Survival and distribution of weedy rice seedbank after twenty-two years of different rice cropping systems / Sobrevivência e distribuição do banco de sementes de arroz daninho após 22 anos de cultivo de arroz em diferentes sistemas

ABSTRACT: Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most problematic weed in rice fields due to the few control management alternatives to control it, because of the genetic similarity with the crop. Different cropping systems (regarding soil preparation before sowing) have been used as options to control the persistence and emergence of the weed seedbank. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the longevity and vertical distribution of weedy rice seeds in the soil seedbank after 22 years of different rice cropping systems. Data was analyzed as a two-way factorial, with cropping systems carried out for 22 years [no-tillage (NT), conventional tillage (CT), wet direct-seeded (WDS)] as one factor and sampling depth (0-2, 2-5, 5-10 and 10-20 cm) as the other factor. The number of whole and deteriorated seeds per m-2 were assessed, as well as the viability (%). No effect between the systems were detected up to 5 cm, however at 5-10 cm CT and WDS showed higher amount of seeds, and WDS at 10-20 cm. As the sampling depth increased, NT showed fewer amount of seeds, while less reduction of the soil seedbank was observed in WDS. CT and WDS spread viable seeds in the soil profile from 0 to 20 cm depth. After 22 years there are viable weedy rice seeds up to 10 cm of depth in the three cropping systems and there is no difference among them up to 5 cm of depth, demonstrating the serious problem of the seedbank for this species.

RESUMO: O arroz daninho (Oryza sativa L.) é a principal planta daninha do arroz cultivado e, devido à similaridade genética com a cultura, são poucas as alternativas de controle. Uma possibilidade são os sistemas de cultivo, em razão da influência na emergência e sobrevivência da espécie no banco de sementes do solo. Diante disso, o trabalho objetivou avaliar a longevidade e a distribuição das sementes de arroz daninho no perfil do solo, após 22 anos de cultivo, sob diferentes sistemas. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em esquema fatorial, em que o fator A foi composto por três sistemas de cultivo, realizados consecutivamente durante 22 anos, sendo esses: semeadura direta (SD), sistema convencional (SC) e pré-germinado (PG); e, o fator B composto por quatro profundidades de amostragem: 0-2, 2-5, 5-10 e 10-20 cm. As variáveis avaliadas foram: o número de sementes íntegras e deterioradas m-2; e, a porcentagem de viabilidade. Não foi verificado efeito dos sistemas até 5 cm, mas a 5-10 cm SC e PG mostraram maior quantidade de sementes, e PG a 10-20 cm. A SD proporcionou diminuição de sementes íntegras conforme aumentou a profundidade de amostragem, enquanto o sistema PG elimina menos sementes do banco de sementes do solo. Os sistemas SC e PG distribuem sementes viáveis no perfil do solo de 0 a 20 cm de profundidade. Após 22 anos, nos três sistemas de cultivo há sementes de arroz daninho viáveis até 10 cm de profundidade, sendo igual a quantidade de sementes viáveis até cinco centímetros de profundidade.

Spatial variability of the stability of cohesive soil aggregates under conservation practices / Variabilidade espacial da estabilidade dos agregados de solo coeso sob práticas conservacionistas

The knowledge and characterization of aggregate stability are relevant to select adequate management and to avoidits degradation. Thus, this studyaimed to characterize the spatial variability of aggregate stability in cohesive soilsunder crop conservation systems. The experiment was performed intwo different areas of soybean production: no-tillage System (NTS) and livestock farming integration system (LFI), In each production area, a sampling mesh composed of 50 collection points, with a regular spacing of 40 m, at 0.00-0.20 mdepth, wascarried out. The results were expressed as a percentage of aggregates retained in sieves 2; 1; 0.5 and 0.25 mm, the values obtained were used to calculate the Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) and Mean Weight Diameter (MWD). In the LFI system, which had a strong degree of spatial dependence (DSD), the attributes showed a moderate DSD, except for MWD. Generally, the reachedvalues of the attributes in the LFI system were lower than those found in the NTS system, showing less variability in the management system with no-tillage. Spatial distribution of the kriging maps demonstrated the LFI system leading to the formation of larger aggregates in the soil when compared to ones to the same attributes in the NTS. All attributes showed a strong to moderatespatial dependence. The soil managed with the LFI system revealed greater aggregate stability when compared to the NTS, which in turn presented less spatial variability than the LFI system and shows a more homogeneous soil.(AU)

O conhecimento e a caracterização da estabilidade dos agregados são relevantes para selecionar um manejo adequado e evitar sua degradação. Portanto, este estudoteve como objetivo caracterizar a variabilidade espacial da estabilidade de agregados em solos coesos sob sistemas de conservação de culturas. O experimento foi conduzido em duas áreas distintas de produção de soja: sistema de plantio direto (NTS) e sistema de integração pecuária (LFI). Foi realizada uma amostragem de 50 pontos de coleta, com espaçamento regular de 40 m, na profundidade de 0,00-0,20 m, em cada área de produção.Os resultados foram expressos como porcentagem de agregados retidos nas peneiras 2; 1; 0,5 e 0,25 mm, os valores obtidos foram utilizados para calcular o Diâmetro Médio Geométrico (DMM) e o Diâmetro Peso Médio (DMM). No sistema LFI, que possuía alto grau de dependência espacial (DDS), os atributos apresentaram um DSD moderado, exceto para MWD. De maneira geral, os valores de escopo dos atributos no sistema LFI foram inferiores aos encontrados no sistema NTS, apresentando menor variabilidade no sistema de manejo do plantio direto. A distribuição espacial dos mapas de krigagem mostrou que o sistema LFI leva à formação de agregados maiores no solo em comparação com outros com os mesmos atributos no NTS. Todos os atributos apresentaram dependência espacial de forte a moderada. O solo manejado com o sistema LFI revelou maior estabilidade dos agregados em relação ao NTS, que por sua vez apresentou menor variabilidade espacial do que o sistema LFI e apresenta um solo mais homogêneo.(AU)

