not exceed 8%, with the highest values being observed in annual organs, especially in the leaves. The application of N marked at the phenological stages of IBB (50% at beginning of budbreak + 50% at full budbreak) enabled greater absorption of N derived from the fertilizer by the vines grown in both sandy and loamy soil. The N present in the annual organs (leaves, berries, stalks, and shoots) and in the perennial organs (stems and canes) of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in sandy and clayey soil was derived in greater percentages from the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of copper (Cu)-based fungicides to control diseases in vineyards can cause excessive Cu accumulation in soils. Greater Cu availability is expected in acid sandy soils with low organic matter (OM), where the risk of toxicity to plants and environment contamination is high. This study aimed to study the evolution of Cu in acid, sandy soils planted with grapevines for a period of time between 2 and 32 years. Two studies were carried out in South Brazil: in the first study, soil samples, from 19 vineyards were collected and analyzed in the first 0.2 m depth-layer for the total and available Cu. In the second study, 3 soils were selected among the previous 19 according to the age of vineyard (5, 11, and 30 year-old), and their 0.60 m-depth profile was analyzed for 5 fractions of Cu (soluble, exchangeable, mineral, organic, and residual). All the soils were classified as Ultisols. The vineyards with more than 25 years under cultivation had a mean total Cu concentration of 90 mg kg−1in the 0–0.10 m layer. Approximately 80% of it was potentially available to plants. The greatest total and available Cu were found in the soil surface layers (0.2 m depth), where up to 75% of the total Cu is adsorbed in clay minerals and only 20% is complexed in the OM. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In Brazilian vineyards planted in sandy soils, nitrogen (N) should be applied at optimal rates and timing that correspond to greatest demand, thus minimizing N losses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the grapevine N distribution and recovery of urea- 15 N applied at budding and bloom. In 2009, in a vineyard ( Vitis vinifera cv. Cabernet Sauvignon) planted in Santana do Livramento, south Brazil, grapevines were treated with 10 kg N ha −1 at budding +10 kg N ha −1 at full bloom (10B + 10F); 20 kg N ha −1 at budding +20 kg N ha −1 at full bloom (20B + 20F); 20 kg N ha −1 at budding (20B); and 40 kg N ha −1 at full bloom (40F). Budding of grapevines in 2009 and 2010 was at the end of August and full bloom in November. In February 2010 and 2011, grapevine organs (leaves, berries, stem and roots) were collected, and in February 2011 soil samples were also collected in the profile. The wine-producing grapevines grown in the sandy soil took up more N derived from 20B treatment, compared with other N treatments, especially in the first crop season. The N derived from fertilizer applied at different rates and time was preferentially distributed in annual plant organs, but most N contained in the plant organs was derived from other sources than the fertilizer N. In the following season, 15 N applied in the previous year was recovered preferentially in leaves and fruits, again in low amounts. Nitrogen derived from fertilizer applied at different rates and time in a sandy soil apparently contributes little to grapevine nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Content of exchangeable potassium (K) in t soil may influence on its content in grapevines leaves, grape yield, as well as, in must composition. The study aimed to assess the interference of exchangeable K content in the soil on its leaf content, production and must composition of 'Cabernet Sauvignon' cultivar. In September 2011, in Santana do Livramento (RS) five vineyards with increasing levels of exchangeable K in the soil were selected. In the 2012/13 and 2013/14 harvests, the grape yield, yield components, total K content in the leaves in full bloom and berries veraison were evaluated. Values of total soluble sugar (TSS), pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), total polyphenols and anthocyanins were evaluated in the must. Exchangeable K content increase in soil with sandy surface texture increased its content in leaves collected during full flowering and in berries and must pH; however, it did not affect production of the 'Cabernet Sauvignon'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symbioses with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may increase plant tolerance to heavy metals, in addition to the improvement in phosphorus (P) uptake by plants. This study evaluated the effects of the interaction between an increase in the soil phosphorus level and the colonization by Rhizophagus clarus on several biochemical and physiological parameters of Crotalaria juncea plants cultivated in a soil with a high copper (Cu) level. Plant growth and photosynthetic pigment fluorescence parameters, as well as the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activities in C. juncea plants, were analyzed. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, and a 3 × 2 factorial design was employed, including the natural P level, 40, and 100 mg P kg −1 , with and without R. clarus inoculation, with three replicates in a soil with a high Cu level (65 mg kg −1 ). The results demonstrate that the combination of the addition of P together with AMF inoculation improved the plant nutritional status, with consequent increases in the levels of P, K, Mg, Fe, Zn, and chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters . Furthermore, mycorrhization and phosphorus addition increased the activities of the SOD and CAT enzymes, which are responsible for the removal of reactive oxygen species when plants are exposed to high Cu levels. This synergistic effect between P application and inoculation with R. clarus could be of technological interest for achieving increased growth of C. juncea cultivated in soils with high Cu levels via the promotion of effective mechanisms for reducing Cu phytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The recovery of N by ‘Niagara Rosada’ grape from the decomposition of rye residues deposited on the soil surface was evaluated. [•] We used in the study rye residues labeled with 15N. [•] The N derived from the litter of rye added into the soil surface was accumulated at similar percentage in the annual and perennial organs of the ‘Niagara Rosada’ grape. [•] The N derived from litter of rye apparently contributed little to the ‘Niagara Rosada’ grape nutrition in the time length studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No-till farming and manure application are means of storing carbon in soil and increasing soil quality. However, the organic fertilization of no-till soils may sustain subtropical agroecosystems for only a limited period until the soil quality declines. The C, N, P, and other nutrient cycles are perturbed due to the nutrient imbalance in manures and their application on the soil surface, which poses a risk for nutrient dispersion into the environment. Long-term N-based manure application also impacts the apparent nutrient recovery (ANR) by crops and, hence, the crop quality. Our objective was to monitor changes in soil quality and to measure nutrient recovery from N-based organic fertilization in a Brazilian agroecosystem. A long-term experiment was established in May 2004 on Typic Hapludalf soil in Southern Brazil. The experiment comprised two periods: 2004–2009 and 2009–2020. The treatments were unfertilized (control), pig slurry, pig deep litter (swine manure and rice husk), cattle slurry, and mineral fertilizer (urea, triple superphosphate, and K chloride). Grain and cover crops were grown. The maize grain yield and oat biomass were used as indicators of productivity. The application of cattle slurry, pig deep litter, and pig slurry increased the grain production by 20% on average compared to mineral fertilization. Organic manuring increased the soil pH by up to one unit, while urea acidified the soil. The highest crop yields were obtained with pig deep litter, which increased the levels of P, K, Ca, Mg, and C in the soil test. Pig deep litter showed the highest N-ANR for the aboveground part of the plants. The ANRs for P, K, Ca, and Mg were also highest when pig slurry had been applied. The ANR values for the micronutrients varied widely among the organic sources but indicated large marginal offtake gains compared to mineral fertilization. The N-based fertilization with animal manures increased the rate of nutrient uptake by plants but led to an accumulation of nutrients in the soil, threatening the sustainability of the system. Manure applications must be monitored regularly to avoid the accumulation of nutrients that could impair the soil quality and become an environmental problem in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The N release in the soil with organic fertilization is affected by various factors, such as the amount and the caractheristics of the added manure, climatic conditions and soil type. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of soil texture and the N release from two sources of organic fertilizer. Sandy loam soil (238mg clay kg-1), silt clay (470mg kg-1) and veryclay (605mg kg-1) were incubated, to which the poultry litter (47% N-NH4 +) and the pig liquid slurry (14% N-NH4 +) were added or not. The contents of N-NH4 + and N-NO3 - was determined at 0, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 112 days after incubation and calculated the net mineralization and the percentage of available N and net mineral nitrogen in relation to the total and added organic N, respectively. The higher clay caused more gradually nitrification, regardless of the type of organic fertilizer added, which may helps to reduce the polluting potential of N. The net N mineralization was also higher in sandy loam soil. This confirms the recommendation to spread the supply of nitrogen to crops, particularly in sandy soils and slurry rich in Nammonia. The results indicated that the official indices of efficiency of N release (IELN), of 80% for the pig liquid slurry and 50% for the poultry litter, may be overestimated. Therefore, it seems important to consider the N mineral of the soil in the calculation of the efficiency of the release to reduce the depletion of soil organic matter in a medium or long term. Finally, the results point to the need for further studies so that the soil texture classes are considered as a variable to the recommended nitrogen through organic fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of crop and pasture has been an important if not the main alternative of pig slurry disposal. However, its use has often been made in quantities exceeding the requirements of crops and with sequential applications that can enhance the polluting effect of this waste once the soil has a limited capacity of support. The present study aimed to determine the total content of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) and cadmium (Cd) in areas that are used as a disposal site of pig slurry. For this, there were collected soil samples in 13 farms in the West Region of Santa Catarina used annually as a disposal site, and which had a history of application of the residue from 4 to 22 years. In addition, it was also conducted soil sampling in an experiment in the municipality of Paraíso do Sul, RS under natural pasture, that during five years received 28 applications of pig slurry. Zinc and copper are the elements that deserve more attention in relation to a possible accumulation in the soil, in areas with application of pig slurry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: High rates and successive applications of pig slurry can cause nutrient transfer by surface runoff. The aim of this study was to evaluate the importance of surface runoff in transferring nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) under a no tillage system and for successive applications of pig slurry. The research was carried out in the Agricultural Engineering Department of the Federal University of Santa Maria, Brazil, from 2002 to 2007 in a Typic Hapludalf soil. Pig slurry rates of 0, 20, 40 and 80m3 ha−1 were