Effect of landfill leachate on cereal nutrition and productivity and on soil properties.

Landfill leachates carry nutrients, especially N and K, which can be recycled in cropping systems. We applied doses of landfill leachate (0 [Control], 32.7, 65.4, 98.1, and 130.8 m3 ha-1 ) three times in 2008 and three times in 2009 on a clay Rhodic Kandiudult soil. In 2009, black oat (Avena strigosa L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were cropped in succession and assessed for concentration of nutrients in leaves and for shoot biomass and grain yield, respectively. As a positive control, an additional treatment with urea (120 kg ha-1 of N) was studied in corn. Soil was sampled at four depths (down to 60 cm) in three sampling dates to assess chemical and biochemical properties. Concentration of nutrients in leaves, oat biomass (8530?23,240 kg ha-1), and corn grain yield (4703-8807 kg ha-1 ) increased with increasing doses of leachate. There was a transient increase in the concentration of nitrate in soil (3-30 mg kg-1), increasing the risk of N losses by leaching at doses above 120 kg ha-1 N, as revealed by an estimated N balance in the cropping system. Sodium and K in soil also increased with increasing doses of leachate but decreased as rainfall occurred. The activity of dehydrogenase decreased about 30% from the control to the highest dose of leachate and urea, suggesting an inhibitory effect of mineral N on microbial metabolism. Landfill leachate was promising as a source of N and K for crop productivity and caused minor or transient effects on soil properties.

Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de progênies de meios-irmãos de pinhão-manso em diferentes regiões do Brasil.

RESUMO: Programas de melhoramento do pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) intensificaram-se nos últimos cinco anos, tendo sido selecionadas, localmente, plantas em diversas regiões do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a interação genótipos x ambientes da produção de grãos de pinhão-manso, avaliada em três regiões brasileiras, e o progresso genético obtido com a seleção. A partir de progênies de meios-irmãos, selecionadas pela Embrapa Semiárido e pela EPAMIG, foram instalados, no ano de 2008, três testes de progênies, nos municípios de Planaltina, DF, Nova Porteirinha, MG e Pelotas, RS, utilizando-se delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições e cinco plantas por parcela. Como testemunhas foram utilizadas sementes de plantas não selecionadas e um dos materiais genéticos comercializados no Brasil. A interação genótipo x ambiente foi significativa. Foram identificadas oito progênies de adaptabilidade geral, três progênies de baixa adaptabilidade, duas progênies de adaptabilidade específica a ambientes favoráveis e duas progênies de adaptabilidade específica a ambientes desfavoráveis, em diferentes regiões do Brasil. As estimativas de progresso genético indicam eficiência da seleção massal, com ganhos de 28, 76 e 177%, nos municípios de Planaltina, DF, de Nova Porteirinha, MG, e de Pelota, RS, respectivamente. Observa-se que os ganhos de seleção obtidos pelo método centroide são mais equilibrados entre ambientes e, por isso, preferíveis. As novas médias, estimadas com o plantio das progênies selecionadas, em toneladas por hectare, são de 2,34 ton.ha-1, em Planaltina, DF; de 2,37 ton.ha-1, em Nova Porteirinha, MG, e de 2,09 ton.ha-1 , em Pelotas, RS. ABSTRACT: Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) breeding programs have intensified in the past five years, locally selecting plants from various Brazilian regions. The objective of this study was to quantify the genotype x environment interaction of the physic nut grain production and the genetic progress obtained with the selection. From Half-sib progenies selected by Embrapa and EPAMIG, in 2008, three progeny trials were installed in the cities of Planaltina-DF, Nova Porteirinha-MG and Pelotas-RS, using a randomized block design with three replications of five plants per plot. Non-selected plant seeds and genetic material commercialized in Brazil were used as control. The genotype x environment interaction was significant for the J. curcas grain yield expression. We identified eight progenies of broad adaptability, three progenies of low adaptability, two progenies of specific adaptability to favorable environments and two progenies of specific adaptability to unfavorable environments of different Brazilian regions. Estimates of genetic progress indicate mass selection efficiency, with genetic gains of 28%, 76% and 177% in the Planaltina-DF, New Porteirinha-MG and Pelotas-RS, respectively. The genetic gains obtained by the centroid method were more balanced among environments, and therefore, preferable. The new means estimated with the cultivating of the selected progenies are: 2.34 ton.ha-1 in Planaltina-DF, 2.37 ton.ha-1 in Nova Porteirinha- MG and 2.09 ton.ha-1 in Pelotas-RS.

