Dielectric constant obtained from TDR and volumetric moisture of soils in southern Brazil

Soil moisture is the property which most greatly influences the soil dielectric constant, which is also influenced by soil mineralogy. The aim of this study was to determine mathematical models for soil moisture and the dielectric constant (Ka) for a Hapludalf, two clayey Hapludox and a very clayey Hapludox and test the reliability of universal models, such as those proposed by Topp and Ledieu and their co-workers in the 80's, and specific models to estimate soil moisture with a TDR. Soil samples were collected from the 0 to 0.30 m layer, sieved through a mesh of 0.002 m diameter and packed in PVC cylinders with a 0.1 m diameter and 0.3 m height. Seven samples of each soil class were saturated by capillarity and a probe composed of two rods was inserted in each one of them. Moisture readings began with the saturated soil and concluded when the soil was near permanent wilting point. In each step, the samples were weighed on a precision scale to calculate volumetric moisture. Linear and polynomial models were adjusted for each soil class and for all soils together between soil moisture and the dielectric constant. Accuracy of the models was evaluated by the coefficient of determination, the standard error of estimate and the 1:1 line. The models proposed by Topp and Ledieu and their co-workers were not adequate for estimating the moisture in the soil classes studied. The adjusted linear and polynomial models for the entire set of data of the four soil classes did not have sufficient accuracy for estimating soil moisture. The greater the soil clay and Fe oxide content, the greater the dielectric constant of the medium for a given volumetric moisture. The specific models, θ = 0.40283 - 0.04231 Ka + 0.00194 Ka² - 0.000022 Ka³ (Hapludox) θ = 0.01971 + 0.02902 Ka - 0.00086 Ka² + 0.000012 Ka³ (Hapludox -PF), θ = 0.01692 - 0.00507 Ka (Hapludalf) and θ = 0.08471 + 0.01145 Ka (Hapludox-CA), show greater accuracy and reliability for estimating soil moisture in the soil classes studied.

Molecular analysis of the bacterial diversity in a specialized consortium for diesel oil degradation

Diesel oil is a compound derived from petroleum, consisting primarily of hydrocarbons. Poor conditions in transportation and storage of this product can contribute significantly to accidental spills causing serious ecological problems in soil and water and affecting the diversity of the microbial environment. The cloning and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene is one of the molecular techniques that allows estimation and comparison of the microbial diversity in different environmental samples. The aim of this work was to estimate the diversity of microorganisms from the Bacteria domain in a consortium specialized in diesel oil degradation through partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. After the extraction of DNA metagenomics, the material was amplified by PCR reaction using specific oligonucleotide primers for the 16S rRNA gene. The PCR products were cloned into a pGEM-T-Easy vector (Promega), and Escherichia coli was used as the host cell for recombinant DNAs. The partial clone sequencing was obtained using universal oligonucleotide primers from the vector. The genetic library obtained generated 431 clones. All the sequenced clones presented similarity to phylum Proteobacteria, with Gammaproteobacteria the most present group (49.8 % of the clones), followed by Alphaproteobacteira (44.8 %) and Betaproteobacteria (5.4 %). The Pseudomonas genus was the most abundant in the metagenomic library, followed by the Parvibaculum and the Sphingobium genus, respectively. After partial sequencing of the 16S rRNA, the diversity of the bacterial consortium was estimated using DOTUR software. When comparing these sequences to the database from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), a strong correlation was found between the data generated by the software used and the data deposited in NCBI.