Ant diversity (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Turvo State Park, municipality of Derrubadas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Diversidade de formigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) no Parque Estadual do Turvo, Derrubadas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Abstract The knowledge of ant assemblages that occurs in Conservation Units in the Atlantic Forest domain is a priority, considering the number of endemic species and the impacts that this biome has been suffering. The aim of this study was to evaluate ant assemblages in the Turvo State Park, which is the largest conservation unit in the State of Rio Grande do Sul and presents an important role on biodiversity protection. Two samplings were conducted in 2019, one in the summer (January) and the other in the spring (November and December), at five sites 2 km apart, with pitfall traps (soil and canopy), sardine baits, glucose, beating net, sweeping net and manual collection. We sampled 121 species in the summer and 120 in the spring, totaling 163 ant species. A total of 78 species (47.8%) occurred in both sampling seasons. The richest genera in the study were Camponotus (S = 30), Pheidole (S = 23) and Linepithema (S = 11). Seventeen species were recorded for the first time for Rio Grande do Sul state. The results indicate that this is one of the most species-rich assemblages of ants ever surveyed in a conservation unit in southern Brazil. The study highlights the importance of Conservation Units as protected environments against habitat loss for ant biodiversity. The results of this study contribute to myrmecofauna knowledge and serve as a basis for environmental impact studies, management plans and conservation of Atlantic Forest remnants.

Resumo O conhecimento das assembleias de formigas que ocorrem em Unidades de Conservação no domínio Mata Atlântica é prioritário, considerando-se o número de espécies endêmicas e os impactos que este bioma vem sofrendo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi caracterizar a assembleia de formigas que ocorre no Parque Estadual do Turvo, a maior unidade de conservação do Rio Grande do Sul que se destaca pelo seu papel na proteção da biodiversidade da Mata Atlântica austral. Foram realizadas duas amostragens no ano de 2019, uma no verão (janeiro) e a outra na primavera (novembro e dezembro), em cinco pontos distantes 2 km entre si, com armadilhas pitfall (solo e dossel), iscas de sardinha, iscas de glicose, guarda-chuva entomológico, rede de varredura e coleta manual. A riqueza amostrada no verão foi de 121 e na primavera de 120, totalizando 163 espécies. Ao todo, 78 espécies (47,8%) ocorreram concomitantemente nas duas amostragens. Os gêneros mais ricos foram Camponotus (S=30), Pheidole (S=23) e Linepithema (S=11). Dezessete espécies foram registradas pela primeira vez para o estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os resultados se constituem em uma das mais ricas assembleias de formigas já inventariadas em uma unidade de conservação na região sul do Brasil. O estudo destaca a importância das Unidades de Conservação como ambientes protegidos contra a perda de habitat para a biodiversidade de formigas. Os resultados deste estudo contribuem para o conhecimento da mirmecofauna e servem como base para estudos de impacto ambiental, planos de manejo e conservação de remanescentes da Mata Atlântica.

Organic gladiolus cultivation in first-year no-tillage system / Cultivo de gladíolo em sistema de plantio direto orgânico

Cut flowers are considered an important alternative for property diversification, especially in family farming. The culture of gladiolus (Gladiolus x grandiflorus Hort.) is easy to conduct and has good added value. The traditional way of cultivating gladiolus is carried out with intense soil revolution, which can generatelosses in the system. Thus, the adoption of sustainable systems becomes important for the balance of agroecosystems, with the No-Till System being one of these options. The objective of this work is to evaluate the agronomic performance of gladiolus in the organic no-tillage system. The experiment was carried out in the Horticulture sector of the Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Laranjeiras do Sul-PR campus. The experiment was carried out in completely randomized blocks with plots containing a mix of ground cover plants composed of black oat (Avena strigosaSchreb) + Vetch (Vicia sativaL.) + forage turnip (Raphanus sativusL.)and cultivation without cover, followed by cultivation of gladiolus. The gladiolus cultivar used was Yester intermediate cycle II. The evaluations carried out were: phenological and morphological characteristics of the crop, physical and biological characteristics of the soil, incidence of phytophagous insects, diseases and weeds, post-harvest viability and productivity. The results of basal soil respiration, soil temperature, weed incidence, total chlorophyll, rod length, largest leaf length, classification of floral stems classification and productivity showed significant differences between the systems. Cultivation with ground cover obtained higher productivity, with an average of 79,666 stems per hectare. The no-tillage system with organic management showed satisfactory agronomic results, being indicated for the cultivation of gladioli.(AU)

