Microbiological properties of soils are sensitive to changes provided by organic cultivation of banana 'BRS Princesa' in the semi-arid region

Soil microbiota has a key role in the dynamics of natural and agro-ecosystems and is sensitive to changes in these environments. This study evaluated changes in the microbiological properties of soils under an organic production system of banana 'BRS Princesa' (Musa spp.). The experimental design consisted of completely randomized blocks, with four replications. Treatments consisted of 1) soil cover with green manure and agricultural gypsum at a dose of 2,820 kg ha−1, 2) soil cover with green manure without gypsum application, 3) soil cover with weeds and agricultural gypsum at a dose of 2,820 kg ha−1, 4) soil cover with spontaneous plants without gypsum application, and two controls: 5) soil under native Caatinga and 6) soil under regenerating forest (capoeira). The evaluated properties were ß-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, acid phosphatase, fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis activities (FDA), carbon and phosphorus contents in microbial biomass, basal soil respiration, microbial and metabolic quotients, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spore density. Soil samples were collected from the 0­0.20m depth layer in two seasons. No parameter could distinguish the treatments. Spontaneous plants provided conditions equivalent to those under green manure. Agricultural gypsum application also did not influence the microbial biomass and microbiota activity, in the analyzed soil depth. However, ß-glucosidase and arylsulfatase activities, the carbon content in microbial biomass, and metabolic and microbial quotients were sensitive to land-use changes and could distinguish areas under organic cultivation from those under native vegetation. Therefore, these properties can be considered good indicators for monitoring the quality of these soils. Furthermore, microbial communities of soils under organic cultivation responded with arylsulfatase activity corresponding to that found in soils under regenerating forest, which may indicate that organic management tends to provide the microbiota with a condition similar to that found under situations that are little disturbing to edaphic living.(AU)

Measuring water retention in undisturbed samples of stony soils

Stony soils have been increasingly used for agriculture production; however, little is known about their hydraulic properties due to problems, such as sample deformation and hydraulic continuity between samples and suction devices when the sampling and measurements are accomplished with traditional techniques. In this study, the traditional ring sampling technique was replaced by the sampling of undisturbed soil blocks coated with paraffin wax to preserve their structure. A saturated paste of fine-grained mineral particles was used to ensure contact and hydraulic continuity between samples and suction devices (sand table and ceramic plates). This allowed us to determine 30 water retention curves for three stony soils with coarse particle contents (> 2 mm) ranging from zero to 69 %. The van Genuchten model was fitted to the measured retention data and the root mean square errors were between 0.0034 and 0.0331 m3 m­3, with no outliers or odd behavior in the retention curves. These results showed that consistent water retention curves for stony soils can be determined with the technique proposed. Fine-grained minerals sandwiched between the surface of suctions sources and sampled blocks improve hydraulic continuity between them. These techniques can be applied to determine water retention properties in structured soil samples with coarse particles where it is unfeasible to collect structured soil samples with metal sampling rings.(AU)

Fire severity in slash-and-burn agriculture in southern Brazil: an overview

Slash-and-burn is a traditional agricultural system still widely used in Brazil. The variation in temperature during fires results in different levels of physical, chemical, and biological changes in the soil, which makes it necessarily better to understand the dynamics of fire severity in this system. The aim of this study was to make an analytical comparison of the variation in the temperature reached in the soil during fires in slash-and-burn agriculture. Temperature data were measured in burnt areas with similar fallow times at the following soil depths 0; 2.5 and 5 cm and compared with secondary data from other studies in the same slash-and-burn system in southern Brazil. The peak temperature showed more significant variations in the surface (0 cm) of different soils and different types of regeneration vegetation in each area. Overall, the peak temperatures ranged from 32 to 673 ºC across the three depths. The peak temperature reduction in the 5 cm layer was 88 % compared to the surface and 30 % compared to the 2.5 cm layer. The sandier soils showed greater thermal conductivity at depth. The surface litter seems to exert a more significant influence on the burning severity than the biomass load cut for burning, suggesting that the characteristics of the litter layer on the surface should be better characterized in future studies on fire severity.(AU)

Dynamics of ammonia volatilization from NBPT-treated urea in tropical acid soils

The urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) reduces NH3 losses from urea (UR) surface-applied to soils, but its efficacy may be lower in acidic soils. The period when urease inhibition occurs efficaciously may change with soil pH. This needs to be clarified in tropical soils which are commonly acidic. This study evaluated the effectiveness of NBPT-treated urea to delay and reduce ammonia volatilization in two soils at three pH levels. Two experiments were conducted under laboratory conditions in soils with different textures (sandy-clay and clay). The treatments consisted of three soil pH levels and two N sources (UR and UR + NBPT), with five replicates. The soil pH values were adjusted and reached values of 4.5, 5.6, and 6.4 in the sandy-clay, and 4.5, 5.4, and 6.1 in the clay soil. Ammonia volatilization was measured using glass chambers (1.5 L). In the sandy-clay soil, NH3 losses were 40-47 % of the UR-N. In the clay soil, losses were 26-32 %. The addition of NBPT to UR reduced the NH3 volatilization by 18-53 %; the inhibitor decreased the N losses under all soil pH conditions but was significantly less efficient in acidic soils (pH 4.5). The lower efficiency of the inhibitor under acidic conditions was more evident in the first few days: 50 % of the total NH3 losses occurred in less than four days in soils with pH 4.5, but in 8-11 days in soils with pH above 5.4. The rapid loss in efficiency in more acidic soils is a drawback. Using NBPT in severely acidic soils showed a relatively small advantage over untreated UR as the inhibitor did not provide extra time for fertilizer incorporation and further reduction of NH3 losses.(AU)

