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

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

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

Changes in soil temperature and moisture due to sugarcane straw removal in central-southern Brazil

Crop residues left in the field cover and protect the soil surface, and regulate key processes and functions, such as gas and water exchanges. However, the Brazilian sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) sector has begun to use straw as feedstock to produce bioenergy. We conducted a field study to evaluate the effects of sugarcane straw removal in soil temperature and moisture changes at three sites (with different soil textures: Site 1 - clayey Oxisol, Site 2 - medium texture Oxisol, and Site 3 - sandy Ultisol) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four rates of straw removal: i) no removal (NR); ii) moderate removal (MR); iii) substantial removal (SR), and iv) total removal (TR). Soil temperature was measured by sensors in the 0- to 5- and 5- to 10-cm soil layers. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from the 0- to 20- and 20- to 40-cm layers to determine soil moisture. Intensive straw removal (HR and TR) increased the soil temperature between 2 and 3 °C and the thermal amplitude between 5 and 9 °C in the 0- to 5-cm layer, compared to MR and NR. Soil moisture decreased between 0.03 and 0.07 g g-¹ in the 0- to 20-cm layer with intensive straw removal. The sandy soil was more susceptible to straw removal. Therefore, straw maintenance on the soil surface plays an essential role in temperature regulation and preservation of higher soil moisture, especially in regions with severe water deficits and long periods of water stress.

Supplemental irrigation using brackish water on maize in tropical semi-arid regions of Brazil: yield and economic analysis

ABSTRACT: Supplemental irrigation during dry spells could reduce maize yield losses in tropical semi-arid regions, notably in small farms. However, good quality water reserves are not sufficient to meet the demands of farming communities. Consequently, our objective was to evaluate the productivity and profitability of maize under different simulated rainfall scenarios, with and without supplemental irrigation (SI) with brackish water. The field experiments were carried out during the cropping seasons of 2018 and 2019 on Ultisol. The experiment followed a randomized block design in the split-plot scheme with four replicates. The plots were formed by simulating the water supply in the soil corresponding to four water scenarios (rainy, normal, drought and severe drought), and the sub-plots with or without SI with brackish water (Electrical conductivity of 4.5 dS m1). Mean yields of green maize ears were 13,083, 11,532, 10,358 and 9,609 kg ha1 for rainy, normal, drought and severe drought scenarios, as supplemented with brackish water. For the same treatments without SI the values were 11,394, 7,896, 3,913 and 1,374 kg ha1, respectively. Data on farmer's income showed that under normal, drought and severe drought supplementation with brackish water becomes economically advantageous from 0.9, 1.0 and 2.4 ha, respectively, while maize cultivation without SI is not advantageous under the last two scenarios. For severe drought conditions, however, SI using brackish water reduced commercial yield by 27 % with negative effects on the farmers profitability. In this case, it is necessary to use water with either lower salinity or select salt tolerant crops.

Phosphorus accumulation in a southern Brazilian Ultisol amended with pig manure for nine years

This study evaluated P pools after nine years of successive application of either pig slurry (PS) or deep pig litter (DL) in a no-till Ultisol from southern Brazil. The experiment was established in Dec 2002 with the treatments control, application of 90 and 180 kg N ha−1 N as PS and as DL. In Mar 2010, soil samples were taken at six layers up to 30 cm deep. Total organic and inorganic P were assessed by the ignition method, and P compounds classes were evaluated by 31P-NMR spectroscopy. Total soil P increased proportionally with the P amount applied via DL and PS. Only DL application increased soil organic P, mainly at the highest dose and in the uppermost soil layers. The application of high doses of manure to these soils under no-till to meet crop N demands significantly increased P accumulation at the soil surface, especially with DL. This, in turn, increases the risk of contamination of water bodies due to P transfer from soil to rivers via runoff. The ignition method overestimates organic P compared to P-NMR. The highest proportion of organic P estimated by the ignition and P-NMR methods, at surface layers in the control suggests that inorganic P is added to the plots treated, increasing inorganic P and decreasing organic P. Moreover, with no P additions to the control, inorganic soil P is removed by plants, causing an apparent increase in the organic P proportion.

