Guidelines for irrigation scheduling of banana crop in São Francisco Valley, Brazil. I - Root distribution and activity

In order to establish guidelines for irrigation water management of banana cv. Pacovan (AAB group, Prata sub-group) in Petrolina County, northeastern Brazil, the root distribution and activity were measured on an irrigated plantation, in a medium texture soil, with plants spaced in a 3 x 3 m grid. Root distribution was evaluated by the soil profile method aided by digital image analysis, while root activity was indirectly determined by the changing of soil water content and by the direction of soil water flux. Data were collected since planting in January 1999 to the 3rd harvest in September 2001. Effective rooting depth increased from 0.4 m at 91 days after planting (dap), to 0.6 m at 370, 510, and 903 dap, while water absorption by roots was predominantly in the top 0,6 m.

Guidelines for irrigation scheduling of banana crop in São Francisco Valley, Brazil. II - Water consumption, crop coefficient, and physiologycal behavior

The water consumption and the crop coefficient of the banana cv. Pacovan were estimated in Petrolina County, northeastern Brazil, in order to establish guidelines to irrigation water management. Evaluations were carried out since planting in January 1999 to the 3rd harvest in September 2001 on a microsprinkler irrigated orchard, with plants spaced in a 3 x 3 m grid. Average daily water consumption was 3.9, 4.0, and 3.3 mm in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd growing seasons, respectively. Crop coefficient values increased from 0.7 (vegetative growth) to 1.1 (flowering). Even with high soil water availability, transpiration was reduced due to high evaporative demand.

Concentration of injetion solution and its effects on soil and on yield of fertirrigated banana cv. Terra Maranhão

The Fertigation is the combined application of water and nutrients to a crop. It can be adapted to all types of agricultural crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of urea concentration in irrigation water on electrical conductivity of the soil solution and saturation extract along the first cycle of banana cv. Terra Maranhão. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with six treatments and ten replications. Treatments regarded for using three urea concentrations (1.0; 2.5 and 4.0 g L-1) in irrigation water applied by two micro irrigation systems (microsprinkler and drip). Results showed that there was a linear elevation of electrical conductivity of saturation extract and soil solution with the increase on concentration of urea in the injection solution. Urea should be used under concentrations up to 2.5 g L-1 in irrigation water without causing increase on electric conductivity of soil solution and saturation extract, considering 1.1 dS m-1 as the tolerated value for the crop. Nitrate in the soil solution increased significantly with the increase of urea concentration in the injection solution. The maximum concentration of nitrate in the soil occurred for 4,0 g L-1 concentration of the injection solution.

Soil profile internal drainage for a central pivot fertigated coffee crop

Coffee cultivation via central-pivot fertigation can lead to fertilizer losses by soil profile internal drainage when water application is excessive and soils have low water retention and cation adsorption capacities. This study analyses the deep water losses from the top 1 m sandy soil layer of east Bahia, Brazil, cultivated with coffee at a high technology level (central-pivot fertigation), using above normal N fertilizer rates. The deep drainage (Q) estimation is made through the application of a climatologic water balance (CWB) program having as input direct measures of irrigation and rainfall, climatological data from weather stations, and measured soil water retention characteristics. The aim of the study is to contribute to the understanding of the hydric regime of coffee crops managed by central-pivot irrigation, analyzing three scenarios (Sc): i) rainfall only, ii) rainfall and irrigation full year, and iii) rainfall and irrigation dry season only. Annual Q values for the 2008/2009 agricultural year were: Sc i = 811.5 mm; Sc ii = 1010.5 mm; and Sc iii = 873.1 mm, so that the irrigation interruption in the wet season reduced Q by 15.7%, without the appearance of water deficit periods. Results show that the use of the CWB program is a convenient tool for the evaluation of Q under the cited conditions.

