Similaridade geometrica de bacias hidrograficas e o mapeamento de solos.

The following soil classes were identified in the studied area: Quartz Sands (AQ), Yellow Red Podzolic, Dusky Red Latosol (LR), 'Terra Roxa estruturada' (TE), Lithosol substrate sandstone (Lia) and Hidromorphic (Hi). The dimensional analysis method allowed: a) to group the watershed whose percentage (60%) are showing predominance of the same soil (Quartz Sands) and which located in the same relief; b) to group watersheds with different soil classes, but with similar percentages. -from English summary

Variaveis da ocupacao do solo e analise multivariada

Photointerpretative and multivariate statistical techniques were applied to variants of soil use measured in 4 hydrological basins of third order ramification, belonging to Tiete basin municipal district of Botucatu, Sao Paulo State. The aim was the grouping of basins of second degree of similarity, as well as to infer spatial distribution representativeness. The hydrological basins were located in 3 physiographic regions, with peripheric depression, cuesta front and cuesta backslope, embracing the following soil units: Regosol intergrade to Red Yellow Podzolic and intergrade to Red Yellow Latosol, Red Yellow Latosol-sandy phase, Litosol basaltic substract phase and Purple Latosol. The results obtained allow the conclusion that soil use not always reflects its fertility. -after English summary

Solar energy budgets in central Amazonian ecosystems: a comparison between natural forest and bare soil areas

In order to estimate the deforestation consequences on the actual solar energy budget of the Central Amazon Region, two ecosystems of different characteristics were compared. The present conditions of the region were represented by a typical 'terra firme' forest cover located at INPA's Ducke Forest Reserve, where the measurements necessary to evaluate its solar energy balance were carried out. The second ecosystem, simulating a deforested area, was represented by an area about 1.0 ha without natural vegetation and situated in the same Reserve. In this area lysimeters were placed, two of them filled with yellow latosol and two others with quartzose sand soil. Both soils are representative soils in the region. Their water balances were taken into account as well as the other parameters necessary to compute the solar energy balances. The results showed that water loss by evaporation was about 41.8% of the total precipitation in the yellow latosol lysimeters and about 26.4% for the quartzose sand ones. For the forest cover it was estimated an evapotranspiration of 67.9% of the rainfall amount. In relation to solar energy balance calculated for the forest cover, it was found that 83.1% of the total energy incoming to this ecosystem was used by the evapotranspiration process, while the remaining of 16.9% can be taken as sensible heat. For bare soils, 55.1% and 31.8% of the total energy were used as latent heat by yellow latosol and quartzose sand soils, respectively. So, the remaining amounts of 44.9% and 68.2% were related to sensible heat and available to atmospheric air heating of these ecosystems. Such results suggest that a large deforestation of the Amazon Region would have direct consequences on their water and solar radiation balances, with an expected change on the actual climatic conditions of the region. © 1993.

Incorporação de mucuna-preta e de restos culturais de milho antes da cultura do feijão (Phaseolus vugaris L.) de inverno

The experiments were conducted during two years (1990/91 and 1992/93), to study the effects of the incorporation of bengal velvetbean and of residues on the development and yield of the winter bean crops. The trial was developed in experimental field at the Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, UNESP, located in Selvíria, MS, Brazil, in dark red latosol covered by savanna vegetation. It was concluded that: the incorporation of residues of corn or corn + bengal velvetbean or only bengal velvetbean had no effects on soil chemical characteristics, evaluated 80 days after the residues incorporation; in yield and bean crop development, no statistical differences were observed among treatments.