As flores de corte são consideradas uma importante alternativa para diversificação da propriedade, principalmente na agricultura familiar. A cultura do gladíolo (Gladiolus x grandiflorusHort.) possui fácil condução e tem bom valor agregado. A forma tradicional de cultivar o gladíolo é realizada com intenso revolvimento do solo, o que pode gerar perdas nosistema. Assim, a adoção de sistemas sustentáveis torna-se importante para o equilíbrio dos agroecossistemas, sendo o Sistema dePlantio Direto uma destas opções. O objetivo nesse trabalho é avaliar o desempenho agronômico de gladíolo em sistema de plantiodireto orgânico. O experimento foi realizado no setor de Horticultura da Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, campus Laranjeiras do Sul-PR. O experimento foi conduzido em blocos completamente casualizados com parcelas contendo mix de plantas de cobertura de solo composto por aveia preta (Avena strigosaSchreb) + ervilhaca (Vicia sativaL.) + nabo forrageiro (Raphanus sativusL.)e cultivo sem cobertura, seguido do cultivo do gladíolo. A cultivar de gladíolo utilizada foi Yester ciclo intermediário II. Asavaliações realizadas foram: características fenológicas e morfológicas da cultura, características físicas e biológicas do solo, incidência de insetos fitófagos, doenças e plantas espontâneas, qualidade das hastes florais e produtividade. Os resultados de respiração basal do solo, temperatura do solo, incidência de plantas espontâneas, clorofila total, comprimento da haste, comprimento da maior folha, classificação das hastes florais e produtividade apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os sistemas. O cultivo com cobertura de solo obteve maior produtividade, apresentando a média de 79.666 hastes por hectare. O sistema de plantio direto com manejo orgânico demonstrou resultados agronômicos satisfatórios sendo indicado para o cultivo de gladíolos.(AU)

Irrigated sugarcane crops improve the quality of soil organic carbon over time / O cultivo da cana-de-açúcar irrigada melhora a qualidade do carbono orgânico do solo ao longo do tempo

The substitution of native vegetation in agricultural systems can cause several changes in the chemical and physical soil attributes, and in the dynamics of soil organic carbon. This study aimed to evaluate changes in soil physical attributes and carbon stock in soil organic matter fractions in irrigated sugarcane crops, as a function of land use and straw management practices over time, in the North of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Four sugarcane fields with different ages and management systems were studied: Cane 6, Cane 7, Cane 8, and Cane 10. The data obtained were compared with a native vegetation area located near the sugarcane fields, and used as reference for unmanaged soil. In each system, soil samples were collected in the 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm depth layers, to determine the physical attributes, the total organic carbon, and the physical fractions of the soil organic matter. We found that the sugarcane management with the maintenance of a part of the straw on the soil surface contributes to the preservation of the soil structure and the most stable fractions of organic carbon over time. However, in the regions with high annual mean temperature and in the irrigated systems, the soil tillage for the renewal of the sugarcane fields significantly decreases the total soil organic carbono.(AU)

A substituição de áreas de vegetação nativa em áreas agrícolas pode causar diversas alterações nos atributos químicos e físicos e na dinâmica do carbono orgânico do solo. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar mudanças nos atributos físicos e no estoque de carbono nas frações de matéria orgânica do solo em canaviais irrigados, em função do uso da terra e das práticas de manejo da palhada, no Norte do Estado de Minas Gerais. Foram estudados quatro canaviais com diferentes idades e sistemas de manejo: Cana 6, Cana 7, Cana 8 e Cana 10. Os dados obtidos foram comparados com os do solo de área de vegetação nativa, próxima aos canaviais, como referência de solo não manejado. Em cada uma das áreas foram coletadas amostras de solo nas camadas de 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm de profundidade, para a determinação dos atributos físicos, carbono orgânico total e fracionamento físico da matéria orgânica do solo. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, o manejo dos canaviais com a manutenção de parte da palha na superfície do solo contribui para a preservação da estrutura do solo e das frações mais estáveis do carbono orgânico ao longo do tempo. Porém, em regiões de alta temperatura média anual e em sistemas irrigados, o preparo do solo para a renovação dos canaviais diminui significativamente o carbono orgânico total do solo.(AU)

Impact of crop management systems on soil nematode communities in South Brazil

ABSTRACT The analysis of nematode communities allows inferring consequences of management practices on the soil food web. We studied the taxonomic structure of nematode communities in preserved areas of the Atlantic forest (native forest = NF) in Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil, and in three different agroecosystems in neighboring areas to assess the effect of agricultural land use on nematode assemblages. Agroecosystems were located in a red latosol cropped during 30 years under conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT), and minimal tillage (MT). We collected ten composite soil samples in each area in the summer. Nematodes were extracted by Baermann funnel and fixed with formalin. Subsequently, individuals were classified into taxonomic groups and counted on a Peters slide to determine densities of each taxon. Plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes were classified at the genus level. Data were analyzed with the parameters abundance, Bray & Curtis, Shannon-Weaver, and Simpson indexes. We recorded 35 genera and abundance of nematodes in MT and NT areas was more similar. Higher richness was observed in NF in relation to cropped areas, especially under NT and CT. The PCA and clustering analyses from both nematode communities and soil chemical characteristics showed that MT and CT were more similar and NT was clustered near NF. The replacement of native vegetation by cropping systems caused a reduction of nematode diversity, demonstrating the influence of agricultural practices on nematode communities.