applied, scattered on the surface, before the sowing of each species in a cultivation sequence. On average 119, 238 and 475kgha−1 yr−1 of N; 102, 203 and 406kgha−1 yr−1 of P and 43, 87 and 173kgha−1 yr−1 of K were added, for rates of 20, 40 and 80m3 ha−1 of pig slurry, respectively. Samples of water runoff from the soil surface were collected during the entire period and the minerals, N, P and K were determined. Successive applications of pig slurry decreased surface runoff. In relative terms, the K losses were higher than N and P. As regards total nutrients applied through pig slurry, losses through surface runoff were of 2.74, 1.61 and 1.37% of mineral N; 6.29, 5.01 and 3.51% of available P and 17.16, 9.01 and 11.14% of available K, for the three rates of applied pig slurry, respectively. Repeated applications of pig slurry on a no tillage managed soil caused losses of N, P and K from the soil through surface runoff, in the sequence: K>P>N. The losses of N and K are positively related to the volume of surface runoff, whereas the losses of P are positively related to the quantities of P added through pig slurry. Applications of pig slurry along the years decrease the surface runoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Successive pig slurry application can increase the copper and phosphorus levels in the soil and the losses of these elements by surface runoff and percolation. The objective of this study is to evaluate the losses and the forms of both copper and phosphorus in the surface runoff and also in/on the percolation solution, on soils with successive pig slurry application under no tillage system. The experiment was installed in 2000, at Typic Hapludalf soil. The treatments consisted of successive applications of 0, 40 and 80m3 ha-1 of pig slurry applied on soil surface in no tillage system. Samples of surface runoff and percolated solutions were collected during the life cycle of oat (Avena strigosa) in the 2006 winter, when the soil had a history of 16 pig slurry applications. The following parameters have been evaluated: Cu, P, cation, anion and pH, dissolved organic carbon and electric conductivity. The Visual MINTEQ program version 2.15 was utilized to estimate the copper and phosphorus ionic speciation. The surface runoff is the most important form of copper and phosphorus loss of the soil. In addition, copper was found in the organic form (CuCOD) and phosphorus in the free forms (HPO4 2- e H2PO4 -) in the surface runoff solution. Thus, these elements could be an important source of water contamination in places where pig farming is widespread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The use of organic wastes in southern Brazil is a common practice in the farms and in many of these, the criterion for defining the doses of organic wastes is to meet the N demand by crops. This may mean the accumulation of chemical elements in the soil, especially in soils managed under no-tillage systems, and enhance the transfer of these elements by surface runoff. The aim was evaluated how successive applications of organic and mineral sources of nutrients in a long-term experiment, managed under no-tillage system in a subtropical environment, influence the transfer of quantities and forms of N and P by surface runoff. The experiment was carried out in southern Brazil, in a Typic Hapludalf soil. The treatments consisted of the application of pig slurry, pig deep litter, cattle slurry, mineral fertilizer and a control, without nutrients. The doses of organic wastes were to meet the N demand by crops. Were evaluated the surface runoff and the transfers of mineral N and forms of P (soluble, particulate, and total) from 2009 to 2013 period. The amount of solution transferred by surface runoff decreased with fertilization and present a negative relationship with the soil organic matter (SOM). The transfers of mineral N increased with the increase in the contents of SOM, but decreased with the runoff. The transfers of P forms present a great relationship with the amounts of P applied and the contents of soil P extracted by Mehlich-1, and more than 55% of total P transferred by surface runoff, in the treatments that received nutrients application, is on soluble form. In addition, the transfer of soluble, particulate and total P was lower with mineral fertilizer application, when compared with organic wastes. This suggest that the use of N demand by crops as a criterium to meet the doses of organic wastes is not adequate in subtropical environment. • Use of organic wastes as a source of nutrients for plants allows to close nutrient cycles. • The use of nitrogen to set the dose of organic wastes, adds high amounts of phosphorus to the soil. • The organic wastes use increased transfers of nitrogen and phosphorus by surface runoff. • The transfers of nitrogen and phosphorus by surface runoff cause contamination of water sources. • Need to reduce the quantities of organic wastes applied, adjusting the requirements of crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grass species native to South American can have mechanisms to tolerate copper (Cu) excess, which improves their use to phytoremediate Cu-contaminated soils. The aims of the present study are to assess the tolerance of grass species native to South American grasslands to copper-contaminated soils, as well as their adaptive responses under high Cu-stressed condition and to identify native grass species presenting the highest potential to be used for phytoremediation purposes. Soil samples were air-dried and their acidity, phosphorus and potassium levels were corrected, and the samples were incubated. Three Cu levels were used in the experiment: natural (Dose 0), with added of 40 mg kg−1 of Cu and with added of 80 mg kg−1 of Cu. Three Axonopus affinis, Paspalum notatum and Paspalum plicatulum seedlings were transferred to 5-L pots filled with soil in August and grown for 121 days. Soil solution was collected during cultivation with the aid of Rhizon lysimeters. Main concentrations of cations and anions, dissolved organic carbon and pH in the soil solution were analyzed and the ionic speciation was carried out. Cu toxicity impaired the