Volatilização de amônia do solo após a aplicação de ureia convencional ou com inibidor de urease

Volatilização de NH3 é a principal reação que diminui a eficiência de utilização pelas plantas do N proveniente da ureia, quando ela é aplicada sobre a superfície do solo. A fim de minimizar essa perda, produtos têm sido misturados à ureia para inibir temporariamente a ação da urease. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar alternativas de aplicação de um fertilizante com inibidor de urease, visando a diminuir a volatilização de NH3 relativamente à ureia convencional, em algumas condições ambientais e de solo. Foram desenvolvidos quatro experimentos, todos em condições de laboratório, em 2007 e 2008, em Cambissolo Húmico. Os tratamentos variaram em cada estudo e incluíram combinações de níveis de pH do solo (natural; 5,5; 6,3; e 6,8), umidade do solo (5, 10 ou 20 % de água) e temperaturas ambientais (18 e 35 ºC), além de estados físicos (sólido ou líquido) e de métodos de aplicação dos fertilizantes (na superfície ou incorporado ao solo). As unidades experimentais foram constituídas por bandejas plásticas (23 x 51 x 17 cm) com 12 kg de solo, numa espessura de 15 cm, sobre as quais foram instaladas câmaras coletoras de NH3. A amônia volatilizada foi determinada em várias épocas, nos primeiros 28 dias após a aplicação dos fertilizantes. O pico de volatilização diária de NH3 ocorreu sempre na primeira semana depois da adição dos fertilizantes ao solo, e aconteceu dois a três dias mais tarde para a ureia com inibidor de urease, em relação à ureia convencional. A volatilização de NH3 nem sempre foi maior para a ureia convencional em comparação ao fertilizante contendo inibidor de urease, tampouco para o estado líquido em relação ao granulado. A volatilização de NH3 aumentou com a elevação do pH, da temperatura e da dose aplicada de N e foi menor nos extremos de umidade (solo com 5 % ou com 20 % de água). Para os fertilizantes aplicados sobre a superfície do solo, a taxa máxima de perda diária foi correspondente a 14 kg ha-1 de N, e a perda total acumulada variou de 2 a 50 % do N aplicado, dependendo principalmente do estado físico em que o fertilizante foi aplicado, da umidade do solo e da temperatura ambiente. A incorporação dos fertilizantes amídicos ao solo foi a maneira mais eficaz de minimizar as perdas de N por volatilização.

Characterization and nutrient release from silicate rocks and influence on chemical changes in soil

The expansion of Brazilian agriculture has led to a heavy dependence on imported fertilizers to ensure the supply of the growing food demand. This fact has contributed to a growing interest in alternative nutrient sources, such as ground silicate rocks. It is necessary, however, to know the potential of nutrient release and changes these materials can cause in soils. The purpose of this study was to characterize six silicate rocks and evaluate their effects on the chemical properties of treated soil, assessed by chemical extractants after greenhouse incubation. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized plots, in a 3 x 6 factorial scheme, with four replications. The factors were potassium levels (0-control: without silicate rock application; 200; 400; 600 kg ha-1 of K2O), supplied as six silicate rock types (breccia, biotite schist, ultramafic rock, phlogopite schist and two types of mining waste). The chemical, physical and mineralogical properties of the alternative rock fertilizers were characterized. Treatments were applied to a dystrophic Red-Yellow Oxisol (Ferralsol), which was incubated for 100 days, at 70 % (w/w) moisture in 3.7 kg/pots. The soil was evaluated for pH; calcium and magnesium were extracted with KCl 1 mol L-1; potassium, phosphorus and sodium by Mehlich 1; nickel, copper and zinc with DTPA; and the saturation of the cation exchange capacity was calculated for aluminum, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, and overall base saturation. The alternative fertilizers affected soil chemical properties. Ultramafic rock and Chapada mining byproduct (CMB) were the silicate rocks that most influenced soil pH, while the mining byproduct (MB) led to high K levels. Zinc availability was highest in the treatments with mining byproduct and Cu in soil fertilized with Chapada and mining byproduct.

