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The implementation of more sustainable soil management strategies, such as the use of cover crop for no-till system with crop rotation, can help increase nutrient use efficiency and consequently decrease the use of mineral fertilizers for agriculture. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the efficiency of desiccation, decomposition and release of nutrients in the biomass of forage plants of the genus Brachiaria after intercropping with sorghum in integrated systems for soybean productivity. The experiment was conducted in the field in two agricultural seasons in randomized block design with four repetitions. The treatments consisted of biomass obtained after sorghum intercropping with forage plants of the Brachiaria genus (Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés, Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã, Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguás, Brachiaria cv. BRS Ipyporã), sorghum biomass in monoculture, which after cutting for grain production, remained fallow for one year and an additional soybean treatment without soil cover biomass. The results showed that Cropping systems on sorghum and forage biomass resulted in a 25.64% increase in soybean yields compared to soybeans grown without soil cover. The use of tropical forage as a cover crop in integrated systems proved to be an efficient technique for biomass production, in order to minimize the effect of water deficit during soybean development, and nutrient cycling, which resulted in the replacement of mineral potassium fertilization for the no-till soybean system, by making better use of soil nutrients and contributing to greater sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Seed production of forage species in the natural rangelands reflects its ability to reseed and enrich the rangeland. This study aims to evaluate the effect of dolomite and phospho-nitrogen fertilization on the biomass production and seed quality of Brachiaria ruziziensis, Stylosanthes hamata, and Stylosanthes guianensis in Burkina Faso. Thus, two split plots experimental setups were established in the Farako-Bâ, Burkina Faso. The first block without dolomite was composed of nine treatments in four repetitions. The experiment involved the cultivation of Brachiaria ruziziensis (Ruzi, Congo grass) on elementary plots of 30 m2, with treatments consisting of two doses of dolomite (0 and 400 kg. ha-1), three doses of nitrogen (N) (0; 50; and 100 kg N. ha-1) and three doses of phosphorus (P) (0; 50 and 100 kg P2O5.ha-1). In the second experiment design, two varieties of Stylosanthes were grown, with treatments including two doses of dolomite (0 and 400 kg. ha-1) and three doses of P (0; 50; and 100 kg P2O5.ha-1). Each elementary treatment was repeated 4 times in the experimental design. The results showed that the application of dolomite, P and N significantly influenced the biomass of Brachiaria ruziziensis. The plot treated with dolomite and fertilized at doses of 50 P/ha and 100 N. ha-1 provided a biomass (7403 kg DM. ha-1) ten times greater than that treated with dolomite and fertilized at doses of 100 kg P. ha-1and 100 N. ha-1 (734 kg DM. ha-1). For seed quality, N influenced the rate and germination speed of Brachiaria ruziziensis. In addition, the contribution of dolomite to the variety of Stylosanthes hamata influenced grain yield and 1000-grain weight respectively (P<0.05). S. hamata variety showed better performance with grain yield of 191 kg. ha-1and 3.81 g/1000 seeds. Based on these results, phospho-nitrogen fertilization seems necessary to increase the biomass production and the grain yield of Brachiaria ruziziensis. This implies that a combination of P and N fertilizers with dolomite would be beneficial for enhancing the productivity of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The study aimed at the effect of different regrowth ages on chemical, productive, and morphological characteristics, in addition to the kinetics of gas production and in vitro digestibility of grasses of the genus Brachiaria. The treatments consisted of two regrowth ages (21 and 35 days) and two grass species (Brachiaria brizantha and B. ruziziensis), in plat with a dimension of 10 × 10 with four replications, totaling 16 plats in a completely randomized design. The regrowth age did not change the leaf:stem ratio of the grasses. Ruziziensis-grass had higher crude protein (CP) content in leaves than Marandu-grass (14.0% versus 10.9% respectively). Marandu-grass leaf had higher NDF content than Ruziziensis-grass (65.0 and 58.3%, respectively) and ADF content (39.6 and 33.2%, respectively). The accumulation rate is high in Marandu-grass regardless of the age of regrowth; however, the in vitro digestibility of dry matter of Ruziziensis-grass is better both in the leaf and in the stem. The regrowth age did not influence the dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in vitro digestibility (ivD) of the leaves. The ivDNDF of leaves of both types of grass were similar. There was an increase in the ivDDM of stem when the regrowth age was 21 days. The DM degradation rate was higher in Marandu-grass at both regrowth ages, and the total gas production was higher at 21 days. The parameters evaluated in the dual-pool logistic model showed interaction for age and cultivar, except for fractions λ (lag time) and total gas production. Marandu-grass presented a greater volume of gas for the rapidly degradable fraction and a lower degradation rate. There was a significant interaction for the parameters evaluated in the models between ages and grasses. The exponential model showed interaction in all fractions. Grasses had reduced CP content and increased fibrous fraction as a function of age, with no reduction in leaf DM and NDF digestibility. The Ruziziensis-grass has higher digestibility at the regrowth ages evaluated, while Marandu-grass has higher yields. We recommend adjusting the in vitro degradation kinetics by the dual-pool logistic model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to measure the efficiency of visual selection of plant vigor for green biomass production of U. ruziziensis using single- and multitrait approaches to maximize the predictive accuracy of the genetic value. The green biomass production and plant vigor of 254 U. ruziziensis clones were measured over nine evaluation cuttings to determine the efficiency of these approaches for production improvement. Individual and multicutting analyses were performed under single-trait and multitrait approaches using mixed models. The efficiency of visual selection was assessed by measuring plant vigor based on direct and indirect genetic gains. Plant vigor showed a high genetic association with green biomass and could be selected for production, especially in the initial phases of breeding programs. The multitrait approach was superior to the single-trait approach in predicting the genetic value of the clones, and it can be used in U. ruziziensis breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se planteó la hipótesis de que es posible que el inóculo de diferentes especies de rumiantes con capacidades digestivas diferentes que se alimentan de un determinado forraje puede mostrar diferentes utilizaciones de alimento en comparación con otras especies de rumiantes. Se evaluaron cinco gramíneas Brachiaria: B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, B. decumbens acceso D70, B. humidicola cv. Tupi, B. humidicola cv. Común, y B. ruziziensis acceso R124, en dos edades de rebrote (21 y 42 d). Se analizó la producción, el contenido bromatológico, la digestibilidad de materia seca in vitro (DMSiv) y la digestibilidad de la fibra detergente neutro in vitro (DFDNiv) utilizando inóculos bovinos u ovinos. El experimento utilizó un diseño factorial de 5 × 2 × 2 y encontró efectos significativos para la variedad de gramínea y la edad de rebrote. Además, se encontraron interacciones significativas de gramínea × edad en la materia seca, la proteína cruda, la fibra detergente neutro y la fibra detergente ácido de la muestra total y lamina de la hoja. Hubo un efecto significativo de la variedad de gramínea y la edad de la gramínea en la masa del forraje, la relación lámina de la hoja/tallo, lámina de la hoja, tallo, material senescente y crecimiento. En los ensayos de la digestibilidad in vitro, el origen del inóculo mostró un efecto significativo en algunas variedades. Debido a las diferencias en los ensayos in vitro, se recomendó el uso de inóculos específicos de las especies para las evaluaciones de alimentos según el animal al que se destina. Asimismo, B. decumbens cv. Basilisk presentó la mejor digestibilidad in vitro (DMSiv y DFDNiv) en inóculo bovino, mientras que B. humidicola cv. Tupi tuvo mejor digestibilidad in vitro (DMSiv y DFDNiv) en inóculo ovino.