growth of grass species native to South America, since Cu excess led to both changes in root morphology and nutritional unbalance. Among all assessed native species, Paspalum plicatulum was the one presenting the greatest potential to phytostabilize in Cu-contaminated soils, since it mainly accumulates Cu absorbed in the roots; therefore, its intercropping with grapevines is can be beneficial in Cu-contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of P soil addition to mitigate the toxic effect of excess of Cu on grapevine on sandy non-calcareous soil. Micro-propagated plants of 1103 Paulsen rootstock were grown according to a factorial experimental design with two factors: Cu addition (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg kg −1 dw) and P addition (0, 50 and 100 mg kg −1 soil dw). The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse and plants were grown on a sandy soil in rhizoboxes. At the end of the trial, plants were destructively harvested, the biomass and the nutrient concentration of organs were determined. Root growth was evaluated during the trial and the concentration of organic acid in root tissue and exudates was determined. Shoot length and plant biomass declined as Cu concentration in soil increased; the application of P enhanced plant growth and nutritional status. Root biomass decreased at Cu > 100 mg kg −1 and increased in P at 100 mg kg −1 . Phosphorous stimulated root length, diameter and the number of apexes. Root citric acid increased as a response of Cu at 300 mg kg −1 , root ascorbic acid decreased with the increase of Cu (200 and 300 mg kg −1 ) and P at 100 mg kg −1 . The concentration of citric acid from root exudations was higher in Cu at 300 mg kg −1 and Cu at 200 mg kg −1 (compared to control) and P at 100 mg kg −1 soils. The application of P fertilization seems to be a valuable strategy to overcome the toxicity of high concentration of Cu in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased phosphorus (P) available in soil can modify the partitioning of P forms in annual and perennial organs of grapevines throughout the growing season. This study was to evaluate the distribution and redistribution of P forms in organs of grapevines grown in soils with different contents of available P. The study was conducted in two vineyards installed in the city of Santana do Livramento, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), in southern Brazil. The treatments were vineyard 1 (V1) with 11.8 mg kg −1 of available P in soil and vineyard 2 (V2) with 34.6 mg kg −1 . The cultivar of both vineyards is Tannat ( Vitis vinifera L.) grafted on SO4 ( Vitis berlandieri × Vitis riparia ) rootstock. Plant density per hectare was 2525 (1.2 m × 3.2 m) on a spur pruned cordon system. The grapevines were uprooted and partitioned into roots, trunks, arms, spurs, new-year shoots, leaves and clusters (when present) at flowering (F), veraison (V), harvest (H) and dormancy (D). The organs were dried, prepared and subjected to chemical fractionation of P, to estimate fractions of total acid-soluble P (P ST ), acid-soluble inorganic P (P SI ), acid-soluble organic P (P SO ) (by difference between T SP and P SI ), phospholipids P (P LIP ), P associated with RNA (P RNA ), P associated with DNA (P DNA ) and residual P (P RES ). P in grapevines of V1 and V2 accumulated mainly in the P SI fraction in leaves and clusters, which was collected at F, V and H, and in P SO fraction in roots, collected at D. Part of the root P SI was redistributed at F to the leaves and clusters in vines of V1. Vines grown in V2 accumulated more P in P SO form in roots and tended to redistribute less P SI to the leaves and clusters after F. Grapevines accumulated P in roots, both in soils with low and high available P contents, and P was subsequently redistributed and accumulated in leaves and clusters in inorganic form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) fraction accumulation and adsorption capacity were evaluated in sandy-soil after 16 pig slurry (PS) and deep-litter (DL) applications under subtropical climate. Sixteen PS and DL applications to a Typic Hapludalf increased soil Cu and Zn soluble, exchangeable, mineral, organic, and total fractions. Cu mostly accumulated in organic and residual fractions (1.03, 4.39, 9.81, and 9.68, 12.9, 13.98 mg Cu kg−1 in the control, PS, and DL, respectively), whereas Zn presented a greater increase in mineral and exchangeable fractions (0.42, 6.39, 15.46 and 1.67, 8.96, 14.83 mg Zn kg−1 in the control, PS, and DL, respectively). Manure applications changed Cu and Zn adsorption behavior, with the greatest (895.8 mg Cu kg−1 and 945.9 mg Zn kg−1) adsorption occurring in DL, which is related to the 1.5- and 1.6-times organic matter increase compared to PS and control. Cu showed a preference for soil exchangeable sites under the competitive adsorption system, reducing Zn absorption about 11 and 6 times in the PS and DL, respectively. Application of pig manure rates based solely on crop N demand is unwise as it potentiates Cu and Zn accumulation, Zn bioavailability, increasing the risk of Zn toxicity and transference to aquatic environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We investigated and quantified the phosphorus (P) fate in a cropping system. • After 8 years, total P inputs to a sandy soil were up to 2511 kg ha−1. • Vertical movement of P in soil was confined to the top 35 cm layer. • Mass balance indicated that 59–81% of P added was accumulated in the soil pool. • P accounted in grain and runoff were similar, while leaching was a minor P loss. Repeated phosphorus (P) inputs can lead to the accumulation of surplus P in soil with enhanced potential risk of transfer and accelerated eutrophication of aquatic environments. Intensive pork production in Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil results in the generation of large quantities of P-rich waste in the form of pig slurry, which is used to fertilise crops. The aim of this study was to assess and quantify the impact of repeated application of pig slurry P over 8 years (2000–2007) on the fate of P in a sandy loam soil maintained under a mixed cropping regime. In