Water erosion in no-tillage monoculture and intercropped systems along contour lines

Water erosion is the major cause of soil and water losses and the main factor of degradation of agricultural areas. The objective of this work was to quantify pluvial water erosion from an untilled soil with crop rows along the contour, in 2009 and 2010, on a Humic Dystrupept, with the following treatments: a) maize monoculture; b) soybean monoculture; c) common bean monoculture; d) intercropped maize and bean, exposed to four simulated rainfall tests of on hour at controlled intensity (64 mm h-1). The first test was applied 18 days after sowing and the others; 39, 75 and 120 days after the first test. The crop type influenced soil loss through water erosion in the simulated rainfall tests 3 and 4; soybean was most effective in erosion control in test 3, however, in test 4, maize was more effective. Water loss was influenced by the crop type in test 3 only, where maize and soybean were equally effective, with less runoff than from the other crops. The soil loss rate varied during the runoff sampling period in different ways, demonstrating a positive linear relationship between soil and water loss, in the different rainfall tests.

Caracterização de terras pretas arqueológicas no sul do estado do Amazonas

As Terras Pretas Arqueológicas (TPAs) são unidades de solo que apresentam como características alta fertilidade, coloração escura e presença de fragmentos cerâmicos. Sobre a formação das TPAs, a hipótese mais bem aceita entre os pesquisadores é que essas foram originadas a partir de processos antrópicos provocados pelos homens pré-colombianos. Diante disso, objetivou-se caracterizar TPAs localizadas nos municípios de Apuí e Manicoré, na região sul do Estado do Amazonas. Foram selecionados sete locais de ocorrência de TPAs, sendo abertas trincheiras e os perfis do solo caracterizados morfologicamente. Procedeu-se à coleta de amostras de solo em cada horizonte para as seguintes análises físicas e químicas: composição granulométrica, argila dispersa em água, grau de floculação, densidade do solo, densidade de partículas e porosidade total, pH em água e KCl, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+ e Al3+ trocáveis, P disponível, H+Al e C orgânico, além dos teores dos óxidos do ataque sulfúrico, óxidos livre e formas mal cristalizadas. A textura dos horizontes A antrópicos variaram de franco-arenosa a franco-argilosa. Os fragmentos cerâmicos e material lítico apresentaram-se em quantidades e profundidades semelhantes no horizonte A dos perfis estudados, sugerindo certa similaridade dos fatores antrópicos que promoveram sua formação. Os horizontes antrópicos dos perfis P3, P4 e P7 apresentaram caráter eutrófico e teores altos a muito altos de fósforo disponível, quando comparados aos perfis P1, P2, P5 e P6, evidenciando heterogeneidade das TPAs.

Erosão hídrica em semeadura direta de milho e soja nas direções da pendente e em contorno ao declive, comparada ao solo sem cultivo e descoberto

Dados de perdas de água e solo obtidos em estudos de erosão hídrica são necessários nos planos de conservação do solo. Mesmo com o advento do sistema de semeadura direta, difundido no Brasil a partir dos anos de 1970, ainda se fazem necessárias práticas conservacionistas para o efetivo controle da erosão hídrica, como o uso do cultivo em contorno e o terraceamento, especialmente em regiões com altos volumes de chuva. Outra opção para o controle da erosão é o uso de culturas protecionistas do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em quantificar as perdas de água e solo por erosão hídrica, em um solo cultivado com soja e milho sob semeadura direta, nas direções da pendente e em contorno ao declive. O experimento foi realizado em um Cambissolo Húmico alumínico léptico, no período de 2010-2011, sob a aplicação de quatro testes de chuva simulada. Estudaram-se cinco tratamentos, com duas repetições, sendo eles: semeadura de soja no sentido do declive (SD); semeadura de soja no sentido da curva de nível (SC); semeadura de milho no sentido do declive (MD); semeadura de milho no sentido da curva de nível (MC); e testemunha - solo sem cultivo e descoberto (T). Os cultivos foram implantados sobre resíduo cultural de trigo, no sistema de semeadura direta. A semeadura da soja em contorno foi mais eficaz no controle das perdas de solo do que a semeadura dessa no sentido do declive. A cultura do milho foi mais eficaz no controle das perdas de solo do que a soja, independentemente da forma de semeadura, e ambas foram mais eficazes do que a testemunha. As perdas de água foram influenciadas apenas pela forma de semeadura e relacionaram-se negativamente com a umidade do solo antes do início das chuvas e com o tempo de início da enxurrada.

