A study on nickel application methods for optimizing soybean growth.

Fertilization with nickel (Ni) can positively affect plant development due to the role of this micronutrient in nitrogen (N) metabolism, namely, through urease and NiFe-hydrogenase. Although the application of Ni is an emerging practice in modern agriculture, its effectiveness strongly depends on the chosen application method, making further research in this area essential. The individual and combined effects of different Ni application methods-seed treatment, leaf spraying and/or soil fertilization-were investigated in soybean plants under different edaphoclimatic conditions (field and greenhouse). Beneficial effects of the Soil, Soil + Leaf and Seed + Leaf treatments were observed, with gains of 7 to 20% in biological nitrogen fixation, 1.5-fold in ureides, 14% in shoot dry weight and yield increases of up to 1161 kg ha-1. All the Ni application methods resulted in a 1.1-fold increase in the SPAD index, a 1.2-fold increase in photosynthesis, a 1.4-fold increase in nitrogenase, and a 3.9-fold increase in urease activity. Edaphoclimatic conditions exerted a significant influence on the treatments. The integrated approaches, namely, leaf application in conjunction with soil or seed fertilization, were more effective for enhancing yield in soybean cultivation systems. The determination of the ideal method is crucial for ensuring optimal absorption and utilization of this micronutrient and thus a feasible and sustainable management technology. Further research is warranted to establish official guidelines for the application of Ni in agricultural practices.

KI Increases Tomato Fruit Quality and Water Deficit Tolerance by Improving Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Amino Acid Accumulation: A Priming Effect or Relief during Stress?

A water deficit can negatively impact fruit yield and quality, affecting critical physiological processes. Strategies to mitigate water deficits are crucial to global food security. Iodine (I) may increase the efficiency of the antioxidant system of plants, but its role against water deficits is poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of I in attenuating water deficits and improving fruit quality, investigating whether metabolic responses are derived from a "priming effect" or stress relief during water deficits. Tomato plants were exposed to different concentrations of potassium iodide (KI) via a nutrient solution and subjected to a water deficit. A water deficit in tomatoes without KI reduced their yield by 98%. However, a concentration of 100 µM of KI increased the yield under a water deficit by 28%. This condition is correlated with increased antioxidant activity, photosynthetic efficiency improvement, and malondialdehyde reduction. In addition, the concentration of 100 µM of KI promoted better fruit quality through antioxidant capacity and a decline in the maturation index. Therefore, KI can be an alternative for attenuating water deficits in tomatoes, inducing positive responses during the water deficit period while at the same time improving fruit quality.

Sodium Selenate, Potassium Hydroxy-Selenide, Acetylselenide and Their Effect on Antioxidant Metabolism and Plant Nutrition and Yield in Sorghum Genotypes.

Agronomic biofortification with selenium (Se) effectively reduces hidden hunger and increases the nutritional intake of Se in people and animals. Because sorghum is a staple diet for millions of people and is used in animal feed, it becomes a crop with biofortification potential. Consequently, this study aimed to compare organoselenium compounds with selenate, which is effective in numerous crops, and to assess grain yield, the effect in the antioxidant system, and macronutrient/micronutrient contents of different sorghum genotypes treated with Se, via foliar spray. The trials used a 4 × 8 factorial design, with four Se sources (control-without Se supply, sodium selenate, potassium hydroxy-selenide, acetylselenide) and eight genotypes (BM737, BRS310, Enforcer, K200, Nugrain320, Nugrain420, Nugrain430, and SHS410). The Se rate used was 0.125 mg plant-1. All genotypes reacted effectively to foliar fertilization with Se through sodium selenate. In this experiment, potassium hydroxy-selenide and acetylselenide showed low Se levels and lower Se uptake and absorption efficiency than selenate. Selenium fertilization increased grain yield and altered lipid peroxidation by malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide content, catalase activity, ascorbate peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and macronutrients and micronutrients content of the studied genotypes. In sum, biofortification with selenium led to an overall yield increase of sorghum plants and supplementation with selenium through sodium selenate was more efficient than organoselenium compounds, yet acetylselenide had a positive effect on the antioxidant system. Sorghum can be effectively biofortified through the foliar application of sodium selenate; however, studying the interaction between organic and inorganic Se compounds in plants is necessary.