a replicated field trial, pig slurry was applied at three rates (20, 40, and 80 m3 ha−1), which resulted in cumulative P inputs over the 8-year period of 628, 1256, and 2511 kg P ha−1. Slurry inputs of 20, 40, and 80 m3 ha−1 resulted in the accumulation of 368, 936, and 2039 kg P ha−1 in soil to 60 cm, respectively. A combination of soil storage (59–81 %), crop removal (7–14 %), and total P transfer in surface runoff (5–15 %) accounted for most of the P applied in pig slurry over 8 years. Our results highlight the potential environmental impacts of runoff P losses in long-term waste-amended and intensively managed subtropical coarse-textured soils. Measures to minimise soil erosion and P transfers from land to water bodies are of utmost importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term applications of organic amendments, such as pig slurry (PS), may represent environmental risk of soil and water pollution by trace metals (TM). Our objective was to examine different soil and manure management scenarios that enhance the long-term agricultural use of soils under repetitive PS applications while avoiding environmental risk. Firstly, we developed a new module for simulating the impacts of soil tillage frequencies in Hydrus-1D. Secondly, we used a previously validated modeling approach to predict the surface accumulation and movement of the TM during the next 100-year in the soil under different PS doses (80 and 40 m 3 ha −1 cultivation −1 ) and tillage frequencies (no-tillage and 20, 10, and 5-year tillage). No-tillage simulations revealed consistent TM surface accumulations, reaching the soil threshold value for Cu in the 0–20 cm layer after 86 years of PS amendments at high doses, but in layers 0–5, 0–10, and 5–10 cm, this concentration was already reached after 17, 38, and 75 years, respectively. While soil tillage reduced TM concentrations over the top 20 cm of the soil profile, it increased their transfer to deeper layers. Periodical soil tillage each 5, 10, and 20 years was found to allow PS applications without reaching the Cu threshold value in soil during 100 years. However, soil solution concentrations of Zn reached the threshold values for groundwater. Therefore, the best manure management practice for the long-term PS disposal with respect to Zn and Cu concentrations in soil is the application of moderate PS rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nitrogen (N) critical level in leaves and maximum technical efficiency (MTE) doses contribute to the grape yield, must quality, and fertilizers rationalization. This study aimed to define sufficient ranges and critical levels in leaves and maximum technical efficiency doses to obtain high yields and quality must in grapevines grown in sandy soil in a subtropical climate. 'Chardonnay' and 'Pinot Noir' grapevines were subjected to the annual application of 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg N ha−1 in a vineyard. The nitrogen concentration in leaves at flowering and veraison, grape yield and grape must chemical parameters (total soluble solids—TSS, total titratable acidity—TTA and total anthocyanins—TA) were evaluated. The N critical level in leaves at flowering was different between grapevines cultivars, but this was not observed in leaves at veraison. It was possible to estimate MTE for 'Chardonnay' grapevines, in the evaluated growing seasons. In the range of higher probability of the N critical level in leaves, the TSS and TTA variables showed opposite responses, for both cultivars. This study proposes different N critical levels for red and white grapevines, in a subtropical climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mobility of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in the profile and distribution of sandy soil fractions from vineyards. Soil samples were collected from two vineyards of different ages (14 and 30 years) and a natural field area in the south of Brazil. The chemical characteristics, Cu levels and Zn levels, were analyzed in the soils by extraction with ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) using the 3050B method of USEPA and by chemical fractionation. Cu and Zn were accumulated in the vineyard soils, especially in the uppermost soil layers and in the soil from the oldest vineyard. Approximately, 75% of the total Cu was extracted by EDTA, but only 30% of the total Zn was extracted by EDTA. Most of the Cu, especially in the oldest vineyard, was distributed in the mineral-associated fraction, which is characterized by low geochemical mobility, but another important part of the Cu was distributed in the soil organic matter. Most of the Zn in the soil was distributed in the residual and mineral-associated fractions, which are characterized by low mobility and have potential for causing toxicity to plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal manure can be used as a source of nutrients in cropping systems throughout the world. However, in subtropical climates, the impacts of animal manure application over multiple years on crop productivity and on the total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks in the soil profile are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to evaluate how animal manure application carried out over more than 17 years can impact corn productivity and TOC and TN stocks in different soil layers. This long-term study was conducted from 2004 to 2021 under no-till conditions in southern Brazil. The treatments included pig slurry (PS), cattle slurry (CS), pig deep litter (PDL), mineral fertilizer (NPK) and a control (no fertilizer application). To determine soil TOC and TN stocks, soil samples were collected from the 0.00–0.10, 0.10–0.20, 0.20–0.30, 0.30–0.40 and 0.40–0.50 m layers in December 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020. Corn productivity was evaluated for the 2008/09, 2012/13, 2016/17, and 2020/21 crops. The highest yields and TOC and TN stocks were observed in soils with pig deep litter and cattle slurry application. In the sandy soil under a no-till system after 26 animal manure applications over 17 years, the highest TOC and TN stocks were observed in the 0.00–0.10 m