Cumulative effects of vinasse on the characteristics of red-yellow latosols under cerrado vegetation

Vinasse, a liquor effluent from the alcohol and sugar making industry, was applied annually for twelve years to medium-textured red-yellow latosols under cerrado vegetation sensu stricto, to study the environmental impacts on the biotic and abiotic factors. Four plots were established of which two acted as control and the other two received annual doses of vinasse. The studies were begun in 1980 when the first annual dose of 20 L m-2 year-1 was added to the soil without removing the top scrub layer. Theses doses were added to the soil until 1983, but in 1984 the doses were increased to 50 L m-2 year-1 and used until 1991. Soil samples were taken at a depth of 15 cm every three months from 1987 to 1991. Twenty seven environmental variables in the vinasse-treated and untreated plots were studied. These factors consisted of different enzymatic activities, a number of filamentous fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes and other micro-organisms, nutrients and some micro-climatic factors. The results obtained were statistically analyzed using the Tukey test, Pearson correlation and variance test methods with replicates and three factors. Matrices were determined using the correlation coefficient method and were compared with those of earlier published studies in the same area. The comparison of the results helped characterize changes in the environmental factors studied and in the correlation between them, after using annual cumulative doses of vinasse. Positive effects were observed only for the first six years of this application but vinasse had negative effects after the seventh year. It is concluded that medium-textured red-yellow latosols cannot be treated with vinasse for proloned periods.

Efeito da época de colheita e da calagem no rendimento de sementes comercializáveis de amendoim cv. Botutatu

A field experiment was carried out to study the effects of liming and time of harvesting on peanut cv. Botutatu (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed yield and yield components in the period of July, 1991 to February, 1992, in São Manuel, State of São Paulo. The soil was a Dark Red Latosol (Hapludult, sandy loam), and the experimental design was a subplot replicated four times in completely randomized blocks. Lime levels (0.0 and 1.75 t/ha) were applied in the plots, and the subplots were nine weekly harvests, starting at 87 days after planting (DAP). There was no effect of lime on hulls or seed yield and on peanut yield components. The germination of seeds in hulls was incresead at each harvest and was lower at lime presence. The highest yield was observed at 129 DAP.

The significance of root growth on cotton nutrition in an acidic low-P soil

Toxic levels of Al and low availability of Ca have been shown to decrease root growth, which can also be affected by P availability. In the current experiment, initial plant growth and nutrition of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum var. Latifolia) were studied as related to its root growth in response to phosphorus and lime application. The experiment was conducted in Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil, in pots containing a Dark Red Latosol (Acrortox, 20% clay, 72% sand). Lime was applied at 0.56, 1.12 and 1.68 g kg -1 and phosphorus was applied at 50, 100 and 150 mg kg -1. Two cotton (cv. IAC 22) plants were grown per pot for up to 42 days after plant emergence. There was no effect of liming on shoot dry weight, root dry matter yield, root surface and length, but root diameter was decreased with the increase in soil Ca. Shoot dry weight, as well as root length, surface and dry weight were increased with soil P levels up to 83 mg kg -1. Phosphorus concentration in the shoots was increased from 1.6 to 3.0 g kg -1 when soil P was increased from 14 to 34 mg kg -1. No further increases in P concentration were observed with higher P rates. The shoot/root ratio was also increased with P application as well as the amount of nutrients absorbed per unit of root surface. In low soil P soils the transport of the nutrient to the cotton root surface limits P uptake. In this case an increase in root growth rate due to P fertilisation does not compensate for the low P diffusion in the soil.

Alteration of soil properties through a weathering sequence as evaluated by spectral reflectance

In the study of physical, chemical, and mineralogical data related to the weathering of soils and the quantification of their properties, remote sensing constitutes an important technique that, in addition to conventional analyses, can contribute to soil survey. The objectives of this research were to characterize and differentiate soils developed from basaltic rocks that occur in the Parana state, Brazil and to quantify soil properties based on their spectral reflectance. These observations were used to verify the relationship between the soils and reflectance with regard to weathering, organic matter (OM), and forms of Fe. From the least to the most weathered soil, we used a Typic Argiudoll (Reddish Brunizem), Rhodudalf (Terra Roxa Estruturada), and Rhodic Hapludox (Very Dark Red Latosol). The spectral reflectances between 400 and 2500 nm were obtained in the laboratory from soil samples collected at two depth increments, 0- to 20- and 40- to 60-cm, using an Infra Red Intelligent Spectroradiometer (IRIS). Correlation, regression, and discriminant estimates were used in analyzing the soil and spectral data. Results of this study indicated that soils could be separated at the soil-type level based on reflectance intensity in various absorption bands. Soil collected in the 40- to 60-cm depth appeared to have higher reflectance intensities than those from the 0- to 20-cm depth. Removal of OM from soil samples promoted higher reflectance intensity in the entire spectrum. Amorphous and crystalline Fe influenced reflectance differently. Weathering of basaltic soils was correlated with alterations in the reflectance intensities and absorption features of the spectral curves. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that this technique was efficient in the estimation of clay, silt, kaolinite, crystalline Fe, amorphous Fe, and Mg through the use of reflected energy of the soils.

