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A soja tem apresentado aumento de produtividade nos últimos anos e o manejo adequado das plantas tem melhorado a qualidade fisiológica das sementes. A aplicação com micronutrientes, especialmente molibdênio (Mo) e níquel (Ni) tem importante estratégia para aumentar o rendimento de grãos. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da aplicação foliar de Mo e Ni sobre o teor foliar de nitrogênio (N), qualidade da germinação (protrusão radicular, envelhecimento em termos de vigor, germinação e tamanho de plântulas) e tamanho de sementes de soja cultivadas sob duas condições edafoclimáticas. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro doses de Mo (0, 400, 800 e 1600 g ha-1) e três doses de Ni (0, 60 e 120 g ha-1) aplicadas no início do estádio reprodutivo (R1 e R2). Os plantios foram realizados em Londrina (Brasmax Desafio RR) e Selviria (TMG 7063 IPRO e Brasmax Desafio RR). A protrusão radicular, vigor e tamanho das plântulas foram influenciados pela aplicação foliar de Mo, enquanto a aplicação de Ni em altas doses diminuiu a protrusão radicular. A aplicação de Mo influenciou positivamente o teor de N, tamanho dos grãos e qualidade fisiológica das sementes na dose de 800–1600 g ha-1.

Abstract Background and aims Nano-zinc (Zn) fertilizer is an easily adaptable and environmentally safe alternative option that can effectively improve growth, yield and biofortification of common bean. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPBs) could promote plant growth and nutrients availability in sustainable manner. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of foliar nano-Zn application in association with seed co-inoculations of PGPBs on growth, yield, biofortification and Zn use efficiencies in common bean cultivation. Two field experiments were performed with seven co-inoculations of PGPBs and three foliar nano-Zn doses applied 50% at R5 and 50% at R8 stages of common bean to determine plant height, shoot dry matter, grain yield, Zn concentration and uptake in shoot and grains, Zn partitioning index, daily Zn intake and Zn use efficiencies for agronomic biofortification. Results The combined foliar nano-Zn application and co-inoculation of R. tropici + B. subtilis enhance grain yield, leaf chlorophyll index, total protein content, grain Zn concentration and uptake, daily Zn intake, Zn use efficiency, applied Zn recovery and Zn utilization efficiency in common beans in 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons. Foliar nano-Zn application at a dose of 1.5 kg ha−1 increased plant height, shoot dry matter, shoot Zn uptake, Zn partitioning and agro-physiological efficiency under co-inoculation with R. tropici + B. subtilis in both cropping years. Conclusions The treatments with foliar nano-Zn application at a dose of 1.5 ha−1 and co-inoculation with R. tropici + B. subtilis improved performance, chlorophyll index, protein content, grain yield, and Zn efficiencies that can lead to better biofortification of common bean in tropical savannah. Therefore, it is recommended that applying nano-Zn via foliar along with co-inoculation of PGPBs could be the better option for productivity and biofortification of common bean. Graphical Abstract

The selection of an appropriate nitrogen (N) source can mitigate the negative effect of root-knot nematodes on the yield of common beans. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to assess the application efficiency of four N sources (urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate, and sodium nitrate) and inoculation with Rhizobium tropici on the yield components, chlorophyll, and total nitrogen (N) leaf contents of four common bean cultivars (IDR Curió, IDR Sabiá, IDR Tuiuiú, and IDR Bem-te-vi). These beans were cultivated in substrates both infected and uninfected with Meloidogyne incognita. In the soil containing phytonematodes, the IDR Curió cultivar exhibited the highest shoot and root dry weight yield, resulting in the greatest root volume, total N content, and grain yield. Among the N sources, the application of either urea or ammonium sulfate proved the most effective in enhancing common bean productivity in soil, irrespective of the cultivar or whether the soil was infected with Meloidogyne incognita.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the application of silicate ultramafic alkaline rock, with different granulometry, as an alternative potassium source on the increase of soil fertility and on the nutritional status and biomass yield of the alfalfa and centrosema crops. The used soil was a Typic Ultisol with 27.4 mg dm-3 K and 733 g kg-1 clay. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 4 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of two granulometries (