layer. On average, the TOC stocks obtained for the 0.00–0.10 m layer were 11.21, 14.88, 15.82, 22.59 and 15.16 Mg ha−1 for the control, PS, CS, PDL and NPK treatments, respectively. The soil TN stocks in the 0.00–0.10 m layer were 1.06, 1.40, 1.65, 2.03 and 1.43 Mg ha−1 for the control, PS, CS, PDL and NPK treatments, respectively. The application of pig deep litter to the soil over 17 years resulted in a notable increase in TOC and TN levels, playing a crucial role in increasing the productivity of maize crops. [Display omitted] • We investigated the effect of long-term applications of animal manure and mineral fertilizers on corn yield. • Long-term applications of animal manure and mineral fertilizers promote increases in TOC and TN. • After 17 years, the addition of pig-deep litter accumulated 22.59 Mg C ha−1 and 2.03 Mg N ha−1. • The addition of pig-deep litter and cattle slurry resulted in higher yields compared to mineral fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to quantify the phosphorus (P) fractions in phosphate-fertilized sandy soils under grapevines. Soil was sampled from a grassland site and two vineyards (13 and 31 years old) in the State Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from the layers 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, 15–20, and 20–40 cm deep. The samples were prepared and P fractions were assessed by chemical fractionation. Phosphate fertilization of the vineyard soils increased P contents to a depth of 40 cm, especially in the more recalcitrant fractions but detectable in the more labile fractions as well, which are plant available and may increase the risk of environmental contamination. Phosphate fertilizers and the period of grapevine cultivation had little effect on the levels of organic P forms, whereas cover crops in vineyards could be an appropriate strategy to increase or maintain the levels of soil organic matter and the levels of organic P over the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Organic amendments often represent a source of trace metals (TMs) in soils, which may partly leach into the groundwater. The objectives of this study were (1) to validate Hydrus-2D for modeling the transport of Zn and Cu in an Alfisol amended with pig slurry (PS) by comparing numerical simulations and experimental field data, and (2) to model the next 50 years of TM movements under scenarios of suspended or continued PS amendments. First, between 2000 and 2008, we collected detailed Zn and Cu data from a soil profile in Santa Maria, Brazil. Two hypotheses about Zn and Cu reactivity with the solid phase were tested, considering physical, hydraulic, and chemical characteristics of six soil layers. Using a two-site sorption model with a sorption kinetic rate adjusted based on laboratory EDTA extractions, Hydrus simulations of the vertical TM transport were found to satisfactorily describe the soil Zn and Cu concentration profiles. Second, the long-term fate of Zn and Cu in the soil was assessed using the validated parameterized model. Numerical simulations showed that Zn and Cu did not present risks for groundwater pollution. However, future Cu accumulation in the surface soil layer would exceed the Brazilian threshold for agricultural soils. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Foliar fungicide application in grapevines increases the content of heavy metals such as copper (Cu) in vineyard soils, which may reach phytotoxic levels. The application of soil amendments such as limestone and vermicompost may reduce Cu availability and phytotoxicity. The study aimed to assess growth, physiological status and changes in root morphology in young grapevines grown for 12 months in Cu-contaminated soil with and without the application of soil amendments. Samples of a Typic Hapludalf soil were collected in a vineyard with more than 30 years of cultivation. The following treatments were used: 1) control (without amendment), 2) application of organic vermicompost (86.7 g kg−1) and 3) application of limestone (3 Mg ha−1). Grapevines (Paulsen 1103 rootstock) were transplanted and grown for 12 months in PVC soil columns. We assessed parameters of growth, photosynthesis and root morphology. Grapevines grown in soil treated with limestone showed increased growth, dry matter yield and photosynthetic efficiency. The highest Cu concentrations in root tissue were found in grapevines grown in control soil. The application of vermicompost in this study did not alleviate Cu toxicity. Grapevines grown in soil treated with vermicompost showed high manganese (Mn) concentration in shoots before the winter pruning, reflecting the high Mn concentrations in soil solution that caused Mn phytotoxicity, resulting in plant death after the winter pruning. The vermicompost used in this study is not suitable for agronomic use. The use of limestone was an effective strategy to reduce Cu availability and phytotoxicity. • The use of limestone was an effective strategy to reduce Cu availability and phytotoxicity. • Cu-contaminated soil treated with limestone showed higher growth and development of young grapevines. • Vermicompost was not an effective alternative as a soil amendment. • Cu-contaminated soil treated with vermicompost showed high Mn concentration in soil solution that caused Mn phytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest species Angico-Vermelho (Parapiptadenia rigida (Bentham) Brenan) is an alternative for the revegetation of areas contaminated with high levels of heavy metals such as copper (Cu). However, excess Cu may cause toxicity to plants, which is why the use of soil amendments can facilitate cultivation by reducing the availability of Cu in the soil. The aim of this study was to assess how the use of amendment can contribute to growth and nutritional status as well as reduce oxidative stress in Angico-Vermelho grown in Cu-contaminated soil. Samples of a Typic Hapludalf soil containing high Cu content were used for the application of four amendments (limestone, organic compost, Ca silicate and zeolite), in addition to a control treatment. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, with four replicates. The use of amendments decreased Cu content available in soil and contributed to improve both plant nutritional status and its antioxidant response expressed by enzymatic activity. The application of the amendments, especially zeolite and Ca silicate, increased dry matter yield of Angico-Vermelho. Thus, the results presented here suggest that the use of amendments contributes to improving Cu-contaminated soils and favors revegetation with Angico-Vermelho. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peach ( Prunus persica L.) rootstock cultivars are typically selected for scion compatibility, ease of propagation, vigor, development, flowering season, yield, low need for cold temperatures, resistance to diseases, effects on the physical-chemical characteristics of the fruit, plant longevity and adaptation to adverse edaphoclimatic conditions. However, kinetic parameters related to nutrient uptake efficiency are usually not considered, such as those of nitrate (NO 3 − ) and ammonium (NH 4 + ). N is the nutrient that most impacts growth and yield. The objective of this study was to show the importance of the kinetic parameters of NO 3 − and NH 4 + uptake as additional criteria for selecting peach rootstocks. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse. Three rootstock (‘Aldrighi’, ‘Tsukuba1’ and ‘Clone 15′) were grown for 30 days in a pot containing 0.1 mol L -1 CaSO4 solution to reduce internal reserves of N. Afterwards, the plants were placed in Hoagland nutrient solution, where periodic collections of the nutrient solution were carried out for three days and the concentrations of NO 3 − and NH 4 + were determined. After the third day of collecting the solution, the plants were collected and then separated into leaves, roots and stems. Dry matter and total N content were assessed. The kinetic parameters related to NO 3 − and NH 4 + uptake (maximum uptake rate - V max , affinity constant - K m , Minimum concentration - C min , Influx - I) were calculated using Cinética software. The most efficient rootstock for NO 3 − and NH 4 + uptake was ‘Tsukuba1’, as it showed the lowest values ​​of C min and K m and the highest values ​​of V max and I max for NO 3 − and NH 4 + . NO 3 − uptake in ‘Tsukuba1’ and ‘Aldrighi’ showed a two-phase uptake pattern, suggesting the presence of low and high affinity transport systems. On the other hand, NH 4 + uptake in the three cultivars apparently followed a one-phase uptake pattern, suggesting the presence of a high affinity transport system. The kinetic parameters of NO 3 − and NH 4 + uptake are additional criteria that can be used in selecting peach rootstocks, as they directly influence shoot and root dry matter production and N accumulation in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) improve plant ability to uptake P and tolerate heavy metals. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of available P and the inoculation of Rhizophagus clarus in a Cu-contaminated soil ( i ) on the activity of acid phosphatases (soil and plant), the presence of glomalin, and ( ii ) in the biochemical and physiological status of Mucuna cinereum . A Typic Hapludalf soil artificially contaminated by adding 60 mg kg −1 Cu was used in a 3 × 2 factorial design with three replicates. Treatments consisted of three P levels: 0, 40, and 100 mg kg −1 P. Each P treatment level was inoculated (+AMF)/non-inoculated (−AMF) with 200 spores of R. clarus per pot, and plants grown for 45 days. The addition of at least 40 mg kg −1 P and the inoculation of plants with R. clarus proved to be efficient to reduce Cu phytotoxicity and increase dry matter yield. Mycorrhization and phosphate fertilization reduced the activity of enzymes regulating oxidative stress (SOD and POD), and altered the chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters, due to the lower stress caused by available Cu. These results suggest a synergism between the application of P and the inoculation with R. clarus , favoring the growth of M. cinereum in a Cu-contaminated soil. This study shows that AMF inoculation represents an interesting alternative to P fertilization to improve plant development when exposed to excess Cu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• N addition promotes the increase in the surface area of live fine roots. • Fine root production is higher in grapevine flowering stage. • N concentration in leaves is promoted by the increase in the fine roots. • Total number of dead and mortality of fine roots is increased by the addition of N. Nitrogen (N) supply to the soil via fertilization can influence important processes of the root system growth, which can increase N uptake and, consequently, the shoot growth. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate how the application of N levels can affect the dynamics of spatial and temporal growth of the root system of grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) in sandy soil and subtropical climate. 'Alicante Bouschet' grapevines, grafted on 'Paulsen 1103' rootstock, implanted in 2011. The N addition were: Low N: control (without the N addition; 0 kg N ha−1 year−1); Medium N (40 kg N ha−1 year−1); and High N (100 kg N ha−1 year−1). The study was carried out during 2016/17 and 2017/18 crop seasons. N concentration in the leaves and morphological parameters of fine roots were evaluated using the minirhizotron technique. The addition of Medium N and High N significantly increased the values ​​of the total surface area of ​​live fine roots and the total number of live and dead fine roots, at 0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm soil depth, in both crop seasons evaluated. The addition of Medium N and High N also directly influenced the production rates of live fine roots, with patterns of seasonal changes, especially increased in the flowering stage of the grapevines. This occurs due to the increase in the physiological demand of growing plant tissues, such as new roots, leaves and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of nitrogen (N), from different sources, in apple orchard can increase soil N content, affecting the plant's nutritional status and yield, but part of the N can be lost by