Production and marketing of Tuber floridanum ­ ecology and gastronomic value of a recently described truffle species

Tuber floridanum is the first truffle species reported in Brazil and little is known about its nutritional properties and ecology. Therefore, this study aimed to (1) determine T. floridanum aroma and nutritional properties and (2) analyze cultivation and fruiting conditions, including potential crop pests and market value. Fruiting bodies of T. floridanum showed a slightly ellipsoid shape and smooth to shallow groovy surface. The mass of ascocarps ranged from 0.13 g to 15.95 g, and the truffle was composed of 71 % carbohydrates, 19 % protein, 5 % ash, and 5 % of fat. Octan-3-one, 1-methoxy-3-methyl-butane, and 1-methoxy-2-methyl-butane determined T. floridanum characteristic aroma. Soil properties were also specific for this truffle, differing from optimal soils where commercial truffles are produced. In addition, the occurrence of earwigs (Anisolabididae, Anisolabidinae) feeding on truffles (26 % of all ascocarps) in pecan orchards may reduce truffle quality and cause financial losses. T. floridanum aroma has a unique composition, completely different from any commercial and non-commercial truffle species analyzed so far. Soil conditions in pecan orchards were also specific for truffle fruiting. Further studies should elucidate other ecological conditions for the co-production of T. floridanum with pecan.(AU)

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi activity in the rhizosphere of tree seedlings subjected to residual herbicides / Atividade de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares na rizosfera de mudas de árvores submetidas a herbicidas residuais

Abstract Trees occurring on the margins of agricultural areas can mitigate damage from residual herbicides. Rhizospheric microbial activity associated with trees is one of the main remedial capacity indicators. The objective of this study was to evaluate the rhizospheric microbiological activity in tree species subjected to the herbicides atrazine and sulfentrazone via the rhizosphere. The experiment was designed in four blocks and a 6 × 3 factorial scheme. The first factor consisted of six tree species from Brazil and the second of atrazine, sulfentrazone, and water solutions. Four herbicide applications were performed via irrigation. The total dry mass of the plants, mycorrhizal colonization, number of spores, basal respiration of the rhizospheric soil, and survival rate of bioindicator plants after phytoremediation were determined. Trichilia hirta had higher biomass when treated with atrazine and sulfentrazone. Herbicides decreased the microbial activity in Triplaris americana and did not affect the microbiological indicators of Myrsine gardneriana, Schizolobium parahyba, and Toona ciliata. Fewer bioindicator plants survived in soil with Triplaris americana and sulfentrazone. Microbiological indicators were influenced in different ways between species by the presence of herbicides in the rhizosphere.

Resumo As árvores que ocorrem nas margens das áreas agrícolas podem mitigar os danos dos herbicidas residuais. A atividade microbiana rizosférica associada às árvores é um dos principais indicadores de capacidade corretiva. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade microbiológica rizosférica em espécies arbóreas submetidas aos herbicidas atrazina e sulfentrazone via rizosfera. O experimento foi estruturado em quatro blocos e esquema fatorial 6 × 3. O primeiro fator consistiu em seis espécies de árvores do Brasil e o segundo em soluções de atrazine, sulfentrazone e água. Quatro aplicações de herbicidas foram realizadas via irrigação. Foram determinados a massa seca total das plantas, colonização micorrízica, número de esporos, respiração basal do solo rizosférico e taxa de sobrevivência de plantas bioindicadoras após fitorremediação. Trichilia hirta apresentou maior biomassa quando tratada com atrazina e sulfentrazone. Os herbicidas diminuíram a atividade microbiana em Triplaris americana e não afetaram os indicadores microbiológicos de Myrsine gardneriana, Schizolobium parahyba e Toona ciliata. Menos plantas bioindicadoras sobreviveram no solo com Triplaris americana e sulfentrazone. Os indicadores microbiológicos foram influenciados de formas distintas entre as espécies pela presença dos herbicidas na rizosfera.

Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae)

Abstract Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.

Resumo Alguns estudos relatam o efeito positivo de resíduos orgânicos de formigueiros nas propriedades do solo e na estrutura da comunidade de plantas adjacentes em experimentos de campo, mas há uma lacuna sobre o efeito em espécies individuais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desenvolvimento de Turnera subulata Smith, uma espécie ornamental, na presença do substrato de descarte (SD) de formigueiros produzido pela formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) por meio de experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido com dois tratamentos: solo controle e solo com 25% de SD. As plantas foram mantidas em vasos de 1L por 90 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, número de folhas, massa seca da raiz, biomassa seca e fresca da parte aérea. Além disso, o conteúdo relativo de clorofila e os nutrientes foliares foram usados como parâmetros fisiológicos. Como resultado, as plantas que cresceram no solo com SD apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de todos os parâmetros avaliados quando comparadas ao tratamento controle (p 0.001). Concluímos que esse biofertilizante contribuiu para a produção de plantas mais vigorosas, podendo atuar na dinâmica local de nutrientes nos ecossistemas onde A. balzani ocorre. Além disso, por ser relativamente abundante e fácil de coletar, o SD de A. balzani tem potencial para ser utilizado como biofertilizante na produção de plantas de ciclo de vida curta.