Phosphorus accumulation in a southern Brazilian Ultisol amended with pig manure for nine years

This study evaluated P pools after nine years of successive application of either pig slurry (PS) or deep pig litter (DL) in a no-till Ultisol from southern Brazil. The experiment was established in Dec 2002 with the treatments control, application of 90 and 180 kg N ha−1 N as PS and as DL. In Mar 2010, soil samples were taken at six layers up to 30 cm deep. Total organic and inorganic P were assessed by the ignition method, and P compounds classes were evaluated by 31P-NMR spectroscopy. Total soil P increased proportionally with the P amount applied via DL and PS. Only DL application increased soil organic P, mainly at the highest dose and in the uppermost soil layers. The application of high doses of manure to these soils under no-till to meet crop N demands significantly increased P accumulation at the soil surface, especially with DL. This, in turn, increases the risk of contamination of water bodies due to P transfer from soil to rivers via runoff. The ignition method overestimates organic P compared to P-NMR. The highest proportion of organic P estimated by the ignition and P-NMR methods, at surface layers in the control suggests that inorganic P is added to the plots treated, increasing inorganic P and decreasing organic P. Moreover, with no P additions to the control, inorganic soil P is removed by plants, causing an apparent increase in the organic P proportion.(AU)

Sulfur modulates yield and storage proteins in soybean grains

This study evaluated the nutritional quality, yield, and storage protein modulation in soybean grains in response to levels and sources of sulfur (S) in a dystrophic Ultisol. We used five levels of S (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg kg –1 ) and four sources of S (elemental S pastille - ESPA, gypsum - GY, gypsite - GI and elemental S powder - ESPO). Plants treated with 50 mg kg –1 of GY, GI, and ESPO and 200 mg kg –1 of ESPA had the largest grain yield values. Low S supply resulted in lower yields for all S sources tested. Sulfur deficiencies were observed at all levels for ESPA, resulting in lower concentrations of globulin and higher concentration of glutelin and albumin in the grains, possibly because the S content in the leaf was below the range adequate for soybean, leading to in lower yield values. In general, the application of S sources (GY, GI, and ESPO) increased all protein fractions. The results show that proper application of S is essential to optimize soybean yield and increase storage proteins in the grains. The granulometry of ESPA and ESPO fertilizers was a key factor for the availability of S to soybean plants. This study presents relevant information on S fertilization of soybeans, which could provide better grain nutritional quality and increased storage proteins with benefits to animal health.

Sulfur modulates yield and storage proteins in soybean grains

This study evaluated the nutritional quality, yield, and storage protein modulation in soybean grains in response to levels and sources of sulfur (S) in a dystrophic Ultisol. We used five levels of S (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg kg –1 ) and four sources of S (elemental S pastille - ESPA, gypsum - GY, gypsite - GI and elemental S powder - ESPO). Plants treated with 50 mg kg –1 of GY, GI, and ESPO and 200 mg kg –1 of ESPA had the largest grain yield values. Low S supply resulted in lower yields for all S sources tested. Sulfur deficiencies were observed at all levels for ESPA, resulting in lower concentrations of globulin and higher concentration of glutelin and albumin in the grains, possibly because the S content in the leaf was below the range adequate for soybean, leading to in lower yield values. In general, the application of S sources (GY, GI, and ESPO) increased all protein fractions. The results show that proper application of S is essential to optimize soybean yield and increase storage proteins in the grains. The granulometry of ESPA and ESPO fertilizers was a key factor for the availability of S to soybean plants. This study presents relevant information on S fertilization of soybeans, which could provide better grain nutritional quality and increased storage proteins with benefits to animal health.(AU)

Supplemental irrigation using brackish water on maize in tropical semi-arid regions of Brazil: yield and economic analysis

Supplemental irrigation during dry spells could reduce maize yield losses in tropical semi-arid regions, notably in small farms. However, good quality water reserves are not sufficient to meet the demands of farming communities. Consequently, our objective was to evaluate the productivity and profitability of maize under different simulated rainfall scenarios, with and without supplemental irrigation (SI) with brackish water. The field experiments were carried out during the cropping seasons of 2018 and 2019 on Ultisol. The experiment followed a randomized block design in the split-plot scheme with four replicates. The plots were formed by simulating the water supply in the soil corresponding to four water scenarios (rainy, normal, drought and severe drought), and the sub-plots with or without SI with brackish water (Electrical conductivity of 4.5 dS m−1). Mean yields of green maize ears were 13,083, 11,532, 10,358 and 9,609 kg ha−1 for rainy, normal, drought and severe drought scenarios, as supplemented with brackish water. For the same treatments without SI the values were 11,394, 7,896, 3,913 and 1,374 kg ha−1, respectively. Data on farmer's income showed that under normal, drought and severe drought supplementation with brackish water becomes economically advantageous from 0.9, 1.0 and 2.4 ha, respectively, while maize cultivation without SI is not advantageous under the last two scenarios. For severe drought conditions, however, SI using brackish water reduced commercial yield by 27 % with negative effects on the farmers’ profitability. In this case, it is necessary to use water with either lower salinity or select salt tolerant crops.