Micronutrient fertilization is usually neglected by producers, especially for peanut, a crop that is frequently grown in crop rotation systems due to its low perceived nutrient requirements. New peanut cultivars are able to achieve high yields when grown under suitable conditions. However, fertilization recommendation tables are dated and do not consider the need for micronutrients. To support improvements in these recommendations, this study quantified the micronutrient demand (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) of three runner peanut cultivars (IAC Runner 886, IAC 505, and IAC OL3) during the biological cycle and the transport of these micronutrients to pods and kernels. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block with a split-plot design and nine replications. The whole plots consisted of the three peanut cultivars, and the subplots comprised nine plant samplings (at 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 105, 126, and 147 days after emergence (DAE)). These modern peanut cultivars exhibited high uptake and accumulation of Fe, but the proportion of Fe removed by pods and kernels was lowest among all analyzed micronutrients. The second-most-accumulated micronutrient was Mn. The maximum requirement for micronutrients of peanut occurred around 84 DAE, and IAC 505 had the highest micronutrient uptake and accumulation among the cultivars (especially at later stages), followed by IAC OL3 and IAC Runner 886. Our results provide new insights into micronutrient requirements for peanut and demonstrate the need for new fertilizer recommendation programs for peanut cultivation.

Abstract: Soybean has shown increasing performance in terms of yield in recent years. However, despite this growth, the lack of quality control and knowledge about the effects of the nutritional status of plants has compromised the germination and vigor of a significant proportion of seeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological performance of seeds and root growth of soybean cultivated with boron (B) sources with different solubilities incorporated into the soil. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2×5 factorial arrangement, with two B sources (boric acid and ulexite) and five B rates (0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 mg.kg-1). 100-seed weight (100SW), germination, seedling shoot length (SSL), seedling root length (SRL), accelerated aging (AA), root protrusion (RP), lignin content in the seed coat (LCSC), and root volume (RV) were evaluated. The B sources and rates showed a significant interaction with increases in RV, RP, SSL, SRL, and 100SW, while the LCSC decreased with increasing rates with no interaction effect, indicating a reduction of seed quality with rates up to 8.0 mg.kg-1, regardless of the B source used.

Entre as espécies de fitonematoides que provocam perdas de produção à cultura da soja estão os nematoides da haste verde (Aphelenchoides besseyi) e o das galhas (Meloidogyne incognita). Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os efeitos de diferentes níveis populacionais de A. besseyi e M. incognita na soja. O experimento foi realizado com nove combinações de diferentes níveis populacionais dos nematoides (T1 – Controle não inoculado, T2 - A. besseyi 500 indivíduos, T3 - M. incognita 2000 indivíduos, T4 - A. besseyi + M. incognita 250 + 2000 indivíduos, T5 - A. besseyi + M. incognita 500 + 2000 indivíduos, T6 - A. besseyi + M. incognita 250 + 4000 indivíduos, T7 - A. besseyi + M. incognita 500 + 4000 indivíduos, T8 - A. besseyi + M. incognita 250 + 8000 indivíduos, T9 - A. besseyi + M. incognita 500 + 8000 indivíduos e T10 - A. besseyi + M. incognita 1000 + 8000 indivíduos) e seis repetições. As variáveis analisadas foram: altura de planta, massa fresca da parte aérea (MPA), massa fresca de raízes (MR), número de vagens (V), massa fresca de vagens (MV), número de grãos (G), massa fresca de grãos (MG), quantidade de A. besseyi na parte aérea e de M. incognita nas raízes. O mapa de calor indicou que populações iniciais inoculadas de 500 A. besseyi + 8000 M. incognita apresentou maiores danos ao desenvolvimento da soja, reduzindo todas as variáveis analisadas. As variáveis MG, G e V reduziram na presença de diferentes densidades populacionais das espécies de fitonematoides nematoides, influenciando negativamente o desenvolvimento da soja.