Iron counteracts zinc-induced toxicity in soybeans.

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are essential micronutrients for all living organisms and the major targets for crop biofortification. However, when acquired in excess quantities, Zn and Fe can be toxic to plants. In this study, we examined the interaction between Zn and Fe in soybean plants under various Zn and Fe treatments. While the level of Zn accumulation increased with increasing Zn supplies, Zn content greatly decreased with rising Fe supplies. Moreover, Zn uptake rates were negatively correlated with Fe supplies. However, Fe accumulation was not greatly affected by elevating Zn supplies. Excess Zn supplies were found to induce typical Fe deficiency symptoms under low Fe conditions, which can be counteracted by increasing Fe supplies. Interestingly, leaf chlorosis caused by excess Zn and low Fe supplies was not directly associated with reduced total Fe content but likely associated with deleterious effects of excess Zn. The combination of high Zn and low Fe greatly activates FRO2 and FIT1 gene expression in soybean roots. Besides, Zn-Fe interaction influences the activities of antioxidative enzymes as well as the uptake, accumulation, and homeostasis of other essential micronutrients, such as copper and manganese in soybean plants. These findings provide new perspectives on Zn and Fe interaction and on heavy metal-induced Fe deficiency-like symptoms.

Potentially toxic elements in iron mine tailings: Effects of reducing soil pH on available concentrations of toxic elements.

Tailings from iron mining are characterized by high concentrations of iron and manganese oxides, as well as high pH values. With these characteristics, most of the potentially toxic elements (PTE) contained in the tailings are somewhat unavailable. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how a reduction in the pH of iron mine tailings may affect PTE availabilities. The tailings were collected on the banks of the Gualaxo do Norte River (Mariana, MG, Brazil), one of the main areas impacted by the rupture of the Fundão Dam (Barragem de Fundão). A completely randomized experimental design was used, including five pH values (6.4, 5.4, 4.3, 3.7, and 3.4) and five replications. The concentrations of the PTE (Ba, Cr, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, and Zn) were determined after extraction following different methodologies: USEPA 3051A, DTPA, Mehlich-1, Mehlich-3, and distilled water. A comparison of the available concentrations of the elements in the tailings with those in a soil not impacted by tailings shows that Cr, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ba, and Co were higher in the soil impacted by the tailings. The different methods used for evaluating the availability of PTE in the tailings at various pH exhibited the following decreasing order in relation to the quantity extracted: Mehlich-3 > Mehlich-1 > DTPA > distilled water. However, regarding sensitivity to change in pH, the order was DTPA > water > Mehlich-1 > Mehlich-3. The increases in the concentrations of PTE due to the reduction in the pH of the tailings did not lead to concentrations that exceed the limits of Brazilian regulations. The DTPA extractant exhibited higher coefficients of correlation between the PTE concentrations and the pH of the tailings, proving to be suitable for use in areas affected by the deposition of iron mine tailings.

Combined effects of hydrothermally-altered feldspar and water regime on cadmium minimization in rice.

The accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in grains and edible parts of crops poses a risk to human health. Because rice is the staple food of more than half of the world population, reducing Cd uptake by rice is critical for food safety. HydroPotash (HYP), an innovative potassium fertilizer produced with a hydrothermal process, has the characteristics of immobilizing heavy metals and potential use for remediating Cd-contaminated soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the HYP as a soil amendment to immobilize Cd in acidic soils and to reduce the accumulation of Cd in rice tissues. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse with a Cecil sandy loam soil (pH 5.3 and spiked with 3 mg Cd kg-1) under either flooding conditions (water level at 4 cm above the soil surface) or at field capacity. Two hydrothermal materials (HYP-1 and HYP-2) were compared with K-feldspar + Ca(OH)2 (the raw material used for producing HYP), Ca(OH)2, zeolite, and a control (without amendment). After 30 days of soil incubation, HydroPotashs, the raw material, and Ca(OH)2 increased both soil solution pH and electrical conductivity. These materials also decreased soluble Cd concentration (up to 99.7%) compared with the control (p < 0.05). After 145 days, regardless of the materials applied, plant growth was favored (up to 35.8%) under the flooded regime. HydroPotash-1 was more effective for increasing dry biomass compared with other amendments under both water regimes. HydroPotashs reduced extractable Cd in soil, Cd content in plant biomass at tillering and maturing stage, and were efficient in minimizing Cd accumulation in rice grains.

