Characterization of the effect of nitrogen deficiency on above-ground plant phenotypes in relation to root complexity in maize

Nitrogen (N) is an essential plant nutrient in maize production, and if considering only natural sources, is often the limiting factor world-wide in terms of a plant’s grain yield. For this reason, many farmers around the world supplement available soil N with synthetic man-made forms. Years of over-application of N fertilizer have led to increased N in groundwater and streams due to leaching and run-off from agricultural sites. In the Midwest Corn Belt much of this excess N eventually makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico leading to eutrophication (increase of phytoplankton) and a hypoxic (reduced oxygen) dead zone. Growing concerns about these types of problems and desire for greater input use efficiency have led to demand for crops with improved N use efficiency (NUE) to allow reduced N fertilizer application rates and subsequently lower N pollution. It is well known that roots are responsible for N uptake by plants, but it is relatively unknown how root architecture affects this ability. This research was conducted to better understand the influence of root complexity (RC) in maize on a plant’s response to N stress as well as the influence of RC on other above-ground plant traits. Thirty-one above-ground plant traits were measured for 64 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the intermated B73 & Mo17 (IBM) population and their backcrosses (BCs) to either parent, B73 and Mo17, under normal (182 kg N ha-1) and N deficient (0 kg N ha-1) conditions. The RILs were selected based on results from an earlier experiment by Novais et al. (2011) which screened 232 RILs from the IBM to obtain their root complexity measurements. The 64 selected RILs were comprised of 31 of the lowest complexity RILs (RC1) and 33 of the highest complexity RILs (RC2) in terms of root architecture (characterized as fractal dimensions). The use of the parental BCs classifies the experiment as Design III, an experimental design developed by Comstock and Robinson (1952) which allows for estimation of dominance significance and level. Of the 31 traits measured, 12 were whole plant traits chosen due to their documented response to N stress. The other 19 traits were ear traits commonly measured for their influence on yield. Results showed that genotypes from RC1 and RC2 significantly differ for several above-ground phenotypes. We also observed a difference in the number and magnitude of N treatment responses between the two RC classes. Differences in phenotypic trait correlations and their change in response to N were also observed between the RC classes. RC did not seem to have a strong correlation with calculated NUE (ΔYield/ΔN). Quantitative genetic analysis utilizing the Design III experimental design revealed significant dominance effects acting on several traits as well as changes in significance and dominance level between N treatments. Several QTL were mapped for 26 of the 31 traits and significant N effects were observed across the majority of the genome for some N stress indicative traits (e.g. stay-green). This research and related projects are essential to a better understanding of plant N uptake and metabolism. Understanding these processes is a necessary step in the progress towards the goal of breeding for better NUE crops.

ADAPTATION OF INTRODUCED MUNGBEAN GENOTYPES IN UGANDA

Mungbean ( Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) is an important source of nutrients and income for smallholder farmers in East Africa. Mungbean production in countries like Uganda largely depends on landraces, in the absence of improved varieties. In order to enhance productivity, efforts have been underway to develop and evaluate mungbean varieties that meet farmers’ needs in various parts of the country. This study was conducted at six locations in Uganda, to determine the adaptability of introduced mungbean genotypes, and identify mungbean production mega-environments in Uganda. Eleven genotypes (Filsan, Sunshine, Blackgram, Mauritius1, VC6148 (50-12), VC6173 (B-10),Yellowmungo, KPS1, VC6137(B-14),VC6372(45-60),VC6153(B-20P) and one local check were evaluated in six locations during 2013 and 2014. The locations were; National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI), Abi Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (AbiZARDI),Kaberamaido variety trial center, Kumi variety trial center, Nabuin Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NabuinZARDI), and Ngetta Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute (NgettaZARDI). G × E interactions were significant for grain yield. Through GGEBiplot analysis, three introduced genotypes (Filsan, Blackgram and Sunshine) were found to be stable and high yielding, and therefore, were recommended for release. The six test multi-locations were grouped into two candidate mega-environments for mungbean production (one comprising of AbiZARDI and Kaberamaido and the other comprising of NaSARRI, NabuinZARDI, Kumi, and NgettaZARDI). National Semi Arid Resources Research Institute (NaSARRI) was the most suitable environment in terms of both discriminative ability and representativeness and therefore can be used for selection of widely adaptable genotypes.

