A comprehensive case study on the sustainability of tropical dairy cattle farming in Oaxaca, Mexico / Um estudo de caso abrangente sobre a sustentabilidade da pecuária leiteira tropical em Oaxaca, México

Tropical dairy cattle farming is one the most relevant economic activities for food production; although, currently faces increasing scrutiny from society due to its potential harm to natural resources and the environment. Moreover, some factors are paramount for the evaluation of the sustainability and productive potential of any given tropical dairy farm: soil quality, profitability, and energy efficiency. This study carried out a sustainability analysis in four types of tropical dairy cattle ranches, through three key indicators (economic profitability, energy efficiency and soil quality) and with a comprehensive approach in the Costa region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Therefore, four farms of different sizes (i.e., small, medium, large, and very large) were selected in Costa de Oaxaca, Mexico. The data collection was carried out for daily milk production, the dynamics of farm inputs (introduction or removal) from the production system, alongside with collection of soil samples. The agroecosystems evaluated were economically profitable, and those with greater intensification of their pasture areas display higher profit margins and energy efficiency. In terms of soil quality, there is a regular potential for its rational utilization.

A pecuária leiteira tropical é uma das atividades econômicas mais relevantes para a produção de alimentos, embora atualmente enfrente crescente discussão da sociedade devido ao seu potencial dano aos recursos naturais e ao meio ambiente. Além disso, alguns fatores são primordiais para a avaliação da sustentabilidade e potencial produtivo de qualquer popriedade leiteira tropical: qualidade do solo, rentabilidade e eficiência energética. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma análise de sustentabilidade em quatro tipos de propriedades de gado leiteiro tropical, por meio de três indicadores chave (rentabilidade econômica, eficiência energética e qualidade do solo) e com uma abordagem abrangente na região da Costa de Oaxaca, México. Portanto, quarto propriedades de diferentes tamanhos (isto é, pequenas, médias, grandes e muito grandes) foram selecionadas na Costa de Oaxaca, México. A coleta de dados foi realizada para a produção diária de leite, a dinâmica dos insumos da fazenda (introdução ou retirada) do sistema de produção, juntamente com coleta de amostras de solo. Os agroecossistemas avaliados foram economicamente rentáveis, sendo que aqueles com maior intensificação de suas áreas de pastagens apresentam maiores margens de lucro e eficiência energética. Em termos de qualidade do solo, existe um potencial regular para a sua utilização racional.

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)

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.

Edaphic fauna affects soybean productivity under no-till system

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of edaphic fauna under a no-tillage system with different levels of soybean productivity [High (NTH), Medium (NTM) and Low (NTL)] in the west of Santa Catarina (Brazil), identifying which chemical and physical variables most affect them, and the best indicators that can be used. Native forest (NF) areas were used as a reference. A total of 207 samples of soil fauna were collected by soil monolith and pitfall trap methods over two years of evaluation in four municipalities. Based on edaphic fauna data, Shannon-Wiener (H’), Pielou (J), Dominance (D), Margalef and Fisher Alpha (α) indices were generated, in addition to the average richness and abundance. Data from NTs were submitted to analysis of variance and compared by Tukey's test (p > 0.05). The NF was used as a reference and compared with the agriculture system by Dunnett test (p > 0.05), and regressions between soybean productivity and diversity indices. The H’, Margalef, α indices, and average richness for soil fauna sampled by soil monoliths followed the productivity gradient NTH > NTM > NTL, showing a positive correlation with the increase of soybean productivity. NTH has a diversity index similar to that of NF. Soybean productivity is affected by the richness and diversity of edaphic fauna, but abundance was not sensitive in predicting treatments under no-tillage; Fisher's alpha index was more sensitive in treatment separation with soil monoliths. The environmental variables aluminum, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium and penetration resistance affect the fauna edaphic.

Soil spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) in native and reforested Araucaria forests

Spiders are part of the soil biodiversity, considered fundamental to the food chain hierarchy, directly and indirectly influencing several services in agricultural and forest ecosystems. The present study aimed to evaluate the biodiversity of soil spider families and identify which soil properties influence their presence, as well as proposing families as potential bioindicators. Native forest (NF) and reforested sites (RF) with Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze were evaluated in three regions of the state São Paulo, both in the winter and summer. Fifteen soil samples were collected from each forest to evaluate the biological (spiders and microbiological), chemical and physical soil properties, in addition to properties of the litter (dry matter and C, N and S contents). For soil spiders, two sampling methods were used: pitfall traps and soil monoliths. In total, 591 individuals were collected, and distributed in 30 families, of which 306 individuals (22 families) came from pitfall traps and 285 individuals (26 families) from monoliths. Only samples obtained by the monolith method revealed seasonal differences in the mean density and richness of spiders between NF and RF. Canonical discriminant analysis showed the separation of these forests of Araucaria. Principal Component Analysis demonstrated the correlation of a number of spider families with certain soil properties (organic carbon, basal respiration, metabolic quotient, litter carbon, total porosity, bulk density and soil moisture). We identified 10 families (Anapidae, Corinnidae, Dipluridae, Hahniidae, Linyphiidae, Lycosidae, Nemesiidae, Palpimanidae, Salticidae, Scytodidae) that contributed most to separating native forest from the replanted forest, indicating the possibility of the spiders being used as bioindicators.

Edaphic fauna affects soybean productivity under no-till system

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of edaphic fauna under a no-tillage system with different levels of soybean productivity [High (NTH), Medium (NTM) and Low (NTL)] in the west of Santa Catarina (Brazil), identifying which chemical and physical variables most affect them, and the best indicators that can be used. Native forest (NF) areas were used as a reference. A total of 207 samples of soil fauna were collected by soil monolith and pitfall trap methods over two years of evaluation in four municipalities. Based on edaphic fauna data, Shannon-Wiener (H), Pielou (J), Dominance (D), Margalef and Fisher Alpha (α) indices were generated, in addition to the average richness and abundance. Data from NTs were submitted to analysis of variance and compared by Tukey's test (p > 0.05). The NF was used as a reference and compared with the agriculture system by Dunnett test (p > 0.05), and regressions between soybean productivity and diversity indices. The H, Margalef, α indices, and average richness for soil fauna sampled by soil monoliths followed the productivity gradient NTH > NTM > NTL, showing a positive correlation with the increase of soybean productivity. NTH has a diversity index similar to that of NF. Soybean productivity is affected by the richness and diversity of edaphic fauna, but abundance was not sensitive in predicting treatments under no-tillage; Fisher's alpha index was more sensitive in treatment separation with soil monoliths. The environmental variables aluminum, organic matter, phosphorus, potassium and penetration resistance affect the fauna edaphic.(AU)

Soil spiders (Arachnida: Araneae) in native and reforested Araucaria forests

Spiders are part of the soil biodiversity, considered fundamental to the food chain hierarchy, directly and indirectly influencing several services in agricultural and forest ecosystems. The present study aimed to evaluate the biodiversity of soil spider families and identify which soil properties influence their presence, as well as proposing families as potential bioindicators. Native forest (NF) and reforested sites (RF) with Araucaria angustifolia (Bertol.) Kuntze were evaluated in three regions of the state São Paulo, both in the winter and summer. Fifteen soil samples were collected from each forest to evaluate the biological (spiders and microbiological), chemical and physical soil properties, in addition to properties of the litter (dry matter and C, N and S contents). For soil spiders, two sampling methods were used: pitfall traps and soil monoliths. In total, 591 individuals were collected, and distributed in 30 families, of which 306 individuals (22 families) came from pitfall traps and 285 individuals (26 families) from monoliths. Only samples obtained by the monolith method revealed seasonal differences in the mean density and richness of spiders between NF and RF. Canonical discriminant analysis showed the separation of these forests of Araucaria. Principal Component Analysis demonstrated the correlation of a number of spider families with certain soil properties (organic carbon, basal respiration, metabolic quotient, litter carbon, total porosity, bulk density and soil moisture). We identified 10 families (Anapidae, Corinnidae, Dipluridae, Hahniidae, Linyphiidae, Lycosidae, Nemesiidae, Palpimanidae, Salticidae, Scytodidae) that contributed most to separating native forest from the replanted forest, indicating the possibility of the spiders being used as bioindicators.(AU)