In an effort to improve fertility, recover degraded areas and increase support for the capacity of livestock on pasture, new forms of fertilizer are being developed. Polymer-coated monoammonium phosphate (MAP) is an innovative source of phosphorus (P) for maintaining forage grass productivity. The aim this study was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of P rates with the presence and absence of the polymer on the productivity, development and nutritional value of hybrid signalgrass (Urochloa spp.) cv. Mavuno. The field research was conducted on a dystrophic Ultisol. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications and treatments applied in a factorial scheme (2 × 4) + 1. The treatments included two P sources (uncoated MAP and polymers-coated MAP) at four rates (20, 40, 80 and 160 kg ha−1 of P2O5), and the control received no P fertilization. The measured variables showed no differences between sources with or without polymer. The maximum production of accumulated shoot dry weight yield (SDWY) of the ‘Mavuno’ grass was 20.2 Mg ha−1 with the dose of 114 kg ha−1 of P2O5. The value of crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility showed a quadratic response with maximum production of 76.5% and 15.9% for the P2O5 rates of 37.2 and 91.1 kg ha−1, respectively, while the acid detergent insoluble fiber showed a linear increase up to the rate of 80 kg ha−1 of P2O5. No differences were observed in plant height, number of tillers, or the relative chlorophyll content between treatments.

This study evaluated the combined effect of foliar spray inoculation with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and nitrogen doses on the yield, development, and nutritive value of Megathyrsus maximus cv. BRS Zuri. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications, with repeated measures in time. Foliar inoculation of two bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense Ab-V5 (CNPSo 2083) and Ab-V6 (CNPSo 2084) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (CNPSo 2799)) and 40 and 80 kg ha−1 N (urea) rates, in addition to the control (without inoculation and N fertilization), were applied. In the rainy season, at the level of 40 kg ha−1 of N, inoculation of both A. brasilense and P. fluorescens increased, respectively, the tiller number by 33% and 25% (22 February), and the N accumulated in tissues by 42% and 25% (22 January), while in the previous year (21 February) the beneficial effects of both bacteria were observed in the percentage of leaf blade and in the true digestibility in vitro. When the foliar spray was inoculated with A. brasilense Ab-V5 and Ab-V6 and P. fluorescens CNPSo 2799, with 80 kg N ha−1, the root system of Zuri grass increased by 61% and 30%, respectively.

Sulfur deficiency in soils has become a worldwide concern for agricultural production. This study aimed to evaluate the concequence of variable sulfur source and dosing on the nutritional status and production of Piatã forage in a dystrophic Ultisol. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with four replications. The 4 x 5 factorial treatments consisted of four sulfur sources (elemental sulfur pastilles [ESPA], gypsum [GY], gypsite [GI], and elemental sulfur powder [ESPO]) and five sulfur doses (0, 50, 100, 150. and 200 mg kg-1). The sulfur applications resulted in similar maximum shoot dry mass (SDM) production (16.66 to 17.69 g pot-1) with all sources. However, Piatã grass achieved maximum production in the treatments with 112 mg kg-1 of GI, 118 mg kg-1 of GY and ESPA, and 146 mg kg-1 of ESPO. The number of tillers, the leaf:stem ratio, and SPAD increased with increasing sulfur dose. The greatest increments of root dry mass (RDM) and of the tiller number were obtained with the ESPO source. Macronutrient concentrations in shoot dry mass tissue were in the order K > N > Ca > P > S > Mg. Low sulfur supply resulted in decreased Piatã grass growth with all sulfur sources tested. Differential responses were found with applications of different sulfur sources for SDM, RDM, and tillers number. The sources did not alter the leaf:stem ratio or SPAD index.

Mato Grosso do Sul State in Brazil is characterized by the ‘Cerrado’ ecoregion, which is the most biologically rich Savannah globally. In agricultural terms, the region produces several commodities that are exported around the world. This level of productivity has been achieved through the large-scale use of synthetic fertilizers, which has created several economic and environmental concerns. New approaches in soil fertility management are required to avoid environmental degradation, pollution, and socio-environmental damages. A field experiment, lasting two years, was conducted to investigate the composted sewage sludge (CSS) effects on an infertile acidic soil (Oxisol) planted to maize (Zea mays L.). The following complete randomized complete block design with a 4 × 2 + 2 factorial scheme (four replications) was applied: four CSS increasing rates (from 5.0 to 12.5 Mg ha−1, w.b.) following two application methods (whole area and between crop rows). A control, without CSS or synthetic fertilizers, and conventional synthetic fertilization without CSS were also investigated. Evaluated parameters were: (i) soil and leaf micronutrient concentrations; (ii) maize development, yield, and production. The CSS application increased: (i) the concentration of micronutrients in both soil and leaves; and (ii) the crop yield. Both were particularly true at the higher CSS applied rates. Such organic fertilizer can be safely used as a source of micronutrients for crops as an important low-cost and environmentally friendly alternative to mineral fertilizers, thus safeguarding soil health.