Background: Brachiaria humidicola (Bh) has the ability to produce biological nitrification inhibitors (NIs) and release NIs from the root to the soil. Aims: To compare the effects of growing Bh with Brachiaria ruziziensis (Br, which is not able to produce NIs) on soil nitrogen (N) dynamics, N gases and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and nitrifiers and denitrifiers following sheep urine application, a laboratory incubation was conducted in a He/O2 continuous flow denitrification system (DENIS). This incubation was conducted in the absence of light. Hence the measured effects of Bh and Br on N cycling were the residual effect of biological NIs released into the soil prior to the incubation and released via root death. Methods: The treatments were: (1) Bh with water application (Bh + W); (2) Bh with sheep urine (Bh + U); (3) Br with water application (Br + W); (4) Br with sheep urine (Br + U). Results: Results showed that soil NO3– concentration increased significantly in the soil with sheep urine application after the incubation. Soil nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO) emissions increased immediately after the sheep urine application and peaked twice during the incubation. Cumulative emissions for the first peak were significantly lower from the Bh + U treatment (0.054 kg N ha–1) compared with the Br + U treatment (0.111 kg N ha–1), but no significant differences were observed in the total cumulative N2O and NO emissions between the Bh + U and Br + U treatment at the end of the incubation. Sheep urine addition did not affect the AOA, nirS and nosZ gene copies, but significantly increased the AOB gene copies after the incubation. Conclusions: We conclude that the residual effect of Bh to mitigate N2O emissions in a highly nitrifying soil is short‐lived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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BACKGROUND: Corn intercropped with ruzigrass is common in Brazil, and it can improve the physicochemical features of soils, increase water retention, and suppress the emergence of resistant weeds and soil nematodes. As both corn and ruzigrass are hosts to Spodoptera frugiperda (the main corn pest in South America), the cultivation of both these plants in the same place at one time motivates investigation into the pest population dynamics. We hypothesize that the intercropping system influences S. frugiperda pressure and leaf injury in corn. Considering that if corn hybrids with high dose toxin expression are used, ruzigrass may be a potential host to susceptible S. frugiperda larvae, consequently an alternative refuge and be included as a tool for the resistant management of Bt corn. To test these hypotheses about the use of ruzigrass as an alternative host of S. frugiperda in an intercropping system with corn, we conducted field trials in three seasons to verify S. frugiperda population dynamics and leaf injury to crop systems. In addition to phenotypic evaluation, we also characterized molecularly S. frugiperda strains collected in corn and ruzigrass to identify strain differences. RESULTS: The insects collected in both corn and ruzigrass were identified as corn strains. Ruzigrass was used as a S. frugiperda host during all crop cycles. The intercropped system did not increase the S. frugiperda population or leaf injury on Bt corn. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the intercropped system is not prejudicial to Bt corn cultivation since high dose concept applies to all larvae instars. The results also suggest that ruzigrass may be used as a promising alternative refuge in Bt corn agroecosystems, if compliance with management strategies is followed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil tillage and cover crops impact spontaneous vegetation in agrosystems. Soil tillage destroys seedlings and can affect the soil seedbank. Cover crops compete with naturally occurring spontaneous species. Our aim was to gain insight into how soil tillage (here, the false seedbed technique) and cover crops impact the spontaneous vegetation in fallows preceding banana crops. In a fallowed field in Guadeloupe (French West Indies), two factors were combined in a split-plot design: the soil tillage modality before cover crop sowing (with or without the false seedbed technique) and the cover crop species (Crotalaria spectabilis, Pueraria phaseoloïdes, a 50/50 mix of Brachiaria decumbens + Brachiaria ruziziensis, a spontaneous vegetation control). On a monthly basis, in three permanent quadrats per sub-plot, all spontaneous species were identified and their numbers counted, while calculating the species richness and Shannon's diversity index. The spontaneous vegetation dynamics contrasted depending on the treatment. From 7 months post-sowing the species density, richness and Shannon index were significantly lower in treatments with B. decumbens + B. ruziziensis and P. phaseoloïdes, while in treatments with C. spectabilis, the species density and richness were significantly higher with than without the false seedbed technique. These effects were probably related to differences in the competitive ability of the cover crop used and, to a lesser extent, to the false seedbed effects on the soil seedbank. This is the first study to show that under a tropical climate, sown cover crop species combined with different soil tillage modalities have substantial impacts on the species density, richness and diversity of the spontaneous plant community over a 1-year period. These results could help farmers in their weed control strategies by providing them with a deeper understanding of the effects of practices on the spontaneous plant community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract New approaches based on image analysis can assist in phenotyping of biological characteristics, serving as support for decision-making in modern agribusiness. The aim of this study was to propose a method of high-throughput phenotyping of free access for processing of 2D X-ray images of brachiaria grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis cv. Ruziziensis) seeds, as well as correlate the parameters linked to the physiological potential of the seeds. The study was carried out by means of automated analysis of X-ray images of seeds in which a macro, called PhenoXray, was developed, responsible for digital image processing, for which a series of descriptors were obtained. After the X-ray analysis, a germination test was performed on the seeds and, from this, variables related to the physiological quality of the seeds were obtained. The use of the macro PhenoXray allowed large-scale phenotyping of seed X-rays in a simple, rapid, robust, and totally free manner. This study confirmed that the methodology is efficient for obtaining morphometric data and tissue integrity data in Brachiaria ruziziensis seeds and that parameters such as relative density, integrated density, and seed filling are closely related to the physiological attributes of seed quality.

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Forage plant breeders often use visual scores to assess agronomic traits because of the costs associated with in-depth phenotyping in the initial stages of breeding cycles. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the number of graders on the effectiveness of indirect selection of high-yielding genotypes and determine an optimal number of graders in the early-stage trials of Urochloa ruziziensis. For that purpose, five graders assessed 2.219 U. ruziziensis genotypes in an augmented block design. Biomass production and vigor scores were evaluated in two cuts and were analyzed using a linear mixed model approach. Vigor scores were analyzed considering each grader's score and the combinations of two, three, four, and five graders. Genetic variance was significant for both traits. Visual evaluation was effective in identifying productive genotypes based on the statistical criteria. The optimal number of graders for indirect selection of high-yielding U. ruziziensis genotypes is three. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study aimed to evaluate the control and susceptibility of signalgrass and ruzigrass in initial growth under different rates of glyphosate and fluazifop-p-butil. The treatments were distributed in a 2 × 6 factorial design, with five repetitions, being two grasses: Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk (signalgrass) and B. ruziziensis (ruzigrass) with six doses of herbicides: 0.00; 0.25; 0.50; 1.00; 1.5 and 2.00 times the commercial dose recommended by manufacturers. At 7, 15, 21, and 30 days after herbicide application (DAA) were evaluated the intoxication in signalgrass and ruzigrass, visually. The glyphosate toxicity was of 100% in both plants, signalgrass and ruzigrass, even at the lowest dose (90 g ha-1), so it can control effectively these species in early growth stage. It was observed that the plants exposed to fluazifop-p-butil showed regrowth only in the doses to 100 g ha-1 and 50 g ha-1 for signalgrass and ruzigrass, respectively. These results confirm the effectiveness of this herbicide molecule in the control of these two species from doses of 200 g ha-1 and 100 g ha-1 for signal grass and ruzigrass, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much of soybeans area cultivated in Brazil uses the no-till system, where the residues produced by crops remain over the soil, reducing its temperature, increasing its moisture and providing a better development of the plant. However, the excessive amount of residues can cause problems, reducing the germination of seeds and growing smaller plants. That said, the aim of this study was to determine the wheat (Triticum aestivum) and braquiária (Brachiaria ruziziensis) straw volumes that enable better soybean plant growth, increase moisture and reduce soil temperature, and to minimize the negative effects on emergence plants in a sandy Ultisol of Sandstone Caiuá region of Northwest Paraná state. The experiment was conducted in vases, using a 2x6 factorial with two sources of residues, Brachiaria ruziziensis and Triticum aestivum and 6 doses of residues, 0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 t ha-1, with 4 repetitions. It was evaluated the seedling emergence at 14 days after sowing, the fresh and dried mass of the aerial part of plants and plant roots, and the average height of the plants at 45 days after sowing. It was also evaluated the gravimetric soil moisture, the minimum and maximum temperature of the day on the ground, as well as the thermal range due to the doses and straw sources. The increase in straw doses resulted in an increase of soil moisture, average height and dried mass of plants, there was a reduction in maximum temperature and thermal soil range. However, there was a reduction in seedling emergence percentage as was increased the dose of residues. It was determined the 2.52 (± 0.33) t ha-1 of residues of braquiária and wheat deposited over the soil as the optimum range for the development of soybean plant.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil cover with sugarcane residue on weed emergence of four weeds from the genus Brachiaria. The study was conducted in an area whose soil was classified as Red Nitosol. Seven different amounts of sugarcane residue (0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 ton ha-1) were used as soil cover. The residue of variety SP832847 was used upon four weed species: Brachiaria decumbens, B. brizantha, B. ruziziensis, and, B. humidicola. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications. The weeds were sown 1 cm deep and covered by the residue. The seeding rate in use was 1,200 plants m-2. The study was comprised of two phases: the first phase was an evaluation of plant emergence (more than 1 cm for shoots) at 9, 12, 19, 34 and 43 days after sowing (DAS), and in the second phase, plant emergence was evaluated after removal of the straw residue at 89, 130, 175, 196, 217 and 234 DAS. The amount of sugarcane residue used as soil cover influenced the emergence pattern of Brachiaria spp. Minor germination was noticed after residue removal. Amounts greater than 9 ton ha-1 decreased the total number of seedlings in all species, except for B. ruziziensis, whose emergence decreased at 12 ton ha-1.