Soybean base fertilization: chemical and microbiological soil indicators and crop yield / Adubação de base na soja: indicadores químicos e microbiológicos dosolo e produtividade da cultura

Recent research suggests that soybean yield could be doubled in Brazilian conditions, implying that the base fertilization is pivotal, as it might influence chemical and microbiological soil indicators and, hence, the crop grain yield. The current study had the goal of assessing alterations in the chemical and microbiological soil indicators, in the short term, as well as the soybean biometric and grain yield performance as a function of different fertilizers for base fertilization, in two sowing periods. An experiment comprised of two sowing periods was carried out in the 2019/2020 season on a dystrophic Red Latosol, in north Parana state. Five treatments were assessed, comprising: 1) control; 2) mineral fertilizer; 3) organomineral fertilizer; 4) mineral fertilizer mixed with granulated gypsum; and 5) slow release mineral fertilizer. A randomized block design with four replicates was adopted. The following variables were assessed: chemical and microbiological soil indicators; final stand; first pod insertion height; plant height; stem diameter; number of pods per plant; number of grains per plant; number of grains per pod; grain mass per plant; and one thousand grain mass and grain yield. There is no base fertilization effect on the chemical soil indicators in the short term, however, there is an effect on the microbiological soil indicators. Soybean biometric and grain yield performance is decreased with the delayed sowing period, regardless of the type of fertilizer utilized for base fertilization. Analyzing a set of soil quality indicators enables precise and judicious results to be gathered on management practices in the soil environment.(AU)

Pesquisas recentes apontam que a produtividade da soja pode ser duplicada em condições brasileiras, para tanto, a adubação de base se mostra fundamental, pois pode interferir nos indicadoresquímicos e microbiológicos do solo e, consequentemente, no rendimento da cultura. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar as alterações nos indicadoresquímicos e microbiológicosdo solo, no curto prazo, e o desempenhofitométrico e produtivo da soja em função do uso de diferentes fertilizantes na adubação de base, em duas épocas de semeadura. Foi conduzido experimento em duas épocas de semeadura na safra 2019/2020, em um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, no norte do estado do Paraná. Foram avaliados cincotratamentos que consistiram de: 1) controle; 2) fertilizante mineral; 3) fertilizante organomineral; 4) fertilizante mineral emmistura com gesso granulado e 5) fertilizante mineral de liberação lenta. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso comquatro repetições. Foram avaliadososindicadoresquímicos e microbiológicos do solo; estande final; altura de inserção da primeira vagem; altura de planta; diâmetro do caule; número de vagens por planta; número de grãos por planta; número de grãos por vagem; massa de grãos por planta; massade mil grãos e produtividade. Não há efeito da adubação de base sobre os indicadoresquímicos do solo no curto prazo, porém, há efeito sobre os indicadoresmicrobiológicos. O desempenhofitométrico e produtivo da soja é reduzidoconforme o atraso da semeadura, independentemente do tipo de fertilizante utilizado na adubação de base.A análise conjunta de indicadores de qualidade do solo permite a obtenção de resultados precisos e criteriosos sobre as práticas de manejo no ambiente do solo.(AU)

Woody species distribution across a savanna-dry forest soil gradient in the Brazilian Cerrado / Distribuição de espécies arbóreas em gradiente de solo savana-floresta seca no Cerrado brasileiro

Although richness and distribution of woody species in the Cerrado physiognomies have been extensively studied, the shifts of woody species from savanna physiognomies to dry forests have not yet been addressed. Here, we investigate the effect of soil physical-chemical traits on the woody species turnover between adjacent cerrado stricto sensu and dry forest physiognomies. Woody species were surveyed, and soil and topographic variables measured, in 30 10×40 m plots systematically distributed, with 15 plots in each physiognomy. We found a spatially structured distribution of woody species, and differences of soil traits between cerrado stricto sensu and dry forest areas, mainly related to the aluminum saturation, base saturation, and available phosphorus. Aluminum saturation increased toward the savanna area, while base saturation increased toward the dry forest. Most woody species predominated in one physiognomy, such as Callisthene major in the cerrado stricto sensu and Anadenanthera colubrina in the dry forest. Only 20% of the species were widely distributed across both physiognomies or, not often, restricted to the intermediary values of the soil gradient. General results indicate that contrasting soil traits between cerrado stricto sensu and dry forest produce a strongly spatially organized and sharp transition in terms of species distribution between these physiognomies.