Produtividade de milho 2ª safra consorciado com espécies de braquiária e adubação nitrogenada em cobertura.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade de grãos de milho cultivado na 2ª safra em função da consorciação com espécies de Brachiaria e aplicação de N em cobertura.

Flowering synchronization in hybrid rice parental lines.

The cultivation of hybrid rice is a technology that allows for an increase in grain yield of 30% relative to the grain yield of conventional cultivars. However, the main challenge for this technology is related to seed production, which has high production costs and low seed yields. Therefore, agronomic techniques that could enhance flowering synchrony of parental lines in the field are essential for an efficient production system of hybrid rice seeds. The objective of this work was to study the effects of sowing depth, plant density and fertilization with nitrogen or phosphorus as potential techniques to increase the pollen availability in the field and, consequently, the flowering synchrony between parental lines in the production of hybrid rice seeds. The experiments were conducted during two growing seasons in the Central Region of Brazil. All of the experiments were conducted as a randomized complete block in a split plot scheme; however, the experiment with P fertilization had a factorial design. Our research allow inferring that nitrogen fertilization technique applied to the soil or foliar at the time of panicle differentiation does not affect the time of onset of flowering of rice varieties INTA Puitá CL and L106R, which are potential R lines for the production of hybrid rice. Agronomic techniques of variation in sowing depth, seeding rate and the phosphate fertilization affect the time of onset of flowering from 10 to 19 degree-days, which could represent two days in the crop cycle, for the line L106R. Such techniques constitute potential alternatives for use in hybrid rice seed production systems and could be applied in alternated blocks of R lines in the field to obtain longer periods of pollen availability in the field.

Development of super early genotypes for the dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) as affected by nitrogen management.

The super early genotypes (SEG) of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have a shorter life cycle (65-75 days) when compared with the season length of traditional cultivars (90-100 days). Timing of nitrogen top-dressing fertilization could be different because of this reduction in length of the SEG life cycle. This study aimed at characterizing, by using growth analysis and vegetation index, super early genotypes of dry bean development as affected by timing of nitrogen application. Field experiments were conducted in the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons in central Brazil with a randomized block experimental design with split plots scheme and four replicates. The plots comprised the dry bean genotypes (Colibri ? check cultivar, CNFC 15873, CNFC 15874, and CNFC 15875), and subplots comprised applications of N at different timings: 90 kg of N at sowing, 90 kg N at top-dressing; 45 kg of N at sowing plus 45 kg at top-dressing, with urea as the source of N. We also used a control treatment without N application. The CNFC 15874 super early genotype of dry bean had the higher grain yield (2776 kg ha-1) and differed from the CNFC 15873 genotype (2492 kg ha-1). Nitrogen fertilization allowed higher grain yield (2619 kg ha-1, when applied N at sowing, 2605 kg ha-1, when applied N at sowing and at top-dressing, and 2680 kg ha-1, when applied N at top-dressing) than the control, 2360 kg ha-1 (no N fertilization). The time of N fertilization in super early genotype of dry bean did not affect grain yield.

Desempenho de híbridos simples de milho para produtividade de grãos e forragem em região semiárida.