GENETIC DIVERSITY AMONG SORGHUM LANDRACES OF SOUTHWESTERN HIGHLANDS OF UGANDA

Sorghum ( Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is an economic and staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa. The genetic diversity in its germplasm is an invaluable aid for its crop improvement. The objective of this study was to assess the existing genetic diversity among sorghum landraces in the southwestern highlands of Uganda. A total of 47 sorghum landraces, collected from southwestern highlands of Uganda, were characterised using 12 qualitative and 13 quantitative traits. The study was conducted at Kachwekano Research Farm in Kabale District, at an altitude of 2,223 m above sea level, during growing season of December 2014 to August 2015. Panicle shape and compactness were the most varied qualitative traits. Grain yield (1.23 to 11.31 t ha-1) and plant height (144.7 to 351.6 cm) were among quantitative traits that showed high variability. Days to 50% flowering (115 to 130 days) showed the least variability. Results of UPGMA cluster analysis generated a dendrogram with three clusters. Panicle weight, leaf width, stem girth, exertion length, peduncle length, panicle shape and compactness, glume colour and threshability were major traits responsible for the observed clustering (P<0.001). Principal Component Analysis revealed the largest variation contributors.

Controlo de infestantes monocotiledóneas com diferentes doses de herbicidas em pós-emergência de trigo mole (Triticum aestivum L.) de sementeira directa

Neste trabalho estudou-se a eficiência dos herbicidas Herbipec 500 FL (s.a. Clortolurão) e Dopler Super (s.a. Diclofope-Metilo+Fenoxaprope-P-Etilo+Mefenepir-Dietilo) no controlo, em pós-emergência de infestantes Monocotiledóneas, e na produção de grão e suas componentes, na cultura do trigo mole em sementeira directa, combinando doses inferiores às recomendadas pelos fabricantes. Os ensaios decorreram nos anos agrícolas de 2006/2007 e 2007/2008, na Herdade do Louseiro no concelho de Évora e na Herdade da Revilheira no concelho de Reguengos de Monsaraz, respectivamente. Na experimentação efectuou-se o estudo dos dois herbicidas, com 3 níveis cada, correspondentes a nove tratamentos. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições cada. Verificou-se uma maior eficiência no controlo das plantas infestantes de Lolium rigidum Gaud. e de Juncus bufonius L. e, consequentemente, um maior número de grãos e uma produção de grão de trigo elevada com 2 litros ha-l de Herbipec 500 FL e 0,5 litro ha-1 de Dopler Super. ABSTRACT: The purpose of this work was to study the efficiency of the herbicides Herbipec 500 FL (a.i. chlorotoluron) and Dopler Super (a.i. diclofop-methyl + fenoxaprop-P-ethyl + mefenpyr-diethyl) to control grass weeds at post-emergence in no-till bread wheat and consequently to do the evaluation of potential grain yield combining reduced doses to the recommended ones by the manufacturers. The trials were carried out over two growing seasons (2006/2007 and 2007/2008) on the farm "Revilheira" and on a private farm "Louseiro", both in the district of Évora. Trials to study effects of three doses of a two herbicides, with three levels each, corresponding to nine treatments were executed. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications each. The results showed a great efficiency and grain yield wheat with the mixture with 2 l ha-1 Herbipec 500 FL and 0,5 1 ha-1 Dopler Super to controlling Lolium spp. and Juncus bufonius L..

Integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta como estratégia para aumentar a produtividade e prover serviços ambientais no noroeste do Paraná.

RESUMO: Os solos da região Noroeste do Paraná apresentam cerca de 85 a 90% de areia e níveis críticos de nutrientes, conferindo alta suscetibilidade à erosão e baixa capacidade de armazenamento de água. Além disso, a região apresenta clima quente, tornando-a bastante vulnerável a estresses abióticos. Uma das estratégias para aumentar a produtividade e, ao mesmo tempo, incrementar serviços ambientais é aumentar a diversidade de atividades, por meio do sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta (iLPF). O sistema iLPF pode conferir maior taxa de sequestro de carbono, conservação da biodiversidade e melhoria da qualidade do solo, água e ar, em comparação a sistemas não integrados. No município de Santo Inácio, PR, foram conduzidas por cinco anos duas áreas com sistema iLPF. Nos três primeiros anos de condução, foi possível conciliar a produção de grãos (soja), forragem (Brachiaria ruziziensis e B brizantha ) e madeira (eucalipto), sem que um componente prejudicasse o outro. A partir do terceiro ano, as árvores interferiram expressivamente na produtividade de grãos e forragem, indicando a necessidade de redução do número de árvores por área. O iLPF é um sistema de produção relevante para aumentar a provisão de bens e serviços ecossistêmicos na região Noroeste do Paraná, mas que ainda precisa de ajustes tecnológicos para incrementar os ganhos econômicos e ambientais. ABSTRACT: Most soils in Northwest of Paraná state, Brazil, are sandy (85 to 90% sand), with critical nutrient levels, high susceptibility to erosion and low water storage capacity Moreover, the region?s warm weather confers to these soils high vulnerability to abiotic stresses The diversification of production via adoption of integrated cropping-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems is an important strategy to increase productivity and, simultaneously enhance ecosystem services. ICLF systems can increase carbon sequestration, conserve biodiversity and improve soil, water and air quality, compared with specialized production systems. Two trials were carried out for five years using ICLF in Santo Inácio county in Paraná state, Brazil. In the first three years, it was possible to harmonize production of grains (soybean), fodder (Brachiaria ruziziensis and brizantha) and wood (Eucalyptus) without negative effects of three components on each other. After the third year, the trees significantly reduced grain yield and fodder production, indicating the need for thinning to reduce tree interference. The ICLF system is relevant to increase the delivery of ecosystem goods and services in Northwestern Paraná, though technological adjustments are needed to increase its economic and environmental gains.

Annual crop rotation of tropical pastures with no-till soil as affectedby lime surface application.

Soil acidity and low natural fertility are the main limiting factors for grain production in tropical regionssuch as the Brazilian Cerrado. The application of lime to the surface of no-till soil can improve plant nutrition, dry matter production, crop yields and revenue. The present study, conducted at the Lageado Experimental Farm in Botucatu, State of São Paulo, Brazil, is part of an ongoing research project initi-ated in 2002 to evaluate the long-term effects of the surface application of lime on the soil?s chemical attributes, nutrition and kernel/grain yield of peanut (Arachis hypogaea), white oat (Avena sativa L.) and maize (Zea mays L.) inter cropped with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu), as well as the forage dry matter yield of palisade grass in winter/spring, its crude protein concentration, estimated meat production, and revenue in a tropical region with a dry winter during four growing seasons. The experiment was designed in randomized blocks with four replications. The treatments consisted of four rates of lime application (0, 1000, 2000 and 4000 kg ha−1), performed in November 2004. The surface application of limestone to the studied tropical no-till soil was efficient in reducing soil acidity from the surface down to a depth of 0.60 m and resulted in greater availability of P and K at the soil surface. Ca and Mg availability in the soil also increased with the lime application rate, up to a depth of 0.60 m. Nutrient absorption was enhanced with liming, especially regarding the nutrient uptake of K, Ca and Mg by plants.Significant increases in the yield components and kernel/grain yields of peanut, white oat and maize were obtained through the surface application of limestone. The lime rates estimated to achieve the maximum grain yield, especially in white oat and maize, were very close to the rates necessary to increase the base saturation of a soil sample collected at a depth of 0?0.20 m to 70%, indicating that the surface liming of 2000 kg ha−1is effective for the studied tropical no-till soil. This lime rate also increases the forage dry matter yield, crude protein concentration and estimated meat production during winter/spring in the maize-palisade grass inter cropping, provides the highest total and mean net profit during the four growing seasons, and can improve the long-term sustainability of tropical agriculture in the Brazilian Cerrado.

Effect of landfill leachate on cereal nutrition and productivity and on soil properties.

Landfill leachates carry nutrients, especially N and K, which can be recycled in cropping systems. We applied doses of landfill leachate (0 [Control], 32.7, 65.4, 98.1, and 130.8 m3 ha-1 ) three times in 2008 and three times in 2009 on a clay Rhodic Kandiudult soil. In 2009, black oat (Avena strigosa L.) and corn (Zea mays L.) were cropped in succession and assessed for concentration of nutrients in leaves and for shoot biomass and grain yield, respectively. As a positive control, an additional treatment with urea (120 kg ha-1 of N) was studied in corn. Soil was sampled at four depths (down to 60 cm) in three sampling dates to assess chemical and biochemical properties. Concentration of nutrients in leaves, oat biomass (8530?23,240 kg ha-1), and corn grain yield (4703-8807 kg ha-1 ) increased with increasing doses of leachate. There was a transient increase in the concentration of nitrate in soil (3-30 mg kg-1), increasing the risk of N losses by leaching at doses above 120 kg ha-1 N, as revealed by an estimated N balance in the cropping system. Sodium and K in soil also increased with increasing doses of leachate but decreased as rainfall occurred. The activity of dehydrogenase decreased about 30% from the control to the highest dose of leachate and urea, suggesting an inhibitory effect of mineral N on microbial metabolism. Landfill leachate was promising as a source of N and K for crop productivity and caused minor or transient effects on soil properties.

Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de progênies de meios-irmãos de pinhão-manso em diferentes regiões do Brasil.

RESUMO: Programas de melhoramento do pinhão-manso (Jatropha curcas L.) intensificaram-se nos últimos cinco anos, tendo sido selecionadas, localmente, plantas em diversas regiões do Brasil. O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a interação genótipos x ambientes da produção de grãos de pinhão-manso, avaliada em três regiões brasileiras, e o progresso genético obtido com a seleção. A partir de progênies de meios-irmãos, selecionadas pela Embrapa Semiárido e pela EPAMIG, foram instalados, no ano de 2008, três testes de progênies, nos municípios de Planaltina, DF, Nova Porteirinha, MG e Pelotas, RS, utilizando-se delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições e cinco plantas por parcela. Como testemunhas foram utilizadas sementes de plantas não selecionadas e um dos materiais genéticos comercializados no Brasil. A interação genótipo x ambiente foi significativa. Foram identificadas oito progênies de adaptabilidade geral, três progênies de baixa adaptabilidade, duas progênies de adaptabilidade específica a ambientes favoráveis e duas progênies de adaptabilidade específica a ambientes desfavoráveis, em diferentes regiões do Brasil. As estimativas de progresso genético indicam eficiência da seleção massal, com ganhos de 28, 76 e 177%, nos municípios de Planaltina, DF, de Nova Porteirinha, MG, e de Pelota, RS, respectivamente. Observa-se que os ganhos de seleção obtidos pelo método centroide são mais equilibrados entre ambientes e, por isso, preferíveis. As novas médias, estimadas com o plantio das progênies selecionadas, em toneladas por hectare, são de 2,34 ton.ha-1, em Planaltina, DF; de 2,37 ton.ha-1, em Nova Porteirinha, MG, e de 2,09 ton.ha-1 , em Pelotas, RS. ABSTRACT: Physic nut (Jatropha curcas L.) breeding programs have intensified in the past five years, locally selecting plants from various Brazilian regions. The objective of this study was to quantify the genotype x environment interaction of the physic nut grain production and the genetic progress obtained with the selection. From Half-sib progenies selected by Embrapa and EPAMIG, in 2008, three progeny trials were installed in the cities of Planaltina-DF, Nova Porteirinha-MG and Pelotas-RS, using a randomized block design with three replications of five plants per plot. Non-selected plant seeds and genetic material commercialized in Brazil were used as control. The genotype x environment interaction was significant for the J. curcas grain yield expression. We identified eight progenies of broad adaptability, three progenies of low adaptability, two progenies of specific adaptability to favorable environments and two progenies of specific adaptability to unfavorable environments of different Brazilian regions. Estimates of genetic progress indicate mass selection efficiency, with genetic gains of 28%, 76% and 177% in the Planaltina-DF, New Porteirinha-MG and Pelotas-RS, respectively. The genetic gains obtained by the centroid method were more balanced among environments, and therefore, preferable. The new means estimated with the cultivating of the selected progenies are: 2.34 ton.ha-1 in Planaltina-DF, 2.37 ton.ha-1 in Nova Porteirinha- MG and 2.09 ton.ha-1 in Pelotas-RS.

Produtividade de milho 2ª safra consorciado com espécies de braquiária e adubação nitrogenada em cobertura.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade de grãos de milho cultivado na 2ª safra em função da consorciação com espécies de Brachiaria e aplicação de N em cobertura.

Flowering synchronization in hybrid rice parental lines.

The cultivation of hybrid rice is a technology that allows for an increase in grain yield of 30% relative to the grain yield of conventional cultivars. However, the main challenge for this technology is related to seed production, which has high production costs and low seed yields. Therefore, agronomic techniques that could enhance flowering synchrony of parental lines in the field are essential for an efficient production system of hybrid rice seeds. The objective of this work was to study the effects of sowing depth, plant density and fertilization with nitrogen or phosphorus as potential techniques to increase the pollen availability in the field and, consequently, the flowering synchrony between parental lines in the production of hybrid rice seeds. The experiments were conducted during two growing seasons in the Central Region of Brazil. All of the experiments were conducted as a randomized complete block in a split plot scheme; however, the experiment with P fertilization had a factorial design. Our research allow inferring that nitrogen fertilization technique applied to the soil or foliar at the time of panicle differentiation does not affect the time of onset of flowering of rice varieties INTA Puitá CL and L106R, which are potential R lines for the production of hybrid rice. Agronomic techniques of variation in sowing depth, seeding rate and the phosphate fertilization affect the time of onset of flowering from 10 to 19 degree-days, which could represent two days in the crop cycle, for the line L106R. Such techniques constitute potential alternatives for use in hybrid rice seed production systems and could be applied in alternated blocks of R lines in the field to obtain longer periods of pollen availability in the field.

Development of super early genotypes for the dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) as affected by nitrogen management.

The super early genotypes (SEG) of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have a shorter life cycle (65-75 days) when compared with the season length of traditional cultivars (90-100 days). Timing of nitrogen top-dressing fertilization could be different because of this reduction in length of the SEG life cycle. This study aimed at characterizing, by using growth analysis and vegetation index, super early genotypes of dry bean development as affected by timing of nitrogen application. Field experiments were conducted in the 2014 and 2015 growing seasons in central Brazil with a randomized block experimental design with split plots scheme and four replicates. The plots comprised the dry bean genotypes (Colibri ? check cultivar, CNFC 15873, CNFC 15874, and CNFC 15875), and subplots comprised applications of N at different timings: 90 kg of N at sowing, 90 kg N at top-dressing; 45 kg of N at sowing plus 45 kg at top-dressing, with urea as the source of N. We also used a control treatment without N application. The CNFC 15874 super early genotype of dry bean had the higher grain yield (2776 kg ha-1) and differed from the CNFC 15873 genotype (2492 kg ha-1). Nitrogen fertilization allowed higher grain yield (2619 kg ha-1, when applied N at sowing, 2605 kg ha-1, when applied N at sowing and at top-dressing, and 2680 kg ha-1, when applied N at top-dressing) than the control, 2360 kg ha-1 (no N fertilization). The time of N fertilization in super early genotype of dry bean did not affect grain yield.

Desempenho de híbridos simples de milho para produtividade de grãos e forragem em região semiárida.

Resumo: A cultura do milho sofre grande instabilidade de cultivo em regiões semiáridas, ocasionada principalmente pela insuficiência de cultivares adaptadas somado a escassez pluviométrica. O presente trabalho tem por finalidade verificar o potencial de genótipos de híbridos de milho, comerciais e experimentais, quanto à produtividade de grãos e forragem nas condições semiárida Cearense. Na presente pesquisa, foram avaliados 36 genótipos de milho, sendo todos híbridos simples, desses, 32 são genótipos experimentais e quatro são comerciais. O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso com duas repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas de duas linhas de quatro metros com densidade de aproximadamente 66.667 mil plantas ha-1 . Observou-se que o ciclo fenológico da cultivar não influencia na produtividade de grão e de forragem. O índice de seleção de níveis independentes é uma opção eficiente para identificar cultivares com aptidão para produção de forragem. [Simple hybrid performance of maize for grain and forage yield in semiarid region]. Abstract: The maize crop suffers great instability cultivation of in semi-arid regions, mainly occasioned by insufficient adapted cultivars. The present study aims to verify the potential of genotypes of maize hybrids, commercial and experimental, as the grain yield and forage in semiarid conditions in the Northeast. In the present survey were evaluated 36 genotypes of maize, all of simple hybrids of these, 32 are experimental genotypes and four are commercial. The design utilized was a randomized block design with two replications. The plots consisted of two lines of four meters with a density of approximately 66,667 plant ha-1 . It was observed that the phenological cycle of the cultivar does not influence the grain and forage yield. The independent levels selection index is an efficient option to identify cultivars with the suitability for forage production.

Correlações fenotípicas entre variáveis de variedades de milho em condições de semiárido na safra 2014.

Resumo: A cultura do milho sofre grande instabilidade de cultivo em regiões semiáridas, ocasionada, principalmente pela insuficiência de cultivares adaptadas. Á genética, busca a identificação de plantas mais adaptadas às condições em que serão cultivadas, para seleção de um melhor ideótipo. Verificou-se o potencial de variedades de milho, para produtividade de grãos e forragem, além de estimar as relações existentes entre os diferentes caracteres sob condição semiárida do norte do Ceará. Foram avaliados 30 tratamentos, sendo 25 variedades e cinco híbridos testemunhas. O Delineamento utilizado foi blocos ao acaso com duas repetições e com parcelas 0,75m entre linhas e 0,20 m entre plantas. Foram avaliadas 12 variáveis diferentes, em condições de pluviosidade de aproximadamente 500 mm e com períodos de estiagem inferiores a 10 dias até o estádio de florescimento. Identificou-se que em condições de baixa pluviosidade, as cultivares que apresentam maior teor de clorofila e massa fresca, proporcionam melhor desempenho produtivo e conforme observado não houve correlação entres as varriáveis Florescimento Feminino (MF) e Florescimento Masculino (FM) com produtividade de grão (PROD) e produção de Materia Seca (MS), desta forma vale salientar que nas condições em que o experimento , o ciclo fenológico não influênciou nos indices produtivos. [Phenotypic correlations between maize varieties variables in semi-arid conditions in the crop 2014]. Abstract: The corn crop suffers instability crop in semi-arid regions, caused mainly by the lack of adapted cultivars. Genetic seeks to identify more plants adapted to the conditions in which they are cultivated, for selecting a best ideotype. It was verified the potential of maize varieties for grain yield and foragein addition to to estimate the relationships between the different characters under semiarid conditions of northern Ceará. A total of 30 treatments, 25 varieties and five hybrids witnesses. We evaluated 30 treatments with 25 varieties and five hybrids as controls. The design was a randomized block design with two replications. With plots of 0.75 m between rows and 0.20 m between plants. We evaluated 12 different variables, conditions of approximately 500 mm and dry periods less than 10 days until the flowering stage. It was found that in low rainfall conditions, the cultivars with the greatest chlorophyll content and fresh pasta, provide better growth performance and as noted there was no correlation entres the Flowering varriáveis Female (MF) and Flowering Male (FM) with grain yield (PROD) and production of Dry Matter (DM), thus worth pointing out that under the conditions of the experiment, the phenological cycle did not influence the production indices

Fertilizers with coated urea in upland rice production and nitrogen apparent recovery.

Urea is the most used N fertilizer for upland rice, however, a great percentage of N loss can occur with the use of this fertilizer. The use of products that provide reduction of N loss for urea fertilizers can contribute to increase N use efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of N rates applied in the form of coated urea in the content and accumulation of N in dry biomass, apparent recovery of nitrogen and grain yield of upland rice. The experimental design was a randomized complete blocks arranged in a 4 x 3 + 1 factorial scheme. The treatments consisted of four sources of N fertilizer [1. Common urea; 2. Polymer-coated urea for slow release of N (PCU); 3. urea with the urease inhibitor N-(n-Butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT); and 4. urea coated with copper sulfate and boric acid as urease inhibitors (UCCB)], with three fertilization rates (30, 60 and 90 kg ha-1 of N). In addition, we included a control treatment without N application. Coated urea did not provide increases in rice grain yield in relation to common urea. The increasing amount of N resulted in significant increases in rice grain yield (from 3217 to 5548 kg ha-1, 2010/11, and from 3392 to 4560 kg ha-1, 2011/12). The apparent nitrogen recovery rate decreased with the increase in N applied doses.

Use of organic compost containing waste from small ruminants in corn production.

Composting is a useful way of transforming livestock waste into organic fertilizer, which is proven to increase soil nutrient levels, and thus crop yield. Remains from production and slaughter of small ruminants can become a source of important elements for plant growth, such as N, after microorganism-driven decomposition.The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of this compost on soil fertility and on the nutritional status and yield of the corn crop. The experiment was conducted in a Haplic Luvisol in a randomized block design with six treatments and five application rates of the organic compound in Mg ha-1: 3 (half the standard rate), 6 (standard rate), 9 (one and a half times the standard rate), 12 (twice the standard rate), and 24 (four times the standard rate) and an additional treatment with mineral fertilizers (110, 50 e 30 kg ha-1 of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively), with four blocks. Evaluations were performed for two harvests of rainfed crops, measuring soil fertility, nutritional status, and grain yield. The compost increased P, K, Na and Zn values in the 0.00-0.20 m layer in relation of mineral fertilization in 616, 21, 114 and 90 % with rate 24 Mg ha-1 in second crop. Leaf N, Mg, and S contents, relative chlorophyll content, and the productivity of corn kernels increased in 27, 32, 36, 20 e 85 %, respectively, of low rate (3 Mg ha-1) to high rate (24 Mg ha-1) with of application of the compost. Corn yield was higher with application of organic compost in rate of 24 Mg ha-1 than mineral fertilizer combination in second crop.