Extra̧ão de Macro e Micronutrientes Pela Parte Aérea de Erva-Doce EM Fuņão de Calagem e Aduba̧ão com Esterco de Cama de Frango

A greenhouse experiment was conducted in the Soil Science Department of the Botucatu College of Agricultural Sciences (UNESP), Brazil, using a Dark Red Latosol in 25 L pots. The soil was limed to 50 and 70% of base saturation; and doses 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 t ha-1 of chicken manure were applied, in December of 1999. The experimental design was completely randomized blocks with a factorial arrangement 5x2, 10 treatments and three replications. This work was carried to evaluate leaf number, height plants, fresh and dry weight by aerial part of sweet fennel, and macronutrients and micronutrients removal. The organic fertilization affected the accumulation of N, P, K, S, B and Mn; liming affected the nutrient uptake, except for the Ca, Mg, S and Fe; the interaction of factors affected K, Mg and Mn.

Effect of growth regulators in citral content in lemongrass in different seasons (in Portuguese)

The purpose of the present research was to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators in yield citral content in lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) Stapf), in different seasons. The field experiment was conducted on Sao Manuel Experimental Farm, Agronomical Science College, Paulista Estatal University, Botucatu, Brazil, which soil was classified in alic yellon red latosol (Haplorthox). Plants were randommly assigned blocks to treatments with three repetitions. The experimental groups consisted of GA3 (50 and 100 mg.l-1);Ethrel (100 and 200 mgl-1); CCC (500 and 1000 mg.l-1); Alar 85 (1000 and 2000 mg.l-1); Accel (20 and 40 mg.l-1) and control group. Five applications of plant growth regulators were realized every other three months. After 40 days of each foliar spray, the plants were cut and determined the citral yield. The essential oils were extracted from leaf tissue by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger apparatus. Samples of 250g of leaf and put in Clevenger apparatus with deionized water for 3h to determine the yield of essential oil. The citral content was analyzed by GC. In the present study the concentrations of plant growth regulators used did not increase citral content.

Growth parameters and nutrient content in four multipurpose tree species with potential characteristics for agroforestry systems in a Cerrado region in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil

In order to evaluate growth characteristics, adaptability, biomass production, nutrient recycling, nutrient distribution and the ability to regenerate degraded land, a trial using four multipurpose tree species (Leucaena leucocephala, Leucaena diversifolia, Acacia melanoxylon and Mimosa scabrella) was undertaken over two years in a distrophic red yellow latosol (oxisol) following a randomized block experimental design with four replications. At the age of two years, A. melanoxylon and L. diversifolia were the tallest species (5.25 and 4.97 m, respectively) and A. melanoxylon and M. scabrella had the largest diameters at 20 cm from tree base. Mimosa scabrella and A. melanoxylon had the highest dry matter production and quantity of nutrients in the above ground biomass. In all species, the highest nutrient contents were found in the leaves, followed by branches and stems. From all species, the highest Nutrient Utilization Efficiency Indexes were obtained for sulphur, phosphorous, and magnesium; L. diversifolia was the most efficient for nitrogen, potassium, calcium, sulphur, and manganese, while A. melanoxylon was the most efficient for phosphorus, magnesium, boron, iron, and zinc. Litter production levels over a three month period were as follows: M. scabrella > A. melanoxylon > L. diversifolia > L. leucocephala. Litter nutrient content was higher in M. scabrella than in the other species.