Embora a distribuição e a riqueza em espécies arbóreas nas fitofisionomias do Cerrado venham sendo bastante estudadas, a transição entre savanas e florestas deciduais ainda não foi abordada. Investigamos o efeito de características físico-químicas do solo sobre a distribuição de espécies arbóreas em região de contato entre cerrado sentido restrito e floresta estacional decidual (FED). As espécies arbóreas foram amostradas sistematicamente, e variáveis de topografia e características do solo foram medidas em 30 parcelas de 10×40 m, sendo 15 parcelas em cada fisionomia. A distribuição das espécies arbóreas foi espacialmente estruturada, e as características do solo diferiram entre as áreas de cerrado sentido restrito e FED, principalmente relacionadas à saturação de alumínio, saturação de bases e teores de fósforo. A saturação de alumínio aumentou em direção ao cerrado sentido restrito, enquanto a saturação de bases aumentou em direção à FED. A maioria das espécies arbóreas predominou em uma das fisionomias, como Callisthene major em cerrado sentido restrito e Anadenanthera colubrina em FED. Apenas 20% das espécies foram amplamente distribuídas em ambas as fisionomias ou, em poucos casos, restritas aos valores intermediários do gradiente de solo. Os resultados indicam um forte contraste de características do solo entre o cerrado sentido restrito e a FED, assim como uma transição acentuada e espacialmente organizada quanto à distribuição de espécies arbóreas.

Woody species distribution across a savanna-dry forest soil gradient in the Brazilian Cerrado / Distribuição de espécies arbóreas em gradiente de solo savana-floresta seca no Cerrado brasileiro

Although richness and distribution of woody species in the Cerrado physiognomies have been extensively studied, the shifts of woody species from savanna physiognomies to dry forests have not yet been addressed. Here, we investigate the effect of soil physical-chemical traits on the woody species turnover between adjacent cerrado stricto sensu and dry forest physiognomies. Woody species were surveyed, and soil and topographic variables measured, in 30 10×40 m plots systematically distributed, with 15 plots in each physiognomy. We found a spatially structured distribution of woody species, and differences of soil traits between cerrado stricto sensu and dry forest areas, mainly related to the aluminum saturation, base saturation, and available phosphorus. Aluminum saturation increased toward the savanna area, while base saturation increased toward the dry forest. Most woody species predominated in one physiognomy, such as Callisthene major in the cerrado stricto sensu and Anadenanthera colubrina in the dry forest. Only 20% of the species were widely distributed across both physiognomies or, not often, restricted to the intermediary values of the soil gradient. General results indicate that contrasting soil traits between cerrado stricto sensu and dry forest produce a strongly spatially organized and sharp transition in terms of species distribution between these physiognomies.(AU)

Embora a distribuição e a riqueza em espécies arbóreas nas fitofisionomias do Cerrado venham sendo bastante estudadas, a transição entre savanas e florestas deciduais ainda não foi abordada. Investigamos o efeito de características físico-químicas do solo sobre a distribuição de espécies arbóreas em região de contato entre cerrado sentido restrito e floresta estacional decidual (FED). As espécies arbóreas foram amostradas sistematicamente, e variáveis de topografia e características do solo foram medidas em 30 parcelas de 10×40 m, sendo 15 parcelas em cada fisionomia. A distribuição das espécies arbóreas foi espacialmente estruturada, e as características do solo diferiram entre as áreas de cerrado sentido restrito e FED, principalmente relacionadas à saturação de alumínio, saturação de bases e teores de fósforo. A saturação de alumínio aumentou em direção ao cerrado sentido restrito, enquanto a saturação de bases aumentou em direção à FED. A maioria das espécies arbóreas predominou em uma das fisionomias, como Callisthene major em cerrado sentido restrito e Anadenanthera colubrina em FED. Apenas 20% das espécies foram amplamente distribuídas em ambas as fisionomias ou, em poucos casos, restritas aos valores intermediários do gradiente de solo. Os resultados indicam um forte contraste de características do solo entre o cerrado sentido restrito e a FED, assim como uma transição acentuada e espacialmente organizada quanto à distribuição de espécies arbóreas.(AU)

Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae) / O substrato de descarte de Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) aumenta o vigor da planta Turnera subulata (Turneraceae)

Abstract Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.

Resumo Alguns estudos relatam o efeito positivo de resíduos orgânicos de formigueiros nas propriedades do solo e na estrutura da comunidade de plantas adjacentes em experimentos de campo, mas há uma lacuna sobre o efeito em espécies individuais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desenvolvimento de Turnera subulata Smith, uma espécie ornamental, na presença do substrato de descarte (SD) de formigueiros produzido pela formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) por meio de experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido com dois tratamentos: solo controle e solo com 25% de SD. As plantas foram mantidas em vasos de 1L por 90 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, número de folhas, massa seca da raiz, biomassa seca e fresca da parte aérea. Além disso, o conteúdo relativo de clorofila e os nutrientes foliares foram usados como parâmetros fisiológicos. Como resultado, as plantas que cresceram no solo com SD apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de todos os parâmetros avaliados quando comparadas ao tratamento controle (p < 0.001). Concluímos que esse biofertilizante contribuiu para a produção de plantas mais vigorosas, podendo atuar na dinâmica local de nutrientes nos ecossistemas onde A. balzani ocorre. Além disso, por ser relativamente abundante e fácil de coletar, o SD de A. balzani tem potencial para ser utilizado como biofertilizante na produção de plantas de ciclo de vida curta.