Supplemental irrigation using brackish water on maize in tropical semi-arid regions of Brazil: yield and economic analysis

Supplemental irrigation during dry spells could reduce maize yield losses in tropical semi-arid regions, notably in small farms. However, good quality water reserves are not sufficient to meet the demands of farming communities. Consequently, our objective was to evaluate the productivity and profitability of maize under different simulated rainfall scenarios, with and without supplemental irrigation (SI) with brackish water. The field experiments were carried out during the cropping seasons of 2018 and 2019 on Ultisol. The experiment followed a randomized block design in the split-plot scheme with four replicates. The plots were formed by simulating the water supply in the soil corresponding to four water scenarios (rainy, normal, drought and severe drought), and the sub-plots with or without SI with brackish water (Electrical conductivity of 4.5 dS m−1). Mean yields of green maize ears were 13,083, 11,532, 10,358 and 9,609 kg ha−1 for rainy, normal, drought and severe drought scenarios, as supplemented with brackish water. For the same treatments without SI the values were 11,394, 7,896, 3,913 and 1,374 kg ha−1, respectively. Data on farmer's income showed that under normal, drought and severe drought supplementation with brackish water becomes economically advantageous from 0.9, 1.0 and 2.4 ha, respectively, while maize cultivation without SI is not advantageous under the last two scenarios. For severe drought conditions, however, SI using brackish water reduced commercial yield by 27 % with negative effects on the farmers profitability. In this case, it is necessary to use water with either lower salinity or select salt tolerant crops.(AU)

Soil physical properties and soil organic carbon content in northeast Brazil: long-term tillage systems effects

Concerns about the negative effects of agriculture on soil physical quality and soil organic carbon (SOC) pools have spurred on the adoption of conservation tillage systems in tropical regions. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impacts (16th year) of conventional (CT), minimum (MT) and no-tillage (NT) practices and different cover crops (sunn hemp and a bean/millet sequence) on soil physical properties and SOC content of a corn cultivated Ultisol in the northeast of Brazil. Soil bulk density (Bd), soil penetration resistance (SPR), soil aggregation, and total aggregate-associated carbon (C) (4-2 mm) were evaluated. Tillage practices exerted strong control on soil physical properties and total aggregate-C content but were influenced by cover crop species. Minimum tillage presented the lowest Bd, irrespective of cover crop, while NT with bean/millet sequence resulted in the lowest SPR. However, as regards soil aggregation and total aggregate-C, the results indicated that there were no differences between MT and NT, with both systems presenting greater mean weight diameter (MWD) and total aggregate-C content than CT. Total aggregate-C content in the 0.00-0.05 m soil layer in conservation tillage was increased by the adoption of a bean/millet sequence. Increased mechanical disturbance through CT practices was harmful to Bd, soil aggregation and SOC accrual. Overall, more conservative tillage practices and the proper choice of cover crops might yield greater soil quality. Low intensity of soil disturbances due to the adoption of MT favors soil aggregation and the accrual of SOC in weakly structured soils through increases in contact between organic and mineral particles while not causing significant destruction of soil aggregates.

Soil physical properties and soil organic carbon content in northeast Brazil: long-term tillage systems effects

Concerns about the negative effects of agriculture on soil physical quality and soil organic carbon (SOC) pools have spurred on the adoption of conservation tillage systems in tropical regions. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impacts (16th year) of conventional (CT), minimum (MT) and no-tillage (NT) practices and different cover crops (sunn hemp and a bean/millet sequence) on soil physical properties and SOC content of a corn cultivated Ultisol in the northeast of Brazil. Soil bulk density (Bd), soil penetration resistance (SPR), soil aggregation, and total aggregate-associated carbon (C) (4-2 mm) were evaluated. Tillage practices exerted strong control on soil physical properties and total aggregate-C content but were influenced by cover crop species. Minimum tillage presented the lowest Bd, irrespective of cover crop, while NT with bean/millet sequence resulted in the lowest SPR. However, as regards soil aggregation and total aggregate-C, the results indicated that there were no differences between MT and NT, with both systems presenting greater mean weight diameter (MWD) and total aggregate-C content than CT. Total aggregate-C content in the 0.00-0.05 m soil layer in conservation tillage was increased by the adoption of a bean/millet sequence. Increased mechanical disturbance through CT practices was harmful to Bd, soil aggregation and SOC accrual. Overall, more conservative tillage practices and the proper choice of cover crops might yield greater soil quality. Low intensity of soil disturbances due to the adoption of MT favors soil aggregation and the accrual of SOC in weakly structured soils through increases in contact between organic and mineral particles while not causing significant destruction of soil aggregates.(AU)

Evaluation of sulfur source and dose on the nutritional state and production of piatã forage / Avaliação de fonte e dose de enxofre no estado nutricional e produção de forragem do piatã