Environmental and human-health risks of As in soils with abnormal arsenic levels located in irrigated agricultural areas of Paracatu (MG), Brazil.

The municipality of Paracatu (Brazil) is notorious for its large irrigated agricultural area and by abnormal arsenic (As) levels in selected soils of the region. Concerns regarding As exposure via ingestion of water and food are frequent, yet little is known about the behavior of arsenic in irrigated agricultural soils, as well as on As bioaccessibility/bioavailability in agroecosystems of this region. This work evaluated total and available As in agricultural soils cultivated under irrigation and in soils under native vegetation in Paracatu. We also assessed reactive arsenic fractions and As bioaccessibility in the soil, as well as arsenic levels in plant shoots to estimate As risks in these agroecosystems. Soil (different depths) and plant tissue samples were collected in 6 irrigated agricultural areas (CA1 to CA6) and 4 reference areas (RA1 to RA4). Total soil-As did not differ between soil depths, reinforcing that the source of As in agricultural soils is natural. This was evident when counterpointing arsenic and phosphorus contents at different soil depths, as both accumulate on the surface of oxidic soils when added to agroecosystems by anthropogenic routes (e.g., phosphate fertilization for P and irrigation for As). Available As levels in soils and plants were very small (below detection limit). Furthermore, all soils presented very low oral As bioaccessibility. Our findings revealed that the irrigated soils are not As polluted due to the low enrichment and accumulation of arsenic, as well as the prevalence of low ecological risks. There is no non-carcinogenic risk for the local population, except for children in RA2. The estimated carcinogenic risk for children followed the order RA2 > CA3 > CA4 > RA3 > CA2, and for adults, RA2 > CA3. Ultimately, the strategy of comparing the behavior of P and As in the soils of this study proved to be efficient in showing that there are no major risks to humans and the environment in the investigated area. However, periodic monitoring of As bioavailability in these areas is recommended.

Chemical, physical, and biological attributes in soils affected by deposition of iron ore tailings from the Fundão Dam failure.

Monitoring degraded areas is essential for evaluation of the quality of the rehabilitation process. In this study, we evaluate how the physical and chemical characteristics of the mixture of iron ore tailings with the soil have affected the soil microbial biomass and activity in areas along the Gualaxo do Norte River after the Fundão Dam disaster. Composite soil samples were collected from areas that were impacted (I) and not impacted (NI) by the tailings. The following attributes were evaluated: chemical element content; soil density, porosity, and texture; microbial biomass carbon; basal respiration; and enzyme activity and density of microbial groups (bacteria, actinobacteria, fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizae, phosphate solubilizers, cellulolytic microorganisms, nitrifiers, ammonifiers, and diazotrophs). According to result, the deposition of tailings increased the pH and the soil available P, Cr, Fe, and Mn content and reduced organic matter. The physical and biological attributes were negatively affected, with increases in the silt content and density of the soil, and reduction in macroporosity and in the microbial biomass and activity of the soil (respiration and enzymes) in the impacted area. However, the impacted areas exhibited greater densities of some microbial groups (cellulolytic microorganisms, nitrifiers, and diazotrophic bacteria). Modifications in the organic matter and silt content are the main attributes associated with deposition of the tailings that affected soil microbial biomass and microbial activity. This may affect erosive conditions and the functionality of the ecosystem, indicating an imbalance in this environment. In contrast, the higher density of some microbial groups in the impacted areas show the high rehabilitation potential of these areas.

Seven potential sources of arsenic pollution in Latin America and their environmental and health impacts.