Ecosystem services supply by the soil of forest fragment in a highland humid enclave / Provisão de serviços ecossistêmicos pelo solo de um fragmento florestal do Brejo Paraibano

The encroachment of agricultural activities on the remnants of the Atlantic Forest in the high altitudes of the Brazilian Northeast led to the formation of forest fragments that need to be better understood. To this end, research was conducted in a forest fragment of Mata do Pau-Ferro in a highland humid enclave, locally known as "Brejo Paraibano", to characterize the soil through chemical, physical, mineralogical, and geochemical attributes, to evaluate the potential ofthe soil in the provisionof services environment. Ferralsols samples were collected and analyzed in a layer from 0 to 20 cm deep. The results showed that soil properties have a direct influence on the provision of ecosystemservices, especially support, regulation, provision, andcultural services. Among the properties, essential nutrient content, carbon stock, minerals that can provide nutrients in the long term, texture, density, and organic matter content stand out, favoring water storage and adequate development of plant species.(AU)

O avanço das atividades agropecuárias sobre os remanescentes de Mata Atlântica de Altitude do Nordeste acarretou na formação de fragmentos de floresta que precisam ser melhorentendidos. Para tanto, a pesquisa foi realizada em um fragmento florestal da Mata do Pau-Ferro no Brejo Paraibano com o objetivo de caracterizar o solo por meio de atributos químicos, físicos, mineralógicos e geoquímicos a fim de avaliar a potencialidade do solo na prestação de serviços ambientais. Foram coletadas amostras de um Latossolo Amarelo Distrófico húmico na camada de 0 a 20 cm de profundidade e carreadas as análises. Os resultados demonstraram que as propriedades do solo influenciam diretamente a oferta de serviços ecossistêmicosespecialmente os de suporte, regulação, provisão e culturais. Dentre as propriedades destacam-se os teores de nutrientes essenciais, estoque de carbono, minerais que podem fornecer nutrientes no longo prazo, textura, densidade e teores de matéria orgânica que favorecem armazenamento de água e adequado desenvolvimento de espécies vegetais.(AU)

Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae) / O substrato de descarte de Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) aumenta o vigor da planta Turnera subulata (Turneraceae)

Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.

Alguns estudos relatam o efeito positivo de resíduos orgânicos de formigueiros nas propriedades do solo e na estrutura da comunidade de plantas adjacentes em experimentos de campo, mas há uma lacuna sobre o efeito em espécies individuais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desenvolvimento de Turnera subulata Smith, uma espécie ornamental, na presença do substrato de descarte (SD) de formigueiros produzido pela formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) por meio de experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido com dois tratamentos: solo controle e solo com 25% de SD. As plantas foram mantidas em vasos de 1L por 90 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, número de folhas, massa seca da raiz, biomassa seca e fresca da parte aérea. Além disso, o conteúdo relativo de clorofila e os nutrientes foliares foram usados como parâmetros fisiológicos. Como resultado, as plantas que cresceram no solo com SD apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de todos os parâmetros avaliados quando comparadas ao tratamento controle (p < 0.001). Concluímos que esse biofertilizante contribuiu para a produção de plantas mais vigorosas, podendo atuar na dinâmica local de nutrientes nos ecossistemas onde A. balzani ocorre. Além disso, por ser relativamente abundante e fácil de coletar, o SD de A. balzani tem potencial para ser utilizado como biofertilizante na produção de plantas de ciclo de vida curta.

Nest refuse of Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) increases the plant vigor in Turnera subulata (Turneraceae) / O substrato de descarte de Acromyrmex balzani (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) aumenta o vigor da planta Turnera subulata (Turneraceae)

Some studies report the positive effect of organic residues from ant nests on soil properties and on the structure of the adjacent plant community in field experiments, but there is a gap about the effect on individual species. The purpose of the present study was to compare the soil nutrient content and the development of Turnera subulata Smith, an ornamental species, in the presence of the nest refuse (basically composed of fragments of grass leaves and the symbiotic fungus) produced by the leaf-cutting ant Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) or in control soil through a greenhouse pot experiment. The experiment was carried out with two treatments: control soil and soil with 25% of nest refuse. The plants were kept in 1L pots for 90 days. We evaluated the parameters: plant height, stem diameter, root length, number of leaves, dry weight of the root, dry and fresh aboveground biomass. Additionally, the relative chlorophyll content and leaf nutrients were used as nutritional parameters. As a result, plants that grew in the soil with nest refuse showed significant higher values of all parameters evaluated when compared to the control treatment (p < 0.001). We conclude that this biofertilizer contributed to the production of more vigorous plants, being able to act on the local dynamics of nutrients in the ecosystems where A. balzani occurs. As it is relatively abundant and easy to collect, the refuse of A. balzani has the potential to be used as an alternative substrate in the production of shortlife cycle plants.(AU)