The agriculture expansion at Brazil is turning to lower clay index soils and consequently, less organic matter content and cation exchange capacity. To overcome those deficiencies, an intense organic matter addition in these soils may be a solution, and this solution is positive when using a crop-livestock integration with corn-pasture dual crop planted on winter. However, to establish this dual-crop system, there is a need to study the behavior of seeds and seedlings of Brachiaria ruziziensis sown in greater depths than normally recommended. Thus, this work aimed to determine the best depth of sowing B. ruziziensis in sandy and loamy soils of Umuarama region, studying the germination and early development of seedlings. The work was held in pots of 12 cm diameter x 12 cm deep, filled with 2 types of soil, a sandy and clay ones with 30 B. ruziziensis seeds sown each pot in five sowing depths: 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 cm. After 16 days, the number of emerged seedlings was evaluated to set up the germination rate of each treatment, after that, the plants where leveled to 4 each pot, those were cultivated for another 45 days to evaluate the fresh and dried masses of plants and roots, the height of the plants and average length of roots. The sowing depth with higher percentage of germination estimated was 2.65 cm to sandy and 3.02 cm to clay soil. At seedlings development, there was a standard, with better development seedling at lower sowing depths on clay soil and better developments at higher sowing depths in sandy soil.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o acúmulo de forragem e o valor nutritivo do híbrido de Urochloa 'BRS RB331 Ipyporã' (Urochloa brizantha x Urochloa ruziziensis) submetido à pastejo intermitente. Os tratamentos corresponderam às combinações entre as condições de pré-pastejo, interceptação de 95% da luz incidente e máxima interceptação de luz, e as de pós-pastejo, 10 e 15 cm de altura de resíduo, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2x2, com quatro repetições. Pastos manejados com 95% de interceptação da luz apresentaram maior taxa de acúmulo de forragem, proporção de folhas, relação folha:colmo, teor de proteína bruta e densidade populacional de perfilhos basilares (DPPb), em comparação àqueles manejados com máxima interceptação da luz. Pastos manejados com 15 cm de altura do resíduo apresentaram maior DPPb do que os manejados com 10 cm e apresentaram pequena variação de DPPb entre as estações do ano avaliadas, independentemente do tratamento. Pastos do híbrido interespecífico de Urochloa 'BRS RB331 Ipyporã' apresentam maior acúmulo de forragem e maiores teores de proteína bruta e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica e menores teores de fibra em detergente neutro na fração folha, quando manejados com 95% de IL nas condições de pré-pastejo, com 30 cm de altura do dossel, associada com 15 cm de altura de resíduo.

Forages of the genus Brachiaria stand out among those used in integrated systems. Little is known about the potential value of new species and cultivars when intercropped with sorghum and planted in the second crop season. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance (agronomic characteristics) of grain sorghum and the production and nutritional characteristics of forage plants of the genus Brachiaria in an integrated agricultural production system in the second season. The experiment had a randomized block design with four replicates. The treatments consisted of the intercropping of sorghum with forage plants of the genus Brachiaria (Ruziziensis grass, Marandu, Xaraes, Piata, Paiaguas palisadegrass and Ipypora grass), in addition to an extra treatment with sorghum in monoculture. The results showed that sorghum intercropping with Ruziziensis grass, Paiaguas palisadegrass, Piata, and Ipypora grass did not cause a reduction in grain yield. The Xaraes, Piata, and Paiaguas palisadegrass showed higher forage production. However, the Paiaguas, Piata palisadegrass, and Ipypora grass showed better nutritional value. The sorghum intercropping with forage plants of the genus Brachiaria were promising alternatives for grain and forage production in the off-season. The right forage grass combined with sorghum in an integrated system can intensify agricultural production, optimizing the use of the area and increasing sustainability.

ABSTRACT: This research aimed at investigating which sowing method is more suitable for the deployment of Urochloa ruziziensis to suppress the weed community in no-tillage. The design was a randomized block ones, with a 3 x 2 factorial design, in which the first factor was composed of three sowing methods (broadcast, broadcast with incorporation or line sowing) and factor B consisted in the application and non-application of the herbicide 2,4-D. On day 30 and 60 after sowing (DAS), the relative importance of the present plant species was determined. On day 120 and 180 DAS, the accumulation of biomass and the plant cover percentage on the soil provided by the cover crop and weed species were determined. Moreover, on day 180 DAS, the density of the existing weeds was determined. The weed with the highest occurrence in the area was Conyza canadenses, and the lowest percentage of soil covering by signalgrass and the greates occurrence of weeds occurred with broadcast seeding. It is possible to conclude that the broadcast seeding with the incorporation of signalgrass seeds and line sowing methods provide enough plant cover to suppress weed species, avoiding the application of the herbicide 2,4-D in order to suppress the infesting community.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a sobressemeadura de soja com Urochloa ruziziensis, quanto à capacidade de produção de matéria seca pela forrageira, à infestação de plantas daninhas e ao desenvolvimento da cultura do milho em rotação, no sistema plantio direto. O experimento foi desenvolvido em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 5 + 1. Avaliou-se a sobressemeadura com U. ruziziensis, em dois estádios de desenvolvimento da soja (R6 e R8) e cinco quantidades de sementes: 200, 400, 600, 800 e 1.000 pontos de valor cultural (PVC). Como testemunha, manteve-se um tratamento sem sobressemeadura. A sobressemeadura de 200 PVC de U. ruziziensis, nos estádios R6 ou R8 da soja, resulta na formação de palha em quantidade suficiente para o sistema plantio direto, além de beneficiar o controle de plantas daninhas na cultura do milho em rotação. Porém, em quantidade elevada, a palha de U. ruziziensis sobre o solo afeta a altura e a produção de grãos de milho.

ABSTRACT Perennial forage crops used in crop-livestock integration (CLI) are able to accumulate large amounts of straw on the soil surface in no-tillage system (NTS). In addition, they can potentially produce large amounts of soluble organic compounds that help improving the efficiency of liming in the subsurface, which favors root growth, thus reducing the risks of loss in yield during dry spells and the harmful effects of “overliming”. The aim of this study was to test the effects of liming on two models of agricultural production, with and without crop-livestock integration, for 2 years. Thus, an experiment was conducted in a Latossolo Vermelho (Oxisol) with a very clayey texture located in an agricultural area under the NTS in Bandeirantes, PR, Brazil. Liming was performed to increase base saturation (V) to 65, 75, and 90 % while one plot per block was maintained without the application of lime (control). A randomized block experimental design was adopted arranged in split-plots and four plots/block, with four replications. The soil properties evaluated were: pH in CaCl2, soil organic matter (SOM), Ca, Mg, K, Al, and P. The effects of liming were observed to a greater depth and for a long period through mobilization of ions in the soil, leading to a reduction in SOM and Al concentration and an increase in pH and the levels of Ca and Mg. In the first crop year, adoption of CLI led to an increase in the levels of K and Mg and a reduction in the levels of SOM; however, in the second crop year, the rate of decline of SOM decreased compared to the decline observed in the first crop year, and the level of K increased, whereas that of P decreased. The extent of the effects of liming in terms of depth and improvement in the root environment from the treatments were observed only partially from the changes observed in the chemical properties studied.