Paragênese mineral de solos desenvolvidos de diferentes litologias na região sul de Minas Gerais

Estudos sistemáticos sobre os fatores de formação do solo são relativamente escassos no Brasil, em razão da dificuldade de amostrar vários níveis de um fator, mantendo os demais constantes. A região de Lavras, MG, possui grande diversidade geológica em uma área pequena, o que possibilita avaliar o controle exercido por diferentes litologias na mineralogia e nas demais características do solo. Foram selecionados oito solos embasados sobre quartzito, mica-xisto, gabro, itabirito, serpentinito, metacalcário, gnaisse e filito, em condições semelhantes de vegetação (floresta tropical semidecidual), relevo (terço médio de encosta) e clima. Após a descrição dos perfis, coletaram-se amostras dos horizontes e das rochas, e realizaram-se análises físicas e químicas de rotina, composição química total e mineralogia da rocha, da areia e da argila do solo. Todos os solos são pobres em bases trocáveis (exceto o Argissolo sobre itabirito), e notou-se grande variação na composição granulométrica, mineralógica e química. Os teores de Al2O3, SiO2 e Fe2O3 presentes nas rochas não evidenciaram correlação com os respectivos teores nos solos derivados, enquanto o teor de Fe2O3 foi fortemente correlacionado à densidade de partículas e suscetibilidade magnética. Apesar de evidências de material parcialmente alóctone em alguns casos, pôde-se notar forte influência da litologia subjacente na paragênese mineralógica. Os solos foram genericamente agrupados em: cauliníticos com minerais 2:1 (Argissolos sobre mica-xisto e itabirito; e Cambissolo sobre quartzito), cauliníticos (Argissolos sobre gnaisse e filito) e oxídicos (Latossolos sobre metacalcário e gabro; e Plintossolo sobre serpentinito). Os processos de monossialitização e alitização predominam na região, sendo respectivamente associados a rochas com valores intermediários e baixos em sílica, enquanto a presença de minerais 2:1 é acessória à caulinita e parece depender da presença de mica e altos teores de sílica na rocha de origem.

Hydrological processes obtained on the plot scale under four simulated rainfall tests during the cycle of different crop systems

The cropping system influences the interception of water by plants, water storage in depressions on the soil surface, water infiltration into the soil and runoff. The aim of this study was to quantify some hydrological processes under no tillage cropping systems at the edge of a slope, in 2009 and 2010, in a Humic Dystrudept soil, with the following treatments: corn, soybeans, and common beans alone; and intercropped corn and common bean. Treatments consisted of four simulated rainfall tests at different times, with a planned intensity of 64 mm h-1 and 90 min duration. The first test was applied 18 days after sowing, and the others at 39, 75 and 120 days after the first test. Different times of the simulated rainfall and stages of the crop cycle affected soil water content prior to the rain, and the time runoff began and its peak flow and, thus, the surface hydrological processes. The depth of the runoff and the depth of the water intercepted by the crop + soil infiltration + soil surface storage were affected by the crop systems and the rainfall applied at different times. The corn crop was the most effective treatment for controlling runoff, with a water loss ratio of 0.38, equivalent to 75 % of the water loss ratio exhibited by common bean (0.51), the least effective treatment in relation to the others. Total water loss by runoff decreased linearly with an increase in the time that runoff began, regardless of the treatment; however, soil water content on the gravimetric basis increased linearly from the beginning to the end of the rainfall.

Uso do solo e propriedades físico-mecânicas de Latossolo Vermelho

O preparo do solo, o tráfego de máquinas e o pisoteio animal em condições de umidade inadequada (consistência do solo no estado plástico) são alguns fatores que provocam deformações plásticas e não recuperáveis. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar e avaliar as propriedades físicas e mecânicas do solo para caracterizar o estado de compactação e a capacidade de suporte de carga em três áreas com diferentes usos (pastejo rotacionado, mata nativa e preparo convencional). Foram coletadas amostras com estrutura preservada nas camadas de: 0,00-0,05; 0,05-0,10; e 0,10-0,15 m de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. O uso do solo provocou alterações nos valores de densidade do solo (de 0,84 Mg m-3, na mata nativa, a 1,48 Mg m-3, no pastejo rotacionado), pressão de pré-consolidação (de 16,5 kPa, no preparo convencional, a 79,4 kPa, no pastejo rotacionado), índice de compressão (de 0,14, no pastejo rotacionado, a 0,77, na mata nativa), resistência à penetração (de 0,45 MPa, no preparo convencional, a 2,56 MPa, no pastejo rotacionado) e macroporosidade (de 0,35 m³ m-3, na mata nativa, a 0,03 m³ m-3, no pastejo rotacionado). O pisoteio animal intensivo em área de pastagem causou alterações na estrutura do solo, gerando níveis de compactação restritivos às plantas. As áreas de mata nativa e preparo convencional são as mais suscetíveis à compactação do solo, apresentando elevado índice de compressão e baixa pressão de pré-consolidação e densidade do solo.

Effect of potassium sources on the antioxidant activity of eggplant¹

Potassium participates in the essential processes in plant physiology, however, the effects of K sources on plant metabolism have been little studied. Also, in certain cases, K sources and concentrations may cause undesirable effects, e.g., soil salinization. The objective was to evaluate the effect of K sources and levels on the enzyme activity of the antioxidant system and protein content in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) leaves and to determine the most suitable K sources for these physiological characteristics. The experiment was conducted in randomized blocks, in a 2 × 4 factorial design, consisting of two K sources (KCl and K2SO4) and rates (250, 500, 750, and 1000 kg ha-1 K2O), with four replications. The following variables were evaluated: plant height, number of leaves per plant, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and leaf protein content. There was an increase in CAT activity with increasing K levels until 30 days after transplanting (DAT), when K2SO4 was applied and until 60 DAT, when KCl was used; after this period, the enzyme activity decreased under both sources. The activity of SOD increased in the presence of KCl, but was reduced with the application of K2SO4. For both K sources, increasing rates reduced the protein content and number of leaves per plant, and this reduction was greater under KCl application. Thus it was concluded that KCl tends more strongly to salinize the soil than K2SO4. Both for KCl and for K2SO4, the increasing rates adversely affected the activities of CAT and SOD and the levels of leaf protein in eggplant. The potential of KCl to reduce the enzyme activity of SOD and CAT, leaf protein content and plant growth of eggplant was stronger than that of K2SO4.

USE OF SCALED SEMIVARIOGRAMS IN THE PLANNING SAMPLE OF SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN SOUTHERN AMAZONAS, BRAZIL

The lack of information concerning the variability of soil properties has been a major concern of researchers in the Amazon region. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability of soil chemical properties and determine minimal sampling density to characterize the variability of these properties in five environments located in the south of the State of Amazonas, Brazil. The five environments were archaeological dark earth (ADE), forest, pasture land, agroforestry operation, and sugarcane crop. Regular 70 × 70 m mesh grids were set up in these areas, with 64 sample points spaced at 10 m distance. Soil samples were collected at the 0.0-0.1 m depth. The chemical properties of pH in water, OM, P, K, Ca, Mg, H+Al, SB, CEC, and V were determined at these points. Data were analyzed by descriptive and geostatistical analyses. A large part of the data analyzed showed spatial dependence. Chemical properties were best fitted to the spherical model in almost all the environments evaluated, except for the sugarcane field with a better fit to the exponential model. ADE and sugarcane areas had greater heterogeneity of soil chemical properties, showing a greater range and higher sampling density; however, forest and agroforestry areas had less variability of chemical properties.