Alguns estudos relatam o efeito positivo de resíduos orgânicos de formigueiros nas propriedades do solo e na estrutura da comunidade de plantas adjacentes em experimentos de campo, mas há uma lacuna sobre o efeito em espécies individuais. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o desenvolvimento de Turnera subulata Smith, uma espécie ornamental, na presença do substrato de descarte (SD) de formigueiros produzido pela formiga cortadeira Acromyrmex balzani (Emery, 1890) por meio de experimento em casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido com dois tratamentos: solo controle e solo com 25% de SD. As plantas foram mantidas em vasos de 1L por 90 dias. Foram avaliados os parâmetros: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, número de folhas, massa seca da raiz, biomassa seca e fresca da parte aérea. Além disso, o conteúdo relativo de clorofila e os nutrientes foliares foram usados como parâmetros fisiológicos. Como resultado, as plantas que cresceram no solo com SD apresentaram valores significativamente maiores de todos os parâmetros avaliados quando comparadas ao tratamento controle (p < 0.001). Concluímos que esse biofertilizante contribuiu para a produção de plantas mais vigorosas, podendo atuar na dinâmica local de nutrientes nos ecossistemas onde A. balzani ocorre. Além disso, por ser relativamente abundante e fácil de coletar, o SD de A. balzani tem potencial para ser utilizado como biofertilizante na produção de plantas de ciclo de vida curta.(AU)

Selectivity of soil constituents by termites in the construction of Brazilian termite mounds

Termites can create structures that alter the physical and chemical properties of soils. In this process, termites are selective about the soil constituents they will use to construct their mounds. Considering the common occurrence of termite mounds in Brazilian soils, this study aimed to investigate the selective action of termites in the mound building process. Samples were collected from six termite mounds and control soils (at a distance of 15 to 30 m from the termite mound) in different regions in Brazil to analyze the fine earth fraction. The content of clay fraction, organic C and Fe in pedogenic iron oxides increased in the mounds resulting in specific surface area increments. X-ray diffraction indicated a selectivity of termites by clay-sized particles such as kaolinite, gibbsite and iron oxides (hematite and goethite) rather than larger particles such as quartz. The proportion of low-crystalline iron oxides and the maghemite amount decreased in the mounds. The change of color parameters in the termite mounds was due to a combination of increase in clay fraction, organic carbon and iron oxides. The techniques used were sensitive, indicating changes and similarities between the control soils and the termite mounds.(AU)

Influence of urbanization on stream fish assemblages in three microbasins in the Upper Paraná River Basin / Influência da urbanização em assembleias de peixes de riachos em três microbacias na bacia do Alto Rio Paraná

The colonization pattern of fish assemblages in streams is often studied in the context of environmental filters. On the other hand, when fish assemblages are subjected to anthropogenic effects, variables associated with environmental quality assume more importance. Therefore, this work evaluated the richness and composition of fish from streams sampled at different urbanization levels, aiming to determine any direct effects on the structure of fish assemblages. To accomplish this, samples were collected from 2003 to 2011 at 31 sites distributed among 3 microbasins in the Rio Ivinhema Basin, Alto Rio Paraná. Based on environmental variables, physicochemical of the water and analysis of the use and occupation of the soil, the microbasins were classified into different urbanization levels (low, medium and high). A total of 4,320 individuals were sampled, out of which 57 fish species were recorded. Sampled sites with medium urbanization level presented higher richness compared to sampled sites with high urbanization level which presented lower richness. Species richness in these sites was explained mainly by water temperature and water velocity. Results confirmed that urbanization does directly affect environmental integrity, which, in turn, can lead to the homogenization of stream assemblages.

Estudos sobre assembleias de peixes em riachos enfatizam o papel dos filtros ambientais associados ao padrão de colonização das assembleias, por outro lado, quando a assembleia está sujeita aos efeitos antropogênicos, as variáveis ambientais associadas à qualidade ambiental assumem maior importância. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a riqueza e a composição de peixes de riachos amostrados em diferentes níveis de urbanização, buscando evidenciar se o efeito reflete diretamente na estrutura das assembleias. As amostragens foram realizadas em 31 locais distribuídos em três microbacias na bacia Rio Ivinhema, Alto Rio Paraná, no período de 2003 a 2011. Com base nas variáveis ambientais, físico-químicos da água e análise do uso e ocupação do solo as microbacias foram classificadas em diferentes níveis de urbanização (baixo, médio e alto). Foram amostrados um total 4.320 indivíduos, dos quais foram registradas 57 espécies de peixes. Os locais amostrados com influência média da urbanização apresentaram maior riqueza de espécies, entretanto, os locais amostrados com alta influência da urbanização apresentaram menor riqueza de espécies. Dessa forma, constatamos que a urbanização influencia diretamente na integridade ambiental, que pode levar a homogeneização das assembleias de riachos.

Influence of urbanization on stream fish assemblages in three microbasins in the Upper Paraná River Basin / Influência da urbanização em assembleias de peixes de riachos em três microbacias na bacia do Alto Rio Paraná

The colonization pattern of fish assemblages in streams is often studied in the context of environmental filters. On the other hand, when fish assemblages are subjected to anthropogenic effects, variables associated with environmental quality assume more importance. Therefore, this work evaluated the richness and composition of fish from streams sampled at different urbanization levels, aiming to determine any direct effects on the structure of fish assemblages. To accomplish this, samples were collected from 2003 to 2011 at 31 sites distributed among 3 microbasins in the Rio Ivinhema Basin, Alto Rio Paraná. Based on environmental variables, physicochemical of the water and analysis of the use and occupation of the soil, the microbasins were classified into different urbanization levels (low, medium and high). A total of 4,320 individuals were sampled, out of which 57 fish species were recorded. Sampled sites with medium urbanization level presented higher richness compared to sampled sites with high urbanization level which presented lower richness. Species richness in these sites was explained mainly by water temperature and water velocity. Results confirmed that urbanization does directly affect environmental integrity, which, in turn, can lead to the homogenization of stream assemblages.(AU)