Chromium toxicity affects redox reactions within plant cells, generating detrimental reactive oxygen species. Glutathione is an antioxidant peptide and also a substrate for the production of phytochelatins, which are chelating peptides reported to mitigate Cr3+ toxicity in plants. In this study, Brachiaria brizantha (B. brizantha) and Brachiaria ruziziensis (B. ruziziensis) seedlings were evaluated for physiological responses and glutathione production following the addition of zero or 5 mg L-1 Cr3+ to the nutrient solution. Glutathione levels were determined by colorimetric analysis at 412 nm using 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) as a chromophore reagent and recovery with glutathione reductase (with evaluations at days 10 and 20 of continuous growth). The assessments were carried out in a completely randomized design with 2 authentic replications, and arranged in a 23 factorial. Cr3+ caused an average increase of 0.76 mg g-1 in the initial glutathione content. However, by day 20 there was an average reduction of 3.63 mg g-1. Chromium-affected physiological detrimental responses, albeit detected in both species, were less-pronounced in B. ruziziensis, along with a much higher level of glutathione. This study indicates that B. ruziziensis has a greater tolerance for chromium toxicity than B. brizantha, and that glutathione is likely to be involved in the mitigation of chromium stress in B. ruziziensis.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do manejo de plantas de cobertura na floração e na maturação fisiológica sobre a produtividade do milho cultivado em sucessão. O experimento, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas, foi realizado em Latossolo Vermelho, em sistema plantio direto, com nove espécies. Foram avaliados: produtividade de matéria seca; tempo de ciclagem dos resíduos vegetais; teores de N das plantas de cobertura; e produtividade de grãos e teores de N nas folhas do milho. As espécies Pennisetum glaucum, Mucuna aterrima, Cajanus cajan e Canavalia brasiliensis apresentaram as maiores produtividades de matéria seca na floração. Na maturação fisiológica, Sorghum bicolor, P. glaucum, C. brasiliensis, Crotalaria juncea e C. cajan apresentaram produtividades mais elevadas de fitomassa. Não houve efeito da época de corte e da interação planta de cobertura e época de corte sobre a produtividade do milho. As maiores produtividades de milho foram obtidos após cultivo de Urochloa ruziziensis, C. juncea, C. brasiliensis, C. cajan, P. glaucum e Raphanus sativus, e estão relacionadas ao maior acúmulo de matéria seca e ao menor tempo de ciclagem dos resíduos vegetais das plantas de cobertura.

O nematoide reniforme (Rotylenchulus reniformis) tem se tornado crescente problema fitossanitário da cultura da soja. Considerando a limitada disponibilidade de cultivares de soja que aliem resistência ao nematoide a outras características agronômicas desejáveis, estuda-se a possibilidade de utilização de manejo cultural para seu controle. Este trabalho visou avaliar o efeito da rotação de culturas no verão com milho, Crotalaria ochroleuca ou soja; e o manejo de entressafra, com Brachiaria ruziziensis como espécie de cobertura ou pousio. O experimento foi implantado em solo naturalmente infestado pelo nematoide reniforme (1245 nematoides/200cc de solo) em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 3x2 (cultivos de verão x manejo de entressafra). Foram avaliadas a densidade populacional do nematoide no solo e sua variação durante as safras e entressafras, bem como a produtividade da soja na safra subsequente à rotação de culturas. Não houve efeito do manejo da entressafra com braquiária sobre o nematoide. A rotação de culturas com milho ou crotalária no verão propiciou redução da densidade populacional do nematoide reniforme em comparação ao monocultivo de soja, com reflexos positivos sobre a produtividade de soja na safra seguinte

Soil aggregation and the distribution of total organic carbon (TOC) may be affected by soil tillage and cover crops. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of crop rotation with cover crops on soil aggregation, TOC concentration in the soil aggregate fractions, and soil bulk density under a no-tillage system (NTS) and conventional tillage system (CTS, one plowing and two disking). This was a three-year study with cover crop/rice/cover crop/rice rotations in the Brazilian Cerrado. A randomized block experimental design with six treatments and three replications was used. The cover crops (treatments) were: fallow, Panicum maximum, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria brizantha, and millet (Pennisetum glaucum). An additional treatment, fallow plus CTS, was included as a control. Soil samples were collected at the depths of 0.00-0.05 m, 0.05-0.10 m, and 0.10-0.20 m after the second rice harvest. The treatments under the NTS led to greater stability in the soil aggregates (ranging from 86.33 to 95.37 %) than fallow plus CTS (ranging from 74.62 to 85.94 %). Fallow plus CTS showed the highest number of aggregates smaller than 2 mm. The cover crops affected soil bulk density differently, and the millet treatment in the NTS had the lowest values. The cover crops without incorporation provided the greatest accumulation of TOC in the soil surface layers. The TOC concentration was positively correlated with the aggregate stability index in all layers and negatively correlated with bulk density in the 0.00-0.10 m layer.

Objective: The preference evaluation of cattle is an important factor for estimation and improvement of the grazing amounts of newly introduced or bred grasses or cultivars in barn. This study was performed to assess the grazing behavior (the amount of grazing and/or the grazing speed) of cattle as indirect method using newly bred Brachiaria ruziziensis tetraploid strain 'OKI-1'(BR) hay as treatment group and Cloris gayana 'Callide' (CG) hay as control group. It also compared the feasibility of using behavioral differences between two groups as one criteria for evaluating preference by Japanese black cattle in barn. Methods: Three experiments were carried out using 12 growing Japanese Black cattle including 6 males and 6 females. In each experiment, the four Japanese Black cattle (2 males and 2 females) were placed in separated stall and allowed to graze BR and CG in manger that was separated into two portions for about 30 min. The position and behavior of the cattle were recorded, and weighed the residual of each gay at 15 and 30 minutes after experiment start. Results: The BR was superior to CG in chemical composition such as protein, fibers and non-fibrous carbohydrate. The cattle, over all, tended to prefer BR over CG in the first half 15 minutes in terms of the time spent and amount of grazing. Additionally, growing cattle exhibited neophilia for BR bred newly. Conclusion: These findings indicated the current approach could be applied for one of criteria to evaluate the preference of hay by Japanese black cattle under indoor housing environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This study was conducted in order to evaluate the selectivity of signal grass and congo grass, submitted to post-emergence herbicide application. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions, in Diamantina, Minas Gerais state, and it was arranged in a randomized block design, with five replications. Treatments were set in factor scheme (8 x 2) + 2. Eight herbicides (nicosulfuron; clomazone; glyphosate; fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen; lactofen; fomesafen; fluazifop-p-butyl and mesotrione) were applied in doses recommended by the manufacturer on two fodder species: Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk (signal grass) and Brachiaria ruziziensis (congo grass); in addition, there were two control samples without herbicide application, for a total of 18 treatments. The evaluated herbicides showed less intoxication on signal grass when compared to congo grass. Nicosulfuron and glyphosate promoted higher intoxication on both species when compared to the other herbicides. Glyphosate, fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen, fluazifop-p-butyl, mesotrione and nicosulfuron affected the ratio variable / maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) in both species, indicating an effect provided by these herbicides on the electron transport chain. Results demonstrated that signal grass and congo grass have higher susceptibility to glyphosate, fluazifop-p-butyl + fomesafen, fluazifop-p-butyl, mesotrione and nicosulfuron. congo grass shows higher susceptibility to the studied herbicides when compared to signal grass.

Phosphorus fixation in tropical soils may decrease under no-till. In this case, P fertilizer could be surface-spread, which would improve farm operations by decreasing the time spend in reloading the planter with fertilizers. In the long term, less soluble P sources could be viable. In this experiment, the effect of surface-broadcast P fertilization with both soluble and reactive phosphates on soil P forms and availability to soybean was studied with or without fertilization with soluble P in the planting furrow in a long-term experiment in which soybean was grown in rotation with Ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis). No P or 80 kg ha-1 of P2O5 in the form of triple superphosphate or Arad reactive rock phosphate was applied on the surface of a soil with variable P fertilization history. Soil samples were taken to a depth of 60 cm and soil P was fractionated. Soybean was grown with 0, 30, and 60 kg ha-1 of P2O5 in the form of triple phosphate applied in the seed furrow. Both fertilizers applied increased available P in the uppermost soil layers and the moderately labile organic and inorganic forms of P in the soil profile, probably as result of root decay. Soybean responded to phosphates applied on the soil surface or in the seed furrow; however, application of soluble P in the seed furrow should not be discarded. In tropical soils with a history of P fertilization, soluble P sources may be substituted for natural reactive phosphates broadcast on the surface. The planting operation may be facilitated through reduction in the rate of P applied in the planting furrow in relation to the rates currently applied.