A geoestatística é uma das principais técnicas utilizadas para determinar a variabilidade espacial dos atributos do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o uso de semivariogramas elaborados através do acompanhamento paramétrico da geoestatística e seu pressuposto modelo realizado automaticamente por software na confecção dos mapas de fertilidade do solo. Foram comparados os mapas dos valores de pH, fósforo (P), potássio (K+), cálcio (Ca2+), magnésio (Mg2+), enxofre (SO42-) e saturação por bases (V%), provenientes de 60 amostras coletadas de área de Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico coletadas na profundidade 0-20 cm e malha de 300 m de distância entre os pontos. Os mapas foram comparados por matrizes de erro e avaliadas pelos índices Exatidão Global, Kappa e Tau. O uso de semivariogramas parametrizados e seu pressuposto modelo automático do software não apresentaram alta coincidência para os teores de P disponível e Mg2+, sendo necessário ajustes das variáveis dos semivariogramas na análise espacial em função dos outliers, soma dos quadrados dos resíduos, coeficiente de determinação e validação cruzada para melhor representação da variabilidade dos dados e assim, evitar distorções do alcance do ponto amostral para uma boa representatividade dos atributos estudados, o que contraria o modelo automático gerado pelo software.

Improvements in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields in cropping systems under no-till management (NTM) in the subtropics have been obtained through advances in phosphorus (P) utilization, cultivar selection, and planting and harvesting strategies. This fact, along with the P application in band application in consolidated planting, has resulted in adequate P utilization efficiency and small depleted soil P levels. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of P2O5 rates and application methods in soybean-wheat cropping under NTM during two growing seasons (2014–2016) in a Typical Eutrorthox. Four P2O5 rates (0, 30, 60, and 120 kg ha−1) of triple superphosphate (45% P2O5) were applied using two application methods (broadcast and band application at sowing) before the soybean and wheat crops were cultivated. Both P application methods resulted in a significant yield response to P2O5 rates for the soybean and wheat crops. Under NTM, broadcast P2O5 application was more effective than band application in soybean, and maximum grain yields were obtained with 129.3 and 88.1 kg P2O5 ha−1, respectively. Maximum wheat grain yields were obtained with 91.8 and 99.7 kg P2O5 ha−1 for broadcast and band application, respectively. Except for total P in leaves, nutrient uptake and yield components were not affected by the P application methods and rates. The results suggested that in soils with adequate available P levels of >15 mg kg−1 (Mehlich 1 extractant), the grain yield is equivalent or superior with broadcast P application as compared with band application for both soybean and wheat crops when cultivated in a Typical Eutrorthox under subtropical conditions. However, broadcast application is considered more effective for large areas of grain cultivation, where it is necessary to sow crops uniformly within the shortest possible time.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the nutritional quality, yield, and storage protein modulation in soybean grains in response to levels and sources of sulfur (S) in a dystrophic Ultisol. We used five levels of S (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg kg –1 ) and four sources of S (elemental S pastille - ESPA, gypsum - GY, gypsite - GI and elemental S powder - ESPO). Plants treated with 50 mg kg –1 of GY, GI, and ESPO and 200 mg kg –1 of ESPA had the largest grain yield values. Low S supply resulted in lower yields for all S sources tested. Sulfur deficiencies were observed at all levels for ESPA, resulting in lower concentrations of globulin and higher concentration of glutelin and albumin in the grains, possibly because the S content in the leaf was below the range adequate for soybean, leading to in lower yield values. In general, the application of S sources (GY, GI, and ESPO) increased all protein fractions. The results show that proper application of S is essential to optimize soybean yield and increase storage proteins in the grains. The granulometry of ESPA and ESPO fertilizers was a key factor for the availability of S to soybean plants. This study presents relevant information on S fertilization of soybeans, which could provide better grain nutritional quality and increased storage proteins with benefits to animal health.