leaching. With the aim of assessing plant nutritional status and yield, and N flow in the soil and solution an experiment was carried out in in an apple orchard in Southern Brazil, applying different N source. Selected plants received the following treatments: application of urea, pelletized urea or pig deep litter, besides a control without fertilization. In the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 crop seasons, N contents in whole leaves were analyzed and plant growth and fruit yield parameters were measured. Soil and soil solution samples were collected and the NH4 +-N and NO3 --N contents were analyzed during the second crop season. Application of pig deep litter, urea and pelletized urea increased apple yield in the second crop season, with no differences among treatments in leaf total N content at any time period. The application of N to the soil affected the flow of nutrient forms in the soil and in the solution throughout the apple crop cycle, with small increases in soil and in solution contents in periods near the application of the different N sources to the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vine has an economic importance in the South of Brazil, but its productivity is associated with the utilization of fertilizers, especially nitrogen (N) ones, which affects the productivity and the composition of the grapes. Its nutritional state can be evaluated by the N content in the foliar lamina and petiole. Two experiments were carried out in 2006/07 to evaluate the effect of the N fertilization in the N content of the foliar lamina and petiole, which is used for the N recommendation, yield and grape composition of vine, at Haplumbrept soil in Southern Brazil, Planalto city. Bordô vines of the experiment 1 and Couderc 13 ones of the experiment 2 were submitted to applications of 0, 30, 60 and 90kg ha-1 of N as follow: 50% was applied after the beginning of bud burst, 25% during bud burst and 25% during the flowering. Samples of the foliar lamina and petiole were collected in the flowering and verasion. The samples were dried, grinded and prepared to the total N analysis. By the time of the grape maturation, five bunches were collected randomly in the center and in the external part of the plant, which were weighted and submitted to length and wide measurements. Sequentially, 100 grapes were taken from these bunches, weighted and reserved. Following, the other bunches were collected and weighted, in order to determine the yield per plant and per hectare. Berries reserved were triturated and N-total, P and K were evaluated. The results clearly showed that the samples of foliar lamina collected in the flowering of the 'Bordô' and 'Courdec 13' cultivars were suitable to evaluate the availability of N in the plant. The N fertilization had increased the yield of grape in the Bordô cultivar and the total N in the grapes of both cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Higher C stock was observed with PDL solid manure than with CS and PS liquid manures. • Animal manures cause a negative SOC storage rate in subsurface layer. • The SOC storage rate (0–70 cm) ranged from −0.03 Mg ha−1 with PS to 0.48 Mg ha−1 with PDL. • There was a higher C-retention coefficient for PDL than for CS or PS in surface layer. • Most of the manure-induced changes in SOC were found in the silt + clay heavy fraction. Establishing the long-term effects of different types of animal manures on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks has both agronomic and environmental implications. However, only a few studies have analyzed the effects of the types of animal manure on SOC storage in subsurface soil layers. Furthermore, the effect of animal manure on labile and stable soil organic matter (SOM) fractions has been scarcely reported for subtropical no-till soils. We evaluated the effect of animal manure application in the short and long term (4 and 12 years) on SOC storage at different depths throughout a 0–70 cm soil profile and on the physical fractions of SOM in the 0–20 cm layer of a sandy Alfisol cropped under no-tillage. The study involved five treatments: pig deep-litter (PDL), cattle slurry (CS), pig slurry (PS), mineral fertilizer (MF) and a control without fertilization (CL). The SOC stock in the soil profile (0–70 cm) was influenced by manure application in only the long term, which was due to high SOC accumulation in the surface (0–20 cm) in the short-and long-term. The PDL and CS applications resulted in 16% (8.6 Mg ha−1) and 10% (5.2 Mg ha−1) increases in the SOC stock, respectively, compared with those in the CL, but only PDL resulted in greater SOC stocks than MF. These results are related to the greater C addition and higher SOC retention coefficient with the PDL application (17%) than with the CS (15%) and PS (7%) applications. Most of the manure-induced changes were observed in the silt plus clay-sized heavy fraction (SCHF), with PDL and CS being more efficient at increasing SOC storage as organic-mineral complexes than PS or MF in the 0–20 cm soil layer. However, in the subsurface layer (20–70 cm), manure caused a decrease in SOC compared with that in the CL, resulting in negative SOC storage rates in this layer, which partially or completely neutralized the SOC storage rates observed in the surface layer (0–20 cm). In the long term, this condition resulted in SOC storage rates in the 0–70 cm soil profile of 0.48 Mg ha−1 year−1 for PDL, 0.21 Mg ha−1 year−1 for CS, −0.03 Mg ha−1 year−1 for PS and 0.01 Mg ha−1 year−1 for MF. These results indicate that PDL and CS are suitable alternatives to MF for increasing the SOC stock and that the SOC retention is greater with solid manure than with liquid manure (PDL vs CS and PS) and with CS than with PS. Moreover, the results reveal the importance of monitoring SOC changes in the long term and within deep soil layers to better quantify the effects of successive applications of animal manure on SOC storage potential in subtropical sandy soils under no-tillage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editors discuss the importance of herbicide leaching soil, research on Collectotrichum species, and urban migration in Turkey.