Estudos sobre assembleias de peixes em riachos enfatizam o papel dos filtros ambientais associados ao padrão de colonização das assembleias, por outro lado, quando a assembleia está sujeita aos efeitos antropogênicos, as variáveis ambientais associadas à qualidade ambiental assumem maior importância. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a riqueza e a composição de peixes de riachos amostrados em diferentes níveis de urbanização, buscando evidenciar se o efeito reflete diretamente na estrutura das assembleias. As amostragens foram realizadas em 31 locais distribuídos em três microbacias na bacia Rio Ivinhema, Alto Rio Paraná, no período de 2003 a 2011. Com base nas variáveis ambientais, físico-químicos da água e análise do uso e ocupação do solo as microbacias foram classificadas em diferentes níveis de urbanização (baixo, médio e alto). Foram amostrados um total 4.320 indivíduos, dos quais foram registradas 57 espécies de peixes. Os locais amostrados com influência média da urbanização apresentaram maior riqueza de espécies, entretanto, os locais amostrados com alta influência da urbanização apresentaram menor riqueza de espécies. Dessa forma, constatamos que a urbanização influencia diretamente na integridade ambiental, que pode levar a homogeneização das assembleias de riachos.(AU)

Amino acids foliar application for maximizing growth, productivity and quality of peanut grown under sandy soil / Aplicação foliar de aminoácidos para maximizar o crescimento, produtividade e qualidade do amendoim cultivado em solo arenoso

Two field experiments were conducted during 2019 and 2020 summer seasons at the experimental station of national research center, Al-Nubaryia district, El-Behaira Governorate, Egypt, to study the effect of Phenyl alanine and Aspartic acid foliar fertilizers at rates of (0.0, 50, 75 and 100 ppm) on morphological characters, photosynthetic pigments, seed yield and its components as well as seed quality of groundnut grown under sandy soil. Results indicated superiority of aspartic acid over phenyl alanine on increasing different growth parameters, chlorophyll b, biological and seed yields/plant, biological, seed and oil yields (kg/fed.), % of carbohydrate in peanut seeds. Meanwhile, phenyl alanine was superior on increasing carotenoids, indole acetic acid, phenolics, free amino acids, flavonoids, Lycopene, ß-Carotene contents, antioxidant activity expressed as (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH %) and shilling percentage. In addition, aspartic acid and phenyl alanine with various levels caused significant increases in growth and seed yield quantity and quality of peanut plants through increases in photosynthetic pigments, indole acetic acid, phenolics and free amino acids contents. Aspartic acid was more effective than phenyl alanine, Foliar treatment with 100 mg/L aspartic acid increased oil yield (700.36 over 568.05 ton/fed.) and seed yield (1531.98 over 1253.49 kg/fed.). Finally, it can conclude that using aspartic acid and phenyl alanine as foliar treatment improved growth and yield of ground nut plants under sandy soil.

Dois experimentos de campo foram conduzidos durante as temporadas de verão de 2019 e 2020 na estação experimental do centro nacional de pesquisa, distrito de Al-Nubaryia, província de El-Behaira, Egito, para estudar o efeito de fenilalanina e fertilizantes foliares de ácido aspártico a taxas de (0,0, 50, 75 e 100ppm) em caracteres morfológicos, pigmentos fotossintéticos, rendimento de sementes e seus componentes, bem como qualidade de sementes de amendoim cultivadas em solo arenoso. Os resultados indicaram superioridade do ácido aspártico sobre a fenilalanina no aumento de diferentes parâmetros de crescimento, clorofila b, rendimento biológico e de sementes/planta, biológico, de sementes e óleo (Kg/alimentado), porcentagem de carboidratos em sementes de amendoim. Enquanto isso, a fenilalanina foi superior no aumento de carotonóides, ácido indolacético, fenólicos, aminoácidos livres, flavonóides, licopeno, teores de B-caroteno, atividade antioxidante expressa como (1,1-difenil2-picrilhidrazil DPPH%) e porcentagem de shilling. Além disso, ácido aspártico e fenilalanina com vários níveis causaram aumentos significativos no crescimento e produção de sementes, quantidade e qualidade de plantas de amendoim através de aumentos nos teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos, ácido indolacético, fenólicos e aminoácidos livres. O ácido aspártico foi mais eficaz que a fenilalanina. O tratamento foliar com 100 mg/L de ácido aspártico aumentou o rendimento de óleo (700,36 sobre 568,05 ton./alimentado) e o rendimento de sementes (1531,98 sobre 1253,49 kg/alimentação). Finalmente, pôde-se concluir que o uso de ácido aspártico e fenilalanina como tratamento foliar melhorou o crescimento e a produção de plantas de amendoim em solo arenoso.