Nitrogen fertilizer (15N) leaching in a central pivot fertigated coffee crop

Nitrogen has a complex dynamics in the soil-plant-atmosphere system. N fertilizers are subject to chemical and microbial transformations in soils that can result in significant losses. Considering the cost of fertilizers, the adoption of good management practices like fertigation could improve the N use efficiency by crops. Water balances (WB) were applied to evaluate fertilizer N leaching using 15N labeled urea in west Bahia, Brazil. Three scenarios (2008/2009) were established: i) rainfall + irrigation the full year, ii) rainfall only; and iii) rainfall + irrigation only in the dry season. The water excess was considered equal to the deep drainage for the very flat area (runoff = 0) with a water table located several meters below soil surface (capillary rise = 0). The control volume for water balance calculations was the 0 - 1 m soil layer, considering that it involves the active root system. The water drained below 1 m was used to estimate fertilizer N leaching losses. WB calculations used the mathematic model of Penman-Monteith for evapotranspiration, considering the crop coefficient equal to unity. The high N application rate associated to the high rainfall plus irrigation was found to be the main cause for leaching, which values were 14.7 and 104.5 kg ha-1 for the rates 400 and 800 kg ha-1 of N, corresponding to 3.7 and 13.1 % of the applied fertilizer, respectively.

Fertilizantes comerciais e polpa de banana no cultivo in vitro de um híbrido de Phalaenopsis (Orchidaceae)

A propagação in vitro de orquídeas é bastante utilizada para a produção de mudas. A busca por meios de cultura alternativos para este fim vem sendo amplamente estudada devido à complexidade dos meios comumente utilizados, como o meio MS. Os híbridos de Phalaenopsis encontram-se dentre as orquídeas mais comercializadas no mundo devido à longevidade e à beleza peculiar de suas flores. Nesse trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de formulações de fertilizantes comerciais e adição de polpa de banana 'Nanica' em meio de cultura no cultivo in vitro de um híbrido de Phalaenopsis (P. amabilis x P. equestris). Plântulas germinadas in vitro, em meio MS, foram subcultivadas em meios de cultura à base de fertilizantes comerciais e meio MS modificado com metade da concentração dos macronutrientes. Os meios de cultura foram avaliados com e sem a adição de polpa de banana 'Nanica' (100 g L-1) no estádio de maturação quatro. A base dos meios de cultura foi composta por sacarose (30 g L-1), carvão ativado (1 g L-1) e ágar (9 g L-1). Aos 180 dias foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: área foliar, número de folhas e raízes, comprimento de raízes e massas de matérias secas de folhas e raízes. Conclui-se que o tratamento composto por Biofert® acrescido de polpa de banana apresentou os melhores resultados para o desenvolvimento in vitro do híbrido, inclusive apresentando resultados estatisticamente superiores em relação ao meio MS sem banana.

Maize nitrogen fertilization in two crop rotation systems under no-till

The objective of this study was to evaluate split nitrogen (N) fertilization of maize applied in band at sowing and top dressing with and without crop rotation, under no-till. The experiment was conducted with six N rates at sowing (0, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 kg ha-1) combined with three rates in top dressing (40, 70, 100 kg ha-1) and two management systems: after five cropping sequences of maize and crop rotation (maize + soybean + oat + soybean + corn) in a randomized block design with four replications. The crop rotation system increased yield in approximately 7% in relation to the area without rotation. The split of nitrogen fertilization, in rates above 39 and 54 kg ha-1 at sowing and 70 and 40 kg ha-1 in top dressing, resulted in yield higher than that obtained with the application of 100 kg ha-1 in top dressing. Grain yield was higher with the rates 50 and 70 kg ha-1 of N compared with that obtained with 20 and 100 kg ha-1 at sowing and top dressing, respectively. The rate 70 kg ha-1 of N resulted in the highest yield at the lowest cost compared with the revenues and costs incurred with the rates 40 and 100 kg ha-1.