EFFECT OF ALTERNATIVE MULTINUTRIENT SOURCES ON SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

The current high price of potassium chloride and the dependence of Brazil on imported materials to supply the domestic demand call for studies evaluating the efficiency of alternative sources of nutrients. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of silicate rock powder and a manganese mining by-product, and secondary materials originated from these two materials, on soil chemical properties and on brachiaria production. This greenhouse experiment was conducted in pots with 5 kg of soil (Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico - Oxisol). The alternative nutrient sources were: verdete, verdete treated with NH4OH, phonolite, ultramafic rock, mining waste and the proportion of 75 % of these K fertilizers and 25 % lime. Mixtures containing 25 % of lime were heated at 800 ºC for 1 h. These sources were applied at rates of 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 kg ha-1 K2O, and incubated for 45 days. The mixtures of heated silicate rocks with lime promoted higher increases in soil pH in decreasing order: ultramafic rock>verdete>phonolite>mining waste. Applying the mining waste-lime mixture increased soil exchangeable K, and available P when ultramafic rock was incorporated. When ultramafic rock was applied, the release of Ca2+ increased significantly. Mining subproduct released the highest amount of Zn2+ and Mn2+ to the soil. The application of alternative sources of K, with variable chemical composition, altered the nutrient availability and soil chemical properties, improving mainly plant development and K plant uptake, and are important nutrient sources.

ASPECTS OF THE SILVOPASTORAL SYSTEM CORRELATED WITH PROPERTIES OF A TYPIC QUARTZIPSAMMENT (ENTISOL) IN MATO GROSSO DO SUL, BRAZIL

In Brazil, grazing mismanagement may lead to soil and pasture degradation. To impede this process, integrated cropping systems such as silvopasture have been an effective alternative, allied with precision agriculture based on soil mapping for site-specific management. In this study, we aimed to define the soil property that best sheds light on the variability of eucalyptus and forage yield. The experiment was conducted in the 2011/12 crop year in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. We analyzed linear and spatial correlations between eucalyptus traits and physical properties of a Typic Quartzipsamment at two depths (0.00-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m). For that purpose, we set up a geostatistical grid for collection at 72 points. Gravimetric moisture in the 0.00-0.10 m layer is an important index of soil physical quality, showing correlation to eucalyptus circumference at breast height (CBH) in a Typic Quartzipsamment. With an increase in resistance to penetration in the soil surface layer, there is an increase in eucalyptus height and in neutral detergent fiber content in the forage crop. From a spatial point of view, the height of eucalyptus and the neutral detergent fiber of forage can be estimated by co-kriging analysis with soil resistance to penetration. Resistance to penetration values above 2.3 MPa indicated higher yielding sites.

Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralization in Soil Combining Sewage Sludge and Straw

ABSTRACT The combined incorporation of sewage sludge (SS) and oat straw (OS) to the soil can increase straw carbon mineralization and microbial nitrogen immobilization. This hypothesis was tested in two laboratory experiments, in which SS was incorporated in the soil with and without OS. One treatment in which only straw was incorporated and a control with only soil were also evaluated. The release of CO2 and mineral N in the soil after organic material incorporation was evaluated for 110 days. The cumulative C mineralization reached 30.1 % for SS and 54.7 % for OS. When these organic materials were incorporated together in the soil, straw C mineralization was not altered. About 60 % of organic N in the SS was mineralized after 110 days. This N mineralization index was twice as high as that defined by Resolution 375/2006 of the National Environmental Council. The combined incorporation of SS and OS in the soil caused an immobilization of microbial N of 5.9 kg Mg-1 of OS (mean 3.5 kg Mg-1). The results of this study indicated that SS did not increase straw C mineralization, but the SS rate should be adjusted to compensate for the microbial N immobilization caused by straw.