Plant-growth-promoting bacteria can be used for sustainable forage grass production while increasing nutrition and biomass. Most of the soils under pasture in the tropics have a degradation level that impairs the forage yield potential, especially because of mismanagement and lack of fertilization. The objective of this work was to evaluate the seed inoculation effects of Azospirillum brasilense on the shoot and root dry mass production and nutritional status of Urochloa brizantha cv. ‘Marandu’ under field conditions for two years in a low-fertility soil. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replications, arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme, comprised of two doses of A. brasilense (0 and 200 mL ha-1) in combination with three doses of N (0, 25 and 50 kg ha-1). Seed inoculation increased shoot dry mass by 13% in the first year and by 6% in the second year, whereas N application increased dry mass by 27% and 35% in the first and second year, respectively. The concentration of nutrients in the shoots did not change due to the inoculation, but N fertilization affected P, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Zn in the first year and N, P and Cu in the second year. Root dry mass increased 36% with fertilization of 25 kg N ha-1 plus inoculation in relation to the other treatments in the first year. In the second year, the inoculation of A. brasilense increased by 17%. Therefore, seed inoculation of Urochloa brizantha cv. ‘Marandu’ with Azospirillum brasilense increased root and shoot dry mass production in some cuts without influencing tiller numbers. Nitrogen fertilization altered N, Mg, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu concentrations in shoot dry mass.

O sistema de mudas pré-brotadas (MPB) de cana-de-açúcar é uma nova tecnologia de multiplicação que contribui para a rápida produção de mudas, associando elevado padrão de fitossanidade, vigor e uniformidade de plantio, bem como drástica redução na utilização de mudas por área. Por outro lado, a torta de filtro pode ser uma aliada no desenvolvimento dessa tecnologia que necessita de elevada umidade no período inicial de crescimento. Assim, esse trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desenvolvimento de mudas pré-brotadas de cana-de-açúcar sob diferentes quantidades de torta de filtro e modos de aplicação. Os tratamentos foram cinco doses de torta de filtro, equivalentes a 0; 7,5; 15; 30; 45 ton. ha-1 e duas formas de aplicação: em profundidade (0,30 m) e em superfície. Após a formação das MPB, essas foram plantadas em Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico, com os devidos tratamentos. Para as análises de desenvolvimento aéreo foram avaliados em seis períodos: 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 dias após o plantio, a área foliar, comprimento e diâmetro de colmos e massa seca da parte aérea. A torta de filtro influenciou positivamente o desenvolvimento das mudas pré-brotadas promovendo maior área foliar e diâmetro de colmos quando aplicada em superfície. A dose 30 ton. ha-1 em superfície proporcionou produção 54% maior de massa seca de parte aérea e 56% mais massa seca de raízes em comparação ao cultivo sem sua aplicação, podendo ser utilizada para melhor desenvolvimento de mudas pré-brotadas.

The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in microbiological attributes of soils under different growing systems. Three cropping systems were evaluated (1) no-tillage system (NTS); (2) conventional tillage system (CTS); and (3) newly scarified no-tillage system (SNTS). The three systems were maintained for 20 years. In addition, a primary forest (PF) fragment was used as a reference. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0.0-0.1 m, 0.1-0.2 m, and 0.2-0.3 m. The following variables were measured: microbial biomass carbon (MBC); soil respirometry (RESP) using the fumigation and incubation method; microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) using fumigation and extraction; metabolic quotient (qCO2) using the RESP-MBC ratio; and number of spores (NS) of mycorrhizal fungi by plate counting of spores extracted from the soil by wet sieving. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design with five replicates. The different management systems affected the soil microbiota, especially in the superficial layer of 0.0-0.1 m. At a depth of 0.0-0.2 m, the PF presented significantly higher values for all analyzed attributes, except for NS. There were no significant differences in the studied characteristics between the NTS and SNTS at the three depths, indicating that scarification performed only once in the NTS was not sufficient to produce changes in soil microbiological attributes. However, the adoption of the CTS for 20 years promoted a decrease in MBC and MBN. RESP and NS were not significantly different between the cropping systems. Principal component analysis indicated a significant difference in microbiological characteristics between the PF and the areas under management. Therefore, different growing systems change the soil microbiota, and the lower the degree of tilling (NTS and SNTS), the smaller the changes in soil microbiological attributes. Soil preparation practices used in conventional tilling negatively affect soil microbial biomass, decreasing the levels of MBC and MBN.