Resumo: A cultura do milho sofre grande instabilidade de cultivo em regiões semiáridas, ocasionada principalmente pela insuficiência de cultivares adaptadas somado a escassez pluviométrica. O presente trabalho tem por finalidade verificar o potencial de genótipos de híbridos de milho, comerciais e experimentais, quanto à produtividade de grãos e forragem nas condições semiárida Cearense. Na presente pesquisa, foram avaliados 36 genótipos de milho, sendo todos híbridos simples, desses, 32 são genótipos experimentais e quatro são comerciais. O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso com duas repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas de duas linhas de quatro metros com densidade de aproximadamente 66.667 mil plantas ha-1 . Observou-se que o ciclo fenológico da cultivar não influencia na produtividade de grão e de forragem. O índice de seleção de níveis independentes é uma opção eficiente para identificar cultivares com aptidão para produção de forragem. [Simple hybrid performance of maize for grain and forage yield in semiarid region]. Abstract: The maize crop suffers great instability cultivation of in semi-arid regions, mainly occasioned by insufficient adapted cultivars. The present study aims to verify the potential of genotypes of maize hybrids, commercial and experimental, as the grain yield and forage in semiarid conditions in the Northeast. In the present survey were evaluated 36 genotypes of maize, all of simple hybrids of these, 32 are experimental genotypes and four are commercial. The design utilized was a randomized block design with two replications. The plots consisted of two lines of four meters with a density of approximately 66,667 plant ha-1 . It was observed that the phenological cycle of the cultivar does not influence the grain and forage yield. The independent levels selection index is an efficient option to identify cultivars with the suitability for forage production.

Correlações fenotípicas entre variáveis de variedades de milho em condições de semiárido na safra 2014.

Resumo: A cultura do milho sofre grande instabilidade de cultivo em regiões semiáridas, ocasionada, principalmente pela insuficiência de cultivares adaptadas. Á genética, busca a identificação de plantas mais adaptadas às condições em que serão cultivadas, para seleção de um melhor ideótipo. Verificou-se o potencial de variedades de milho, para produtividade de grãos e forragem, além de estimar as relações existentes entre os diferentes caracteres sob condição semiárida do norte do Ceará. Foram avaliados 30 tratamentos, sendo 25 variedades e cinco híbridos testemunhas. O Delineamento utilizado foi blocos ao acaso com duas repetições e com parcelas 0,75m entre linhas e 0,20 m entre plantas. Foram avaliadas 12 variáveis diferentes, em condições de pluviosidade de aproximadamente 500 mm e com períodos de estiagem inferiores a 10 dias até o estádio de florescimento. Identificou-se que em condições de baixa pluviosidade, as cultivares que apresentam maior teor de clorofila e massa fresca, proporcionam melhor desempenho produtivo e conforme observado não houve correlação entres as varriáveis Florescimento Feminino (MF) e Florescimento Masculino (FM) com produtividade de grão (PROD) e produção de Materia Seca (MS), desta forma vale salientar que nas condições em que o experimento , o ciclo fenológico não influênciou nos indices produtivos. [Phenotypic correlations between maize varieties variables in semi-arid conditions in the crop 2014]. Abstract: The corn crop suffers instability crop in semi-arid regions, caused mainly by the lack of adapted cultivars. Genetic seeks to identify more plants adapted to the conditions in which they are cultivated, for selecting a best ideotype. It was verified the potential of maize varieties for grain yield and foragein addition to to estimate the relationships between the different characters under semiarid conditions of northern Ceará. A total of 30 treatments, 25 varieties and five hybrids witnesses. We evaluated 30 treatments with 25 varieties and five hybrids as controls. The design was a randomized block design with two replications. With plots of 0.75 m between rows and 0.20 m between plants. We evaluated 12 different variables, conditions of approximately 500 mm and dry periods less than 10 days until the flowering stage. It was found that in low rainfall conditions, the cultivars with the greatest chlorophyll content and fresh pasta, provide better growth performance and as noted there was no correlation entres the Flowering varriáveis Female (MF) and Flowering Male (FM) with grain yield (PROD) and production of Dry Matter (DM), thus worth pointing out that under the conditions of the experiment, the phenological cycle did not influence the production indices

Fertilizers with coated urea in upland rice production and nitrogen apparent recovery.