Urease inhibitor (NBPT) and efficiency of single or split application of urea in wheat crop

NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide), a urease inhibitor, has been reported as one of the most promising compounds to maximize urea nitrogen use in agricultural systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of irrigated wheat fertilized with urea or urea + NBPT as single or split application. The experiment was conducted from June to October 2006 in Viçosa, MG, Brazil. The experimental design followed a 2×2 factorial scheme, in which urea or urea + NBPT were combined with two modes of application: full dose at sowing (60kg ha-1) or split (20kg ha-1 at sowing + 40kg ha-1 as topdressing at tillering), in randomized blocks with ten replications. The split application of nitrogen fertilization does not improve the yield wheat under used conditions. The use of urease inhibitor improves the grain yield of wheat crop when urea is applied in topdressing at tillering, but its use does not promote difference when urea is applied in the furrow at planting.

Biodisponibilidade de Zinco da dieta dos pré-escolares e o efeito da adição da farinha de Banana (Musa paradisiaca). estudo em Ratos

Foi avaliada a biodisponibilidade de zinco e o efeito da adição da farinha de banana, em dieta de pré-escolares de uma creche de Manaus, pelo método de depleção e repleção, em ratos. As refeições servidas aos pré-escolares foram coletadas por meio da porção em duplicata, por um período de 18 dias, secas e analisadas quanto a composição centesimal, fibra alimentar, zinco e fitato. O experimento constou de uma fase de depleção de zinco dos ratos, por um período de 35 dias após o nascimento, onde os mesmos receberam ração à base de caseína sem a adição de zinco na mistura salina. A segunda fase foi de 28 dias e o delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, consistindo de 4 grupos (Dieta dos pré-escolares, dieta dos pré-escolares adicionada da farinha de banana, ração controle à base de caseína, e ração controle à base de caseína, sem a adição de zinco na mistura salina), com 8 animais cada. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, verificou-se baixo teor de zinco na dieta dos pré-escolares. Os animais dos grupos que receberam a dieta dos pré-escolares adicionada ou não de farinha de banana tiveram menor índice de absorção aparente de zinco e menor retenção de zinco nos fêmures quando comparados com o grupo controle (p<0,05), demonstrando a baixa biodisponibilidade de zinco da dieta, possivelmente, pelos fatores interferentes presentes na mesma. Assim, a farinha de banana na concentração utilizada, não apresentou nenhum efeito na biodisponibilidade de zinco.

Perfil nutricional das diversas formas de consumo de Banana (Musa parasidiaca, variedade pacovã) da Amazônia Brasileira

Determinou-se a composição centesimal e teores de elementos minerais na banana pacovã (Musa paradisiaca) madura (in natura, cozida e frita) e verde (in natura e frita). As amostras foram coletadas nas feiras da cidade de Manaus, processadas e analisadas no Laboratório de Nutrição e Físico-Química de Alimentos da Coordenação de Pesquisa em Ciências da Saúde - IΝΡΑ. Os resultados demonstraram ser a banana pacovã boa fonte de energia e elementos minerais essenciais, sugerindo-se a implementação da mesma, na alimentação da população Amazonense pela boa aceitabilidade, custo relativamente baixo e valor nutricional.

Fertilization and cover crop effects on soil nitrogen and plant nutrition in a young guarana plantation

Fruit tree production is gaining an increasing importance in the central Amazon and elsewhere in the humid tropics, but very little is known about the nutrient dynamics in the soil-plant system. The present study quantified the effects of fertilization and cover cropping with a legume (Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth.) on soil nitrogen (N) dynamics and plant nutrition in a young guarana plantation (Paullinia cupana Kunth. (H.B. and K.) var. sorbilis (Mart.) Ducke) on a highly weathered Xanthic Ferralsol. Large subsoil nitrate (NO3-) accumulation at 0.3-3 m below the guarana plantation indicated N leaching from the topsoil. The NO3- contents to a depth of 2 m were 2.4 times greater between the trees than underneath unfertilized trees (P<0.05). The legume cover crop between the trees increased soil N availability as shown by elevated aerobic N mineralization and lower N immobilization in microbial biomass. The guarana N nutrition and yield did not benefit from the N input by biological fixation of atmospheric N2 by the legume cover (P>0.05). Even without a legume intercrop, large amounts of NO3- were found in the subsoil between unfertilized trees. Subsoil NO3- between the trees could be utilized, however, by fertilized guarana. This can be explained by a more vigorous growth of fertilized trees which had a larger nutrient demand and exploited a larger soil volume. With a legume cover crop, however, more mineral N was available at the topsoil which was leached into the subsoil and consequently accumulated at 0.3-3 m depth. Fertilizer additions of P and K were needed to increase subsoil NO3- use between trees.