This review presents a holistic overview of the occurrence, mobilization, and pathways of arsenic (As) from predominantly geogenic sources into different near-surface environmental compartments, together with the respective reported or potential impacts on human health in Latin America. The main sources and pathways of As pollution in this region include: (i) volcanism and geothermalism: (a) volcanic rocks, fluids (e.g., gases) and ash, including large-scale transport of the latter through different mechanisms, (b) geothermal fluids and their exploitation; (ii) natural lixiviation and accelerated mobilization from (mostly sulfidic) metal ore deposits by mining and related activities; (iii) coal deposits and their exploitation; (iv) hydrocarbon reservoirs and co-produced water during exploitation; (v) solute and sediment transport through rivers to the sea; (vi) atmospheric As (dust and aerosol); and (vii) As exposure through geophagy and involuntary ingestion. The two most important and well-recognized sources and mechanisms for As release into the Latin American population's environments are: (i) volcanism and geothermalism, and (ii) strongly accelerated As release from geogenic sources by mining and related activities. Several new analyses from As-endemic areas of Latin America emphasize that As-related mortality and morbidity continue to rise even after decadal efforts towards lowering As exposure. Several public health regulatory institutions have classified As and its compounds as carcinogenic chemicals, as As uptake can affect several organ systems, viz. dermal, gastrointestinal, peptic, neurological, respiratory, reproductive, following exposure. Accordingly, ingesting large amounts of As can damage the stomach, kidneys, liver, heart, and nervous system; and, in severe cases, may cause death. Moreover, breathing air with high As levels can cause lung damage, shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough. Further, As compounds, being corrosive, can also cause skin lesions or damage eyes, and long-term exposure to As can lead to cancer development in several organs.

Bioavailability of copper and nickel in naturally metal-enriched soils of Carajás Mining Province, Eastern Amazon, Brazil.

Naturally elevated contents of copper (Cu) and nickel (Ni) are found in soils worldwide, and their potential toxicity is better understood when geochemical reactive fractions are identified and monitored. Thus, this study aimed to assess the bioavailability of Cu and Ni and estimate environmental risks in naturally metal-enriched soils of Carajás Mining Province, Eastern Amazon, Brazil. For that, 58 surficial soil samples were analyzed for their extractable contents of Cu and Ni by Mehlich 1. Next, 13 soil samples were selected for additional single and sequential extractions, for the determination of metal content in the shoots of grasses naturally growing in these soils and for calculating the risk assessment code. Despite the naturally high total concentrations, the contents of easily available Cu and Ni are a minor fraction of total concentrations (up to 10.15%), and the reducible oxide and residual pools hold the major proportion of total content of metals. This contributed to low bioavailability, low environmental risk, and also to low concentrations of these metals on grasses collected in the field. Soil organic matter, Fe2O3, Al2O3 and clay content have a dominant role in metals retention on studied soils. Our findings on the bioavailability of Cu and Ni in a region of great economic relevance for Brazil are important not only for predicting the elements' behavior in the soil-plant system but also for refining risk assessments and to provide useful data for environmental quality monitoring.

Simultaneous Biofortification of Rice With Zinc, Iodine, Iron and Selenium Through Foliar Treatment of a Micronutrient Cocktail in Five Countries.

Widespread malnutrition of zinc (Zn), iodine (I), iron (Fe) and selenium (Se), known as hidden hunger, represents a predominant cause of several health complications in human populations where rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the major staple food. Therefore, increasing concentrations of these micronutrients in rice grain represents a sustainable solution to hidden hunger. This study aimed at enhancing concentration of Zn, I, Fe and Se in rice grains by agronomic biofortification. We evaluated effects of foliar application of Zn, I, Fe and Se on grain yield and grain concentration of these micronutrients in rice grown at 21 field sites during 2015 to 2017 in Brazil, China, India, Pakistan and Thailand. Experimental treatments were: (i) local control (LC); (ii) foliar Zn; (iii) foliar I; and (iv) foliar micronutrient cocktail (i.e., Zn + I + Fe + Se). Foliar-applied Zn, I, Fe or Se did not affect rice grain yield. However, brown rice Zn increased with foliar Zn and micronutrient cocktail treatments at all except three field sites. On average, brown rice Zn increased from 21.4 mg kg-1 to 28.1 mg kg-1 with the application of Zn alone and to 26.8 mg kg-1 with the micronutrient cocktail solution. Brown rice I showed particular enhancements and increased from 11 µg kg-1 to 204 µg kg-1 with the application of I alone and to 181 µg kg-1 with the cocktail. Grain Se also responded very positively to foliar spray of micronutrients and increased from 95 to 380 µg kg-1. By contrast, grain Fe was increased by the same cocktail spray at only two sites. There was no relationship between soil extractable concentrations of these micronutrients with their grain concentrations. The results demonstrate that irrespective of the rice cultivars used and the diverse soil conditions existing in five major rice-producing countries, the foliar application of the micronutrient cocktail solution was highly effective in increasing grain Zn, I and Se. Adoption of this agronomic practice in the target countries would contribute significantly to the daily micronutrient intake and alleviation of micronutrient malnutrition in human populations.

