Production of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) dry matter under anticipated fertilization of soybeans

Due to the lack of information about the effects of soybean fertilization anticipation and the use of Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaerm. (ANSB Pe-de-galinha 5352) as cover culture, and the need for new techniques for the management of the agro-ecosystem in a more conservationist, sustainable and functional manner the goal of this research was to study the effects of anticipated fertilization on the production of dry matter in E. coracana. The experiments were carried out in an Oxisol, during the growing seasons of 200112002, 200212003 and 200312004, in Piracicaba, SP Brazil (22`50`25""S and 48`01`65""W). The experimental design was of totally randomized blocks and twelve treatments (lev- els of anticipated fertilization) were used with three repetitions. The base fertilization of soybean culture was partially anticipated, in the sowing for the finger-millet crop. Approximately 70 days after sowing, samples of the finger millet plants were collected in order to evaluate the dry matter production and to desiccate them thereafter It is concluded that the anticipation of phosphorus and potassium fertilization of soybean increases the dry matter production of E. coracana; in addition, E. coracana holds a great potential for the production of plant residues and it can be used in culture rotation or in no-tillage production systems.

Effect of silicate fertilization on soil and on palisade grass plants under grazing intensities

Application of calcium silicate (SiCa) as soil acidity corrective was evaluated in a Rhodic Hapludox soil with palisade grass conducted under pasture rotation system with different grazing intensities. Experimental design was complete randomized blocks with four grazing intensities - grazing intensities were imposed by forage supply (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg t-1 of DM per LW) - in experimental plots with four replicates and, in the subplots, with seven doses of calcium silicate combined with lime: 0+0, 2+0, 4+0, 6+0, 2+4, 4+2 and 0+6 t ha-1, respectively. In the soil, it was evaluated the effect of four levels of calcium silicate (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) at 45, 90, and 365 days at three depths (0-10, 10-20 and 20-40 cm) and at 365 days, it was included one level of lime (6 t ha-1). For determination of leaf chemical composition and silicate content in the soil, four levels of calcium silicate (0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1) were evaluated at 45 and 365 days and at 45 days only for leaf silicate, whereas for dry matter production, all corrective treatments applied were evaluated in evaluation seasons. Application of calcium silicate was positive for soil chemical traits related to acidity correction (pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg, K, H+Al and V), but the limestone promoted better results at 365 days. Leaf mineral contents were not influenced by application of calcium silicate, but there was an increase on silicate contents in leaves and in the soil. Dry matter yield and chemical composition of palisade grass improved with the application of correctives.

Produção de massa seca, relação folha/colmo e alguns índices de crescimento do Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés cultivado com a combinação de doses de nitrogênio e potássio

Objetivou-se avaliar a produção de massa seca das folhas, a relação folha/colmo e alguns índices de crescimento do capim-xaraés submetido a doses de nitrogênio (N) e potássio (K). O experimento foi conduzido em casa-de-vegetação no período de novembro/2004 a fevereiro/2005. Adotou-se esquema fatorial 4 ´ 3, perfazendo 12 combinações, as quais foram distribuídas em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, perfazendo um total 48 unidades experimentais. Foram utilizadas quatro doses de N (0, 75, 150 e 225 mg dm-3) e três doses de K (0, 50 e 100 mg dm-3). Verificou-se efeito das doses de N na produção de massa seca das folhas e na produção de massa seca total, em todos os cortes, com maior produção nas doses mais elevadas de N, ao passo que o K influenciou essas variáveis apenas no segundo corte. A relação folha/colmo, a RAF, a AFE e a RPF somente foram significativas no terceiro corte da planta. Os efeitos das doses de foram decrescentes sobre essas variáveis, enquanto as doses de K agiram de modo antagônico às doses de N sobre a RAF e AFE.