Considerando o crescimento da produção de forragem no sistema integração lavoura-pecuária e a possibilidade de consorciação de milho com forrageiras semeadas em diferentes profundidades, ainda são necessárias mais pesquisas para entender o desenvolvimento das principais forrageiras. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar o perfilhamento e a produtividade de matéria seca de duas espécies de braquiárias submetidas a profundidades de deposição das sementes em consórcio com milho, em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária, na região do Cerrado. O experimento foi conduzido em sistema plantio direto no município de Selvíria - MS, num LATOSSOLO VERMELHO Distroférrico, textura argilosa. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x3, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram duas espécies de braquiárias (Brachiaria brizantha cv. 'Marandu' e Brachiaria ruziziensis), cujas sementes foram misturadas ao fertilizante do milho, e três profundidades (8, 10 e 16cm) de deposição do fertilizante + sementes. A deposição das sementes de braquiárias a 16cm de profundidade resultou em menor número de perfilhos e produtividade de matéria seca. O perfilhamento das forrageiras foi influenciado pelo ciclo do milho, com tendência de estabilização no fechamento das entre linhas da cultura e retomada na emissão de perfilhos no final do ciclo

Em regiões de clima tropical, as principais limitações na manutenção de palhada na superfície do solo são a dificuldade de sua implantação e as suas elevadas taxas de decomposição. Visando identificar o potencial produtivo dos capins xaraés e ruziziensis, bem como a posterior formação de palhada para continuidade do sistema plantio direto, avaliou-se a produtividade de massa seca, a relação lignina/N total, o acúmulo de macronutrientes e a decomposição da palhada em duas safras agrícolas. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por duas espécies de braquiária (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés e Brachiaria ruziziensis), implantadas em consórcio com a cultura do milho e adubadas com as mesmas doses de N (0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 kg ha-1), durante e após o consórcio com a cultura do milho. O tempo de decomposição da palhada durante o período de 120 dias foi avaliado pelo método das sacolas de decomposição (litter bags). A adubação nitrogenada não influenciou a produtividade de massa seca dos capins xaraés e ruziziensis, a relação lignina/N total e a quantidade de palhada depositada sobre a superfície do solo após o consórcio com milho, porém elevou os acúmulos de N, K, Mg e S. Os capins xaraés e ruziziensis apresentaram potencial de produção de palhada acima de 4.000 kg ha-1 na entressafra, com a manutenção de 15 a 60 % dessa quantidade aos 120 dias após o manejo.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of ruzigrass (Urochloaruziziensis) in enhancing soil-P availability in areas fertilized with soluble or reactive rock phosphates. The area had been cropped for five years under no-till, in a system involving soybean, triticale/black-oat, and pearl millet. Previously to the five-year cultivation period, corrective phosphorus fertilization was applied once on soil surface, at 0.0 and 80 kg ha-1 P2O5, as triple superphosphate or Arad rock phosphate. After this five-year period, plots received the same corrective P fertilization as before and ruzigrass was introduced to the cropping system in the stead of the other cover crops. Soil samples were taken (0-10 cm) after ruzigrass cultivation and subjected to soil-P fractionation. Soybean was grown thereafter without P application to seed furrow. Phosphorus availability in plots with ruzigrass was compared to the ones with spontaneous vegetation for two years. Ruzigrass cultivation increased inorganic (resin-extracted) and organic (NaHCO3) soil P, as well as P concentration in soybean leaves, regardless of the P source. However, soybean yield did not increase significantly due to ruzigrass introduction to the cropping system. Soil-P availability did not differ between soluble and reactive P sources. Ruzigrass increases soil-P availability, especially where corrective P fertilization is performed.

Brachiaria species, particularly B. humidicola, can synthesize and release compounds from their roots that inhibit nitrification, which can lead to changes in soil nitrogen (N) dynamics, mainly in N-poor soils. This may be important in crop-livestock integration systems, where brachiarias are grown together with or in rotation with grain crops. The objective of the present study was to determine whether this holds true in N-rich environments and if other Brachiaria species have the same effect. The soil N dynamics were evaluated after the desiccation of the species B. brizantha, B. decumbens, B. humidicola, and B. ruziziensis, which are widely cultivated in Brazil. The plants were grown in pots with a dystroferric Red Latosol in a greenhouse. Sixty days after sowing, the plants were desiccated using glyphosate herbicide. The plants and soil were analyzed on the day of desiccation and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after desiccation. The rhizosphere soil of the grasses contained higher levels of organic matter, total N and ammonium than the non-rhizosphere soil. The pH was lowest in the rhizosphere of B. humidicola, which may indicate that this species inhibits the nitrification process. However, variations in the soil ammonium and nitrate levels were not sufficient to confirm the suppressive effect of B. humidicola. The same was observed for B. brizantha, B. decumbens and B. ruziziensis, thereby demonstrating that, where N is abundant, none of the brachiarias studied has a significant effect on the nitrification process in soil.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a necessidade de bordadura e estimar o tamanho ótimo de parcela em experimentos para avaliação de Urochloa ruziziensis. Foram avaliadas a altura das plantas e a produção de massa verde de oito progênies de meio-irmãos de U. ruziziensis, em dois cortes. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e parcelas de 16 m². Cada parcela foi subdividida em 32 estratos de 0,5 m², sendo cada estrato considerado como uma unidade básica. Para determinar a necessidade de bordadura, foi realizada análise de variância, tendo-se considerado a posição da unidade básica na parcela. As estimativas do tamanho ótimo da parcela foram realizadas pelo método da máxima curvatura do coeficiente de variação e pelo método da reamostragem. O uso de bordaduras não altera o desempenho médio e a classificação das progênies de meio-irmãos avaliadas. O emprego de parcelas com 3 m² é suficiente para obter boa precisão experimental em experimento com progênies de meio-irmãos de U. ruziziensis.