Impact of crop management systems on soil nematode communities in South Brazil

The analysis of nematode communities allows inferring consequences of management practices on the soil food web. We studied the taxonomic structure of nematode communities in preserved areas of the Atlantic forest (native forest = NF) in Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil, and in three different agroecosystems in neighboring areas to assess the effect of agricultural land use on nematode assemblages. Agroecosystems were located in a red latosol cropped during 30 years under conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT), and minimal tillage (MT). We collected ten composite soil samples in each area in the summer. Nematodes were extracted by Baermann funnel and fixed with formalin. Subsequently, individuals were classified into taxonomic groups and counted on a Peters slide to determine densities of each taxon. Plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes were classified at the genus level. Data were analyzed with the parameters abundance, Bray & Curtis, Shannon-Weaver, and Simpson indexes. We recorded 35 genera and abundance of nematodes in MT and NT areas was more similar. Higher richness was observed in NF in relation to cropped areas, especially under NT and CT. The PCA and clustering analyses from both nematode communities and soil chemical characteristics showed that MT and CT were more similar and NT was clustered near NF. The replacement of native vegetation by cropping systems caused a reduction of nematode diversity, demonstrating the influence of agricultural practices on nematode communities.(AU)

Evaluation of some microbiological attributes of the soil in two different management systems / Avaliação de atributos microbiológicos do solo em dois diferentes sistemas de manejo

The maintenance of organic matter in tropical soils and the use of soil quality indicators that can express its changes in sustainable agricultural systems is very important for monitoring the health of these ecosystems with high productivity and longevity. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate, through enzymatic responses of microbiological activity, variations resulting from different cultivation systems under sandy soil conditions in western of São Paulo State. In this purpose, the measurement of the parameters microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (NBM), dehydrogenase (DNSE), basal respiration (BR) and the metabolic quotient (qCO2) in two culture systems characterized by being a succession of annual crops with soybean/corn (annual crops) and the other under perennial pasture of the genus Urochloa (pasture), respectively. It was verified that the two systems presented different behaviors related to the evaluated microbiological attributes, showing higher values in the evaluated microbial attributes in the area where Urochloa grass was cultivated.

A manutenção da matéria orgânica em solos tropicais e o uso de indicadores de qualidade do solo que possam expressar suas alterações em sistemas agrícolas sustentáveis é de grande importância para o monitoramento da saúde desses ecossistemas com alta produtividade e longevidade. Buscou-se neste experimento avaliar dois diferentes sistemas de cultivo sob condições de solos arenosos do oeste paulista, respostas diferentes nas atividades microbiológicas, decorrentes destes manejos. Neste sentido, procedeu-se a mensuração dos parâmetros carbono da biomassa microbiana (CBM), nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana (NBM), desidrogenase (DNASE), respiração basal (RB) e o quociente metabólico (qCO2), em dois sistemas de cultivo agrícola caracterizados por serem sucessão de culturas anuais com soja/milho (cultivos anuais) e o outro sob pastagem perene do gênero Urochloa (pastagens), respectivamente. Verificou-se que os dois sistemas apresentaram comportamentos diferentes relacionados aos atributos microbiológicos avaliados, apresentando maiores valores dos atributos biológicos na área onde havia o cultivo da gramínea do gênero Urochloa.

Impact of crop management systems on soil nematode communities in South Brazil

The analysis of nematode communities allows inferring consequences of management practices on the soil food web. We studied the taxonomic structure of nematode communities in preserved areas of the Atlantic forest (native forest = NF) in Ponta Grossa, Paraná State, Brazil, and in three different agroecosystems in neighboring areas to assess the effect of agricultural land use on nematode assemblages. Agroecosystems were located in a red latosol cropped during 30 years under conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT), and minimal tillage (MT). We collected ten composite soil samples in each area in the summer. Nematodes were extracted by Baermann funnel and fixed with formalin. Subsequently, individuals were classified into taxonomic groups and counted on a Peters slide to determine densities of each taxon. Plant-parasitic and free-living nematodes were classified at the genus level. Data were analyzed with the parameters abundance, Bray & Curtis, Shannon-Weaver, and Simpson indexes. We recorded 35 genera and abundance of nematodes in MT and NT areas was more similar. Higher richness was observed in NF in relation to cropped areas, especially under NT and CT. The PCA and clustering analyses from both nematode communities and soil chemical characteristics showed that MT and CT were more similar and NT was clustered near NF. The replacement of native vegetation by cropping systems caused a reduction of nematode diversity, demonstrating the influence of agricultural practices on nematode communities.

Mapping of soil chemical attributes in pasture areas in the Cerrado of Piauí, Brazil / Mapeamento dos atributos químicos do solo em áreas de pastagens no cerrado piauiense

The low natural fertility and compaction of agricultural soils in the Cerrado are the main limitations for agricultural production. Changes in management systems are necessary to optimize the use of natural resources. The objective of this study was to map and evaluate the presence of penetration resistance and its relationship with soil chemical attributes in pasture areas in the Cerrado of Piauí. The experiment was carried out in the municipality of Corrente-PI, Brazil. The areawas divided into two sub-areas of 0.5 ha each: the first is remaining vegetation and the second is pasture. Fifty soil samples were collected in the 0.00-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 mlayers, with a sampling grid of 10 x 10 m. The pHin water, organic matter, calcium, magnesium,and soil penetration resistance were analyzed. The introduction of animals in the pasture area increased soil compaction by 2%. Chemical attributes, pH, organic matter, calcium and magnesium vary according to soil compaction by 2%. The native forest area has soil penetration resistance at acceptable levels (<2MPa)and availability of nutrientsat adequate levels. The maps of variability of organic matter, calcium, magnesium and penetration resistanceshowed the heterogeneity of the areas, allowing decisions based on specific management zones, localized application of nutrients and decompaction,and recovery of areas with inefficient management.(AU)