Características de produção e qualidade nutricional de genótipos de capim- colonião colhidos em três estádios de maturidade

Objetivou- se verificar a existência de variação genética entre cultivares de capim- colonião quanto ao efeito da maturidade sobre a composição química e a digestibilidade, e classificar os genótipos de acordo com características produtivas e de qualidade nutricional. Utilizou- se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com parcelas subdivididas e três repetições, considerando parcelas as datas de corte e subparcelas, os genótipos. A produção de MS diferiu entre os genótipos somente aos 90 dias de crescimento, mas a porcentagem de folhas, colmos e material morto variou tanto aos 60 como aos 90 dias de crescimento. Ao contrário do observado para as folhas, a composição química e a digestibilidade do colmo apresentou grande variabilidade entre os genótipos. O colmo apresentou concentrações mais elevadas de FDN, FDA e lignina e menores valores de PB em comparação às folhas. Apresentou ainda maior digestibilidade da MS aos 60 dias de crescimento e maior digestibilidade da FDN aos 30 e 60 dias de crescimento. No agrupamento dos cultivares, os genótipos PM39 e PM47 foram apontados como os mais promissores no programa de melhoramento, por apresentarem alta produtividade e alta qualidade nutricional. A maturidade pouco afeta a digestibilidade de folhas em comparação ao colmo. Quando a participação de colmo no total de massa seca aumenta, esse componente passa a ser o limitador da qualidade de plantas forrageiras. Portanto, programas de melhoramento devem considerar, além da relação folha:colmo, também a digestibilidade in vitro da FDN do colmo na seleção de genótipos.

Effects of Molybdenum, Nickel, and Nitrogen Sources on the Mineral Nutrition and Growth of Rice Plants

Upland rice plants, cultivar `IAC 202,` were grown in nutrient solution until full tillering. Treatments consisted of ammonium nitrate (AN) or urea (UR) as nitrogen (N) source plus molybdenum (Mo) and/or nickel (Ni): AN + Mo + Ni, AN + Mo - Ni, AN - Mo + Ni, UR + Mo + Ni, UR + Mo - Ni, and UR - Mo + Ni. The experiment was carried out to better understand the effect of these treatments on dry-matter yield, chlorophyll, net photosynthesis rate, nitrate (NO3 --N), total N, in vitro activities of urease and nitrate reductase (NR), and Mo and Ni concentrations. In UR-grown plants, Mo and Ni addition increased yield of dry matter. Regardless of the N source, chlorophyll concentration and net photosynthesis rate were reduced when Mo or Ni were omitted, although not always significantly. The omission of either Mo or Ni led to a decrease in urease activity, independent of N source. Nitrate reductase activity increased in nutrient solutions without Mo, although NO3 --N increased. There was not a consistent variation in total N concentration. Molybdenum and Ni concentration in roots and shoots were influenced by their supply in the nutrient solution. Molybdenum concentration was not influenced by N sources, whereas Ni content in both root and shoots was greater in ammonium nitrate-grown plants. In conclusion, it can be hypothesized that there is a relationship between Mo and Ni acting on photosynthesis, although is an indirect one. This is the first evidence for a beneficial effect of Mo and Ni interaction on plant growth.

Phytomass production and nitrogen accumulation in maize cultivated with different doses of (15)N-urea

This work aimed to study the possible alterations in production, accumulation of the vegetative phytomass and nitrogen efficiency use of the maize crop, in different doses of N applied in the fertilization, by using the technique of isotopic dilution of (15)N. The completely randomized block experimental design was adopted, with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. The following treatments were constituted in the doses in covering: 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha(-1) of N, with fertilization of N-urea, respectively. Comparisons among the treatments had been run for crop productivity; nitrogen accumulation for the plant, and use of the nitrogen of the urea-(15)N for the crop. The increase of the dose of N-fertilizer resulted in increase of the dry matter mass, of the dry matter yield crop tax, of the productivity and accumulation of N in the maize plants.

Agronomic evaluation of calcined crandallite from three Brazilian phosphate deposits

Samples from the weathering mantle containing crandallite of three Brazilian phosphate deposits, Tapira, Catalo, and Juqui, were characterized, calcined, and agronomically evaluated. The calcination process increased total phosphorus (P) and neutral ammonium citrate soluble (NAC) P contents of all samples. The NAC solubility of original Tapira, Catalo, and Juqui was about 5% of total P, whereas for calcined samples it was 54, 16, and 53%, respectively. In a greenhouse study, rates of P were applied at 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120mg P kg(-1) from the calcined materials and MCP (monocalcium phosphate) to an Ultisol cropped with upland and flooded rice for 65 days. The results showed that the calcined P samples increased dry-matter yield and P uptake with increasing rates of P applied for both crops. Tapira and Juqui were more effective for flooded than for upland rice. The calculated values of relative agronomic effectiveness of Tapira, Catalo, and Juqui with respect to MCP were 57, 48, and 53% in dry-matter yield for upland rice and 64, 50, and 69% for flooded rice, respectively.