Sulfur deficiency in soils has become a worldwide concern for agricultural production. This study aimed to evaluate the concequence of variable sulfur source and dosing on the nutritional status and production of Piatã forage in a dystrophic Ultisol. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with four replications. The 4 x 5 factorial treatments consisted of four sulfur sources (elemental sulfur pastilles [ESPA], gypsum [GY], gypsite [GI], and elemental sulfur powder [ESPO]) and five sulfur doses (0, 50, 100, 150. and 200 mg kg-1). The sulfur applications resulted in similar maximum shoot dry mass (SDM) production (16.66 to 17.69 g pot-1) with all sources. However, Piatã grass achieved maximum production in the treatments with 112 mg kg-1 of GI, 118 mg kg-1 of GY and ESPA, and 146 mg kg-1 of ESPO. The number of tillers, the leaf:stem ratio, and SPAD increased with increasing sulfur dose. The greatest increments of root dry mass (RDM) and of the tiller number were obtained with the ESPO source. Macronutrient concentrations in shoot dry mass tissue were in the order K > N > Ca > P > S > Mg. Low sulfur supply resulted in decreased Piatã grass growth with all sulfur sources tested. Differential responses were found with applications of different sulfur sources for SDM, RDM, and tillers number. The sources did not alter the leaf:stem ratio or SPAD index.(AU)

A deficiência de enxofre nos solos tem se tornado uma preocupação mundial para a produção agrícola. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a conceituação da variável fonte e dose de enxofre no estado nutricional e produção de forragem do Piatã em um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico. O experimento foi arranjado em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema fatorial 4 x 5, sendo constítuído de quatro fontes de enxofre (enxofre elementar pastilhado [ESPA], gesso [GY], gibsita [GI] e enxofre elementar em pó [ESPO]) e cinco doses de enxofre (0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 mg kg-1). As aplicações de enxofre resultaram em uma produção similar de massa seca da parte aérea (SDM) (16,66 a 17,69 g vaso-1) com todas as fontes. No entanto, o capim Piatã alcançou a produção máxima nos tratamentos com 112 mg kg-1 para GI; 118 mg kg-1 para GY e ESPA; e 146 mg kg-1 de ESPO. O número de perfilhos, a relação folha: haste e SPAD aumentaram com o aumento das doses de enxofre. Os maiores incrementos de massa seca da raiz (RDM) e do número de perfilhos foram obtidos com a fonte ESPO. As concentrações de macronutrientes na parte aérea foram na ordem de K > N > Ca > P > S > Mg. A baixa oferta de enxofre resultou na diminuição do crescimento do capim Piatã com todas as fontes de enxofre testadas. Respostas diferenciais foram encontradas com as diferentes aplicações de fontes de enxofre para SDM, RDM e número de perfilhos. As fontes não alteraram a relação folha: haste ou índice SPAD.(AU)

Evaluation of sulfur source and dose on the nutritional state and production of piatã forage / Avaliação de fonte e dose de enxofre no estado nutricional e produção de forragem do piatã

Sulfur deficiency in soils has become a worldwide concern for agricultural production. This study aimed to evaluate the concequence of variable sulfur source and dosing on the nutritional status and production of Piatã forage in a dystrophic Ultisol. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized block design with four replications. The 4 x 5 factorial treatments consisted of four sulfur sources (elemental sulfur pastilles [ESPA], gypsum [GY], gypsite [GI], and elemental sulfur powder [ESPO]) and five sulfur doses (0, 50, 100, 150. and 200 mg kg-1). The sulfur applications resulted in similar maximum shoot dry mass (SDM) production (16.66 to 17.69 g pot-1) with all sources. However, Piatã grass achieved maximum production in the treatments with 112 mg kg-1 of GI, 118 mg kg-1 of GY and ESPA, and 146 mg kg-1 of ESPO. The number of tillers, the leaf:stem ratio, and SPAD increased with increasing sulfur dose. The greatest increments of root dry mass (RDM) and of the tiller number were obtained with the ESPO source. Macronutrient concentrations in shoot dry mass tissue were in the order K > N > Ca > P > S > Mg. Low sulfur supply resulted in decreased Piatã grass growth with all sulfur sources tested. Differential responses were found with applications of different sulfur sources for SDM, RDM, and tillers number. The sources did not alter the leaf:stem ratio or SPAD index.

A deficiência de enxofre nos solos tem se tornado uma preocupação mundial para a produção agrícola. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a conceituação da variável fonte e dose de enxofre no estado nutricional e produção de forragem do Piatã em um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico. O experimento foi arranjado em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema fatorial 4 x 5, sendo constítuído de quatro fontes de enxofre (enxofre elementar pastilhado [ESPA], gesso [GY], gibsita [GI] e enxofre elementar em pó [ESPO]) e cinco doses de enxofre (0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 mg kg-1). As aplicações de enxofre resultaram em uma produção similar de massa seca da parte aérea (SDM) (16,66 a 17,69 g vaso-1) com todas as fontes. No entanto, o capim Piatã alcançou a produção máxima nos tratamentos com 112 mg kg-1 para GI; 118 mg kg-1 para GY e ESPA; e 146 mg kg-1 de ESPO. O número de perfilhos, a relação folha: haste e SPAD aumentaram com o aumento das doses de enxofre. Os maiores incrementos de massa seca da raiz (RDM) e do número de perfilhos foram obtidos com a fonte ESPO. As concentrações de macronutrientes na parte aérea foram na ordem de K > N > Ca > P > S > Mg. A baixa oferta de enxofre resultou na diminuição do crescimento do capim Piatã com todas as fontes de enxofre testadas. Respostas diferenciais foram encontradas com as diferentes aplicações de fontes de enxofre para SDM, RDM e número de perfilhos. As fontes não alteraram a relação folha: haste ou índice SPAD.