The use of cover crops in no-tillage systems (NTS) increases the levels of organic matter and could increase the nitrogen content of the soil, contributing to reduce fertilizers costs. The knowledge of these processes is fundamental for deciding whether cover crops can be effectively incorporated into the agricultural production system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cover crop species on the levels of nitrate and ammonium in the soil in early upland rice development, as well upland rice yield. A field experiment was performed and treatments consisted of growing rice on five cover crops (Panicum maximum, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria brizantha, millet and fallow) in an NTS and two control treatments (Brachiaria brizantha and fallow) under a conventional tillage system, CTS, (one plowing and two disking). The experimental design was a complete randomized block with three replications. The soil samples were collected during a period of six weeks (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days in relation to upland rice sowing). The cover crops Brachiaria brizantha, Panicum maximum and Brachiaria ruziziensis in the NTS and B. brizantha fallow incorporated into the CTS favored higher levels of nitrate in the soil. In contrast, B. brizantha and fallow in the CTS and millet and P. maximum in the NTS favored the buildup of high levels of ammonium in the soil. The treatments under the plowed cover crops millet and fallow allowed for a higher upland rice yield. The tillage system and nature of the cover crops could be used to achieve the desired levels and forms of nitrogen in soil. O uso de plantas de cobertura no sistema plantio direto (SPD) aumenta os níveis de matéria orgânica e pode ajudar a aumentar os teores de nitrogênio no solo contribuindo para reduzir os custos de fertilizantes. O conhecimento desse processo é fundamental para que as plantas de cobertura possam ser efetivamente incorporadas aos sistemas de produção agrícola. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de espécies de plantas de cobertura nos níveis de nitrato e amônio no solo durante o desenvolvimento inicial do arroz de terras altas, bem como a produtividade do arroz. Um experimento de campo foi realizado e os tratamentos consistiram de cultivo de arroz sobre cinco plantas de cobertura (Panicum maximum, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria brizantha, milheto e pousio) no SPD e mais dois tratamentos controle (Brachiaria brizantha e pousio) no sistema de plantio convencional, PC (uma aração e duas gradagens). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos completos casualizados com três repetições. As amostras de solo foram coletadas por seis semanas (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias em relação à semeadura do arroz). As culturas de cobertura B. brizantha, Panicum maximum e B. ruziziensis no SPD e B. brizantha incorporada e pousio incorporado no PC tiveram os níveis mais elevados de nitratos no solo. Por outro lado, B. brizantha e pousio no PC e milheto e P. máximo no SPD tiveram os níveis mais elevados de amônio no solo. Tratamentos com a planta de cobertura milheto e pousio incorporado proporcionaram as maiores produtividades do arroz. Sistema de cultivo e espécies de plantas de cobertura podem ser usadas para atingir os níveis desejados e a forma de nitrogênio no solo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth and yield of soybean cultivar M-8766 in consortium with Brachiaria brizantha. BRS Piata and Brachiaria ruziziensis at different densities and sowing dates. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments arranged in a factorial 2 x 2 x 3 with four replications. Used as factors grass species (Brachiaria brizantha Piata and Brachiaria ruziziensis BRS) intercropped with soybean M-8766, sowing dates (12 and 24 days after soybean emergence) and three seeding rates (0, 5, 10 kg ha-1 of seed). At 71 days after soybean emergence were evaluated plant height, stem diameter, dry mass of leaves, stems and shoots, and 4 months after sowing determined the weight of 100 grains and soybean yield. The results showed that when seeded at a density of 10 kg ha-1 at 12 and 24 DAE soy, Brachiaria brizantha. BRS Piata caused reduction in yield in the order of 6.71% and 3.03% respectively, while the Brachiaria ruziziensis was one that caused a greater reduction in productivity in the order of 13.42 and 16.23%, respectively, of these values expression when considering the price of soybean sack. B. ruziziensis expressed less competitive with soybean. However, the large biomass production of this grass provides deployment system till the next harvest.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ciclagem de nutrientes por plantas de cobertura e a sua influência sobre o desempenho da rotação entre arroz de terras altas e soja. As culturas foram implantadas sob plantio direto, em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, na região do Cerrado de Goiás. As plantas de cobertura foram semeadas mecanicamente, também em plantio direto, após a colheita da soja (25/3/2008) e do arroz (7/4/2009). Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas no tempo e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram das seguintes espécies de plantas de cobertura, além do pousio: Urochloa ruziziensis, U. brizantha, Pennisetum glaucum e U. ruziziensis + Cajanus cajan. A avaliação dos nutrientes remanescentes na palhada foi feita aos: 0, 15, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias a partir da data da dessecação das plantas de cobertura. Urochloa ruziziensis e U. brizantha apresentaram maior eficiência no acúmulo e na liberação de nutrientes, principalmente quanto ao potássio. Urochloa ruziziensis é a espécie mais indicada como planta de cobertura antecessora à cultura do arroz de terras altas, em plantio direto. No entanto, nenhuma espécie de cobertura afeta significativamente a produtividade de grãos da soja.

The appropriate chemical management of cover crops in no-tillage aims to obtain greater benefits with its employment in agricultural systems. The objective of this study was to assess upland rice yield as affected by the previous summer crop, species and desiccation timing of cover crops by glyphosate. Sown cover crops were sown (November 2007), followed by rice in half of the experimental area and soybean in the other half (November 2008). After the harvesting of these crops, the same cover crops were sown again (March 2009) and followed by upland rice in the total area (November 2009). The experiment consisted of the combination of five cover crops (fallow, Panicum maximum, Brachiaria ruziziensis, B. brizantha and Pennisetum glaucum), four desiccation timings (30, 20, 10 and 0 days before rice sowing), and two antecedents of the summer crop (rice or soybean) under no-tillage system (NTS), plus two control treatments at conventional tillage system (CTS). Cover crops significantly affect rice grain yield and its components. There is a significant tendency to highest yield when cover crop desiccation is conducted farther from the rice sowing date (from 2,577.1 kg ha-1 - desiccation at rice sowing to 3,115.30 kg ha-1 - desiccation 30 days before rice sowing). Soybean as an antecedent of summer crop allows better upland rice yield (3,754 kg ha-1) than rice as an antecedent of summer crop (2,635 kg ha-1); fallow/soybean/fallow (4,507 kg ha-1) and millet/soybean/millet (4,765 kg ha-1) rotation at no-tillage system, and incorporated fallow /soybean/ incorporated fallow (4,427 kg ha-1) at conventional tillage system allow the highest rice yield; upland rice yield is similar at no-till (3,194 kg ha-1) and till system (2,878 kg ha-1).O correto manejo químico das plantas de cobertura visa obter maiores benefícios com a sua introdução nos sistemas agrícolas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar como a produção do arroz de terras altas é afetada pela safra de verão anterior, pela espécie e pela época de dessecação das plantas de cobertura por glifosato. Foram semeadas plantas de cobertura (novembro de 2007), seguidas pelo arroz em metade da área experimental e soja na outra metade (novembro de 2008); após a colheita dessas culturas, as mesmas plantas de cobertura foram semeadas novamente (março de 2009), seguidas pela semeadura do arroz de terras altas (novembro de 2009) em toda a área experimental. Assim, o experimento consistiu na combinação de cinco plantas de cobertura (pousio, Panicum maximum, Brachiaria ruziziensis, B. brizantha e Pennisetum glaucum) x quatro épocas de dessecação (30, 20, 10 e 0 dias antes da semeadura do arroz) e dois antecedentes da safra de verão (arroz ou soja) no sistema plantio direto (SPD), mais dois tratamentos controle no sistema convencional (SC). As culturas de cobertura alteram significativamente a produtividade de grãos do arroz de terras altas e seus componentes. H�� tendência significativa de se obter maior produtividade do arroz quando a dessecação das culturas de cobertura é feita mais distante da época de semeadura de arroz (de 2.577,1 kg ha-1, dessecação realizada no dia da semeadura, para 3.115,3 kg ha-1, dessecação realizada 30 dias antes da semeadura do arroz). Soja como safra de verão anterior permite maior produção de arroz de terras altas (3.754 kg ha-1) do que arroz como antecedente de safra de verão (2.635 kg ha-1). Rotação pousio/soja/pousio (4,507 kg ha-1) e milheto/soja/milheto (4,765 kg ha-1) no plantio direto e pousio incorporado/soja/pousio incorporado (4,427 kg ha-1) no sistema de plantio convencional permitiram maior produção de arroz; a produtividade do arroz é semelhante em plantio direto (3,194 kg ha-1) e em plantio convencional (2,878 kg ha-1).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nitrogen topdressing influence in common bean irrigated (winter-spring), in the first year of no tillage implementation. The experimental design was split-plot with three replications in randomized blocks. The plots were formed by three types of ground cover, corn-grain, corn-grain intercropped with Brachiaria ruziziensis and only B. ruziziensis. The subplots were formed by five doses of nitrogen topdressing (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg ha-1), using urea as nitrogen source. It was determined the dry mass of residue present as ground cover, the full flowering time, the leaf nitrogen content, the 100 grains mass, the grain yield, the processing income, the chemical soil properties and economic analysis of common bean grain yield. It was found the common bean grain productivity in succession to corn-grain was positively influenced by nitrogen fertilization, showing it is economically viable only when given 160 kg ha-1 of nitrogen and the intercropping corn-grain and B. ruziziensis use is the best option when the common bean is sown in succession. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência da adubação nitrogenada em cobertura no feijoeiro irrigado (inverno-primavera), no primeiro ano de implantação do sistema de semeadura direta. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de parcelas subdivididas, com três repetições, dispostos em blocos casualizados. As parcelas foram formadas por três formas de cobertura do solo, milho-grão, milhogrão consorciado com Brachiaria ruziziensis e apenas B. ruziziensis. As subparcelas foram formadas por cinco doses de adubação nitrogenada em cobertura (0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 kg ha-1), utilizando a uréia como fonte de nitrogênio. Foi determinada a massa seca da palhada presente como cobertura do solo anteriormente à semeadura da cultura do feijoeiro, o momento do florescimento pleno, o teor foliar de nitrogênio total, a massa de 100 grãos, a produtividade de grãos, a renda de beneficiamento, os atributos químicos do solo e a análise econômica da produção de grãos de feijão. Verificou-se que a produtividade de grãos de feijão em sucessão ao milho-grão foi influenciada positivamente pela adubação nitrogenada, sendo economicamente viável apenas quando fornecido 160 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio e que o uso do consórcio entre milho-grão e B. ruziziensis é a melhor opção quando o feijoeiro é semeado em sucessão.