Substitute a half dose of macro fertilizers with liquid organic fertilizers on sweet corn plants (Zea mays saccharata) on Inceptisol Soil in Indonesia / Substitua metade da dosemacrofertilizantes por fertilizantes orgânicos líquidos em plantas de milho doce (Zea mays saccharata) em Cambissolosna Indonésia

Corn is a promising commodity economically for cultivation. A part from not requiring a long harvest time, sweet corn has a high selling value, without a long post-harvest process. The locationof the research was conducted in rice fields in Tawangargo Village, Karangploso District, Malang Regency. Altitude ± 749 m above sea level, Inceptisol soil type and moderate tropical climate. The implementation was carried out from December 2019 to July 2020. The research design was carried out using a Complete Randomized Block Design, with 2 factors. Factor 1, is the recommended fertilizer dosage of 3 doses (0, ½ and 1 dose), the second factor is the dose of liquids fertilizer organic (0, 4, 8, and 12 g /l) with 4 repetitions, with intervals onceevery 7-10 days. Giving 4 ml/l dose of inorganic fertilizer at an interval of once a week, together with 1 recommended dosage of Macro fertilizer affects the growth and yield of sweet corn plants. The highest production per ha in this treatment was 13,339 kg. The highest RAE value is 325.6% in the recommended 1 dose of NPK treatment plus 4 g / l of "liquids fertilizer organic". The economic approach is by calculating the R/C ratio, the treatment with the highestRAEis the R/C ratio of 8.59 with a net income of Rp. 176,785,041.(AU)

O milho é uma commoditypromissora economicamente para o cultivo. Além de não exigir um longo tempo de colheita, o milho doce tem alto valor de venda, sem um longo processo de pós-colheita. O local da pesquisafoi conduzido em campos de arroz na vila de Tawangargo, distrito de Karangploso, regência de Malang(Indonésia). A altitude é de ±749 m acima do nível do mar, cambissoloe clima tropical moderado. A implementação foi realizada de dezembro de 2019 a julho de 2020. O projeto de pesquisa foi realizado usando um projeto de bloco aleatório completo, com 2 fatores. O fator 1, é a dosagem recomendada de adubo de trêsdoses (0, ½ e 1 dosagem), o segundo fator é a dosagem de adubo líquido orgânico (0, 4, 8 e 12g/l) com quatro repetições, em intervalos de 7-10 uma vez por dia. Administrar 4 ml/l de fertilizante inorgânico com intervalos de uma vez porsemana, juntamentecom 1 dose recomendada de Macrofertilizante, afeta o crescimento e rendimento das plantas de milho doce. A maior produção por ha neste tratamento foi de 13.339 kg. O maior valor de RAE é de 325,6% no recomendado 1 dose do tratamento NPKmais 4 g/l de "fertilizante orgânico líquido". A abordagem econômica é calcular a relação R/C, o tratamento com o RAE mais alto é a relação R/C de 8,59 com um lucro líquido de Rp. 176.785.041.(AU)

Essential oil in the management of the seed bank of infestant plants / Óleo essencial no manejo de banco de sementes de plantas infestantes

The weed seed bank causes damage to agriculture, due to competition with cultivated plants and raising production costs, Cenchrus echinatushas a high seed multiplication and dissemination mechanism and Conyzabonariensisglyphosate resistance mechanism. The objective was to evaluate the potential of Menthaarvensisessential oil by means of fumigation in the weed seed bank. Soil samples (2 kg per treatment) were collected, homogenized and subjected to fumigation for 24 and 48 hours at concentrations of 2.5% and 5.0% of essential oil. The soil was solarized (control) and dried in the shade for three days as a witness. Then, 500 g of soil were distributed in four trays in a completely randomized design, where they received irrigation, identification and registration of emerging seedlings. Data were checked for normality and homogeneity of variance, transformed when necessary and submitted to analysis of variance at a 5% significance level. The averages were performed by Tukey and Dunnet tests at 5% probability. It was concluded that fumigation reduced grass and horseweed emergence regardless of dose and exposure time, with results similar to solarization.(AU)

O banco de sementes de plantas daninhas ocasionadanos a agricultura, devidoa competição com plantas cultivadas e elevando custos de produção, o Cenchrus echinatustemalto mecanismo de multiplicação e disseminação de sementes e a Conyzabonariensis mecanismo de resistência ao glifosato. Objetivou-seavaliar o potencial do óleo essencial de Mentha arvensispor meio da fumigação sobre o banco de sementes de plantas daninhas. As amostras de solo (2 kgpor tratamento) foram coletadas, homogeneizadas e submetidas à fumigação por 24 e 48 horas nas concentrações de 2,5% e 5,0% de óleo essencial, sendo solo solarizado (controle) e solo seco a sombra por três dias como testemunha. Em seguida, 500g de solo foi distribuída em quatro bandejas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, onde receberam irrigações,identificação e registros das plântulas emergentes. Os dados foram verificados anormalidade e homogeneidade de variância, transformados quando necessário e submetidos à análise de variância ao nível de significância de 5%. As médias foram realizadas pelos testes deTukey eDunnet a 5% de probabilidade. Conclui-se que a fumigação reduziua emergência docapim carrapichoe buva independente da dose e o tempo de exposição, com resultado similar a solarização.(AU)