Environmental constraints, labour shortages and the search for greater efficiency have induced the mechanisation of sugarcane harvesting, providing a large amount of straw in the system, which provides benefits to the soil, the crop and the environment. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the removal of different amounts of straw from the soil surface on the development and productivity of sugarcane in eutrophic Red Latosol. The experiment was conducted in an area belonging to the Usina in Bandeirantes, PR, using a randomised block design with four replications. The effects of six treatments (0, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% of straw and sugarcane) were evaluated after four years of cultivation on the LAI (leaf area index), tillering, diameter, length and fresh mass of the stalks, in five periods: 60, 120, 180, 240 and 370 days after harvest (DAC). The results were submitted to analysis of variance and the means compared by Tukey’s test. The straw on the soil surface provided benefits to the development and productivity of sugarcane. The management of sugarcane burning, total removal of the straw (0% of soil cover) or 75% of straw resulted in a lower IAF and stalk diameter and a 37% decrease in final yield under conditions of water deficiency. The maintenance of 50% of straw is sufficient to favour the development and to provide greater productivity of the sugarcane, as it is possible to use the 50% surplus of the field for the production of ethanol of second generation or electric energy, without damage to the productivity of the culture.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of copper use efficiency in soybean cultivars, grown on a typical Ultisol with a high organic matter content, on soil chemical properties and on plant grain yield, nutritional state, and physiological components. The experiment was carried out in greenhouse conditions, in a 5×4 factorial arrangement, with five soybean cultivars (TMG 1066RR, BRS 360RR, NA 6262RR, BMX Turbo RR, and BRS 359RR) and four Cu rates (0, 2, 4, and 8 mg kg-1). Under the studied soil conditions, the DTPA-TEA and Mehlich-1 extractants were efficient in determining available Cu in the soil. Regardless of the cultivars, Cu application increased grain yield (GY), shoot dry weight yield (SDWY), number of pods per pot, GY/SDWY ratio, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, and chlorophyll content. However, Cu use efficiency varied significantly among the different soybean genotypes. Except for Cu, soil chemical attributes and foliar and grain nutrient contents are not influenced by Cu rates nor by soybean cultivars.

O Brasil é considerado um dos maiores produtores de frutas exóticas do mundo e o cultivo da pitaya amarela (Hylocereus megalanthus) tem se destacado, apesar de estudos relacionados ao manejo dessa cultura serem incipientes O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos de doses do formulado N-P2O5-K2O (NPK) na concentração 08-20-20 em mudas de pitaya amarela conduzidas em condições de casa de vegetação, contendo como substrato areia e composto orgânico (3:2, v:v). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com seis tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram na aplicação das seguintes doses do formulado NPK (08-20-20): 0, 200, 250, 300, 350 e 400 g por vaso de 5 L. As variáveis avaliadas foram taxa de enraizamento, altura, diâmetro, massa fresca (MF), massa seca (MS) da parte aérea e teor dos nutrientes dos cladódios. Apesar da aplicação de 300 g por vaso ter resultado em maior concentração de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe e Zn nos cladódios de pitaya, a utilização de apenas adubo orgânico e areia mostrou-se suficiente para o incremento da MS e MF dos cladódios.