Interactions of cadmium and zinc in high zinc tolerant native species Andropogon gayanus cultivated in hydroponics: growth endpoints, metal bioaccumulation, and ultrastructural analysis.

Cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) toxicity causes physiological disorders and harms plants, interfering with the rehabilitation of areas affected by mining activities. This study evaluated how the exposure to Zn and/or Cd affects the growth of native andropogon grass (Andropogon gayanus Kunth) plants originally found in areas contaminated with Cd and/or Zn due to zinc mining activities. Plants were cultivated for 7 weeks in a nutrient solution treated with Zn (142.3-854.0 µM) or Cd (0.9-13.3 µM) separately or combined with a molar ratio of 64:1 (Zn:Cd). A control treatment was grown in a complete Hoagland and Arnon solution (without Cd). Plant height, stem diameter, internode length, dry weight, Cd and Zn concentration, and accumulation in shoots/roots, as well as ultrastructure of roots and leaves were analyzed at the end of the experiment. The root dry weight was not significantly affected by the addition of the metals. Moreover, Zn provided higher shoot dry weight (up to 160%) relative to control. Andropogon grass tolerated both metals better separately than when applied together. Transmission electron microscopy analyses showed modifications such as vesiculation and vacuolation in the ultrastructure of andropogon tissues by Cd and/or Zn. The andropogon grass was tolerant to the doses tested, evidencing that it has potential for recovering areas contaminated with Zn and/or Cd.

Natural variation of arsenic fractions in soils of the Brazilian Amazon.

Arsenic (As) in native soils of the Amazon rainforest is a concern due to its likely origin from the Andean rivers, which transport loads of sediments containing substantial amounts of trace elements coming from the cordilleras. Yet, unveiling soil As baseline concentrations in the Amazon basin is still a need because most studies in Brazil have been performed in areas with predominantly high concentrations and cannot express a real baseline value for the region. In this study, 414 soil samples (0-20, 20-40 and 40-60 cm layers) were collected from different sites throughout the Amazon basin - including native Amazon rainforest and minimally disturbed areas - and used to determine total and extractable (soluble + available) As concentrations along with relevant soil physicochemical properties. Descriptive statistics of the data was performed and Pearson correlation supported by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) provided an improved understanding of where and how As concentrations are influenced by soil attributes. Total As concentration ranged from 0.98 to 41.71 mg kg-1 with values usually increasing from the topsoil (0-20 cm) to the deepest layer (40-60 cm) in all sites studied. Considering the proportional contribution given by each fraction (soluble and available) on extractable As concentration, it is noticeable that KH2PO4-extractable As represents the most important fraction, with >70% of the As extracted on average in all the sites studied. Still, the extractable fractions (soluble + available) correspond to ~0.24% of the total As, on average. Total, available, and soluble As fractions were strongly and positively correlated with soil Al3+. The PCA indicated that soil pH in combination with CEC might be the key factors controlling soil As concentrations and the occurrence of each arsenic fraction in the soil layers.

Tropical soils characterization at low cost and time using portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF): Effects of different sample preparation methods / Caracterização de solos tropicais a baixo custo e tempo usando espectrômetro portátil de fluorescência de raios-X (pXRF): Efeitos de diferentes métodos de preparo de amostras

ABSTRACT Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF) has been recently adopted by the Soil Science community for uses in both field and laboratory, obtaining the total content of several chemical elements in a few seconds. Sulfuric acid digestion is an expensive and time-consuming laboratory analysis that provides contents of Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2 and P2O5, important for soil studies. Due to few pXRF studies in tropical soils, this work aimed to compare contents of Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2 and P2O5 obtained by pXRF with sulfuric acid digestion results, and to evaluate the effects of varying forms of preparing soil samples and scanning with pXRF on the resulting values in Brazilian soils. Soils were scanned in five conditions in-field (in situ) and in laboratory, evaluating varying sample preparation methods, particle sizes and soil moisture. Four pXRF scanning operational modes were tested. Linear regressions were adjusted between results of pXRF and sulfuric acid digestion. Equations were validated with an independent set of samples. Statistical analyses compared the methods of preparing the samples. Adequate linear models reached R2 of 0.99 and 0.89 for Fe2O3 and TiO2, respectively. Validation promoted R2 greater than 0.97 and RMSE and ME close to zero for both oxides. Statistical differences of pXRF results were found among the methods of preparing samples. pXRF spectrometer has great potential to obtain Fe2O3 and TiO2 content rapidly and economically with high correspondence with laboratory results of sulfuric acid digestion analysis. Varying methods of preparing the samples promote differences in the results of pXRF.

RESUMO O espectrômetro portátil de fluorescência de raios-X (pXRF) foi recentemente adotado pela Ciência do Solo, para uso em campo e laboratório, para obtenção do conteúdo total de vários elementos químicos em poucos segundos. A digestão com ácido sulfúrico é uma análise laboratorial cara e demorada que fornece teores de Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2 e P2O5, importantes para estudos sobre solos. Devido aos poucos estudos sobre o pXRF em solos tropicais, este trabalho objetivou comparar os teores de Fe2O3, Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2 e P2O5 obtidos pelo pXRF com os resultados de digestão com ácido sulfúrico e avaliar os efeitos de diferentes formas de preparo de amostras de solo e leitura com o pXRF sobre seus resultados para solos brasileiros. Os solos foram submetidos a leituras com o pXRF em cinco condições, em campo (in situ) e em laboratório, avaliando variados métodos de preparo de amostras, tamanhos de partículas e umidade do solo. Quatro modos de operação do pXRF foram testados. Regressões lineares foram ajustadas entre os resultados do pXRF e digestão com ácido sulfúrico. As equações foram validadas com um conjunto independente de amostras. Análises estatísticas compararam os métodos de leitura de amostras. Modelos lineares adequados atingiram R2 de 0,99 e 0,89 para Fe2O3 e TiO2, respectivamente. A validação promoveu R2 maior que 0.97 e RMSE e ME próximos a zero para ambos os óxidos. Foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas dos resultados do pXRF entre os métodos de preparo de amostras. O pXRF possui um grande potencial para obter rápida e economicamente os teores de Fe2O3 e TiO2 com elevada correspondência com os resultados laboratoriais da análise da digestão com ácido sulfúrico. Métodos variáveis ​​de preparo das amostras promovem diferenças nos resultados de pXRF.

Lanthanum content and effects on growth, gas exchanges, and chlorophyll index in maize plants / Teor de lantânio e efeitos no crescimento, trocas gasosas e teor de clorofila em plantas de milho

Rare earth elements, such as lanthanum (La), have been applied to agriculture via fertilizers, aiming to increase the productivity and crop quality, such results observed mainly in China. However, the knowledge about the effect of La on maize growth, as well as for other species, despite the growing interest it is still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of La on maize growth, La content,photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content in maize plants in response to La treatment (0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 300 and 600 μM) in nutrient solution for three weeks. The plants were placed in geminated pots using a split-root technique. One of the pots in the geminated set was filled with a complete nutrient solution without La, while another was filled with a nutrient solution without phosphorus but containing different concentrations of La. It was verified that roots of maize plants can accumulate approximately sixty percent more La than shoots. Moreover, low La concentrations stimulated an increase in chlorophyll index,resulting in a slight increase in shoot biomass. At higher levels, La didn’t reduce growth but caused adecrease in both photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll index.

Elementos terra rara, como lantânio (La), são aplicados à agricultura via fertilizantes, com oobjetivo de aumentar a produtividade e a qualidade das culturas agrícolas, fato observado principalmente naChina. Entretanto, o conhecimento sobre o efeito de La no crescimento do milho, bem como para outrasculturas agrícolas, ainda é limitado apesar do interesse crescente. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar oefeito da aplicação de La sobre o crescimento, teor de La, fotossíntese e teor de clorofila em plantas demilho, expostas a concentrações crescentes de La (0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 300 e 600 μM) em solução nutritivapor três semanas. As plantas foram colocadas em vasos geminados usando uma técnica de raiz divisória.Um dos potes no conjunto geminado foi preenchido com solução nutritiva completa que não continha La,enquanto outra foi preenchida com solução nutritiva sem fósforo, mas contendo diferentes concentraçõesde La. Foi verificado que as raízes das plantas de milho podem acumular sessenta por cento mais La quandocomparado à parte aérea. Além disso, as baixas concentrações de La estimularam o aumento do teor declorofila, resultando em um aumento na biomassa da parte aérea. Em concentrações mais elevadas, aaplicação de La não reduziu o crescimento das plantas de milho, mas causou diminuição na taxafotossintética e no índice de clorofila.