Microstructural strength of four subtropical soils evaluated by rheometry: properties, difficulties and opportunities

The structural strength of soils has been extensively described by physical and mechanical properties evaluated on the mesoscale for different soils and management conditions. However, changes in the organization of the soil matrix at the microstructural level, which can be obtained by rheometry, are still seldom used in soil mechanics. Our aim was to use the amplitude sweep test, a rheometry technique, to investigate the microstructural strength of four subtropical soils (two Oxisols, an Ultisol and a Vertisol) and to discuss difficulties with respect to the samples, water content, soil density and vertical force. The various rheological properties which reveal the soil microstructural strength were determined: deformation at the end of the linear viscoelastic range, LVE range (LVE), shear stress at the end of the LVE range (LVE), deformation at yield point, YP (YP), storage and loss moduli at YP (GGYP), maximum shear stress (max), and integral z. In general, soil elasticity (LVE and YP) and microstructural strength (LVE and max) were greater in the Oxisols and the Vertisol, which both possess high clay content, while the latter also contains expansive clay minerals. The lowest structural strength was observed in the Ultisol which had a high sand content. As rheological properties are related to soil properties such as particle size distribution and carbon content, they can be applied in the evaluation of the microstructural strength of clayey and sandy soils and allows for inferences regarding inter-particle shear strength. However, the test is not applicable to very dry soil samples and sample preparations can affect the results. We suggest a number of approaches to find solutions for these difficulties/problems.

Microstructural strength of four subtropical soils evaluated by rheometry: properties, difficulties and opportunities

The structural strength of soils has been extensively described by physical and mechanical properties evaluated on the mesoscale for different soils and management conditions. However, changes in the organization of the soil matrix at the microstructural level, which can be obtained by rheometry, are still seldom used in soil mechanics. Our aim was to use the amplitude sweep test, a rheometry technique, to investigate the microstructural strength of four subtropical soils (two Oxisols, an Ultisol and a Vertisol) and to discuss difficulties with respect to the samples, water content, soil density and vertical force. The various rheological properties which reveal the soil microstructural strength were determined: deformation at the end of the linear viscoelastic range, LVE range (LVE), shear stress at the end of the LVE range (LVE), deformation at yield point, YP (YP), storage and loss moduli at YP (GGYP), maximum shear stress (max), and integral z. In general, soil elasticity (LVE and YP) and microstructural strength (LVE and max) were greater in the Oxisols and the Vertisol, which both possess high clay content, while the latter also contains expansive clay minerals. The lowest structural strength was observed in the Ultisol which had a high sand content. As rheological properties are related to soil properties such as particle size distribution and carbon content, they can be applied in the evaluation of the microstructural strength of clayey and sandy soils and allows for inferences regarding inter-particle shear strength. However, the test is not applicable to very dry soil samples and sample preparations can affect the results. We suggest a number of approaches to find solutions for these difficulties/problems.(AU)

Chemical and physical fractions of soil organic matter under various management regimes in Roraima, Brazil / Frações químicas e físicas da matéria orgânica do solo sob diferentes sistemas de uso em Roraima

The crop-livestock integration (CLI) and crop-livestock-forest integration (CLFI) management systems, have been shown to be viable approaches for increasing carbon sequestration in soils, resulting in the improvement of physical and chemical soil attributes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical attributes and organic matter in soils under Natural Forest (NF) converted to different uses and managed differently: rotational pasture area (PAST), crop-livestock integration (CLI), and crop-livestock-forest integration (CLIF). The research was conducted at the São Paulo farm, in Iracema, located in the south-central region of the state of Roraima, Brazil. The studied soil type was classified as Ultisol. Soil samples were taken by opening ditches and examining layers at 0.1-m depth intervals from surface to 0.60-m depth. Total organic carbon (TOC), chemical and granulometric fractionation of soil organic matter (SOM), oxidizable fractions, and light organic matter in water were analyzed. Our results showed low levels of the analyzed chemical elements, a characteristic of a soil with low natural fertility. This matches conditions inherent in source material, weathered by high rainfall, a warm and humid climate, and flat topographic relief. In the 0-0.1 m layer, the PAST and CLI systems had the highest TOC contents relative to the other systems studied. At other depths, there were no statistical differences among TOC levels. The highest concentration of C in the particulate fraction (POC) wasnoted in the surface layer in all management systems. The pasture system had the highest concentrationPOC in the top 0.10 m. Our results also showed that the upper 0.10 m of soil in NF contained the lowest content of organic carbon associated with mineral (MOC) relative to the managed agrosystems. In addition, humin provided the largest contribution to SOM in all evaluated management systems. The crop-livestock integration (CLI) and crop-livestock integration...

