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Zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NPs) has been used as a fertilizer alternative, although some applications technique and metal-microbial effects should be studied. This research evaluated the bioefficiency of synthetic ZnO NPs in soybean seedlings combined with different water status and with or without PcO6 bacteria. ZnO NPs performed in sand inhibited growth and fluorescence parameters. Still, when soybean seeds were exposed to ZnO NPs seed priming the root mass was increased, mainly in non-drought conditions. Soybean plants cultivated in drought conditions will have compromised development, although was demonstrate soybeans seed inoculation with PcO6 may decrease undesired effects from drought. Also, PcO6 soybean inoculation mitigate metal ZnO toxicity. Here, one of the first positive report about soybean interaction with PcO6 by drought and metal mitigation of toxicity. In addition, the best way to apply ZnO was through seed priming, while sand application was toxic and foliar application had no effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In no-till (NT), liming and urea fertilization are performed on the soil surface, which can increase nitrogen (N) losses via ammonia volatilization. On the basis of N fertilization management, gypsum application provides a promising alternative for improving N uptake by plants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the N behavior loss by NH3-N volatilization, the soil pH at a depth of 0 - 0.05 m, leaf N content, and N uptake by second-season corn after lime and gypsum application in a Rhodic Ferralsol under NT. Overall, the treatments consisted of a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement with four lime rates (0, 2.6, 5.4, and 8.1 Mg ha-1) and four gypsum rates (0, 4, 8, and 12 Mg ha-1). During the study period, second-season corn was cultivated for two years and fertilized with urea, for which the N losses through ammonia volatilization, soil pH, leaf N content, and N uptake values were quantified. The losses through ammonia volatilization were subjected to nonlinear regression using a logistic model, and the other variables were subjected to linear regressions. The lime applied by broadcasting on the soil surface in the NT increased the pH of the topsoil and increased N losses via NH3-N volatilization in the second-season corn. Further, the N losses in the NT treated with lime accounted for 58% of the applied N, which increased by 2.3 to 2.5% for each Mg ha-1 of lime applied. Therefore, lime or gypsum application did not improve the status of N in second-season corn in soils with low acidity and no S deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) is what makes soybean economically viable. However, the launch of cultivars, with a high-yield potential and abiotic factors that reduce BNF, raised doubts about the need for nitrogen (N) fertilizers for soybeans. The objective of the research was to evaluate the effects of nitrogen supply, in two application times in furrow starter fertilization and top-dressing. The experimental design was in the 3 × 6 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of three rates of N at in furrow starter fertilization (0, 10, and 20 kg ha−1 of N), and six rates of N in top-dressing, applied at the soybean R1 stage (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg ha−1 of N). The highest rate in furrow starter fertilization of 20 kg ha−1 of N resulted in the increase in the leaf area index (LAI) and specific leaf area (SLA), which are attributes that maximize the absorption of light energy, thus being able to positively influence yield. However, the BNF demonstrated that the strains of the selected Bradyrhizobium are efficient and capable of supplying the required N because the supplementation of nitrogen in furrow and/or top-dressing did not result in significant differences in the yield in relation to inoculated soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large amounts of waste are produced daily by several industrial branches in Brazil, many of which can be used in agriculture. Applying nutrient-containing waste onto soil might minimize dependence on chemical mineral fertilizers, contributing to sustainable agriculture. Some of this waste increases soil pH, similar or even superior to that of limestone, providing opportunities for use in acidic soils. Different industrial waste may have elements that alter the electric charge of clay surfaces, which may alter soil physical characteristics related to dispersion and flocculation and consequently soil aggregation. Therefore, the presence of sodium may cause the dispersion of clays and calcium-containing waste, as its components may improve aggregation. The application of industrial waste can add heavy metals to the soil and, consequently, environmental problems if performed without strict regulations. Brazil has large industrial and agricultural areas, to which waste can be applied to supply part or all of the nutritional plant demand. To be recommended as economically effective and environmentally safe, a thorough waste analysis, chemical characterization of the soil, and knowledge of the nutritional requirements of the crop to be grown are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowing the nutrient removal by soybean grain harvest in different varieties, locations, and over time is essential to correctly adjust agronomic recommendations, update farmers' practices, and increase nutrient use efficiency. A field-based research trial was carried out to assess macronutrients [nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S)] removed in grain by modern soybean varieties from southern Brazil introduced between 2007 and 2016. We examined changes between our set of modern varieties and a dataset of historical values encompassing a wide range of varieties introduced before 2007. Moreover, we undertook a synthesis analysis using scientific literature published after 2007 to investigate nutrient removal by grain among modern Brazilian soybeans and a dataset that included field trials from Argentina, United States, and India. There were no yield gains across the years for modern soybean varieties introduced among 2007 and 2016 in Brazil, although the grain N and Mg concentrations decreased. Modern Brazilian soybeans increased nutrient removal compared with that by soybeans historically planted in Brazil, with 11.1, 26.9, 45.0, and 31.6% more N, P, K, and Mg removed, respectively. Our results indicated that soybean growing in Brazil removed 4.3% less N relative to the values reported in the literature dataset, whereas K removal was 21.4% greater. A significant difference was also recorded for high-yield soybean varieties, and Brazilian varieties removed 11.8% less N and 8.6% more K than varieties in the literature dataset. No differences were found among locations for P removal, averaging 4.9 kg Mg–1 grain. In conclusion, this study indicates that the amounts of nutrients removed by modern soybean varieties were greater relative to the historical values recorded in Brazil, excluding Ca and S. Nonetheless, in the middle to long term (10 years), a significant impact of plant breeding on grain nutrient concentration was recorded only for N and Mg. The difference in nutrient removal patterns