Flow cytometry allows to estimate the DNA content of a large number of plants quickly. However, inadequate protocols can compromise the reliability of these estimates leading to variations in the values of DNA content the same species. The objective of this study was to propose an efficient protocol to estimate the DNA content of Brachiaria spp. genotypes with different ploidy levels using flow cytometry. We evaluated four genotypes (B. ruziziensis diploid and artificially tetraploidized; a tetraploid B. brizantha and a natural triploid hybrid), three buffer solutions (MgSO4, Galbraith and Tris-HCl) and three species as internal reference standards (Raphanus sativus, Solanum lycopersicum e Pisum sativum). The variables measured were: histogram score (1-5), coefficient of variation and estimation of DNA content. The best combination for the analysis of Brachiaria spp. DNA content was the use of MgSO4 buffer with R. sativus as a internal reference standard. Genome sizes expressed in picograms of DNA are presented for all genotypes and the importance of the histogram score on the results reliability of DNA content analyses were discussed.A citometria de fluxo permite estimar o conteúdo de DNA de um grande número de plantas rapidamente. No entanto, protocolos inadequados podem comprometer a confiabilidade dessas estimativas, levando a variações nos valores de conteúdo de DNA para uma mesma espécie. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se propor um protocolo eficiente para a estimativa do conteúdo de DNA de genótipos de Brachiaria spp. com diferentes níveis de ploidia, utilizando a citometria de fluxo. Foram avaliados quatro genótipos (B. ruziziensis, diploide e tetraploidizada artificialmente; B. brizantha tetraploide e um híbrido natural triploide), 3 soluções tampões (MgSO4, Galbraith e Tris-HCl) e três espécies como padrões de referência interno (Raphanus sativus, Solanum lycopersicum e Pisum sativum). As variáveis mensuradas foram: nota do histograma (1 a 5), coeficiente de variação e estimativa do conteúdo de DNA. A melhor combinação para as análises do conteúdo de DNA de Brachiaria spp. por citometria de fluxo foi o emprego do tampão MgSO4 com o rabanete como padrão de referência. O tamanho dos genomas expresso em picogramas de DNA foi apresentado para todos os genótipos e a importância da pontuação do histograma na confiabilidade dos resultados das análises do conteúdo de DNA foi discutida.

Em alguns solos com baixos teores de potássio trocável, formas não trocáveis participam do suprimento às plantas. Há evidências de que a disponibilização do K não trocável depende mais da demanda das plantas pelo nutriente do que das propriedades do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o suprimento e a exaustão de formas de K em um Latossolo Vermelho do Cerrado em decorrência da adubação potássica residual e do cultivo de Brachiaria ruziziensis (Syn. Urochloa ruziziensis). Amostras de solos foram coletadas na camada de 0-20 cm, em parcelas de um experimento de campo em que a soja vinha sendo adubada anualmente, por 10 anos, com 0, 60, 120 e 180 kg ha-1 de K2O. Em casa de vegetação, as amostras de solo receberam a aplicação de 0, 150 e 300 mg dm-3 de K e foram cultivadas com B. ruziziensis, com cinco cortes sucessivos. O suprimento de K às plantas dependeu mais do fertilizante recém-adicionado do que do efeito residual de adubações anteriores. O K não trocável foi responsável, ao longo do tempo, pela manutenção dos teores de K trocáveis e, na ausência de adubação potássica, constituiu a principal fonte de K para as plantas de B. ruziziensis. As plantas de B. ruziziensis possuem capacidade de extrair quantidade considerável de K do solo, confirmando sua importância como cultura de cobertura, na ciclagem do nutriente no solo.

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de períodos de dessecação de Urochloa ruziziensis na implantação e na produtividade da soja transgênica no sistema de plantio direto, foram conduzidos dois experimentos em campo, nos municípios de Colina-SP, no ano agrícola de 2007/08, e Jaboticabal-SP, em 2009/10. Em Colina, utilizou-se uma área de pastagem de U. ruziziensis, conduzida há sete anos. Nesse local foram testados quatro períodos de dessecação da cobertura vegetal: 30, 20, 10 e 0 dias antes da semeadura da soja. No experimento de Jaboticabal, a área utilizada tinha histórico de pastagem com U. ruziziensis, que no ano agrícola 2008/09 foi cultivada com milho. Após a colheita do milho ocorreu reinfestação natural de U. ruziziensis na área, correspondendo a mais de 80% de cobertura vegetal. Nesse experimento, os tratamentos corresponderam a seis períodos de dessecação: 25, 20, 16, 12, 7 e 0 dias após a aplicação. Nos dois experimentos utilizou-se 1,44 kg e.a. ha-1 do herbicida glyphosate e o cultivar de soja M-SOY 7908 RR. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados o estande da cultura aos 20 dias após a semeadura da soja e na pré-colheita, a altura de plantas, a altura de inserção da primeira vagem, o número de vagens por planta e o rendimento de grãos (produtividade estimada em kg ha-1). Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância (teste F), com as médias sendo comparadas pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. A dessecação de U. ruziziensis no mesmo dia da semeadura da soja reduziu a altura das plantas, o número de vagens por planta e a produtividade de grãos. O período recomendado para o manejo químico de U. ruziziensis com glyphosate está entre 10 e 20 dias antes da semeadura da soja. Pôde-se concluir que o período de dessecação de U. ruziziensis alterou a produtividade da cultura.Two field trials were carried out to evaluate the effects of burn-down timing of Urochloa ruziziensis on transgenic soybean establishment and yield under the no-tillage system. One experiment was conducted in Colina, SP - Brazil, in 2007/2008 season, and the other in Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil, 2009/2010 season. In 2007/2008, the experiment was carried out in a 7-year-old grass pasture of U. ruziziensis, with four burn-down timings of vegetation cover being tested 30, 20, 10, and 0 days in advance to soybean sowing. In 2009/2010, the experiment was conducted in an old grass pasture of U. ruziziensis cropped with maize the summer before. After maize harvesting, a natural re-infestation of U. ruziziensis occurred, corresponding to more than 80% of the vegetation cover. In this experiment, treatments corresponded to six burn-down timings of vegetation cover 25, 20, 16, 7, and 0 days in advance to soybean sowing. In all experiments, 1.44 kg a.e. ha-1 of herbicide glyphosate was applied, and the soybean cultivar M-SOY 7908 RR was used. The experiments were arranged in a randomized block design, with four replicates. The evaluations were carried out by measuring crop stand 20 days after sowing and pre-harvest, plant height, first pod insertion height, number of pods per plant, grain yield, and estimated yield. Data were submitted to ANOVA and the Tukey test at 5% of probability. Burn-down of U. ruziziensis performed at the same day of crop sowing reduced plant height, number of pods per plant, and crop grain yield. Burn-down timing of U. ruziziensis using glyphosate was recommended to be between 10 and 20 days in advance to crop sowing. In conclusion, soybean yield was affected by burn-down timing of U. ruziziensis.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de plantas de cobertura e da calagem sobre a produtividade da soja e as características químicas do perfil do solo, após implantação do plantio direto. O experimento foi realizado em campo por dois anos, em Latossolo Vermelho‑Amarelo. A área era explorada como pastagem há cinco anos. Avaliaram-se três sistemas de cultivo: soja/pousio/soja, soja/Pennisetum glaucum/soja e soja/Urochloa ruziziensis/soja, com aplicação de calcário à dosagem de 0, 0,5, 1,0 e 2,0 vezes a quantidade necessária para elevar a saturação de bases (V) a 50%, na camada de 0-20 cm. O calcário foi incorporado ao solo, a 20 cm de profundidade, previamente à implantação dos sistemas de cultivo. Aos 490 dias após a calagem, foram coletadas amostras de solo das profundidades de 0-­10, 10-­20, 20-­40 e 40­-60 cm. Avaliaram-se o estado nutricional das plantas, as alterações das características químicas do solo e a produtividade da soja. As plantas de cobertura associadas à calagem promovem melhorias nos parâmetros de acidez do solo - sobretudo quando a dose aplicada é igual ou mais elevada do que a recomendada para V 50% -, e aumentam o teor foliar de P e a produtividade da soja, independentemente da calagem. Quanto maior a dose de calcário, maior é o avanço da frente alcalina no solo e a produtividade de grãos.