Some silicate rocks are a rich source of potassium (K), with the possibility for use in agriculture. The present study aimed to evaluate the agronomic efficiency index (AEI) of nepheline syenite (NS) and phonolite (PN) rocks in comparison with potassium chloride (KCl) as a K source in maize production. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, Brazil. A maize hybrid was grown in 8 L pots filled with 6 kg of soil with a low K concentration and contrasting physical attributes (medium and sandy texture). A completely randomized design in a 3 × 6 factorial scheme was used, consisting of three K sources (NS, PN, and KCl) and six rates (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 400 mg kg−1) with four replications. All plants were harvested 45 days after emergence to evaluate biomass production, macronutrient (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) concentration and uptake, stem diameter, and leaf chlorophyll index. After crop harvest, soil was collected for further chemical evaluation, which included organic matter (OM), pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), H+Al, Al, sum of bases (SB), base saturation (BS), P, K, Ca, Mg, and S. In addition, AEI of NS and PN were also verified in relation to KCl. The application of NS and PN had a similar effect on soil chemical attributes (MO, pH, SB, CEC, and BS) as well as on the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, and S, in both soils. The increase in NS and PN rates provided linear growth of shoot dry matter. Leaf macronutrient concentrations were similar for NS and PN compared to KCl. All three K sources (NS, PN, and KCl) increased K accumulation in maize plants. Maize treated with KCl had the largest AEI, followed by PN and NS. However, the results indicated similar AEI with both rocks as a K source for maize, especially with application of the highest K rates. This research demonstrated the efficiency of NS and PN as alternative K sources for maize.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of the application of phosphogypsum and vinasse on soil chemical properties and productivity and nutritional characteristics of alfalfa (Medicago sativa). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, using a 3×5 factorial arrangement, with three vinasse rates (0, 150 and 300 m3 ha-1) and five phosphogypsum rates (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 Mg ha-1). The alfalfa chemical composition and shoot dry matter (SDW) and soil chemical properties (in the layers 0.0-0.2 and 0.21-0.4 m) were evaluated. The vinasse rates increased the soil potassium contents, while the phosphogypsum rates promoted linear increases in soil calcium and sulfur contents. The base saturation was increased and the magnesium content showed a quadratic response on the layer 0.21-0.4 m with the increase in phosphogypsum rates. The calcium, magnesium and phosphorus contents in the alfalfa leaves were lower with vinasse application. The phosphogypsum rates promoted linear increases in alfalfa SDW. Vinasse rated 150 m3 ha-1 was been enough to SDW increase. Calcium and magnesium contents in the leaves fitted a quadratic model, with maximum calcium content in the phosphogypsum rate of 9.5 Mg ha-1 and the minimum magnesium content in the phosphogypsum rate of 8.7 Mg ha-1. The leaf sulfur contents in all vinasse rates and leaf potassium contents in the highest vinasse rate showed maximum accumulation at near 9 Mg ha-1 of phosphogypsum.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar os efeitos da substituição da floresta primária por seringal (Hevea spp.), quanto aos atributos físicos, químicos e biológicos de um Latossolo Amarelo distrófico na Amazônia Central. Amostras de solo foram coletadas na profundidade de 0,0-0,1 m, em área de floresta primária e em seringais de 2,0 ha com idades de plantio de 6, 16, 18, 19, 20 e 45 anos. O reflorestamento das áreas por seringais não minimiza os efeitos negativos da retirada da floresta primária, com aumento do quociente metabólico e redução nos teores de carbono orgânico, carbono da biomassa microbiana (CBM), nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana (NBM), porosidade, enzimas (arilsulfatase, β-glucosidase e β-galactosidase) e substâncias húmicas (ácidos húmicos e fúlvicos e humina) do solo. O CBM e o NBM variaram de 291,97 a 615,27 µg g-1 e de 65,76 a 98,58 µg g-1, e mostram-se como os atributos mais sensíveis às alterações decorrentes da substituição da floresta primária por seringais.

A sigatoka-negra (Mycosphaerella fijiensis Morelet) é a principal doença da bananeira e pode causar 100% de perdas na produção. O conhecimento do progresso da doença é importante para definir as estratégias de controle a serem adotadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar o comportamento da sigatoka-negra em bananeiras na região Centro-Sul do Estado do Mato Grosso. O experimento foi realizado com as cultivares ‘Maçã’, ‘Farta Velhaco’ e ‘Grande Naine’. A severidade da doença foi avaliada a cada 15 dias, em todas as folhas de 10 plantas de cada cultivar. A precipitação pluvial, temperatura e a umidade relativa do ar (UR%) foram registradas diariamente. Os dados da severidade da doença na folha número 8, número de folhas viáveis e a folha mais jovem com sintomas foram correlacionados com os dados climáticos. Constatou-se que as condições climáticas da região favoreceu a ocorrência da doença durante o ano todo. Dessa forma, o plantio de cultivares resistentes é a medida de controle mais indicada para a região.