A baixa fertilidade natural e a compactação dos solos agrícolas do cerrado são as principais limitações para produção agropecuária. Mudanças nos sistemas de manejo são necessárias para otimização do uso de recursos naturais. O objetivo do estudo foi mapear e avaliar a presença da resistência a penetração e sua relação com os atributos químicos do solo em áreas de pastagens no cerrado piauiense. O experimento foi realizado no município de Corrente-PI. A área foi dividida em duas subáreas de 0,5 ha cada: a primeira é de vegetação remanescente, e a segunda de pastagem. Foram retiradas 50 amostras de solos nas camadas: 0.00-0.20 e 0.20-0.40 m, com malha amostral de 10 x 10 m. Foramanalisados, pH em água, matéria orgânica, cálcio, magnésio e resistência do solo a penetração. A introdução de animais na área de pastagem, aumentou a compactação do solo em 2%. Os atributos químicos, pH, matéria orgânica, cálcio e magnésio, variam de conforme a compactação do solo em 2%. A área de mata nativa apresenta resistência do solo à penetração em níveis aceitáveis (<2MPa)e disponibilidade de nutrientes em níveis adequados. Os mapas de variabilidade espacial mostraram a heterogeneidade das áreas,permitindo decisões baseadas em zonas específicas de manejo, aplicação de nutrientes e descompactação localizada e recuperação das áreascom manejo ineficiente.(AU)

Improving irrigation, crop, and soil management for sustainable soybean production in Southern Brazilian lowlands

Lowlands have been cultivated with irrigated rice (Oryza sativa) in a monoculture cropping system for more than a century in southern Brazil. Shallow topsoil with high bulk density and deficient water infiltration favors the of production paddy rice; however, this condition does not favor species non-tolerant to flooding or oxygen restriction. Thus, soil and irrigation management may be necessary to raise the rice-soybean (Glycine max) rotation systems to sustainable levels. We carried out a two-year field experiment to assess the effects of irrigation treatments and soil management on soil physical properties, soybean growth, and grain yield in lowland systems. The experiment comprised a randomized block design with two factors and three replications. The main factor comprised the following irrigation treatments: sprinkler; surface, and rainfed. Four soil managements composed the second factor: conventional tillage (CT), no-tillage (NT), conventional tillage with raised-seedbed, and no-tillage with raised-seedbed. Soil physical properties, soil penetration resistance, crop parameters, grain yield and water productivity were evaluated. CT increased the soil penetration resistance near the soil surface layer. The highest soil bulk density at the 0.05-0.10 m layer in the CT reduces grain yield in rainfed soybean compared to NT. Supplementary irrigation increased soybean yield of about 36 % in years of uneven rainfall distribution. Sprinkler irrigation resulted in higher irrigated water productivity (90 %) compared to surface irrigation, contributing to a more sustainable increase in grain yield. Crop rotation in a no-tillage cropping scheme could improve the sustainability of diversified agriculture in lowlands.

Exchangeable potassium reserve in a Brazilian savanna Oxisol after nine years under different cotton production systems

Adequate potassium (K) fertilization is essential for agricultural production in soils of the Brazilian Savanna (Cerrado biome) due to the high demand by crops (especially cotton), likelihood of leaching losses, and the dependence on fertilizer importations. Therefore, sustainability requires improvements in the soil efficiency management. This study evaluated the influence of soil management and crop succession or rotation combinations with cotton on K dynamics and exchangeable reserves in the soil profile, and the partial balance of K after nine years of cultivation in a clayey Oxisol in the Cerrado. The soil was sampled in layers up to 100 cm depth in four cotton production systems treatments: 1) conventional soil tillage (CST) with cotton monoculture; 2) CST with annual cotton-soybean-cotton succession; 3) CST with cotton/soybean/maize rotation; and 4) no-tillage system (NTS) with cotton/soybean/maize rotation and Urochloa ruziziensis (ruzigrass) as a cover crop in the off-season after grain crops. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with four replications. CST with cotton monoculture favored the leaching of K surplus from fertilization. Crop rotation including ruzigrass in the NTS allowed better control of K dynamics, ensuring its circulation in the soil-plant compartments and reducing leaching. The increased organic matter (OM) in this system enlarges the storage capacity of K in the topsoil. The adoption of no-tillage crop systems integrating ruzigrass is viable to improve the efficiency of K fertilizers in cotton cultivation in highly weathered tropical soils.

Soil tillage and sugarcane planting: an assessment of cost and economic viability

Yield and profitability levels in sugarcane crops demonstrate the importance of the agricultural practices adopted, especially for soil preparation and planting systems. This study evaluated the costs involved in 40 alternative methods for the establishment of sugarcane crops resulting from the combination of eight soil preparation systems and five planting options, followed by an assessment of the economic viability of sugarcane production for suppliers and sugar mills. Data were collected from 31 sugar mills and 42 suppliers in São Paulo State, Brazil, from the 2016/17 season. The cost analysis and discounted cash flow analysis were used to calculate economic viability. Localized soil preparation with a fixed application rate of inputs (soil amendments) and mechanized planting with a variable application rate of fertilizers were the least costly systems to establish the sugarcane crop. Regarding the sugarcane establishment system, the medium–sized sugar mills were the most economically viable when compared to independent sugarcane producers. There was no significant difference in cost to establish sugarcane crops across the various sized groups of suppliers and we identified that costs rose as the size of the sugar mills increased.

Organic matter compartments in an Ultisol under integrated agricultural and livestock production systems in the Cerrado / Compartimentos da matéria orgânica em Argissolo sob sistemas integrados de produção agropecuária no Cerrado

Integrated agricultural production systems have the potential to increase organic matter content, which is reflected in the soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations. Here, we evaluated the C and N stocks and its compartments in a typical distro cohesive yellow Ultisol under the no-till (NT) and crop-livestock integration (CLI) systems, in eastern Maranhão. Five areas with different management strategies were evaluated, more specifically, one area was managed under the NT system in succession for 14 years (soybean/millet), three areas had different CLI system adoption histories (i.e., CLI was adopted 2, 4, or 8 years prior to sample collection); and finally, one area consisted of native Cerrado (savannah) vegetation. Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30, and 0.30-0.50 m,to analyze the content and total stocks of carbon (C) and its compartments (physical and chemical), N content, soil microbial biomass, and basal respiration. Results revealed higher content and stock of C and N in areas with CLI. The principal humic substance reported was humin, and higher concentrations of C associated with minerals were present in areas under more recent CLI adoption (2 and 4 years). We demonstrated that the adoption of CLI, even if recent, leads to immediate increases in the concentrations of C and its fractions as a result of using forage crops. NT for 14 years and CLI for 8 years exhibited higher levels of C management and higher soil biological activity due to the greater stability of these systems.

Os sistemas integrados de produção agropecuária possuem potencial de incrementar a matéria orgânica, com reflexos nas concentrações de carbono e de nitrogênio no solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar estoques de carbono e nitrogênio e seus compartimentos em um Argissolo Amarelo Distrocoeso típico sob plantio direto e integração lavoura-pecuária no Leste maranhense. Os manejos avaliados foram: sistema de plantio direto em sucessão há 14 anos (soja/milheto), três áreas com diferentes históricos de sucessão com a adoção do sistema integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP), sendo dois, quatro e oito anos, além de uma área de Cerrado nativo. Foram coletadas amostras de solo nas profundidades de 0,00-0,10; 0,10-0,20; 0,20-0,30; 0,30-0,50 metros para análise de teores e estoques totais de carbono (C) e de seus compartimentos (físico e químico), nitrogênio (N) e da biomassa microbiana do solo e respiração basal. Os resultados revelam maior teor e estoque de C e N nas áreas com ILP. A substância húmica predominante foi a humina e maiores concentrações do carbono associado a minerais estiveram presentes na área sob ILP mais recente (dois e quatro anos). A adoção da ILP, mesmo que recente, proporciona incrementos imediatos nas concentrações de C e suas frações em função do emprego de forrageiras. O plantio direto há 14anos e ILP há oito anos são sistemas com maior índice de manejo do C, como, também, apresentam maior atividade biológica do solo, devido à maiores estabilidade destes sistemas.

Dredging on water bodies and margin interventions: effects on fish / Dragagem de corpos hídricos e intervenções em margens: efeitos nos peixes

The urbanization process deeply affects rivers and streams, with numerous impacts, such as the dis-charge of sewers, dams, and pipework, causing profound changes in the water bodies characteristics and in their biota. In this scenario, the silting of rivers suffers one of the most impactful changes, as it undergoes a reduction in the depth and width of the rivers, triggering physical and chemical changes in the water, as well as in the structure of fish population, its feeding and reproduction habitats. As a palliative measure, it is normal to carry out the desilting (dredging) of rivers, an activity that is also very impacting. Floodings are one of the main factors that demand dredging to be carried out. This re-view was made to analyze desilting activities, their effects on biota and migratory fish, as well as to evaluate the best management strategies and mitigation of impacts on fish population. The shifting and removal of sediment from the riverbed can cause burial and massive death of eggs and larvae, in addition to interfering in the upward and downward migration of eggs, larvae, and adults of migratory fish. In addition, breeding and feeding sites can be impacted by sediment movement, dredging, and deposition. Some actions minimize the impacts of the silting activity recovering riparian forests, ins-pect the use of soil on the banks, move urban settlements away, assess the dredging site, consider the spawning sites and reduce the suspension of bottom sediments, as well as choose the best equipment and time for the performance of activities. Therefore, the development of research on the effect of dredging of water bodies on fish would contribute to a better management of the activity.(AU)

O processo de urbanização afeta diretamente os rios e riachos com inúmeros impactos, como lançamento de esgotos, barramentos e canalizações, que causam profundas alterações em suas características e tam-bém na sua biota. O assoreamento dos rios se caracteriza como uma das mais impactantes alterações, pois acarreta redução da profundidade e largura dos rios, pode provacar alterações físicas e químicas na água, bem como na estrutura de hábitats de alimentação e reprodução dos peixes. Como medida paleativa, é normal realizar a execução de desassoreamento (dragagem) dos rios, atividade esta também muito impac-tante. As enchentes é um dos principais fatores que fazem com que a dragagem seja executada. No intuito de analisar as atividades de desassoreamentos, seus efeitos na biota e nos peixes migradores, bem como avaliar as melhores estratégias de gestão e mitigação dos impactos nos peixes, foi elaborado a presente revisão. Como constatado a movimentação e a remoção de sedimento do leito do rio podem causar soter-ramento e morte massiva de ovos e larvas, além de interferir na migração ascendente e descendente de ovos, larvas e adultos de peixes migradores. Além disso, sítios de reprodução e alimentação podem ser im-pactados pela movimentação, dragagem e deposição do sedimento. Recuperar as matas ripárias, realizar a fiscalização do uso do solo nas margens, afastar os assentamentos urbanos, fazer a avaliação do local de dragagem considerando os locais de desova e diminuindo a suspensão de sedimentos de fundo, bem como escolher o melhor equipamento e época para a realização das atividades, são medidas que minimizam os impactos da atividade de desassoreamento. Sendo assim, o desenvolvimento de pesquisas sobre o efeito da dragagem em peixes contribuiria com uma melhor gestão desta atividade.(AU)

Warm-climate, legume-grass forage mixtures versus grass-only swards: An ecosystem services comparison

Integrating warm-climate forage legumes into grass monocultures has received significant research attention during the past 70 years, but widespread adoption by end users has been elusive. The objectives of this review are to provide historical context regarding legume use in warm-climate grasslands; synthesize the current literature addressing contributions to grassland ecosystem services of warm-climate, grass-only vs. legume-grass mixed swards; and consider how to achieve more widespread adoption of legume technology in warm climates. For this review, warm-climate grasslands are considered those in areas between latitudes 30° N and 30° S, where C4 perennial grasses dominate. The literature suggests measurable advantages in animal performance, soil carbon accumulation, and nutrient cycling of legume-grass mixtures are most likely when grass-only swards receive little or no N fertilizer. Advantages are less or may disappear when mixtures are compared with grasses receiving high N fertilizer rates. In contrast, amelioration of greenhouse gas emissions is often most pronounced for mixtures when compared with grass-only swards receiving high rates of N, because of the magnitude of N fertilizer effects on emissions. Going forward, there is need to focus on selecting for, and thoroughly documenting legume persistence, achieving low-risk and affordable legume establishment methods, assessing compatibility of legumes in mixture with grasses prior to legume cultivar release, emphasizing adoption of both legume species and optimal management practices, and recognizing scientists must assume a larger and more intentional role in encouraging adoption by end-users of research innovations, in addition to our traditional role in technology and product development.(AU)

Major threats and habitat use status of Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo), in district Bannu, Pakistan / Principais ameaças e estado de uso de habitat de Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo), no distrito de Bannu, Paquistão

Cranes are the large and attractive Creatures of nature with long necks, legs, and life-span. Adults of both sexes are the same with similar color patterns. Demoiselle cranes spend most of their lifespan on dry grasses. They are also found around the stream, rivers, shallow lakes, natural wetlands, and depressions. To evaluate the current status of habitat use and major threats a study was conducted in tehsil Domel district Bannu. Line transect method and water quality tests (temperature, PH, contamination of E-coli bacteria) were used. To determine the major threats questionnaire method was used. The whole data was analyzed by using SPSS 21 version. Based on the distribution four study sites were selected and four water samples from each study site were taken. Most sites were moderate to highly degraded except Kashoo and kurram river mixing point which was low degraded with livestock grazing and human activities. Water quality tests showed PH ranges from 7-9, temperature 6.5-8.5, and contamination of E-coli in all samples. The social survey revealed that hunting, habitat degradation, and pollution as major threats. Effective long-term conservation and management in the study area are needed to focus on the protection of disturbance-free habitat.

Guindastes são a grande e atraente criatura da natureza com um pescoço longo, pernas e vida útil. Adultos de ambos os sexos são os mesmos com padrões de cores semelhantes. Guindastes Demoiselle passam a maior parte da vida em gramíneas secas. Também se encontram ao redor do córrego, rios, lagos rasos, pântanos naturais e depressões. Para avaliar o estado atual do uso do hábitat e as principais ameaças, um estudo foi realizado no distrito de Tehsil Domel, em Bannu. Foram utilizados o método transect e testes de qualidade da água (temperatura, pH, contaminação da bactéria E. coli). Para determinar as principais ameaças foi utilizado o método de questionário. Todos os dados foram analisados por meio da versão SPSS 21. Com base na distribuição, foram selecionados quatro locais de estudo e quatro amostras de água de cada local de estudo. A maioria dos locais estava moderada a altamente degradada, exceto no ponto de encontro dos rios Kashoo e Kurram, que teve baixa degradação com pastagem de gado e atividades humanas. Os testes de qualidade da água mostraram variação de pH de 7-9, temperatura 6,5-8,5 e contaminação de E. coli em todas as amostras. A pesquisa do questionário revelou que a caça, a degradação do hábitat e a poluição são as principais ameaças. Efetiva conservação e gestão a longo prazo na área de estudo são necessárias para se concentrar na proteção de um hábitat livre de distúrbios.

Major threats and habitat use status of Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo), in district Bannu, Pakistan / Principais ameaças e estado de uso de habitat de Demoiselle crane (Anthropoides virgo), no distrito de Bannu, Paquistão

Cranes are the large and attractive Creatures of nature with long necks, legs, and life-span. Adults of both sexes are the same with similar color patterns. Demoiselle cranes spend most of their lifespan on dry grasses. They are also found around the stream, rivers, shallow lakes, natural wetlands, and depressions. To evaluate the current status of habitat use and major threats a study was conducted in tehsil Domel district Bannu. Line transect method and water quality tests (temperature, PH, contamination of E-coli bacteria) were used. To determine the major threats questionnaire method was used. The whole data was analyzed by using SPSS 21 version. Based on the distribution four study sites were selected and four water samples from each study site were taken. Most sites were moderate to highly degraded except Kashoo and kurram river mixing point which was low degraded with livestock grazing and human activities. Water quality tests showed PH ranges from 7-9, temperature 6.5-8.5, and contamination of E-coli in all samples. The social survey revealed that hunting, habitat degradation, and pollution as major threats. Effective long-term conservation and management in the study area are needed to focus on the protection of disturbance-free habitat. (AU)