As gramíneas atuam de maneira direta na formação e na estabilização de agregados do solo, devido à maior densidade de raízes e à liberação de exsudatos orgânicos no solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do sistema radicular da Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain et Evrard na formação e na estabilização de agregados de um Nitossolo Vermelho. O experimento foi conduzido em abrigo telado, utilizando-se solo coletado na camada de 0-20cm de profundidade. O solo foi destorroado manualmente e passado em peneira de 2,00mm de abertura de malha e, posteriormente, separadas por classes de diâmetro de agregados de 2,00-1,00, 1,00-0,50 e 0,50-0,25mm com auxílio de peneiras de malhas específicas. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3x2x2x4, correspondendo a três classes de diâmetro de agregados (2,00-1,00, 1,00-0,50 e 0,50-0,25mm), duas condições de cultivo (com e sem gramínea), dois conteúdos de umidade (100% e 60% de água disponível) e quatro épocas de avaliação (90, 180, 270 e 360 dias após o plantio da gramínea), com quatro repetições. As amostras de agregados foram acondicionadas em vasos de polietileno com capacidade para 10kg. O conteúdo de umidade foi equilibrado através de irrigações a cada dois dias. As amostragens foram realizadas a cada três meses, determinando-se o diâmetro médio ponderado de agregados secos ao ar (DMPAs), o diâmetro médio ponderado de agregado estáveis em água (DMPAu) e o índice de estabilidade dos agregados (IEA = DMPAu/DMPAs). Verificaram-se maiores valores de DMPAu e de IEA para o tratamento com gramínea, indicando que o sistema radicular da Brachiaria ruziziensis favoreceu maior formação e estabilização dos agregados no solo.Grasses take direct action in the formation and stabilization of soil aggregates due to the density of roots and the release of organic exudates in soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the root system of Brachiaria ruziziensis Germain et Evrard in the formation and stabilization of aggregates of an Oxisol. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse, using soil collected in the upper 0-20cm depth. Loosening the soil was manually and passed through a sieve of 2.00mm mesh size and subsequently separated by diameter classes of aggregates from 2.00-1.00, 1.00-0.50 and 0.50-0.25mm, with the help of specific mesh sieves. The experimental design was completely randomized in factorial 3x2x2x4, corresponding to three diameter classes of aggregates (2.00-1.00, 1.00-0.50 and from 0.50-0.25mm), two conditions crop (with and without grass), two moisture contents (100% and 60% of available water), and four sampling times (90, 180, 270 and 360 days after planting the grass), with four repetitions. The aggregate samples were packed in polyethylene vessels with a capacity of 10kg. The moisture content was balanced through irrigation every two days. Samples were taken every three months, determining the mean diameter of air-dried aggregates (DMPAs), the mean weight diameter of stable aggregates in water (DMPAu) and aggregate stability index (IAS = DMPAu/DMPAs). It was found higher values of DMPAu and IAS to treatment with grass, indicating that the root system of Brachiaria ruziziensis favored increased formation and stabilization of soil aggregates.

A viabilidade e a implantação do sistema de semeadura direta na região do Cerrado brasileiro têm tido limitações pela dificuldade de obtenção e manutenção de palhada adequada sobre o solo. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência do nitrogênio residual, aplicado no feijoeiro, no número de folhas fotossinteticamente ativas, nas características agronômicas e na proteína bruta em grãos de milho, consorciado ou não. Pode-se concluir que não houve efeito das doses residuais de aplicação de nitrogênio, aplicado no feijoeiro cultivado anteriormente, sobre o desenvolvimento vegetativo e reprodutivo do milho e que no consórcio do milho com a Brachiaria ruziziensis, houve aumento na velocidade de senescência foliar e reduziu teor de proteína bruta em grãos, densidade populacional final, número de espigas por área, nitrogênio total foliar, diâmetro de ráquis, número de grãos por fileira e massa de 100 grãos, sem afetar a produtividade.The no tillage feasibility and implementation in the Brasilian Cerrado region has been limited by the difficulty of obtaining and maintaining adequate mulching on the soil. In this context, the objective was to evaluate the influence of residual nitrogen, applied to common beans, in the leaves number active photosynthetically, the agronomic characteristics and crude protein in corn grains, intercropped or not. We can be concluded there was no residual effect of nitrogen rates application, applied previously in common bean, on the vegetative and reproductive development in corn and corn intercropped with Brachiaria ruziziensis, there was increase in the leaf senescence and reduced crude protein in grains, final population density, spikes number per area, total leaf nitrogen, rachis diameter, kernels number per row and 100 grains weight, without to affect yield.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the selectivity of different herbicides in the crop of corn and Brachiaria ruziziensis at crop-livestock integration. The experiment was carried out in Nova Xavantina, MT, between January and June of 2008, in soil classified like Rhodic Ferrasol. The trial was installed ar complete randomized block designing , with 11 treatments: lactofen (96 g ha-1); lactofen (192 g ha-1); carfentrazone - ethyl (8 g ha-1); carfentrazone - ethyl (12 g ha-1); flumioxazin (25 g ha-1); flumioxazin (50 g ha-1); lactofen + flumioxazin (96 + 25 g ha-1); lactofen + flumioxazin (192 + 50 g ha-1); nicosulfuron (8 g ha-1); nicosulfuron (40 g ha-1) and a check without herbicide. The treatments were applied at 30 days after the corn emergence. It were evaluated the effects of the treatments in the height, dry biomass and productivity of the corn and, also, in the dry biomass of the B. ruziziensis. The herbicides flumioxazin, lactofen and carfentrazone-ethyl didn´t present potential to be used in post-emergence in this integrated system, due to low selectivity for corn. Nicosulfuron atrate of 8 a g ha-1 provided corn yeld similar to the check with out herbicides, and a initial small suppression of B. ruziziensis; and, consequently, being the best herbicide to be used for weed management in the no-livestock system.O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a seletividade de diferentes herbicidas à cultura do milho e a Brachiaria ruziziensis cultivadas no sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária. O experimento foi conduzido no Município de Nova Xavantina – MT, no período de janeiro a junho de 2008, em solo classificado como Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições, sendo avaliados 11 tratamentos: lactofen (96 g ha-1); lactofen (192 g ha-1); carfentrazone-ethyl (8 g ha-1); carfentrazone-ethyl (12 g ha-1); flumioxazin (25 g ha-1); flumioxazin (50 g ha-1); lactofen + flumioxazin (96 + 25 g ha-1); lactofen + flumioxazin (192 + 50 g ha-1); nicosulfuron (8 g ha-1); nicosulfuron (40 g ha-1) e testemunha sem herbicida. Os tratamentos foram aplicados aos 30 dias após a emergência da cultura do milho. Avaliaram-se os efeitos dos tratamentos sobre a altura de plantas, fitomassa seca e produtividade de grãos de milho e, também, sobre a fitomassa seca da B. ruziziensis. Os herbicidas flumioxazin, lactofen e carfentrazone-ethyl não apresentaram potencial para utilização em pós-emergência nesse sistema integrado de cultivo, principalmente por apresentar baixa seletividade à cultura do milho. O nicosulfuron na dose de 8 g ha-1 proporcionou produtividade de grãos de milho equivalente à testemunha sem herbicida, e pequena supressão inicial das plantas de B. ruziziensis, sendo, consequentemente, o mais indicado para o controle de plantas daninhas nesse sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária.