Diagóstico ambiental de empreendimentos do distrito industrial Antônio Crepaldi – Presidente Prudente/SP

Recently, the environmental concern has grown due to the higher awareness about the availability and the importance of natural resources for survival on the Earth. So, laws and regulations were implemented aiming the environmental preservation. It has being developed new systems, technologies and techniques in order to minimize wastage of resources and minimize waste generation that may cause environmental impacts, in order to abide by the laws and regulations. These techniques and systems have been developed mostly for the industrial sector, because it’s one of the most responsible for the waste generation and impacts. One of the most employed systems is the environmental management, performed during the environmental diagnosis of the area/activity. So, this study aimed the environmental assessment and the establishment of proposals for the mitigation of the most significant environmental impacts generated in five industries of the Antonio Crepaldi industrial district – Presidente Prudente, in order to contribute to environmental issues and provide greater efficiency in the productive process of these industries... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Aplicação de cinza de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar nos atributos químicos e biológicos do solo

Pós-graduação em Agronomia (Produção Vegetal) - FCAV

Desenvolvimento de filmes biodegradáveis à base de zeína, caracterização das propriedades funcionais e estruturais e avaliação do uso como cobertura na conservação das características físico-químicas do queijo Minas padrão

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

Bacterial cellulose production by Gluconacetobacter xylinus by employing alternative culture media

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Allium cepa and Tradescantia pallida bioassays to evaluate effects of the insecticide imidacloprid

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

O efeito da ordenação e estrutura geométrica dos materiais PtSn/C e PdSn/C na eletrooxidação do glicerol em meio alcalino

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Isotopic, trace element and nutrient characterization of coastal waters from Ubatuba inner shelf area, south-eastern Brazil

Stable isotopes, tritium, radium isotopes, radon, trace elements and nutrients data were collected during two sampling campaigns in the Ubatuba coastal area (south-eastern Brazil) with the aim of investigating submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) in the region. The isotopic composition (delta D, delta(18)O, (3)H) of submarine waters was characterised by significant variability and heavy isotope enrichment. The stable isotopes and tritium data showed good separation of groundwater and seawater groups. The contribution of groundwater in submarine waters varied from a few % to 17%. Spatial distribution of (222)Rn activity concentration in surface seawater revealed changes between 50 and 200 Bq m(-3) which were in opposite relationship with observed salinities. Time series measurements of (222)Rn activity concentration in Flamengo Bay (from 1 to 5 kBq m(-3)), obtained by in situ underwater gamma-spectrometry showed a negative correlation between the (222)Rn activity concentration and tide/salinity. This may be caused by sea level changes as tide effects induce variations of hydraulic gradients, which increase (222)Rn concentration during lower sea level, and opposite, during high tides where the (222)Rn activity concentration is smaller. The estimated SGD fluxes varied during 22-26 November between 8 and 40 cm d(-1), with an average value of 21 cm d(-1) (the unit is cm(3)/cm(2) per day). The radium isotopes and nutrient data showed scattered distributions with offshore distance and salinity. which implies that in a complex coast with many small bays and islands, the area has been influenced by local currents and groundwater-seawater mixing. SGD in the Ubatuba area is fed by coastal contaminated groundwater and re-circulated seawater (with small admixtures of groundwater). which claims for potential environmental concern with implications on the management of freshwater resources in the region. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Factors Influencing Spatial Variability in Nitrogen Processing in Nitrogen-Saturated Soils

Nitrogen (N) saturation is an environmental concern for forests in the eastern U.S. Although several watersheds of the Fernow Experimental Forest (FEF), West Virginia exhibit symptoms of Nsaturation, many watersheds display a high degree of spatial variability in soil N processing. This study examined the effects of temperature on net N mineralization and nitrification in N-saturatedsoils from FEF, and how these effects varied between high N-processing vs. low N-processingsoils collected from two watersheds, WS3 (fertilized with [NH4]2SO4) and WS4 (untreated control). Samples of forest floor material (O2 horizon) and mineral soil (to a 5-cm depth) were taken from three subplots within each of four plots that represented the extremes of highest and lowest ratesof net N mineralization and nitrification (hereafter, high N and low N, respectively) of untreated WS4 and N-treated WS3: control/low N, control/high N, N-treated/low N, N-treated/high N. Forest floor material was analyzed for carbon (C), lignin,and N. Subsamples of mineral soil were extractedimmediately with 1 N KCl and analyzed for NH4+and NO3– to determine preincubation levels. Extracts were also analyzed for Mg, Ca, Al, and pH. To test the hypothesis that the lack of net nitrification observed in field incubations on the untreated/low N plot was the result of absence ofnitrifier populations, we characterized the bacterial community involved in N cycling by amplification of amoA genes. Remaining soil was incubated for 28 d at three temperatures (10, 20, and30°C), followed by 1 N KCl extraction and analysis for NH4+ and NO3–. Net nitrification was essentially 100% of net N mineralization for all samples combined. Nitrification rates from lab incubation sat all temperatures supported earlier observations based on field incubations. At 30°C, rates from N- t reated/high N were three times those of N-treated/low N. Highest rates were found for untreated/high N (two times greater than those of N-treated/high N), whereas untreated/low N exhibited no net nitrification. However, soils exhibitingno net nitrification tested positive for presence of nitrifying bacteria, causing us to reject our initial hypothesis. We hypothesize that nitrifier populations in such soil are being inhibited by a combination of low Ca:Al ratios in mineral soil and allelopathic interactions with mycorrhizae of ericaceous species in the herbaceous layer.

REMEDIATION OF TETRACYCLINE FROM WATER SOURCES USING VETIVER GRASS (Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Nash) AND TETRACYCLINE-TOLERANT ROOT-ASSOCIATED BACTERIA

Antibiotics are emerging contaminants worldwide. Due to insufficient policy regulations, public awareness, and the constant exposure of the environment to antibiotic sources has created a major environmental concern. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are not equipped to filter-out these compounds before the discharge of the disinfected effluent into water sources (e.g., lakes and streams) and current available technologies are not equipped to remediate these compounds from environmental sources. Hence, the challenge remains to establish a biological system to remove these antibiotics from wastewater. An invitro hydroponic remediation system was developed using vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Nash) to remediate tetracycline (TC) from water. Comparative metabolomics studies were conducted to investigate the metabolites/pathways associated with tetracycline metabolism in plants and TC-degrading bacteria. The results show that vetiver plants effectively uptake tetracycline from water sources. Vetiver root-associated bacteria recovered during the hydroponic remediation trial were highly tolerant to TC (as high as 600 ppm) and could use TC as a sole carbon and energy source. Growth conditions (pH, temperature, and oxygen requirement) for TC-tolerant bacteria were optimized for higher TC remediation capability from water sources. The plant (roots and shoots) and bacterial species were further characterized for the metabolites produced during the TC degradation process using GC-MS to identify the possible biochemical mechanism involved. Also, the plant root zone was screened for metabolites/enzymes that were secreted during antibiotic degradation and could potentially enhance the degradation process. The root zone was selected for this analysis because this region of the plant has shown a greater capacity for antibiotic degradation compared to the shoot zone. The role of antioxidant enzymes in TC degradation process revealed glutathione-S-transferase (GSTs) as an important group of enzymes in both plant and bacteria potentially involved in TC degradation process. Metabolomics results also suggest potential GST activity in the TC remediation/ transformation process used by plants. This information could be useful in gaining insights for the application of biological remediation systems for the mitigation of antibiotics from waste-water.

Good intents but low impacts: Various determinants for different indicators of overall energy use

Energy consumption in industrialized countries by far exceeds a sustainable level. Previous research on determinants of overall consumption levels has yielded contradictory results as to what the main drivers are. While research on the relationship of environmental concerns and pro-environmental behavior emphasizes the importance of motivational aspects, more impact-oriented research challenges these findings and underlines the impacts of a person’s social standing. The aim of our research was to determine which amount of per-capita energy consumption can be explained by structural, socio-demographic, and pro-environmentally motivational variables. Data come from standardized interviews with a representative sample (N=1014) in Germany. Different indicators of per-capita use were collected and will provide the basis for calculating the overall consumption level. In addition, person variables, lifestyle milieus, self-reported energy use, and motivational variables were assessed. First regression analyses show various patterns of determinants for different indicators of overall energy use. While variance in self-reported use is mainly explained by environmental concern, more impact-oriented indicators, such as the size of personal living space and distances of vacation trips, predominantly correlate with status-relevant predictors. These preliminary results support the suspicion that although environmentally aware people intend to reduce their energy use, they rarely go beyond low-impact actions.

Trace metals in sediments of the Var Canyon turbidite system at the DYFAMED station in the Ligurian Sea

The magnitude and the chronology of anthropogenic impregnation by Hg and other trace metals of environmental concern (V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd and Pb, including its stable isotopes) in the sediments are determined at the DYFAMED station, a site in the Ligurian Sea (Northwestern Mediterranean) chosen for its supposed open-sea characteristics. The DYFAMED site (VD) is located on the right levee of the Var Canyon turbidite system, at the end of the Middle Valley. In order to trace the influence of the gravity current coming from the canyon on trace metal distribution in the sediment, we studied an additional sediment core (VA) from a terrace of the Var Canyon, and material collected in sediment traps at the both sites at 20 m above sea bottom. The patterns of Hg and other trace element distribution profiles are interpreted using stable Pb isotope ratios as proxies for its sources, taking into account the sedimentary context (turbidites, redox conditions, and sedimentation rates). Major element distributions, coupled with the stratigraphic examination of the sediment cores point out the high heterogeneity of the deposits at VA, and major turbiditic events at both sites. At the DYFAMED site, we observed direct anthropogenic influence in the upper sediment layer (<2 cm), while on the Var Canyon site (VA), the anthropization concerns the whole sedimentary column sampled (19 cm). Turbiditic events superimpose their specific signature on trace metal distributions. According to the 210Pbxs-derived sedimentation rate at the DYFAMED site (0.4 mm yr-1), the Hg-enriched layer of the top core corresponds to the sediment accumulation of the last 50 years, which is the period of the highest increase in Hg deposition on a global scale. With the hypothesis of the absence of significant post-depositional redistribution of Hg, the Hg/C-org ratio changes between the surface and below are used to estimate the anthropogenic contribution to the Hg flux accumulated in the sediment. The Hg enrichment, from pre-industrial to the present time is calculated to be around 60%, consistent with estimations of global Hg models. However, based on the chemical composition of the trapped material collected in sediment traps, we calculated that epibenthic mobilization of Hg would reach 73%. Conversely, the Cd/C-org ratio decreases in the upper 5 cm, which may reflect the recent decrease of atmospheric Cd inputs or losses due to diagenetic processes.

Shallow water marine sediment bacterial community shifts along a natural CO2 gradient in the Mediterranean Sea Off vulcano, Italy

The effects of increasing atmospheric CO(2) on ocean ecosystems are a major environmental concern, as rapid shoaling of the carbonate saturation horizon is exposing vast areas of marine sediments to corrosive waters worldwide. Natural CO(2) gradients off Vulcano, Italy, have revealed profound ecosystem changes along rocky shore habitats as carbonate saturation levels decrease, but no investigations have yet been made of the sedimentary habitat. Here, we sampled the upper 2 cm of volcanic sand in three zones, ambient (median pCO(2) 419 µatm, minimum Omega (arag) 3.77), moderately CO(2)-enriched (median pCO(2) 592 µatm, minimum Omega (arag) 2.96), and highly CO(2)-enriched (median pCO(2) 1611 µatm, minimum Omega (arag) 0.35). We tested the hypothesis that increasing levels of seawater pCO(2) would cause significant shifts in sediment bacterial community composition, as shown recently in epilithic biofilms at the study site. In this study, 454 pyrosequencing of the V1 to V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene revealed a shift in community composition with increasing pCO(2). The relative abundances of most of the dominant genera were unaffected by the pCO(2) gradient, although there were significant differences for some 5 % of the genera present (viz. Georgenia, Lutibacter, Photobacterium, Acinetobacter, and Paenibacillus), and Shannon Diversity was greatest in sediments subject to long-term acidification (>100 years). Overall, this supports the view that globally increased ocean pCO(2) will be associated with changes in sediment bacterial community composition but that most of these organisms are resilient. However, further work is required to assess whether these results apply to other types of coastal sediments and whether the changes in relative abundance of bacterial taxa that we observed can significantly alter the biogeochemical functions of marine sediments.

Wind turbine wakes for wind energy

During recent years, wind energy has moved from an emerging technology to a nearly competitive technology. This fact, coupled with an increasing global focus on environmental concern and a political desire of a certain level of diversification in the energy supply, ensures wind energy an important role in the future electricity market. For this challenge to be met in a cost-efficient way, a substantial part of new wind turbine installations is foreseen to be erected in big onshore or offshore wind farms. This fact makes the production, loading and reliability of turbines operating under such conditions of particular interest.

Fertilization Management: Assessing New Techniques and Key Interactions to Increase Crop Yields With Less N2O Emissions

El óxido nitroso (N2O) es un potente gas de efecto invernadero (GHG) proveniente mayoritariamente de la fertilización nitrogenada de los suelos agrícolas. Identificar estrategias de manejo de la fertilización que reduzcan estas emisiones sin suponer un descenso de los rendimientos es vital tanto a nivel económico como medioambiental. Con ese propósito, en esta Tesis se han evaluado: (i) estrategias de manejo directo de la fertilización (inhibidores de la nitrificación/ureasa); y (ii) interacciones de los fertilizantes con (1) el manejo del agua, (2) residuos de cosecha y (3) diferentes especies de plantas. Para conseguirlo se llevaron a cabo meta-análisis, incubaciones de laboratorio, ensayos en invernadero y experimentos de campo. Los inhibidores de la nitrificación y de la actividad ureasa se proponen habitualmente como medidas para reducir las pérdidas de nitrógeno (N), por lo que su aplicación estaría asociada al uso eficiente del N por parte de los cultivos (NUE). Sin embargo, su efecto sobre los rendimientos es variable. Con el objetivo de evaluar en una primera fase su efectividad para incrementar el NUE y la productividad de los cultivos, se llevó a cabo un meta-análisis. Los inhibidores de la nitrificación dicyandiamide (DCD) y 3,4-dimetilepyrazol phosphate (DMPP) y el inhibidor de la ureasa N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) fueron seleccionados para el análisis ya que generalmente son considerados las mejores opciones disponibles comercialmente. Nuestros resultados mostraron que su uso puede ser recomendado con el fin de incrementar tanto el rendimiento del cultivo como el NUE (incremento medio del 7.5% y 12.9%, respectivamente). Sin embargo, se observó que su efectividad depende en gran medida de los factores medioambientales y de manejo de los estudios evaluados. Una mayor respuesta fue encontrada en suelos de textura gruesa, sistemas irrigados y/o en cultivos que reciben altas tasas de fertilizante nitrogenado. En suelos alcalinos (pH ≥ 8), el inhibidor de la ureasa NBPT produjo el mayor efecto. Dado que su uso representa un coste adicional para los agricultores, entender las mejores prácticas que permitan maximizar su efectividad es necesario para posteriormente realizar comparaciones efectivas con otras prácticas que incrementen la productividad de los cultivos y el NUE. En base a los resultados del meta-análisis, se seleccionó el NBPT como un inhibidor con gran potencial. Inicialmente desarrollado para reducir la volatilización de amoniaco (NH3), en los últimos años algunos investigadores han demostrado en estudios de campo un efecto mitigador de este inhibidor sobre las pérdidas de N2O provenientes de suelos fertilizados bajo condiciones de baja humedad del suelo. Dada la alta variabilidad de los experimentos de campo, donde la humedad del suelo cambia rápidamente, ha sido imposible entender mecanísticamente el potencial de los inhibidores de la ureasa (UIs) para reducir emisiones de N2O y su dependencia con respecto al porcentaje de poros llenos de agua del suelo (WFPS). Por lo tanto se realizó una incubación en laboratorio con el propósito de evaluar cuál es el principal mecanismo biótico tras las emisiones de N2O cuando se aplican UIs bajo diferentes condiciones de humedad del suelo (40, 60 y 80% WFPS), y para analizar hasta qué punto el WFPS regula el efecto del inhibidor sobre las emisiones de N2O. Un segundo UI (i.e. PPDA) fue utilizado para comparar el efecto del NBPT con el de otro inhibidor de la ureasa disponible comercialmente; esto nos permitió comprobar si el efecto de NBPT es específico de ese inhibidor o no. Las emisiones de N2O al 40% WFPS fueron despreciables, siendo significativamente más bajas que las de todos los tratamientos fertilizantes al 60 y 80% WFPS. Comparado con la urea sin inhibidor, NBPT+U redujo las emisiones de N2O al 60% WFPS pero no tuvo efecto al 80% WFPS. La aplicación de PPDA incrementó significativamente las emisiones con respecto a la urea al 80% WFPS mientras que no se encontró un efecto significativo al 60% WFPS. Al 80% WFPS la desnitrificación fue la principal fuente de las emisiones de N2O en todos los tratamientos mientras que al 60% tanto la nitrificación como la desnitrificación tuvieron un papel relevante. Estos resultados muestran que un correcto manejo del NBPT puede suponer una estrategia efectiva para mitigar las emisiones de N2O. Con el objetivo de trasladar nuestros resultados de los estudios previos a condiciones de campo reales, se desarrolló un experimento en el que se evaluó la efectividad del NBPT para reducir pérdidas de N y aumentar la productividad durante un cultivo de cebada (Hordeum vulgare L.) en secano Mediterráneo. Se determinó el rendimiento del cultivo, las concentraciones de N mineral del suelo, el carbono orgánico disuelto (DOC), el potencial de desnitrificación, y los flujos de NH3, N2O y óxido nítrico (NO). La adición del inhibidor redujo las emisiones de NH3 durante los 30 días posteriores a la aplicación de urea en un 58% y las emisiones netas de N2O y NO durante los 95 días posteriores a la aplicación de urea en un 86 y 88%, respectivamente. El uso de NBPT también incrementó el rendimiento en grano en un 5% y el consumo de N en un 6%, aunque ninguno de estos incrementos fue estadísticamente significativo. Bajo las condiciones experimentales dadas, estos resultados demuestran el potencial del inhibidor de la ureasa NBPT para mitigar las emisiones de NH3, N2O y NO provenientes de suelos arables fertilizados con urea, mediante la ralentización de la hidrólisis de la urea y posterior liberación de menores concentraciones de NH4 + a la capa superior del suelo. El riego por goteo combinado con la aplicación dividida de fertilizante nitrogenado disuelto en el agua de riego (i.e. fertirriego por goteo) se considera normalmente una práctica eficiente para el uso del agua y de los nutrientes. Algunos de los principales factores (WFPS, NH4 + y NO3 -) que regulan las emisiones de GHGs (i.e. N2O, CO2 y CH4) y NO pueden ser fácilmente manipulados por medio del fertirriego por goteo sin que se generen disminuciones del rendimiento. Con ese propósito se evaluaron opciones de manejo para reducir estas emisiones en un experimento de campo durante un cultivo de melón (Cucumis melo L.). Los tratamientos incluyeron distintas frecuencias de riego (semanal/diario) y tipos de fertilizantes nitrogenados (urea/nitrato cálcico) aplicados por fertirriego. Fertirrigar con urea en lugar de nitrato cálcico aumentó las emisiones de N2O y NO por un factor de 2.4 y 2.9, respectivamente (P < 0.005). El riego diario redujo las emisiones de NO un 42% (P < 0.005) pero aumentó las emisiones de CO2 un 21% (P < 0.05) comparado con el riego semanal. Analizando el Poder de Calentamiento global en base al rendimiento así como los factores de emisión del NO, concluimos que el fertirriego semanal con un fertilizante de tipo nítrico es la mejor opción para combinar productividad agronómica con sostenibilidad medioambiental en este tipo de agroecosistemas. Los suelos agrícolas en las áreas semiáridas Mediterráneas se caracterizan por su bajo contenido en materia orgánica y bajos niveles de fertilidad. La aplicación de residuos de cosecha y/o abonos es una alternativa sostenible y eficiente desde el punto de vista económico para superar este problema. Sin embargo, estas prácticas podrían inducir cambios importantes en las emisiones de N2O de estos agroecosistemas, con impactos adicionales en las emisiones de CO2. En este contexto se llevó a cabo un experimento de campo durante un cultivo de cebada (Hordeum vulgare L.) bajo condiciones Mediterráneas para evaluar el efecto de combinar residuos de cosecha de maíz con distintos inputs de fertilizantes nitrogenados (purín de cerdo y/o urea) en estas emisiones. La incorporación de rastrojo de maíz incrementó las emisiones de N2O durante el periodo experimental un 105%. Sin embargo, las emisiones de NO se redujeron significativamente en las parcelas enmendadas con rastrojo. La sustitución parcial de urea por purín de cerdo redujo las emisiones netas de N2O un 46 y 39%, con y sin incorporación de residuo de cosecha respectivamente. Las emisiones netas de NO se redujeron un 38 y un 17% para estos mismos tratamientos. El ratio molar DOC:NO3 - demostró predecir consistentemente las emisiones de N2O y NO. El efecto principal de la interacción entre el fertilizante nitrogenado y el rastrojo de maíz se dio a los 4-6 meses de su aplicación, generando un aumento del N2O y una disminución del NO. La sustitución de urea por purín de cerdo puede considerarse una buena estrategia de manejo dado que el uso de este residuo orgánico redujo las emisiones de óxidos de N. Los pastos de todo el mundo proveen numerosos servicios ecosistémicos pero también suponen una importante fuente de emisión de N2O, especialmente en respuesta a la deposición de N proveniente del ganado mientras pasta. Para explorar el papel de las plantas como mediadoras de estas emisiones, se analizó si las emisiones de N2O dependen de la riqueza en especies herbáceas y/o de la composición específica de especies, en ausencia y presencia de una deposición de orina. Las hipótesis fueron: 1) las emisiones de N2O tienen una relación negativa con la productividad de las plantas; 2) mezclas de cuatro especies generan menores emisiones que monocultivos (dado que su productividad será mayor); 3) las emisiones son menores en combinaciones de especies con distinta morfología radicular y alta biomasa de raíz; y 4) la identidad de las especies clave para reducir el N2O depende de si hay orina o no. Se establecieron monocultivos y mezclas de dos y cuatro especies comunes en pastos con rasgos funcionales divergentes: Lolium perenne L. (Lp), Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (Fa), Phleum pratense L. (Php) y Poa trivialis L. (Pt), y se cuantificaron las emisiones de N2O durante 42 días. No se encontró relación entre la riqueza en especies y las emisiones de N2O. Sin embargo, estas emisiones fueron significativamente menores en ciertas combinaciones de especies. En ausencia de orina, las comunidades de plantas Fa+Php actuaron como un sumidero de N2O, mientras que los monocultivos de estas especies constituyeron una fuente de N2O. Con aplicación de orina la comunidad Lp+Pt redujo (P < 0.001) las emisiones de N2O un 44% comparado con los monocultivos de Lp. Las reducciones de N2O encontradas en ciertas combinaciones de especies pudieron explicarse por una productividad total mayor y por una complementariedad en la morfología radicular. Este estudio muestra que la composición de especies herbáceas es un componente clave que define las emisiones de N2O de los ecosistemas de pasto. La selección de combinaciones de plantas específicas en base a la deposición de N esperada puede, por lo tanto, ser clave para la mitigación de las emisiones de N2O. ABSTRACT Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) directly linked to applications of nitrogen (N) fertilizers to agricultural soils. Identifying mitigation strategies for these emissions based on fertilizer management without incurring in yield penalties is of economic and environmental concern. With that aim, this Thesis evaluated: (i) the use of nitrification and urease inhibitors; and (ii) interactions of N fertilizers with (1) water management, (2) crop residues and (3) plant species richness/identity. Meta-analysis, laboratory incubations, greenhouse mesocosm and field experiments were carried out in order to understand and develop effective mitigation strategies. Nitrification and urease inhibitors are proposed as means to reduce N losses, thereby increasing crop nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). However, their effect on crop yield is variable. A meta-analysis was initially conducted to evaluate their effectiveness at increasing NUE and crop productivity. Commonly used nitrification inhibitors (dicyandiamide (DCD) and 3,4-dimethylepyrazole phosphate (DMPP)) and the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) were selected for analysis as they are generally considered the best available options. Our results show that their use can be recommended in order to increase both crop yields and NUE (grand mean increase of 7.5% and 12.9%, respectively). However, their effectiveness was dependent on the environmental and management factors of the studies evaluated. Larger responses were found in coarse-textured soils, irrigated systems and/or crops receiving high nitrogen fertilizer rates. In alkaline soils (pH ≥ 8), the urease inhibitor NBPT produced the largest effect size. Given that their use represents an additional cost for farmers, understanding the best management practices to maximize their effectiveness is paramount to allow effective comparison with other practices that increase crop productivity and NUE. Based on the meta-analysis results, NBPT was identified as a mitigation option with large potential. Urease inhibitors (UIs) have shown to promote high N use efficiency by reducing ammonia (NH3) volatilization. In the last few years, however, some field researches have shown an effective mitigation of UIs over N2O losses from fertilized soils under conditions of low soil moisture. Given the inherent high variability of field experiments where soil moisture content changes rapidly, it has been impossible to mechanistically understand the potential of UIs to reduce N2O emissions and its dependency on the soil water-filled pore space (WFPS). An incubation experiment was carried out aiming to assess what is the main biotic mechanism behind N2O emission when UIs are applied under different soil moisture conditions (40, 60 and 80% WFPS), and to analyze to what extent the soil WFPS regulates the effect of the inhibitor over N2O emissions. A second UI (i.e. PPDA) was also used aiming to compare the effect of NBPT with that of another commercially available urease inhibitor; this allowed us to see if the effect of NBPT was inhibitor-specific or not. The N2O emissions at 40% WFPS were almost negligible, being significantly lower from all fertilized treatments than that produced at 60 and 80% WFPS. Compared to urea alone, NBPT+U reduced the N2O emissions at 60% WFPS but had no effect at 80% WFPS. The application of PPDA significantly increased the emissions with respect to U at 80% WFPS whereas no significant effect was found at 60% WFPS. At 80% WFPS denitrification was the main source of N2O emissions for all treatments. Both nitrification and denitrification had a determinant role on these emissions at 60% WFPS. These results suggest that adequate management of the UI NBPT can provide, under certain soil conditions, an opportunity for N2O mitigation. We translated our previous results to realistic field conditions by means of a field experiment with a barley crop (Hordeum vulgare L.) under rainfed Mediterranean conditions in which we evaluated the effectiveness of NBPT to reduce N losses and increase crop yields. Crop yield, soil mineral N concentrations, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), denitrification potential, NH3, N2O and nitric oxide (NO) fluxes were measured during the growing season. The inclusion of the inhibitor reduced NH3 emissions in the 30 d following urea application by 58% and net N2O and NO emissions in the 95 d following urea application by 86 and 88%, respectively. NBPT addition also increased grain yield by 5% and N uptake by 6%, although neither increase was statistically significant. Under the experimental conditions presented here, these results demonstrate the potential of the urease inhibitor NBPT in abating NH3, N2O and NO emissions from arable soils fertilized with urea, slowing urea hydrolysis and releasing lower concentrations of NH4 + to the upper soil layer. Drip irrigation combined with split application of N fertilizer dissolved in the irrigation water (i.e. drip fertigation) is commonly considered best management practice for water and nutrient efficiency. Some of the main factors (WFPS, NH4 + and NO3 -) regulating the emissions of GHGs (i.e. N2O, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)) and NO can easily be manipulated by drip fertigation without yield penalties. In this study, we tested management options to reduce these emissions in a field experiment with a melon (Cucumis melo L.) crop. Treatments included drip irrigation frequency (weekly/daily) and type of N fertilizer (urea/calcium nitrate) applied by fertigation. Crop yield, environmental parameters, soil mineral N concentrations, N2O, NO, CH4, and CO2 fluxes were measured during the growing season. Fertigation with urea instead of calcium nitrate increased N2O and NO emissions by a factor of 2.4 and 2.9, respectively (P < 0.005). Daily irrigation reduced NO emissions by 42% (P < 0.005) but increased CO2 emissions by 21% (P < 0.05) compared with weekly irrigation. Based on yield-scaled Global Warming Potential as well as NO emission factors, we conclude that weekly fertigation with a NO3 --based fertilizer is the best option to combine agronomic productivity with environmental sustainability. Agricultural soils in semiarid Mediterranean areas are characterized by low organic matter contents and low fertility levels. Application of crop residues and/or manures as amendments is a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to overcome this problem. However, these management practices may induce important changes in the nitrogen oxide emissions from these agroecosystems, with additional impacts on CO2 emissions. In this context, a field experiment was carried out with a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) crop under Mediterranean conditions to evaluate the effect of combining maize (Zea mays L.) residues and N fertilizer inputs (organic and/or mineral) on these emissions. Crop yield and N uptake, soil mineral N concentrations, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), denitrification capacity, N2O, NO and CO2 fluxes were measured during the growing season. The incorporation of maize stover increased N2O emissions during the experimental period by c. 105 %. Conversely, NO emissions were significantly reduced in the plots amended with crop residues. The partial substitution of urea by pig slurry reduced net N2O emissions by 46 and 39 %, with and without the incorporation of crop residues respectively. Net emissions of NO were reduced 38 and 17 % for the same treatments. Molar DOC:NO3 - ratio was found to be a robust predictor of N2O and NO fluxes. The main effect of the interaction between crop residue and N fertilizer application occurred in the medium term (4-6 month after application), enhancing N2O emissions and decreasing NO emissions as consequence of residue incorporation. The substitution of urea by pig slurry can be considered a good management strategy since N2O and NO emissions were reduced by the use of the organic residue. Grassland ecosystems worldwide provide many important ecosystem services but they also function as a major source of N2O, especially in response to N deposition by grazing animals. In order to explore the role of plants as mediators of these emissions, we tested whether and how N2O emissions are dependent on grass species richness and/or specific grass species composition in the absence and presence of urine deposition. We hypothesized that: 1) N2O emissions relate negatively to plant productivity; 2) four-species mixtures have lower emissions than monocultures (as they are expected to be more productive); 3) emissions are lowest in combinations of species with diverging root morphology and high root biomass; and 4) the identity of the key species that reduce N2O emissions is dependent on urine deposition. We established monocultures and two- and four-species mixtures of common grass species with diverging functional traits: Lolium perenne L. (Lp), Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (Fa), Phleum pratense L. (Php) and Poa trivialis L. (Pt), and quantified N2O emissions for 42 days. We found no relation between plant species richness and N2O emissions. However, N2O emissions were significantly reduced in specific plant species combinations. In the absence of urine, plant communities of Fa+Php acted as a sink for N2O, whereas the monocultures of these species constituted a N2O source. With urine application Lp+Pt plant communities reduced (P < 0.001) N2O emissions by 44% compared to monocultures of Lp. Reductions in N2O emissions by species mixtures could be explained by total biomass productivity and by complementarity in root morphology. Our study shows that plant species composition is a key component underlying N2O emissions from grassland ecosystems. Selection of specific grass species combinations in the context of the expected nitrogen deposition regimes may therefore provide a key management practice for mitigation of N2O emissions.

CSR Policies: Effects on Labour Productivity in Spanish Micro and Small Manufacturing Companies

This paper analyses empirical evidence of efforts to enable Spanish micro and small manufacturing companies to boost their labour productivity rates through the development of the main pillars of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. This study aims to develop new approaches and sensibilities towards work from an ethical, values (virtues) and CSR perspective, showing how internal dimensions of CSR, such those related to relationships with employees and responsibility in processes and product quality, can improve labour performance and labour efficiency, thereby contributing to a better society. The results of a sample of 929 small businesses indicate that the social responsibility policies that most contributed to a short-term increase in labour productivity are those related to internal aspects of the company, in particular its involvement in the quality of processes and products, promotion of innovation and employee care. However, the impact on labour productivity of CSR policies related to external factors, such as relationship with stakeholders and environmental concern, could not be empirically proven in this paper.