Grazing heights, stocking rate, soil structure, and water infiltration in a crop-livestock integration / Alturas de pastejo, carga animal, estrutura e infiltração de água no solo em integração lavoura-pecuária

Grazing intensity on palisade grass as a function of grazing height in a crop-livestock integration (CLI) system alters the structural soil quality and water infiltration. This study aimed to verify the magnitude of the stocking rate and shoot and root dry matter of palisade grass at the end of the fifth cattle grazing period of an experiment in the CLI system on the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS), soil-water infiltration rate, and basic infiltration rate (BIR) as a function of grazing heights on Urochloa brizantha cv. MG 5 Vitória in the northwestern Paraná State, Brazil. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with three replications and 1-ha experimental plots on an Oxisol. Four treatments with grazing heights of 10, 20, 30, and 40 cm were used in the CLI system, controlled with variable stocking rates of Purunã cattle in the autumn/winter season on Urochloa brizantha cv. MG 5 Vitória in succession to soybean in the summer. The maximum soil water infiltration was stabilized at 30 cm of grazing height of the palisade grass under continuous grazing in the CLI system. The increase in the stocking rate decreased the shoot dry matter of palisade grass, soil water infiltration, and structural soil quality.(AU)

A intensidade de pastejo da braquiária em função da altura de pastejo em sistema de integração lavourapecuária (ILP) altera a qualidade estrutural do solo e a infiltração da água. Com este trabalho teve-se por objetivo verificar ao final do quinto período de pastejo bovino de um experimento em sistema de ILP, qual a magnitude da carga animal, matéria seca da parte aérea e de raízes de braquiária, sobre a avaliação visual da estrutura do solo (VESS), a taxa de infiltração de água no solo e a velocidade básica de infiltração (VIB) em função da alturas de pastejos em braquiária Urochloa brizantha cv. MG 5 Vitória, na Região Noroeste do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. O delineamento experimental é de blocos casualizados, com três repetições, em parcelas experimentais de 1 ha, em um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. Foram utilizados quatro tratamentos com alturas de pastejo de 10, 20, 30 e 40 cm em sistema de ILP controlados com carga animal variável de bovinos da raça Purunã no período de outono/inverno, em braquiária Urochloa brizantha cv. MG 5 Vitória em sucessão a soja no verão. A máxima infiltração da água no solo se estabiliza em 30 cm de altura de pastejo da braquiária em pastejo contínuo em sistema ILP. O aumento da carga animal diminuiu a matéria seca da parte aérea de braquiária, infiltração de água e a qualidade estrutural do solo.(AU)

Grazing heights, stocking rate, soil structure, and water infiltration in a crop-livestock integration / Alturas de pastejo, carga animal, estrutura e infiltração de água no solo em integração lavoura-pecuária

Grazing intensity on palisade grass as a function of grazing height in a crop-livestock integration (CLI) system alters the structural soil quality and water infiltration. This study aimed to verify the magnitude of the stocking rate and shoot and root dry matter of palisade grass at the end of the fifth cattle grazing period of an experiment in the CLI system on the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS), soil-water infiltration rate, and basic infiltration rate (BIR) as a function of grazing heights on Urochloa brizantha cv. MG 5 Vitória in the northwestern Paraná State, Brazil. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks with three replications and 1-ha experimental plots on an Oxisol. Four treatments with grazing heights of 10, 20, 30, and 40 cm were used in the CLI system, controlled with variable stocking rates of Purunã cattle in the autumn/winter season on Urochloa brizantha cv. MG 5 Vitória in succession to soybean in the summer. The maximum soil water infiltration was stabilized at 30 cm of grazing height of the palisade grass under continuous grazing in the CLI system. The increase in the stocking rate decreased the shoot dry matter of palisade grass, soil water infiltration, and structural soil quality.

A intensidade de pastejo da braquiária em função da altura de pastejo em sistema de integração lavourapecuária (ILP) altera a qualidade estrutural do solo e a infiltração da água. Com este trabalho teve-se por objetivo verificar ao final do quinto período de pastejo bovino de um experimento em sistema de ILP, qual a magnitude da carga animal, matéria seca da parte aérea e de raízes de braquiária, sobre a avaliação visual da estrutura do solo (VESS), a taxa de infiltração de água no solo e a velocidade básica de infiltração (VIB) em função da alturas de pastejos em braquiária Urochloa brizantha cv. MG 5 Vitória, na Região Noroeste do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. O delineamento experimental é de blocos casualizados, com três repetições, em parcelas experimentais de 1 ha, em um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. Foram utilizados quatro tratamentos com alturas de pastejo de 10, 20, 30 e 40 cm em sistema de ILP controlados com carga animal variável de bovinos da raça Purunã no período de outono/inverno, em braquiária Urochloa brizantha cv. MG 5 Vitória em sucessão a soja no verão. A máxima infiltração da água no solo se estabiliza em 30 cm de altura de pastejo da braquiária em pastejo contínuo em sistema ILP. O aumento da carga animal diminuiu a matéria seca da parte aérea de braquiária, infiltração de água e a qualidade estrutural do solo.

Least limiting water range, S-index and compressibility of a Udalf under different management systems

Agricultural areas in the region of Turuçu, on the Southeast Hillside in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil present many examples of soil physical degradation. Accordingly, strategies aimed at evaluating and ameliorating the structural quality of soils should be developed to ensure the sustainable use of these areas. This study aimed to evaluate the least limiting water range (LLWR), S-index, compressibility parameters, organic carbon and the organic matter granulometric fractions of a Udalf under different agricultural uses. Soil samples with disturbed and non-disturbed structure from the 0.00 to 0.10 m layer were collected on farms in the Southeast Hillside, Turuçu region, RS, for analyzing soil under: i) conventional system of corn after tobacco crop, (CT); ii) conventional system of corn after native field (CNF), iii) native field (NF) and iv) native area (NA). Both the CT and the CNF systems had a negative influence on the values of bulk density, soil porosity, least limiting water range, compressibility parameters and total organic carbon, coarse fraction carbon and carbon associated with minerals.

Least limiting water range, S-index and compressibility of a Udalf under different management systems

Agricultural areas in the region of Turuçu, on the Southeast Hillside in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil present many examples of soil physical degradation. Accordingly, strategies aimed at evaluating and ameliorating the structural quality of soils should be developed to ensure the sustainable use of these areas. This study aimed to evaluate the least limiting water range (LLWR), S-index, compressibility parameters, organic carbon and the organic matter granulometric fractions of a Udalf under different agricultural uses. Soil samples with disturbed and non-disturbed structure from the 0.00 to 0.10 m layer were collected on farms in the Southeast Hillside, Turuçu region, RS, for analyzing soil under: i) conventional system of corn after tobacco crop, (CT); ii) conventional system of corn after native field (CNF), iii) native field (NF) and iv) native area (NA). Both the CT and the CNF systems had a negative influence on the values of bulk density, soil porosity, least limiting water range, compressibility parameters and total organic carbon, coarse fraction carbon and carbon associated with minerals.(AU)

Effect of management (ecological and conventional) on functional groups of soil microorganisms in coffee agroecosystems with different resilience to climate variability, Colombia

The effect of management (ecological and conventional) on functional groups of microorganisms of soil in agroecosystems with different resilience scores reported to climate variability in Anolaima, Colombia was evaluated. Were found clustering associated with management and cellulolytic bacteria and fungi abundances. No differences found in diversity of phosphate solubilizing or nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, related to management. The diversity of microbial functional groups was affected by the climatic condition of sampling season. Management was relevant in relationships between resilience scores to climate variability and cellulolytic microorganisms; in ecological agroecosystems, biodiversity knowledge, agroecological main structure, and the participation of farmers in organizations were important.

Effect of management (ecological and conventional) on functional groups of soil microorganisms in coffee agroecosystems with different resilience to climate variability, Colombia

The effect of management (ecological and conventional) on functional groups of microorganisms of soil in agroecosystems with different resilience scores reported to climate variability in Anolaima, Colombia was evaluated. Were found clustering associated with management and cellulolytic bacteria and fungi abundances. No differences found in diversity of phosphate solubilizing or nitrogen-fixing microorganisms, related to management. The diversity of microbial functional groups was affected by the climatic condition of sampling season. Management was relevant in relationships between resilience scores to climate variability and cellulolytic microorganisms; in ecological agroecosystems, biodiversity knowledge, agroecological main structure, and the participation of farmers in organizations were important.(AU)

Soil macrofauna associated with cover crops in an Oxisol from the southwest of Piauí state, Brazil / Macrofauna edáfica associada a plantas de cobertura em um Latossolo Amarelo do sudoeste do estado do Piauí, Brasil

The soil macrofauna is fundamental for the maintenance of soil quality. The aim of this study was to characterize the soil macrofauna under different species of cover crops, including monoculture or intercropping associated to two types of soil management in the southwest region of Piauí state. The study was carried out in an Oxisol (Latossolo Amarelo, according to Brazilian Soil Classification System) in the municipality of Bom Jesus, Piauí, distributed in 30 m2 plots. Testing and evaluation of the soil macrofauna were conducted in a 9 × 2 strip factorial design, with combinations between cover crops/consortia and soil management (with or without tillage), with four replications. Soil monoliths (0.25 × 0.25 m) were randomly sampled in each plot for macrofauna at 0‒0.1, 0.1‒0.2, and 0.2‒0.3 m depth, including surface litter. After identification and counting of soil organims, the relative density of each taxon in each depth was determined. The total abundance of soil macrofauna quantified under cover crops in the conventional and no-tillage system was 2,408 ind. m-2, distributed in 6 classes, 16 orders, and 31 families. The results of multivariate analysis show that grass species in sole cropping systems and no-tillage presents higher macrofauna density, in particular the taxonomic group Isoptera. No-tillage also provided higher richness of families, where Coleoptera adult were the second more abundant group in no-tillage and Hemiptera in conventional tillage.(AU)

Os organismos da macrofauna edáfica são fundamentais para a manutenção da qualidade do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a macrofauna edáfica sob diferentes espécies de plantas de cobertura, incluindo monocultura ou cultivo consorciado associados a dois tipos de manejo do solo no sudoeste do Piauí. O estudo foi realizado em Latossolo Amarelo (Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de Solos) no município de Bom Jesus, Piauí, distribuídos em parcelas de 30 m2. O experimento e avaliação da macrofauna edáfica foram conduzidos em um ensaio fatorial em faixas 9 × 2, com combinações entre culturas /consórcios de cobertura e manejo do solo (com ou sem preparo), com quatro repetições. Os monólitos de solo (0,25 × 0,25 m) foram retirados aleatoriamente de cada parcela, para contagem da macrofauna, nas camadas de 0‒0,1, 0,1‒0,2, e 0,2-0,3 m de profundidade, inclusive liteira de superfície. Após a identificação e contagem dos organismos, foi determinada a densidade relativa de cada táxon em cada profundidade. A abundância total da macrofauna edáfica quantificada no experimento foi de 2.408 ind.m-2, distribuídos em 6 classes, 16 ordens e 31 famílias. Os resultados da análise multivariada revelaram que espécies de gramíneas em sistemas de cultivo solteiro e plantio direto favoreceram maior densidade da macrofauna, em especial do grupo taxonômico Isoptera. A ausência de preparo também proporcionou maior riqueza de famílias, destacando-se o grupo taxonômico Coleoptera adulto em plantio direto e Hemiptera em plantio convencional.(AU)

Soil macrofauna associated with cover crops in an Oxisol from the southwest of Piauí state, Brazil / Macrofauna edáfica associada a plantas de cobertura em um Latossolo Amarelo do sudoeste do estado do Piauí, Brasil