Naturally infertile soils require large amounts of mineral fertilizers to obtain the desired crop yield. In the Cerrado region of Brazil, there is a need to investigate the potential of organic fertilizers to sustainably increase crop productivity and food security. A field study was conducted over two experimental seasons to evaluate the agronomic effectiveness of composted sewage sludge (CSS) as a fertilizer for soybean cultivation in infertile tropical soils. A 4 × 2 + 2 factorial randomized complete block design was applied with the following treatments: (i) CSS: 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, and 12.5 Mg ha−1 on a wet basis applied according to two different methods: whole area (WA) or between rows (BR); (ii) comparison with two alternative treatments: a control with no CSS and mineral fertilizer application, and an area treated with conventional fertilizers only. All the treatments were compared in terms of micronutrient concentrations in surface soil and plant leaves, plant development, crop productivity, and yield. Bi- (ANOVA, correlation matrix, and polynomial regression analysis) and multivariate (PCA, principal factor analysis) statistics were applied to determine statistical differences and relationships/observed variability among the treatments. Results showed that at higher CSS-WA rates: (i) soil and leaf micronutrient concentrations increased; (ii) there was an increase in soybean yield by 12 and 20%, respectively, as compared to control and conventional fertilization; (iii) soybean yield was 67% higher than the mean soybean yields for Brazil. Research outcomes confirm the benefits of CSS application on infertile agricultural soils in the Cerrado region, representing a strong alternative source of micronutrients in the CSS with respect to conventional fertilizers.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar alterações nos atributos microbiológicos do solo em diferentes sistemas de manejo. Avaliou-se três tipos de manejo de solo (1) sistema de plantio direto -SPD; (2) plantio convencional - PC, ambos estabelecidos a 20 anos e (3) sistema de plantio direto de 20 anos recém escarificado - SPDE. Além desses, um fragmento de floresta primária (FP) foi usado como referência. Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas profundidades de 0,0 - 0,1; 0,1 - 0,2 e 0,2 - 0,3 m e determinados o carbono da biomassa microbiana (CBM) e a respirometria do solo (RESP) pelo método da fumigação e incubação, o nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana (NBM) determinado por fumigação e extração, o quociente metabólico (qCO2) pela razão entre RESP/CBM, e o número de esporos de fungos micorrízicos (nESP) por contagem em placa sob microscópio dos esporos extraídos do solo por peneiramento úmido. Os dados foram analisados como delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com cinco repetições. Os diferentes manejos influenciaram a microbiota do solo, destacadamente na camada superficial de solo 0,0 - 0,1 m. Na profundidade de 0,0 - 0,2 m a FP observou-se valores significativamente maiores para todos os atributos analisados, exceto nESP. O SPD e SPDE não diferiram nas profundidades para nenhum dos atributos, mostrando que a escarificação realizada apenas uma vez no SPD, não foi suficiente para produzir alterações sobre os atributos microbiológicos do solo. Entretanto, o manejo do solo em PC por 20 anos promoveu reduções no CBM e NBM. A RESP não se diferenciou entre os manejos, assim como o nESP. Na análise de componentes principais houve evidente distância, em termos de atributos microbiológicos, entre a FP e as áreas sob manejo. Conclui-se que os diferentes manejos de solo alteram a microbiota, sendo que, quanto menor a intensidade do manejo (SPD e SPDE) menores são as alterações nos atributos microbiológicos do solo. As práticas de preparo do solo usadas no plantio convencional alteram negativamente a biomassa microbiana do solo, causando reduções no CBM e NBM.

As restrições ambientais, a falta de mão-de-obra e a busca por maior eficiência induzem a mecanização da colheita de cana-de-açúcar, disponibilizando grande quantidade de palhada no sistema, que proporciona benefícios ao solo, à cultura e ao meio ambiente. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da retirada de diferentes quantidades de palhada da superfície do solo sobre o desenvolvimento e a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar em Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico. O experimento foi instalado em área pertencente a Usina em Bandeirantes, PR, utilizando delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Foram avaliados os efeitos de seis tratamentos (0, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% de palhada e cana-queimada), após quatro anos de cultivo, sobre o IAF (Índice de área foliar), perfilhamento, diâmetro, comprimento médio e massa fresca dos colmos, em cinco períodos: 60, 120, 180, 240 e 370 dias após a colheita (DAC). Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste Tukey. A palhada sobre a superfície do solo proporcionou benefícios ao desenvolvimento e a produtividade da cana-de-açúcar. Os manejos queima da cana-de-açúcar, retirada total da palhada (0% de cobertura do solo) ou de 75% de palhada resultaram em menor índice de área foliar, diâmetro de colmos e diminuição de 37% na produtividade final, em condições de deficiência hídrica. A manutenção de 50% de palhada é suficiente para favorecer o desenvolvimento e proporcionar maior produtividade da cana-de-açúcar, sendo possível utilizar os 50% excedente do campo para produção de etanol de segunda geração ou energia elétrica, sem prejuízos à produtividade da cultura.