Guindastes são a grande e atraente criatura da natureza com um pescoço longo, pernas e vida útil. Adultos de ambos os sexos são os mesmos com padrões de cores semelhantes. Guindastes Demoiselle passam a maior parte da vida em gramíneas secas. Também se encontram ao redor do córrego, rios, lagos rasos, pântanos naturais e depressões. Para avaliar o estado atual do uso do hábitat e as principais ameaças, um estudo foi realizado no distrito de Tehsil Domel, em Bannu. Foram utilizados o método transect e testes de qualidade da água (temperatura, pH, contaminação da bactéria E. coli). Para determinar as principais ameaças foi utilizado o método de questionário. Todos os dados foram analisados por meio da versão SPSS 21. Com base na distribuição, foram selecionados quatro locais de estudo e quatro amostras de água de cada local de estudo. A maioria dos locais estava moderada a altamente degradada, exceto no ponto de encontro dos rios Kashoo e Kurram, que teve baixa degradação com pastagem de gado e atividades humanas. Os testes de qualidade da água mostraram variação de pH de 7-9, temperatura 6,5-8,5 e contaminação de E. coli em todas as amostras. A pesquisa do questionário revelou que a caça, a degradação do hábitat e a poluição são as principais ameaças. Efetiva conservação e gestão a longo prazo na área de estudo são necessárias para se concentrar na proteção de um hábitat livre de distúrbios.(AU)

Labour costs on the vegetables: a research on the location effect on salaries in Jiangsu Province, China / Custos trabalhistas nas hortaliças: uma pesquisa sobre o efeito da localização nos salários na província de Jiangsu, China

In this study, the labour requirement and labour cost of common vegetable cultivation were investigated to help agricultural enterprises and family farms establishing reasonable "working hour" management systems in Jiangsu Province. The labour requirement of each step of three type of producers, agriculture enterprises, family farms, and private vegetable growers, in three regions in Jiangsu Province, named north, middle and south Jiangsu, was investigated by on-site observation or questionnaire survey during 2018 and 2019. The labour cost of each step and each vegetable was counted according to the labour requirement and the salary level. The results indicated that "residue cleaning", "soil preparation and bedding", "plant regulation", "auxin treatment of tomato flowers" and "hand pollination" accounted for higher proportions of labour cost amongst the entire vegetable culture process. No significant differences in the labour requirements of the investigated vegetables were reported amongst three regions in Jiangsu Province. However, the order of labour cost is south Jiangsu > north Jiangsu > middle Jiangsu, due to the salary difference amongst three regions. Watermelon, broccoli and chive are more suitable for growing by agricultural enterprises since they have relatively low unit labour and high prices. We established a method to calculate and analyze labour requirement and cost of vegetable production in Jiangsu Province, which also may be instructive for other regions. In addition, our results provided useful data for various vegetable producers to improve their labour management.

Neste estudo, a necessidade de trabalho e o custo do cultivo comum de vegetais foram investigados para ajudar as empresas agrícolas e fazendas familiares a estabelecer sistemas de gestão de "horas de trabalho" razoáveis ​​na província de Jiangsu. A necessidade de trabalho de cada etapa de três tipos de produtores, empresas agrícolas, fazendas familiares e horticultores privados, em três regiões da província de Jiangsu, denominadas norte, centro e sul de Jiangsu, foi investigada por observação no local ou pesquisa por questionário durante 2018 e 2019. O custo da mão de obra de cada etapa e de cada hortaliça foi contabilizado de acordo com a necessidade de mão de obra e o nível salarial. Os resultados indicaram que "limpeza de resíduos", "preparo de solo e cama", "regulação de plantas", "tratamento com auxina de flores de tomate" e "polinização manual" foram responsáveis por maiores proporções de custo de mão de obra em todo o processo de cultivo de vegetais. Nenhuma diferença significativa nas necessidades de trabalho dos vegetais investigados foi encontrada entre as três regiões da província de Jiangsu. No entanto, a ordem do custo da mão-de-obra é sul de Jiangsu> norte de Jiangsu> meio de Jiangsu, devido à diferença salarial entre as três regiões. Melancia, brócolis e cebolinha são mais adequados para o cultivo por empresas agrícolas, uma vez que têm uma unidade de trabalho relativamente baixa e preços altos. Estabelecemos um método para calcular e analisar a necessidade de mão de obra e o custo da produção de vegetais na província de Jiangsu, que também pode ser empregado para outras regiões. Além disso, nossos resultados forneceram dados úteis para vários produtores de vegetais melhorarem sua gestão de mão de obra.

Listeriosis outbreak in sheep raised in feedlots in the Southern Region of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Background: A listeriosis outbreak in a sheep fattening feedlot in the Southern Region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazilis described. This disease is caused by Listeria monocytogenes and represents a risk to public health since it affects notonly ruminants but also humans. This agent is widely spread in the environment, such as in the soil and water. It is alsofound in decaying vegetable matter and the feces and fluids of domestic animals. The aim of this study was to describe alisteriosis outbreak in sheep raised in feedlots, its epidemiology, and to establish the importance of this disease in this typeof sheep management system, evaluate the possible sources of infection, and suggest ways to control it.Cases: Sheep were kept in a 2-sector shed, one with east solar orientation and the other with west solar orientation, thelatter with free access to domestic birds. Sheep were fed silage and concentrate. Seven sheep were affected, 5 died and 2recovered. Clinically, the sheep displayed loss of balance, excessive drooling, and tremors; one exhibited circling, headdeviation, apathy, nystagmus, lateral recumbency, paddling, and labored breathing. At necropsy, macroscopic lesions werenot found, and histologically several micro-abscesses and perivascular cuffs with lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils were present in the brain stem. Listeria monocytogenes suspected colonies were observed in the microbiologicalculture, and the bacteria was identified by biochemical analysis. The immunohistochemistry test in brain stem sectionswas positive for the antibody BD DifcoTM Listeria O Antiserum Poly Serotypes 1 and 4.Discussion: A listeriosis outbreak in a feedlot sheep was confirmed through epidemiological findings, histological lesions,bacterial culture, and immunohistochemistry analysis. This infection is frequent...