The soil macrofauna is fundamental for the maintenance of soil quality. The aim of this study was to characterize the soil macrofauna under different species of cover crops, including monoculture or intercropping associated to two types of soil management in the southwest region of Piauí state. The study was carried out in an Oxisol (Latossolo Amarelo, according to Brazilian Soil Classification System) in the municipality of Bom Jesus, Piauí, distributed in 30 m2 plots. Testing and evaluation of the soil macrofauna were conducted in a 9 × 2 strip factorial design, with combinations between cover crops/consortia and soil management (with or without tillage), with four replications. Soil monoliths (0.25 × 0.25 m) were randomly sampled in each plot for macrofauna at 0â€'0.1, 0.1â€'0.2, and 0.2â€'0.3 m depth, including surface litter. After identification and counting of soil organims, the relative density of each taxon in each depth was determined. The total abundance of soil macrofauna quantified under cover crops in the conventional and no-tillage system was 2,408 ind. m-2, distributed in 6 classes, 16 orders, and 31 families. The results of multivariate analysis show that grass species in sole cropping systems and no-tillage presents higher macrofauna density, in particular the taxonomic group Isoptera. No-tillage also provided higher richness of families, where Coleoptera adult were the second more abundant group in no-tillage and Hemiptera in conventional tillage.(AU)

Os organismos da macrofauna edáfica são fundamentais para a manutenção da qualidade do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a macrofauna edáfica sob diferentes espécies de plantas de cobertura, incluindo monocultura ou cultivo consorciado associados a dois tipos de manejo do solo no sudoeste do Piauí. O estudo foi realizado em Latossolo Amarelo (Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de Solos) no município de Bom Jesus, Piauí, distribuídos em parcelas de 30 m2. O experimento e avaliação da macrofauna edáfica foram conduzidos em um ensaio fatorial em faixas 9 × 2, com combinações entre culturas /consórcios de cobertura e manejo do solo (com ou sem preparo), com quatro repetições. Os monólitos de solo (0,25 × 0,25 m) foram retirados aleatoriamente de cada parcela, para contagem da macrofauna, nas camadas de 0â€'0,1, 0,1â€'0,2, e 0,2-0,3 m de profundidade, inclusive liteira de superfície. Após a identificação e contagem dos organismos, foi determinada a densidade relativa de cada táxon em cada profundidade. A abundância total da macrofauna edáfica quantificada no experimento foi de 2.408 ind.m-2, distribuídos em 6 classes, 16 ordens e 31 famílias. Os resultados da análise multivariada revelaram que espécies de gramíneas em sistemas de cultivo solteiro e plantio direto favoreceram maior densidade da macrofauna, em especial do grupo taxonômico Isoptera. A ausência de preparo também proporcionou maior riqueza de famílias, destacando-se o grupo taxonômico Coleoptera adulto em plantio direto e Hemiptera em plantio convencional.(AU)

Teores e estoques de carbono orgânico do solo em diferentes usos da terra no Planalto Sul de Santa Catarina / Contents and stocks of soil organic carbon in different types of land use in the Southern Plateau of Santa Catarina (Brazil)

O estudo das modificações do carbono do solo provocadas pela mudança de uso da terra possibilita adotar medidas que reduzam os riscos de futuros impactos negativos. O objetivo da pesquisa foi quantificar e comparar os teores (COT) e os estoques (EC) de carbono orgânico total do solo em diferentes usos da terra na região do Planalto Sul de Santa Catarina. Foram selecionadas áreas sob floresta natural (FN), plantio de pinus (PP), campo natural pastejado (CP) e sucessão de lavoura e pastagem (LP). Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas de 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 e 20-40 cm, onde foram determinados os teores e calculados os estoques de carbono orgânico total por dois métodos, considerando a camada equivalente e a massa equivalente de solo. Os diferentes usos da terra influenciam os COT e os EC, os quais são maiores na condição de FN. Os valores de COT foram, respectivamente, 33,9; 27,1; 26,0 e 23,2 g kg-1 para FN, PP, CP e LP, na média da camada de 0-40 cm, enquanto os EC até a profundidade de 40 cm foram, respectivamente, 121,5; 113,8; 112,4 e 100,6 Mg ha-1 com base na camada equivalente de solo e 121,5; 102,2; 99,1 e 89,8 Mg ha-1 após correção pela massa equivalente de solo. A adequada gestão de uso do solo, a recuperação de matas e a florestação das terras são passos importantes para permitir o sequestro de carbono no solo.

The study of soil carbon changes caused by the land use alteration allows adopting measures to reduce the risk of future negative impacts. This study aimed to quantify and compare the contents (TOC) and stocks (SOC) of total organic carbon for different types of land use in the southern Plateau of Santa Catarina. The areas selected were natural forest (NF), planted pine (PP), natural rangeland (NR), and crops in succession with pasture (CSP). Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-5, 5-10, 10-20, and 20-40 cm, where the TOC were determined and the SOC were calculated by two methods, one considering the equivalent soil layer and the other the equivalent soil mass. The different types of land use influence the TOC and SOC, which are higher in the NF. The TOC values were, respectively 33.9; 27.1; 26.0, and 23.2 g kg-1 for NF, PP, NR and CSP, in the soil layer average of 0-40 cm. The EC values up to the depth of 40 cm were respectively 121.5; 113.8; 112.4, and 100.6 Mg ha-1, based on the equivalent soil layer, and 121.5; 102.2; 99.1 and 89.8 Mg ha-1 after correction for the equivalent soil mass. Proper management of land use, recovery of forests and afforestation of lands are important steps to allow carbon sequestration in the soil.

Teores e estoques de carbono orgânico do solo em diferentes usos da terra no Planalto Sul de Santa Catarina / Contents and stocks of soil organic carbon in different types of land use in the Southern Plateau of Santa Catarina (Brazil)

O estudo das modificações do carbono do solo provocadas pela mudança de uso da terra possibilita adotar medidas que reduzam os riscos de futuros impactos negativos. O objetivo da pesquisa foi quantificar e comparar os teores (COT) e os estoques (EC) de carbono orgânico total do solo em diferentes usos da terra na região do Planalto Sul de Santa Catarina. Foram selecionadas áreas sob floresta natural (FN), plantio de pinus (PP), campo natural pastejado (CP) e sucessão de lavoura e pastagem (LP). Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas de 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 e 20-40 cm, onde foram determinados os teores e calculados os estoques de carbono orgânico total por dois métodos, considerando a camada equivalente e a massa equivalente de solo. Os diferentes usos da terra influenciam os COT e os EC, os quais são maiores na condição de FN. Os valores de COT foram, respectivamente, 33,9; 27,1; 26,0 e 23,2 g kg-1 para FN, PP, CP e LP, na média da camada de 0-40 cm, enquanto os EC até a profundidade de 40 cm foram, respectivamente, 121,5; 113,8; 112,4 e 100,6 Mg ha-1 com base na camada equivalente de solo e 121,5; 102,2; 99,1 e 89,8 Mg ha-1 após correção pela massa equivalente de solo. A adequada gestão de uso do solo, a recuperação de matas e a florestação das terras são passos importantes para permitir o sequestro de carbono no solo.(AU)

The study of soil carbon changes caused by the land use alteration allows adopting measures to reduce the risk of future negative impacts. This study aimed to quantify and compare the contents (TOC) and stocks (SOC) of total organic carbon for different types of land use in the southern Plateau of Santa Catarina. The areas selected were natural forest (NF), planted pine (PP), natural rangeland (NR), and crops in succession with pasture (CSP). Soil samples were collected at depths of 0-5, 5-10, 10-20, and 20-40 cm, where the TOC were determined and the SOC were calculated by two methods, one considering the equivalent soil layer and the other the equivalent soil mass. The different types of land use influence the TOC and SOC, which are higher in the NF. The TOC values were, respectively 33.9; 27.1; 26.0, and 23.2 g kg-1 for NF, PP, NR and CSP, in the soil layer average of 0-40 cm. The EC values up to the depth of 40 cm were respectively 121.5; 113.8; 112.4, and 100.6 Mg ha-1, based on the equivalent soil layer, and 121.5; 102.2; 99.1 and 89.8 Mg ha-1 after correction for the equivalent soil mass. Proper management of land use, recovery of forests and afforestation of lands are important steps to allow carbon sequestration in the soil.(AU)

Soil physical indicators of management systems in traditional agricultural areas under manure application

ABSTRACT Studies of the successive application of manure as fertilizer and its combined effect with long-term soil management systems are important to the identification of the interdependence of physical attributes. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the physical properties of a Rhodic Kandiudox under management systems employing successive applications of pig slurry and poultry litter, and select physical indicators that distinguish these systems using canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). The systems consisting of treatments including land use, management and the application time of organic fertilizers are described as follows: silage maize under no-tillage (NT-M7 years); silage maize under conventional tillage (CT-M20 years); annual pasture with chisel plowing (CP-P3 years); annual pasture with chisel plowing (CP-P15 years); perennial pasture without tillage (NT-PP20 years); and no-tillage yerba mate (NT-YM20 years) and were compared with native forest (NF) and native pasture (NP). Soil samples were collected from the layers at the following depths: 0.0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, and 0.10-0.20 m, and were analyzed for bulk density, porosity, aggregation, flocculation, penetration resistance, water availability and total clay content. Canonical discriminant analysis was an important tool in the study of physical indicators of soil quality. Organic fertilization, along with soil management, influences soil structure and its porosity. Total porosity was the most important physical property in the distinction of areas with management systems and application times of manure for the 0.0-0.05 and 0.10-0.20 m layers. Soil aeration and micropores differentiated areas in the 0.05-0.10 m layer. Animal trampling and machinery traffic were the main factors inducing compaction of this clayey soil.

Soil physical indicators of management systems in traditional agricultural areas under manure application

ABSTRACT Studies of the successive application of manure as fertilizer and its combined effect with long-term soil management systems are important to the identification of the interdependence of physical attributes. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the physical properties of a Rhodic Kandiudox under management systems employing successive applications of pig slurry and poultry litter, and select physical indicators that distinguish these systems using canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). The systems consisting of treatments including land use, management and the application time of organic fertilizers are described as follows: silage maize under no-tillage (NT-M7 years); silage maize under conventional tillage (CT-M20 years); annual pasture with chisel plowing (CP-P3 years); annual pasture with chisel plowing (CP-P15 years); perennial pasture without tillage (NT-PP20 years); and no-tillage yerba mate (NT-YM20 years) and were compared with native forest (NF) and native pasture (NP). Soil samples were collected from the layers at the following depths: 0.0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, and 0.10-0.20 m, and were analyzed for bulk density, porosity, aggregation, flocculation, penetration resistance, water availability and total clay content. Canonical discriminant analysis was an important tool in the study of physical indicators of soil quality. Organic fertilization, along with soil management, influences soil structure and its porosity. Total porosity was the most important physical property in the distinction of areas with management systems and application times of manure for the 0.0-0.05 and 0.10-0.20 m layers. Soil aeration and micropores differentiated areas in the 0.05-0.10 m layer. Animal trampling and machinery traffic were the main factors inducing compaction of this clayey soil.

Soil physical indicators of management systems in traditional agricultural areas under manure application

Studies of the successive application of manure as fertilizer and its combined effect with long-term soil management systems are important to the identification of the interdependence of physical attributes. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the physical properties of a Rhodic Kandiudox under management systems employing successive applications of pig slurry and poultry litter, and select physical indicators that distinguish these systems using canonical discriminant analysis (CDA). The systems consisting of treatments including land use, management and the application time of organic fertilizers are described as follows: silage maize under no-tillage (NT-M7 years); silage maize under conventional tillage (CT-M20 years); annual pasture with chisel plowing (CP-P3 years); annual pasture with chisel plowing (CP-P15 years); perennial pasture without tillage (NT-PP20 years); and no-tillage yerba mate (NT-YM20 years) and were compared with native forest (NF) and native pasture (NP). Soil samples were collected from the layers at the following depths: 0.0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, and 0.10-0.20 m, and were analyzed for bulk density, porosity, aggregation, flocculation, penetration resistance, water availability and total clay content. Canonical discriminant analysis was an important tool in the study of physical indicators of soil quality. Organic fertilization, along with soil management, influences soil structure and its porosity. Total porosity was the most important physical property in the distinction of areas with management systems and application times of manure for the 0.0-0.05 and 0.10-0.20 m layers. Soil aeration and micropores differentiated areas in the 0.05-0.10 m layer. Animal trampling and machinery traffic were the main factors inducing compaction of this clayey soil.(AU)