Plant availability of phosphorus in four superphosphate fertilizers varying in water-insoluble phosphate compounds

There is concern that the use of lower quality phosphate rock can result in elevated amounts of Fe-Al-P water-insoluble compounds in fertilizers and, consequently, low agronomic effectiveness. Therefore, studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of some of these compounds on plant growth. Four commercial superphosphates varying in chemical composition (two single and two triple superphosphates) were selected for the study. Fertilizer impurities were collected as water-insoluble residues by washing each P source with deionized water. A modal analysis, based primarily on elemental chemical analysis and x-ray diffractometry, was used to estimate the chemical composition of each P source. Water-soluble monocalcium phosphate (MCP) and the water-leached fertilizer residues were prepared to give a range of fertilizers in terms of water-soluble phosphorus (WSP) (0-100% of the available P as MCP). The water-leached fractions, MCP, and the mixtures of MCP with water-leached fractions were applied to supply 40 mg available P kg(1) to a thermic Rhodic Kanhapludult with pH values of 5.2 +/- 0.05 (unlimed) and 6.4 +/- 0.08 (limed). Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in a greenhouse for 101 d served as the test crop. The requirement for WSP was source and pH dependent. At a soil pH of 5.2, the fertilizers required 73 to 95% WSP to reach the maximum dry-matter yield, while they required 60 to 86% WSP at pH 6.4. To reach 90% of the maximum yield, all superphosphate fertilizers required <50% WSP. These results show that it is not always necessary to have high water solubility as required by legislation in many countries.

Response of black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb) on the aspersion irrigation and nitrogen fertilization

The objective of the study was assessing the effect of the nitrogen and the aspersion irrigation on the growth and dry matter yield of black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb). The experiment was conducted in the Campus of USP in Pirassununga, Sao Paulo State. In the study were evaluated four nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg of N ha(-1)) and also the presence or absence of the irrigation. The plant variables evaluated were: mean height, dry matter percentage, yield and growth rate. The results had disclosed to greater height of plant in the irrigated condition, reflecting in the higher production of dry matter. In dry land area, percentage of DM was 24.7% and in irrigated area 18.7%. The nitrogen was significantly only for plant mean height that showed linear fit when carried through the irrigation. The effect of the irrigation was better for the production of black oats than nitrogen.

Adapting the CROPGRO perennial forage model to predict growth of Brachiaria brizantha

Warm-season grasses are economically important for cattle production in tropical regions, and tools to aid in management and research of these forages would be highly beneficial. Crop simulation models synthesize numerous physiological processes and are important research tools for evaluating production of warm-season grasses. This research was conducted to adapt the perennial CROPGRO Forage model to simulate growth of the tropical species palisadegrass [Brachiaria brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf. cv. Xaraes] and to describe model adaptation for this species. In order to develop the CROPGRO parameters for this species, we began with values and relationships reported in the literature. Some parameters and relationships were calibrated by comparison with observed growth, development, dry matter accumulation and partitioning during a 2-year experiment with Xaraes palisadegrass in Piracicaba, SP, Brazil. Starting with parameters for the bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) perennial forage model, dormancy effects had to be minimized, and partitioning to storage tissue/root decreased, and partitioning to leaf and stem increased to provide for more leaf and stem growth and less root. Parameters affecting specific leaf area (SLA) and senescence of plant tissues were improved. After these changes were made to the model, biomass accumulation was better simulated, mean predicted herbage yield per cycle was 3573 kg ha(-1), with a RMSE of 538 kg DM ha(-1) (D-Stat = 0.838, simulated/observed ratio = 1.028). The results of the adaptation suggest that the CROPGRO model is an efficient tool to integrate physiological aspects of palisadegrass and can be used to simulate growth. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Efeito residual da silicatagem no solo e na produtividade do capim-marandu sob pastejo