Urea is the most used N fertilizer for upland rice, however, a great percentage of N loss can occur with the use of this fertilizer. The use of products that provide reduction of N loss for urea fertilizers can contribute to increase N use efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of N rates applied in the form of coated urea in the content and accumulation of N in dry biomass, apparent recovery of nitrogen and grain yield of upland rice. The experimental design was a randomized complete blocks arranged in a 4 x 3 + 1 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of four sources of N fertilizer [1. Common urea; 2. Polymer-coated urea for slow release of N (PCU); 3. urea with the urease inhibitor N-(n-Butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT); and 4. urea coated with copper sulfate and boric acid as urease inhibitors (UCCB)], with three fertilization rates (30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1 of N). In addition, we included a control treatment without N application. Coated urea did not provide increases in rice grain yield in relation to common urea. The increasing amount of N resulted in significant increases in rice grain yield (from 3217 to 5548 kg ha-1, 2010/11, and from 3392 to 4560 kg ha-1, 2011/12). The apparent nitrogen recovery rate decreased with the increase in N applied doses.

Use of organic compost containing waste from small ruminants in corn production.

Composting is a useful way of transforming livestock waste into organic fertilizer, which is proven to increase soil nutrient levels, and thus crop yield. Remains from production and slaughter of small ruminants can become a source of important elements for plant growth, such as N, after microorganism-driven decomposition.The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of this compost on soil fertility and on the nutritional status and yield of the corn crop. The experiment was conducted in a Haplic Luvisol in a randomized block design with six treatments and five application rates of the organic compound in Mg ha-1: 3 (half the standard rate), 6 (standard rate), 9 (one and a half times the standard rate), 12 (twice the standard rate), and 24 (four times the standard rate) and an additional treatment with mineral fertilizers (110, 50 e 30 kg ha-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively), with four blocks. Evaluations were performed for two harvests of rainfed crops, measuring soil fertility, nutritional status, and grain yield. The compost increased P, K, Na and Zn values in the 0.00-0.20 m layer in relation of mineral fertilization in 616, 21, 114 and 90 % with rate 24 Mg ha-1 in second crop. Leaf N, Mg, and S contents, relative chlorophyll content, and the productivity of corn kernels increased in 27, 32, 36, 20 e 85 %, respectively, of low rate (3 Mg ha-1) to high rate (24 Mg ha-1) with of application of the compost. Corn yield was higher with application of organic compost in rate of 24 Mg ha-1 than mineral fertilizer combination in second crop.

MAGGnet: an international network to foster mitigation of agricultural greenhouse gases.

Research networks provide a framework for review, synthesis and systematic testing of theories by multiple scientists across international borders critical for addressing global-scale issues. In 2012, a GHG research network referred to as MAGGnet (Managing Agricultural Greenhouse Gases Network) was established within the Croplands Research Group of the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA). With involvement from 46 alliance member countries, MAGGnet seeks to provide a platform for the inventory and analysis of agricultural GHG mitigation research throughout the world. To date, metadata from 315 experimental studies in 20 countries have been compiled using a standardized spreadsheet. Most studies were completed (74%) and conducted within a 1-3-year duration (68%). Soil carbon and nitrous oxide emissions were measured in over 80% of the studies. Among plant variables, grain yield was assessed across studies most frequently (56%), followed by stover (35%) and root (9%) biomass. MAGGnet has contributed to modeling efforts and has spurred other research groups in the GRA to collect experimental site metadata using an adapted spreadsheet. With continued growth and investment, MAGGnet will leverage limited-resource investments by any one country to produce an inclusive, globally shared meta-database focused on the science of GHG mitigation.

BRS Ártico: common bean cultivar with export-standard white grain.

BRS Ártico is a common bean cultivar with white grains with international standard size (62 g per 100 seeds), appropriate for cultivation in the Central region of Brazil and the state of Paraná. The cycle is semi-early, the yield potential 2677 kg ha-1 and BRS Ártico has moderate resistance to rust and curtobacterium wilt.