Grasses and legumes as cover crop in no-tillage system in northeastern Pará Brazil

Studies to select one or more species of coverage plants adapted to Amazonian soil and climate conditions of the Amazon are a promising strategy for the improvement of environmental quality, establishing no-till agricultural systems, and thereby reducing the impacts of monoculture farming. The aim of this study was to assess the persistence time, half-life time, macronutrient content and accumulation, and C:N ratio of straw coverage in a Ultisol in northeastern Pará. Experimental design was randomized blocks with five treatments and five replicates. Plants were harvested after 105 days, growth and biomass production was quantified. After 84 days, soil coverage was 97, 85, 52, 50, and 15% for signalgrass (Brachiaria brizantha) (syn. Urochloa), dense crowngrass (Panicum purpurascens), jack bean (Canavalia ensiformes), pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea,), respectively. Signalgrass yielded the greatest dry matter production (9,696 kg ha-1). It also had high C:N ratio (38.4), long half-life (86.5 days) and a high persistence in the field. Jack bean also showed high dry matter production (8,950 kg ha-1), but it had low C:N ratio (17.4) and lower half-life time (39 days) than the grasses. These attributes indicate that signalgrass and jack bean have a high potential for use as cover plants in no-till agricultural systems in the State of Pará.

Estudo preliminar da influência da concentração de SO2 no controle do escurecimento enzímico da banana passa

Dois ensaios foram realizados com o objetivo de estudar meios de controle do escurecimento enzímico na elaboração de banana passa. Bananas foram tratadas com SO2 através da sua imersão em solução de metabisulfito de potássio. As variáveis estudadas foram: concentração, temperatura e pH da solução, tempo de imersão dos frutos e tempo de descanso dos frutos após os tratamentos. Os resultados mostraram que o melhor tratamento consistiu na imersão por 10 minutos das bananas em solução de metabisulfito de potássio a 2%, aquecida a 40°C e com pH 2,9. O descanso dos frutos antes da desidratação não melhorou os produtos e portanto foi abandonado. A vida comercial dos produtos obtidos com este tratamento atingiu a 3 meses, com as embalagens comuns utilizadas. Testes preliminares com pré-aquecimento das amostras antes da imersão indicaram a possibilidade de melhorar ainda mais a qualidade dos produtos.

Influência da interação do pré-aquecimento e da remoção da película externa, na elaboração de passas de banana

O presente trabalho teve a finalidade de verificar a influência do prévio aquecimento em estufa e da remoção da película externa da banana na elaboração de banana passa. Esses tratamentos foram empregados antes da imersão da banana, por 10 minutos em solução aquecida a 40°C de metabisulfito de potássio a 2%, cujo pH foi ajustado a 2,9. Concluiu-se que o pré-aquecimento exerce uma ação bastante favorável no controle do escurecimento enzímico, visto que, o seu emprego resultou em produtos de muito melhor aspecto. A remoção da película da banana, não teve influência nas amostras pré-aquecidas mas influenciou negativamente as amostras que não sofreram pré-aquecimento.

Influência da interação do ph da solução de metabisulfito de potássio e da remoção da película externa, na elaboração de banana passa

Este trabalho teve por objetivo encontrar meios de controlar o escurecimento enzímico catalizado pelo polifenoloxidase na elaboração de banana passa. As bananas foram tratadas com SO2, através da sua imersão em uma solução de metabisulfito de potássio. As variáveis estudadas desta solução foram, sua concentração, temperatura, pH e tempo de imersão, bem como sua interação com a remoção da panícula externa dos frutos. Concluiu-se que o melhor tratamento foi o da imersão por 10 minutos na solução de metabisulfito a 2%, aquecida a 40°C, independente do controle do pH. A interação do pH da solução com a remoção da película externa da banana não teve influência no controle do escurecimento.