Os sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) e lavoura-pecuária floresta (ILPF) surgiram como forte alternativa para incorporação de carbono e consequentemente melhoria nos atributos físicos e químicas do solo. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar os atributos químicos e matéria orgânica em solos sob Floresta Natural (FN) convertidos em diferentes sistemas de uso e manejo: pastagem (PAST), Integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) e Integração lavoura-pecuária floresta (ILPF). O estudo foi realizado na fazenda São Paulo, em Iracema, localizada na região centro-sul do estado de Roraima. O solo estudado foi classificado em Argissolo Amarelo Distrófico. As amostras foram retiradas mediante a abertura de trincheiras nas camadas de 0-0,10, 0,10-0,20, 0,20-0,40 e 0,40-0,60 m de profundidade. Foram analisados o carbono orgânico total (COT), fracionamento químico e granulométrico da MOS, as frações oxidáveis e a matéria orgânica leve em água. Os resultados mostraram baixos teores dos elementos químicos analisados, o que caracteriza solos com baixa fertilidade natural, que condiz com as condições do material de origem, elevadas precipitações e temperatura regional, bem como ao relevo local plano. Na camada de 0-0,1 m os sistemas PAST e ILP apresentaram os maiores teores de COT quando comparados aos outros sistemas estudados, nas demais profundidades não se verificou diferenças estatísticas entre os teores de COT. A maior quantidade de C na fração particulada (COp) foi verificada na camada superficial em todos os sistemas de manejo avaliados. A área de pastagem foi o sistema com a maior contribuição do COp na profundidade de 0-0,10 m. Com relação aos teores do carbonoassociado aos minerais (COam), os resultados demostraram que na profundidade de 0-0,10 m, área de FN apresentou os menores teores quando comparados aos outros sistemas. Em relação às substâncias húmicas houve uma maior contribuição da Humina em todos os sistemas avaliados.

Phosphorus adsorption in soils under forest and savanna from Northern Amazon, Brazil / Adsorção de fósforo em solos sob floresta e savana do Norte Amazônico, Brasil

Studies on maximum phosphorus adsorption capacity (MPAC) in soils from Roraima State and attributes that interfere with the magnitude of this characteristic are relevant and motivated this study. In this context, topsoil samples (00.20 m) from four soil classes (OxisolLA and OxisolLV [ITÃ, Caracaraí]; OxisolLA [Serra da Prata, Mucajaí]; OxisolLA and UltisolPA [CCA, Boa Vista]; OxisolFT [Bonfim] and Alfisol SN [Surumu, Pacaraima]) representative of Roraima State were used in this study in order to determine the influence of soil physical, chemical, and mineralogical attributes on MPAC. Air-dried soil samples of 2.5 g and 0.01 mol L?1 CaCl2 (25 mL) solution were stirred for 24 h, being added P in the form of KH2PO4 at concentrations of 060, 080, and 0110 mg L?1. P was analyzed in the supernatant for determining its adsorbed amount (P-rem). Adsorption values were fitted to the Langmuir isotherm in order to assess MPAC. Correlation tests were performed between MPAC and binding energy, pH, organic matter, clay, and CEC. MPAC values ranged from 14.50 to 527.93 mg kg?1 in the soil. The soils FTBonfim and LVITÃ presented a higher MPAC. Considering the representative soil classes in the State, MPAC does not correlate with any of the assessed attributes. In the soil classes Oxisol and Ultisol, MPAC has a negative and significant correlation with binding energy.(AU)

