THE PEAR TREE RESPONSE TO PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the response to phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilization and to establish the critical levels of P and K in the soil and in the plant tissue in pear trees. Two experiments were conducted in São Joaquim (SC), Brazil. In experiment 1, the plants received annually the application of increasing rates of phosphate fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg P2O5 ha-1), while in experiment 2, increasing rates of potassium fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 kg K2O ha-1) were applied annually. In the two experiments, soil was collected annually from the 0-10, 10-20 and 0-20 cm layers, and the available P (experiment 1) and exchangeable K (experiment 2) content was analyzed. Whole leaves were collected annually, which were subjected to analysis of total P (experiment 1) and total K (experiment 2) content. The number and weight of the fruits per plant and fruit yield were evaluated. Application of P on the soil planted with pear trees increased the nutrient content in the soil and, in most crop seasons, in the whole leaf, but it did not affect the yield components and fruit yield. The application of K on the soil with pear trees increased the nutrient content in the soil and, in most of the crop seasons, in the whole leaf, but the potassium content in the whole leaf decreased in the crop season with greater fruit yield. The yield components and fruit yield were not affected by K fertilization.

Caracterização de ácidos húmicos de vermicomposto de esterco bovino compostado durante 3 e 6 meses

The main objective of this research was the characterization of the humic fractions isolated from vermicomposting, originating from cattle manure and treated with Eisenea foetida or Lumbricus rubellus, during 3 and 6 months. Elemental analysis and Infrared and UV-vis spectroscopy were used for their characterizations. The results obtained shown that both humic acids are very similar, but six-month humic acid shown lower percentage of organic material than three month humic acid. The spectroscopy analysis shown that the humic acid studied can be compared with other humic acids reported in the literature. By comparing both vermicomposts, the one produced in three months presents a great potential as fertilizer and it is more economical than the vermicompost produced during a six month period.

Borohidreto complexos de cobre (I) contendo difosfinas: caracterização espectroscópica e comportamento térmico

Tetrahydroborate complexes of copper (I) with bidentate phosphines, [Cu(eta²-BH4)(dppm)] (1), [Cu(eta²-BH4)(dppe)] (2), [Cu(eta²-BH4)(cis-dppet)] (3) and [Cu(eta²-BH4)(dppb)] (4) (dppm = bis(diphenylphosphino)methane; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino) ethane; cis-dppet = 1,2-cis(diphenylphosphino)ethene; dppb = 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, NMR and thermogravimetric analysis. The IR data for 1-4 showed bands typical of a bidentate coordination of BH4 group to the copper atom and the 31P{¹H} NMR spectra indicated that the phosphorous atoms are chelating the metal centre. The thermal behavior of the compounds was investigated and suggested that their thermal stability is influenced by the phosphines. Their thermal stability decreased as follows: [Cu(eta²-BH4)(dppe)] (2) > [Cu(eta²-BH4)(dppm)] (1) > [Cu(eta²-BH4)(dppb)] (4) > [Cu(eta²-BH4)(cis-dppet)] (3). According to thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction patterns all compounds decomposed giving Cu(BO2)2, CuO, CuO2 and Cu as final products.

Propagação da poluição atmosférica por flúor nas águas subterrâneas e solos de regiões próximas às indústrias de fertilizantes (Rio Grande, RS)

Fluoride concentration was determined in rainwater, ground water and soil in the zone of fertilizer industry in the city of Rio Grande. In contaminated rainwater fluorine concentration was registered up to the value of 4,4 mg.L-1. Fluorine concentration in the shallow ground water in general reflects its distribution in the atmosphere, but cannot be used as marker of atmosphere contamination in the urban area due to dissolving influence of residential effluents. The 0,01% HCl extracts from the set of surface soil samples demonstrates fluoride distribution in the zone of influence of industrial emissions, which coincides to the numerical simulation of fluorides dispersion in the air.

Influência da mineralogia dos sedimentos das bacias hidrográficas dos rios Mogi-Guaçu e Pardo na composição química das águas de abastecimento público

This work studied bottom sediment from catchment area of 13 stations of water treatment of Mogi-Guaçu and Pardo river basins, through identification of mineralogical matrix and its correlation with potential bioavailable metal concentrations. The main clay minerals present were kaolinite and illite. The values of iron and manganese grades were derived from reddish-purple soil, which is rich of such elements. They had higher values on areas with weak vegetation cover compared with other areas linked with more vegetation density. Higher values of calcium at Campestrinho station (IG 69) were associated to occurrence by weathering of calcium feldspars markedly present on regional porphiritic acid rocks. The concentrations of phosphorous are characteristically high on areas near urbanized regions.

Transformações químicas da matéria orgânica durante a compostagem de resíduos da indústria madeireira

Composting of sawdust and paper mill sludge, using a "Kneer" process reactor, was studied in an attempt to elaborate upon organic matter (OM) transformation during the process and to define parameters to measure the compost maturity level. Temperature, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data, ash and C, H, N and S contents, and a spectroscopic method using ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) for alkaline (pH = 8.5) and solid samples was used to study the maturity of the compost samples. These parameters were measured in 6 humic acids (HA) extracted from the compost samples during 29 days. The results of this work show that the "Kneer" process is efficient in transforming ligno-celulitic residues in a short time (29 days), into an organic fertilizer material with application perspectives.

O impacto industrial na composição química das águas subterrâneas com enfoque de consumo humano (Rio Grande, RS)

The alteration in the quality of groundwater in the industrial zone of Brazil's southernmost state was assessed by a hydrogeochemical study. In 70-85% of the studied area, fluoride, nitrate and phosphate in groundwater surpass the maximum limits for human consumption according to Brazilian environmental legislation. The chemical spectrum of contaminants and their spatial distribution show that fertilizer production processes are responsible for groundwater pollution. The natural conditions of the region are not favorable for minimal protection against infiltration of pollutants into the aquifer.