A escória siderúrgica é uma alternativa para a correção da acidez dos solos e é constituída de silicato de cálcio. Neste estudo, avaliaram-se os efeitos residuais da aplicação de silicato de cálcio nos atributos químicos do solo e da planta em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico com capim-Marandu (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu), sob intensidades de pastejo em lotação rotacionada. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso, com intensidades de pastejo avaliadas pelas ofertas diárias de forragem de 50, 100, 150 e 200 kg t-1 de MS por PV nas parcelas experimentais, enquanto a aplicação superficial de silicato de cálcio combinado com calcário dolomítico, respectivamente, nas doses 0 + 0; 2 + 0; 4 + 0; 6 + 0; 2 + 4; 4 + 2 e 0 + 6 t ha- 1 nas subparcelas com quatro repetições, duas épocas (verão e inverno) e avaliação em três profundidades do solo (0-10, 10-20 e 20-40 cm). Os atributos químicos do solo pH em CaCl2, Ca, Mg, K, H + Al e V, avaliados 720 dias após a aplicação, apresentaram resultados favoráveis do poder residual do silicato de Ca e do calcário. A oferta de forragem 200 kg t-1 e o tratamento somente com calcário dolomítico (0 + 6 t ha-1) elevaram o valor de pH em CaCl2 e o V, principalmente na camada de 0-10 cm. Os teores de Si no solo foram influenciados pelas doses aplicadas de silicato de Ca, apesar de não terem causado alterações significativas nos teores foliares de Si. A composição químico-bromatológica foi afetada somente pelas ofertas e épocas. As ofertas, épocas e a interação época x oferta resultaram em efeitos na produção de matéria seca no pré-pastejo, com maiores produções para a oferta 200 kg t-1 e menores para a de 50 kg t-1 nas duas épocas. O resíduo (pós-pastejo) foi influenciado pelas ofertas e épocas. As ofertas 50 e 100 kg t-1 e o tratamento com 2 t ha-1 de silicato de Ca promoveram as maiores taxas de acúmulo de matéria seca.

Adding value to the meat of spent laying hens manufacturing sausages with a healthy appeal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the viability of the use of spent laying hens' meat in the manufacturing of mortadella-type sausages with healthy appeal by using vegetable oil instead of animal fat. 120 Hy-line® layer hens were distributed in a completely randomized design into two treatments of six replicates with ten birds each. The treatments were birds from light Hy-line® W36 and semi-heavy Hy-line® Brown lines. Cold carcass, wing, breast and leg fillets yields were determined. Dry matter, protein, and lipid contents were determined in breast and leg fillets. The breast and legg fillets of three replicates per treatment were used to manufacture mortadella. After processing, sausages were evaluated for proximal composition, objective color, microbiological parameters, fatty acid profile and sensory acceptance. The meat of light and semi-heavy spent hens presented good yield and composition, allowing it to be used as raw material for the manufacture of processed products. Mortadellas were safe from microbiological point of view, and those made with semi-heavy hens fillets were redder and better accepted by consumers. Values for all sensory attributes were evaluated over score 5 (neither liked nor disliked). Both products presented high polyunsaturated fatty acid contents and good polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio. The excellent potential for the use of meat from spent layer hens of both varieties in the manufacturing of healthier mortadella-type sausage was demonstrated.