Estudos sobre capacidade máxima de adsorção de fósforo (CMAP) em solos de Roraima e atributos que interferem na magnitude dessa característica são relevantes e motivaram esse trabalho. Nesse contexto, amostras da camada superficial (0-0,20 m) de quatro classes de solos: Latossolo Amarelo - LA e Latossolo Vermelho - LV (ITÃ, Caracaraí); Latossolo Amarelo - LA (Serra da Prata, Mucajaí); Latossolo Amarelo - LA e Argissolo Amarelo - PA (CCA, Boa Vista-RR); Plintossolo Argilúvico FT (Bonfim) e Planossolo Nátrico - SN (Surumu, Pacaraima) representativos do estado de Roraima, foram utilizadas no presente trabalho, com a finalidade de determinar a influência de atributos físicos, químicos e da mineralogia dos solos sobre a CMAP. Amostras de 2,5 g de TFSA (terra fina seca ao ar) foram mantidas em contato com soluções de CaCl2 0,01 mol L-1 (25 mL), mediante agitação por 24 h, as quais foram adicionados fósforo (P), na forma de KH2PO4, nas concentrações de 0-60, 0-80 e 0-110 mg L-1. O P foi analisado no sobrenadante para a determinação da quantidade adsorvida (P-rem). Para avaliar a capacidade máxima de adsorção de fósforo (CMAP), os valores de adsorção foram ajustados à isoterma de Langmuir. Foram realizados testes de correlação entre CMAP e energia de ligação, pH, matéria orgânica, argila e CTC. Os valores da CMAP situaram-se entre 14,50 e 527,93 mg kg-1 de P no solo. Os solos FT (Bonfim) e LV (ITÃ) apresentaram maior CMAP. Considerando as classes desolos representativas do Estado, a CMAP não se correlaciona com nenhum dos atributos avaliados. Nasclasses Latossolo e Argissolo, a CMAP tem correlação negativa e significativa com a energia de ligação.(AU)

Chemical and physical fractions of soil organic matter under various management regimes in Roraima, Brazil / Frações químicas e físicas da matéria orgânica do solo sob diferentes sistemas de uso em Roraima

The crop-livestock integration (CLI) and crop-livestock-forest integration (CLFI) management systems, have been shown to be viable approaches for increasing carbon sequestration in soils, resulting in the improvement of physical and chemical soil attributes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical attributes and organic matter in soils under Natural Forest (NF) converted to different uses and managed differently: rotational pasture area (PAST), crop-livestock integration (CLI), and crop-livestock-forest integration (CLIF). The research was conducted at the São Paulo farm, in Iracema, located in the south-central region of the state of Roraima, Brazil. The studied soil type was classified as Ultisol. Soil samples were taken by opening ditches and examining layers at 0.1-m depth intervals from surface to 0.60-m depth. Total organic carbon (TOC), chemical and granulometric fractionation of soil organic matter (SOM), oxidizable fractions, and light organic matter in water were analyzed. Our results showed low levels of the analyzed chemical elements, a characteristic of a soil with low natural fertility. This matches conditions inherent in source material, weathered by high rainfall, a warm and humid climate, and flat topographic relief. In the 0-0.1 m layer, the PAST and CLI systems had the highest TOC contents relative to the other systems studied. At other depths, there were no statistical differences among TOC levels. The highest concentration of C in the particulate fraction (POC) wasnoted in the surface layer in all management systems. The pasture system had the highest concentrationPOC in the top 0.10 m. Our results also showed that the upper 0.10 m of soil in NF contained the lowest content of organic carbon associated with mineral (MOC) relative to the managed agrosystems. In addition, humin provided the largest contribution to SOM in all evaluated management systems. The crop-livestock integration (CLI) and crop-livestock integration...(AU)

Os sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) e lavoura-pecuária floresta (ILPF) surgiram como forte alternativa para incorporação de carbono e consequentemente melhoria nos atributos físicos e químicas do solo. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar os atributos químicos e matéria orgânica em solos sob Floresta Natural (FN) convertidos em diferentes sistemas de uso e manejo: pastagem (PAST), Integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP) e Integração lavoura-pecuária floresta (ILPF). O estudo foi realizado na fazenda São Paulo, em Iracema, localizada na região centro-sul do estado de Roraima. O solo estudado foi classificado em Argissolo Amarelo Distrófico. As amostras foram retiradas mediante a abertura de trincheiras nas camadas de 0-0,10, 0,10-0,20, 0,20-0,40 e 0,40-0,60 m de profundidade. Foram analisados o carbono orgânico total (COT), fracionamento químico e granulométrico da MOS, as frações oxidáveis e a matéria orgânica leve em água. Os resultados mostraram baixos teores dos elementos químicos analisados, o que caracteriza solos com baixa fertilidade natural, que condiz com as condições do material de origem, elevadas precipitações e temperatura regional, bem como ao relevo local plano. Na camada de 0-0,1 m os sistemas PAST e ILP apresentaram os maiores teores de COT quando comparados aos outros sistemas estudados, nas demais profundidades não se verificou diferenças estatísticas entre os teores de COT. A maior quantidade de C na fração particulada (COp) foi verificada na camada superficial em todos os sistemas de manejo avaliados. A área de pastagem foi o sistema com a maior contribuição do COp na profundidade de 0-0,10 m. Com relação aos teores do carbonoassociado aos minerais (COam), os resultados demostraram que na profundidade de 0-0,10 m, área de FN apresentou os menores teores quando comparados aos outros sistemas. Em relação às substâncias húmicas houve uma maior contribuição da Humina em todos os sistemas avaliados.(AU)

Precompression stress and compression index depend on the property used to represent the soil deformation in the compression curve