between Brazil and other countries indicates an integrated effect of management, genotype, and environment on nutrient removal. These findings provide guidance for optimal nutrient management and specific information for plant breeding programs to understand nutrient variability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofertilizer application is becoming a sustainable alternative for plants micronutrients supply. Seed nutrient priming before seeding reduces non-target dispersion; although, applying nanofertilizer in correct concentration must be narrowly chosen to prevent germination and development issues. Here, we evaluated corn seedlings development and germination after seed priming with Mn3O4 nanoparticle (NP), Mn3O4 bulk and MnCl2. Sterile seeds were soaked for 8 hours in priming solutions of 0, 20, 40, 80 and 160 mg L−1 for each Mn sources. The seeds vigor and germination were evaluated after 7 days on germination paper. Root, shoot and total lengths were measured as well as root, shoot and total dry biomass. Compared to the control, the Mn3O4 NP and Mn3O4 bulk promoted beneficial effects. Mn3O4 NP seed-priming exhibited a concentration dependent profile in improving seedling growth, with greatest benefit around 20 mg L−1, providing higher germination, vigor, dry biomass and length than control and the other source tested. Particle size plays an important role in the reactivity of Mn3O4 NP. On the other hand, seeds primed with soluble source did not differ from the control. These findings support NP-seed priming as an alternative to delivery micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient leaf application is complementary to soybean nutritional management, mainly at maturity, when plants present high nutritional demand and high nutrients and photoassimilate translocation rates for seed production. The aim of this research was to evaluate the agronomic performance, physiological quality, and nutritional contents of soybean seeds after application of different rates (0, 0.50, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 kg ha−1) of foliar fertiliser containing calcium (20%) and boron (4%) at the R3 stage (onset of pod formation). This research was carried out in two sites (Guaragi and Floresta) both in Parana State, Brazil, in randomised complete blocks with 4 replicates. Calcium and boron leaf application increased grain sulphur and nitrogen levels (Guaragi) but reduced phosphorus and magnesium (Floresta). Regarding physiological quality, foliar fertilisation increased the index of germination speed. The yield and number of pods increased up to the rate of 0.6 and 1.2 kg ha−1 of leaf fertiliser in Floresta. Foliar fertilisation with calcium and boron showed advantages, however, results depended on the site, indicating different levels of soil fertility and climatic characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticle (NP) use is becoming important alternative in different branches of science such as in agriculture, used as new source of fertiliser. In this study, it was tested iron (Fe) NP, applied as corn seed priming. In order to evaluate the early growth and development of the corn seedling a factorial experiment (5 × 3) was performed in a complete random way design with 4 replications. One of the factors were concentrations of (0, 20, 40, 80, 160 mg L−1) related to iron inside and the factor with three levels were sources (Fe3O4 NP, Fe3O4 bulk and FeCl3). 50 sterile seeds were the plot composition, which were soaked in the different Fe concentration solution containing a total volume of 200 mL for 8 h. Germination and biometric development were evaluated. Fe NPs promoted beneficial responses for seedling growth compared to other Fe sources tested here. It was realised that Fe3O4 NP concentration beneficial effects was lower compared to the other tested sources. Particle size had an important assignment in the bioavailability. The plant response reached in this research indicated iron NPs can consist efficiency for corn seed priming when applied between 50 and 70 mg L−1 concentration based on interpolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Agroveterinarias is the property of Revista de Ciencias Agroveterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The application of alternative and sustainable soil correctives to increase soil pH in sowing furrows can promote yield increases in soybean crops. The aim of this study was to characterize two different soil corrective sources in granular and powder forms and to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of their complementary application in a sowing furrow of a soybean crop. Two experiments were conducted. Regarding the first experiment, there were 5 treatments: control, biogenic lime powder, biogenic granular lime, common lime powder, and common granular lime. All applications were performed in a seeding furrow at a dose of 16 kg ha−1. The experiment was carried out in randomized blocks with five replicates. The second experiment involved the characterization of the sources and their forms by means of X-ray diffraction, total chemical analysis and neutralization power. The results showed that in comparison to the control, the application of correctives to increase soil pH in the sowing furrow promoted significantly higher growth and greater soybean yield, although the sources did not differ from each other. The soil pH corrective application in the sowing furrow was important for dissolution in the soil and consequently soybean yield. The neutralizing capacities of the correctives for all the granulometries tested were similar. Therefore, applying these soil pH correctives in granular or powder forms in sowing furrows might be an additional management alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Scientia Agraria Paranaensis is the property of Revista Scientia Agraria Paranaensis and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Nanofertilizers are increasingly explored for sustainable micronutrient delivery in agriculture. Pre-treating seeds with nanofertilizers prior to planting (i.e., seed priming) reduces concerns about nanoparticle (NP) fertilizer non-target dispersion; however, priming formulations and concentrations must be carefully selected to avoid germination inhibition and toxicity. Here we investigate changes in corn seed germination and seedling development after seed priming with ZnO NPs, ZnO bulk and ZnCl2. To evaluate the effects sterile seeds were immersed in priming solutions of 0, 20, 40, 80, 160 mg L−1 Zn for the three Zn sources. Following an 8 h priming the seeds were evaluated for germination and vigor for 5 days on germination paper. Root and shoot lengths were measured as well as fresh and dry biomass. Compared to the control, the ZnO NP and ZnCl2 seed priming promoted beneficial effects. ZnO NP seed-priming exhibited a concentration dependent profile in improving seedling growth, with greatest benefit around 80 mg L−1, providing 17%, 25% and 12% higher values than control for germination, root length, and dry biomass production, respectively. In contrast, seeds primed with bulk ZnO did not differ from the control. These findings support NP-seed priming as an alternative to delivery of essential micronutrients, such as zinc, to corn seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]