Cultivares de batata para sistemas orgânicos de produção

Informações a respeito de cultivares adaptadas ao sistema de cultivo orgânico são escassas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, sob sistema de cultivo orgânico, genótipos nacionais e estrangeiros desenvolvidos para o cultivo convencional, quanto ao potencial produtivo, em condições de campo. O experimento foi conduzido em 2008, no Pólo APTA Leste Paulista, em Monte Alegre do Sul-SP. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com 18 tratamentos e quatro repetições. Cada parcela foi constituída por 80 batatas-semente, dispostas em quatro linhas de 5 m de comprimento, espaçadas de 80 cm, com 25 cm entre tubérculos. Os genótipos avaliados foram Agata, Asterix, Caesar, Cupido, Éden, Melody, Novella e Vivaldi, de origem estrangeira; e Apuã, Aracy, Catucha, IAC Aracy Ruiva, Itararé, Monte Alegre 172, IAC 6090, APTA 16.5, APTA 15.20 e APTA 21.54, nacionais. Foram avaliadas as características de produtividade total e comercial de tubérculos, massa média total e comercial de tubérculos, teor de matéria seca e severidade da pinta-preta (Alternaria solani). Os clones APTA 16.5, APTA 21.54 e IAC 6090, e as cultivares Cupido, Apuã, Itararé e Monte Alegre 172 foram os mais produtivos. 'APTA 21.54' superou os demais em relação a produtividade comercial (18,07 t ha-1), sendo que 'APTA 16.5', 'Cupido', 'IAC 6090' e 'Itararé' formaram o segundo grupo. As maiores massas médias de tubérculos foram apresentadas pelas cultivares Itararé e Cupido. O clone IAC 6090 e as cultivares Aracy e Aracy Ruiva foram as que apresentaram maiores teores de matéria seca, com valor médio de 22,91%. 'APTA 16.5', 'Apuã', 'Aracy', 'Aracy Ruiva', 'Éden', 'Ibituaçú' e 'Monte Alegre 172' apresentaram alto nível de resistência à pinta-preta. As cultivares Itararé, Apuã e Cupido são adaptadas ao cultivo orgânico, e os clones avançados APTA 16.5, APTA 21.54 e IAC 6090 apresentam potencial de cultivo no sistema orgânico.

Características agronômicas do Panicum maximum cv. "Mombaça" submetido a níveis crescentes de fósforo

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o efeito da adição de doses crescentes de P2O5 sobre a altura do dossel, o número de perfilhos e a produção de matéria seca de folhas e de colmos do capim-Mombaça, em diferentes idades. Foi conduzido um experimento implantado em um Nitossolo Vermelho Eutrófico. O delineamento experimental usado foi o de blocos completos casualizados, com quatro repetições, cinco doses de P2O5 (30, 60, 90, 120 e 150kg ha-1) e uma testemunha. Para a primeira e segunda coletas, observou-se o efeito linear do fósforo sobre o perfilhamento. Para a terceira e quarta coletas, os dados ajustaram-se ao modelo quadrático. A participação das lâminas foliares na matéria seca da parte aérea diminuiu com as doses de P2O5. Por outro lado, a participação de colmos aumentou com as doses de P2O5. A produção de matéria seca (MS) da parte aérea para primeira, segunda e terceira coletas respondeu de forma linear à aplicação de P2O5 observando-se um aumento estimado de 7, 15 e 19kg ha-1 de MS por kg ha-1 de P2O5, respectivamente. Para a quarta coleta, os dados ajustaram-se ao modelo quadrático de regressão, sendo a máxima produção, 8,3Mg ha-1 de MS, obtida com a aplicação de 103kg ha-1 de P2O5.

Productive performance and milk protein fraction composition of dairy cows supplemented with sodium monensin

The objective of this work was to evaluate the levels of sodium monensin on lactating cows and their effects on productive performance and milk protein fraction composition. It was used 12 Holstein cows, distributed in four balanced 3 × 3 Latin squares, and fed three diets: one control without monensin, and two diets with monensin at the levels of 24 or 48 mg/kg DM added to the concentrate. Milk production was daily measured throughout the entire experimental period. The samples used for analysis of milk composition were collected on two alternated days from the two daily milking. Non-protein nitrogen, total nitrogen and non-casein nitrogen contents were directly evaluated in the milk, and casein, whey protein and true protein contents were indirectly determined. The use of monensin in the rations reduced dry matter and nutrient intake, especially when diet with 48 mg/kg of dry matter was given. The ration with 24 mg/kg of DM increased milk production, with or without correction, and also fat and lactose yield, and it improved productive efficiency. The levels of monensin in the ratios did not influence contents of milk crude protein, non-protein nitrogen, non-casein nitrogen, true protein, casein, casein/true protein ratio, whey protein, and of all those fractions expressed as percentage of crude protein. The utilization of monensin in the ratio at the dose of 24 mg/kg of DM influences positively the productive performance of lactating cows, and it does not influence the composition of milk protein fractions.