ABSTRACT: During linear deformation (h) in a soil sample, the variation of the void ratio with respect to deformation (d/dh) and the respective variation of soil bulk density (d/dh) are identical only for a specific value of h. Consequently, if two compression curves are drawn for the same soil sample, one using and the other using , there are differences in both the calculated precompression stress (p) and compression index (Ic). In this study, we highlight the causes by a mathematical analysis and an experimental investigation, quantifying the differences in p and Ic when using and . p and Ic were calculated for 103 compression curves of an ultisol and 193 of an oxisol. The p (kPa) using (p) was greater than when using (p), and differences were rather independent of the soil type. The relations found by linear regression relating p to p were p=0.8186p+34.202 for the ultisol and p=0.8878p+34.875 for the oxisol. In contrast, the used soil property ( or ) as well as soil type affected Ic. Ic calculated using was greater than when using in almost all (96%) of the cases for the ultisol, and in only 12% of the cases for the oxisol. For a wide range of , evidence from this study indicated that the use of overestimates p when compared to the use of .

RESUMO: À medida que uma amostra de solo sofre deformação linear (h), a variação do índice de vazios em relação à deformação (d/dh) e da respectiva variação da densidade do solo (d/dh) são coincidentes somente para um único valor de h. Decorrente disso, verifica-se experimentalmente que, para a mesma amostra de solo, há diferenças, tanto na pressão de preconsolidação (p) como no índice de compressão (Ic), se forem determinados a partir das duas curvas de compressão, uma a base da e outra a base do . A análise matemática, seguida da investigação experimental deste estudo, evidencia as causas e quantifica as diferenças na p e no Ic, devido ao uso do ou . A p e o Ic foram calculados em 103 curvas de compressão de um Argissolo e em 193 de um Latossolo. A p (kPa) com o uso da (p) foi maior que a p com o uso do (p), e as diferenças dependeram menos do tipo de solo. As relações encontradas por regressão foram p=0,8186 p+34,202 para o Argissolo e p=0,8878 p+34,875 para o Latossolo. Diferentemente, o Ic foi afetado pela propriedade usada ( ou ) para descrever a deformação e pelo tipo de solo. O Ic calculado com o uso da foi maior que quando calculado com o uso do em quase todos os casos (96%) no Argissolo e raramente (em 12% dos casos) no Latossolo. Para uma ampla faixa de , as evidências deste estudo indicam que o uso da superestima a p em relação ao uso do .

Precompression stress and compression index depend on the property used to represent the soil deformation in the compression curve

ABSTRACT: During linear deformation (h) in a soil sample, the variation of the void ratio with respect to deformation (d/dh) and the respective variation of soil bulk density (d/dh) are identical only for a specific value of h. Consequently, if two compression curves are drawn for the same soil sample, one using and the other using , there are differences in both the calculated precompression stress (p) and compression index (Ic). In this study, we highlight the causes by a mathematical analysis and an experimental investigation, quantifying the differences in p and Ic when using and . p and Ic were calculated for 103 compression curves of an ultisol and 193 of an oxisol. The p (kPa) using (p) was greater than when using (p), and differences were rather independent of the soil type. The relations found by linear regression relating p to p were p=0.8186p+34.202 for the ultisol and p=0.8878p+34.875 for the oxisol. In contrast, the used soil property ( or ) as well as soil type affected Ic. Ic calculated using was greater than when using in almost all (96%) of the cases for the ultisol, and in only 12% of the cases for the oxisol. For a wide range of , evidence from this study indicated that the use of overestimates p when compared to the use of .

RESUMO: À medida que uma amostra de solo sofre deformação linear (h), a variação do índice de vazios em relação à deformação (d/dh) e da respectiva variação da densidade do solo (d/dh) são coincidentes somente para um único valor de h. Decorrente disso, verifica-se experimentalmente que, para a mesma amostra de solo, há diferenças, tanto na pressão de preconsolidação (p) como no índice de compressão (Ic), se forem determinados a partir das duas curvas de compressão, uma a base da e outra a base do . A análise matemática, seguida da investigação experimental deste estudo, evidencia as causas e quantifica as diferenças na p e no Ic, devido ao uso do ou . A p e o Ic foram calculados em 103 curvas de compressão de um Argissolo e em 193 de um Latossolo. A p (kPa) com o uso da (p) foi maior que a p com o uso do (p), e as diferenças dependeram menos do tipo de solo. As relações encontradas por regressão foram p=0,8186 p+34,202 para o Argissolo e p=0,8878 p+34,875 para o Latossolo. Diferentemente, o Ic foi afetado pela propriedade usada ( ou ) para descrever a deformação e pelo tipo de solo. O Ic calculado com o uso da foi maior que quando calculado com o uso do em quase todos os casos (96%) no Argissolo e raramente (em 12% dos casos) no Latossolo. Para uma ampla faixa de , as evidências deste estudo indicam que o uso da superestima a p em relação ao uso do .