Resistência ao Cisalhamento de um Latossolo sob Diferentes uso e Manejo

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Retorno de nutrientes ao solo via deposição de serapilheira de quatro espécies leguminosas arbóreas na região de Botucatu - São Paulo, Brasil

The annual litter fall production and the concentrations of macronutrients of four leguminous tree species were evaluated. The experiment was installed in a distrophic red yellow latosol (Oxisol), derivative of the Bauru sandstone group. The studied species were: Leucaena leucocephala. Acacia melanoxylon, L. diversifolia and Mimosa scabrella. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with four treatments (species) and four replications. The litter fall was collected in boxes measuring 50×50×10 cm, two boxes by treatment in each block. The material was collected monthly and dried, weighed and chemically analyzed. The litter fall deposition occurred in the following order: M. scabrella (7,051 kg ha -1 ano -1), A. melanoxylon (2,789 kg ha -1 ano -1), L. diversifolia (1,576 kg ha -1 ano -1) and L. leucocephala (1,389 kg ha -1 ano -1). The content of nutrients obeyed the following order: N>Ca>K>Mg>P>S, with the exception of L. leucocephala that presented a bigger content of S in relation to the P.

Non-nutrient heavy metals in tomato plants cultivated in soil amended with biosolid and sugar-cane bagasse compost

In this study, non-nutrient heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb) were measured in composts during the composting process, in compost/Red-yellow Latosol mixtures, and in tomato plants. Composts were produced using sugar-cane bagasse, biosolids and cattle manure in the proportions 75-0-25, 75-12.5-12.5, 75-25-0, 50-50-0 or 0-100-0 (composts with 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100% biosolids). The composts were applied to the soil, in 6 treatments and a control (mineral fertilization). Control and the 0% biosolids treatments received inorganic nitrogen and all the treatments received the same amount of N, P and K. Tomato plants were cultivated in 24-L pots, in a green house in Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. The experiment had a split plot design, in randomized blocks. Cadmium, Cr, Ni and Pb concentrations were determined during the composting process (7, 27, 57, 97 and 127 days after compost mounting), in soil (0 and 164 days after mixing) and plants. The samples were subjected to digestion with HNO 3, H2O2 and HCl and the metals were determined by AAS. Negative correlations were observed between Cd, Cr and Pb in the compost and Cd, Cr and Pb plant uptake, as well as Ni in the compost and Ni concentration in the plants. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb increased during composting. Only Cd levels increased when compost was applied to the soil. The roots accumulated Cr, Ni and Pb, the stems and leaves, Cd and Ni and the fruits did not accumulate any of the metals studied. The composts with biosolids did not increase Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb uptake by plants.

Erosão hídrica de Latossolo Vermelho muito argiloso relevo ondulado em área de pós-plantio de eucalipto no Vale do Rio Doce, região Centro Leste do Estado de Minas Gerais

The erosion caused by running water constitutes important cause of environmental degradation and productivity reduction, which justifies its evaluation in areas of eucalypt commercial plantations, mainly in ondulated slope conditions. The present study was intended to evaluate the influence of different management systems, in an undulated eucalypt pos-planting area, upon soil and water losses by erosion. The experiment was installed in a very clayey Red Latosol (Oxisol) under three eucalypt management systems (downhill planting with burning of crop residues - EDq; downhill planting with maintenance of crop residues on soil surface - ED; level planting with maintenance of crop residues on soil surface - EN), native forest (FN), bare soil (SD), and native pasture (PN). The soil and water losses evaluations were performed in standard plots installed in the field. All eucalypt systems presented very low values of soil losses in relation to the established tolerance limit, indicating the adequacy of these management systems concerning water erosion. The sustainability of these environments regarding erosion is indicated by the fact that soil losses in eucalipt were very close to those observed in native forest (reference).