Método titrimétrico para determinar fosfito em amostras agroindustriais

A new titrimetric method for the determination of phosphite in fertilizer samples, based on reaction of H3PO3 with standard iodine solution in neutral media, is proposed. Diluted samples containing ca. 0.4% m/v P2O5 are heated and titrated with 0.05 mol L-1 iodine standard until the solution becomes faint yellow. Back titration is also feasible: a slight excess of titrant is added followed by starch indicator and titration is completed taking as the end point the change in color from blue to colorless. The influence of chemical composition and pH of buffers, temperature and foreign species on waiting time and end-point detection were investigated. For the Na2HPO4/NaH2PO4 buffer (pH 6.8) at 70 °C, the titration time was 10 min, corresponding to about 127 mg iodine, 200 mg KI and 174 mg Na2HPO4 and 176 mg NaH2PO4 consumed per determination. Accuracy was checked for phosphite determination in seven fertilizer samples. Results obtained by the proposed procedure were in agreement with those obtained by spectrophotometry at 95% confidence level. The R.S.D. (n=10) for direct and back titration was 0.4% and 1.3% respectively.

Estudo da eletrocristalização de Ni e Ni-P sobre ultramicroeletrodo de platina

This work describes a comparative study of the electrocrystallization of Ni and Ni-P on Pt ultramicroelectrodes using chronoamperometric measurements. It was possible to confirm that in all cases a progressive nucleation was the predominant mechanism. Moreover, the application of the Atomistic Theory to the experimental rate of nuclei formation showed that the number of atoms in the critical nucleus was zero, except for Ni-P on Pt at low overpotentials were a value of one was observed. Furthermore, the physical characterisation of the different deposits on Pt by atomic force microscopy allowed observing the coalescence of the hemispherical nuclei of Ni and Ni-P at t max thus confirming the results obtained from the current-time analysis.

Alteração da atividade enzimática em organismos aquáticos por poluentes de origem agrícola: uma abordagem geral e sobre a suscetibilidade da fosfatase ácida

The input of agrochemicals in the aquatic compartment can results in biochemical injuries for living organisms. In this context, the knowledge of alterations of enzymatic activities due the presence of agriculture pollutants contributes for the elucidation of the mechanisms of toxicity, implementation of economic methods for monitoring purposes and establishment of maximum allowed concentrations. In the present work, the above considerations are discussed, and data concerning changes in enzymatic function by pesticides and fertilizer contaminants are reviewed. Also, we focused on the acid phosphatase due its susceptibility to several pollutants and diversity in cellular functions.

Análise por componentes principais de espectros nexafs na especiação do molibdênio em catalisadores de hidrotratamento

Bulk and supported molybdenum based catalysts, modified by nickel, phosphorous or tungsten were studied by NEXAFS spectroscopy at the Mo L III and L II edges. The techniques of principal component analysis (PCA) together with a linear combination analysis (LCA) allowed the detection and quantification of molybdenum atoms in two different coordination states in the oxide form of the catalysts, namely tetrahedral and octahedral coordination.

Pilhas de combustíveis microbianas utilizadas na produção de eletricidade a partir de rejeitos orgânicos: uma perspectiva de futuro

In this review is presented an innovative technology for use of animal and vegetable waste with high pollution levels in microbial fuel cell (MFC) as an alternative to waste remediation and simultaneously producing electricity and fertilizer for agriculture. A brief history of MFC, the studies about the electron transfer mechanisms, discussion of the biological nanowires in bacteria and the use of chemical mediators or carriers of electrons are explained. The factors influencing the performance of MFCs, the application in waste and sewage treatment and power generation are also discussed.

Reciclagem do crômio de resíduos químicos provenientes da determinação de carbono oxidável em fertilizantes orgânicos

This work proposes a separation, recovery and reuse procedure of chemical residues with chromium. This residue was generated by the determination of oxidizable carbon in organic fertilizers samples. The Cr(VI) of the residue was reduced with ethanol and precipitated with NaOH. The Cr(OH)3 precipitate was separated and oxidized to dichromate ions with hydrogen peroxide. This solution was used another time in organic carbon determination. The uses of recycled dichromate solution were appropriated in four successive recycling. The accuracy was proven using potassium hydrogen phthalate and ten organic fertilizer samples. The organic carbon results, determined with recycled solutions, were similar the conventional solution.

Removal of high-molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Alternatives for the removal of high-molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HWM-PAH) from soil were tested by adding fertilizer or glycerol, as well as the combination of both. Experiments were carried out for 60 days in reactors containing a HWM-PAH-contaminated soil (8030 μg kg-1), accompanied by pH monitoring, humidity control and quantification of total heterotrophic bacteria and total fungus. Fertilizer addition removed 41.6% of HWM-PAH. Fertilizer and glycerol in combination removed 46.2%. When glycerol was added individually, degradation reached 50.4%. Glycerol also promoted the increase of degradation rate during the first 30 days suggesting the HMW-PAH removal occurred through cometabolic pathways.

Nitrato de amônio ocluído em zeólita 4A: lixiviação e absorção de nitrogênio no cultivo de milho

Systematic studies were undertaken in the intra zeolitic media to better understand the ability of zeolite type LTA in occluded nitrogen used in fertilizer and soil conditioning. We have measured the dry matter production from the cultivation of corn in a greenhouse for about 40 days, and also the amounts of nitrogen absorbed, retained and lost by leaching. The dry matter production in the cultivation with different concentrations of nitrogen occluded in the zeolite, was more efficient than the traditional fertilizer, which demonstrated better use of nitrogen to reduce leaching losses, which implies a possible reduction of costs for nitrogen.