Selenium behavior in the soil environment and its implication for human health / Comportamento de selênio no solo e sua implicação para a saúde humana

ABSTRACT Selenium (Se) is an important element that was discovered in 1817, and since the 1960s, it has been regarded as an essential micronutrient for both animals and humans, playing among other functions a relevant role in the antioxidant system of mammals. Inadequate blood Se levels in the human body is a well-known concern in many parts of the world. This malnutrition problem is often due to Se-poor diet, probably as a result of the low Se availability in soils where crops are growing. Nowadays, it is known that not only the total content, but also the inorganic and organic forms of Se contained in foods are important for human nutrition. However, paradoxically some regions of the world present high Se levels in soils causing several functional disorders and diseases in people who live in seleniferous areas. As essential micronutrient, Se should be supplied in controlled amounts to avoid harmful effects. Therefore, taking into account the importance of the soils as a way to ensure the adequate Se supply for the population, this review has dealt with Se behavior in soil environment (e.g., Se forms and adsorption and desorption reactions) and its relevance for the human health. As a final message, the further understanding of Se behavior in soils to predict its availability for crops in different systems will be a significant approach in future studies to establish forms and safe doses of Se to be added in fertilizers. Agronomic and genetic biofortification of staple crops with Se has been suggested as an important tool to improve Se intake by population in Se-poor sites.

RESUMO O selênio (Se) é um elemento importante que foi descoberto em 1817 e reconhecido como elemento essencial para os humanos e animais desde os anos 60. Esse elemento apresenta, dentre outras funções, papel relevante no sistema antioxidante dos mamíferos. Níveis inadequados de Se no corpo humano tem sido uma preocupação bem conhecida em muitas regiões do mundo. Esse problema de desnutrição com Se ocorre frequentemente devido a dietas pobres nesse elemento, o que provavelmente tem relação com a baixa disponibilidade de Se nos solos onde as culturas agrícolas estão sendo cultivadas. Atualmente, sabe-se que, além da quantidade de Se contida nos alimentos, sua forma (e.g., inorgânica ou orgânica) é importante para a nutrição humana. Apesar da deficiência de Se ser um problema em alguns locais, algumas regiões do mundo apresentam níveis altos de Se nos solos, causando várias desordens e doenças nas pessoas que moram nestas áreas consideradas seleníferas. Sendo um elemento essencial, o Se deve ser suprido em quantidades adequadas para evitar efeitos prejudiciais. Assim, levando-se em consideração a importância dos solos como um meio para garantir o suprimento adequado de Se para a população, esta revisão tem abordado o comportamento do Se no ambiente do solo (e.g., formas de Se e reações de adsorção e dessorção) e sua relevância para a saúde humana. Como mensagem final, a compreensão do comportamento de Se em solos visando prever sua disponibilidade para as culturas agrícolas em diferentes sistemas será uma abordagem significativa em estudos futuros para estabelecer formas e doses seguras de Se para serem adicionadas em fertilizantes. A biofortificação agronômica, aliada a biofortificação genética, de culturas básicas com Se tem sido sugerida como importante ferramenta para melhorar a ingestão de Se pela população que vive em locais onde os solos são pobres em Se.

Multiple linear regression and random forest to predict and map soil properties using data from portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF) / Regressão linear múltipla e random forest para predição e mapeamento de atributos do solo utilizando dados de espectrômetro portátil de fluorescência de raios-X (pXRF)

ABSTRACT Determination of soil properties ​​helps in the correct management of soil fertility. The portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (pXRF) has been recently adopted to determine total chemical element contents in soils, allowing soil property inferences. However, these studies are still scarce in Brazil and other countries. The objectives of this work were to predict soil properties using pXRF data, comparing stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and random forest (RF) methods, as well as mapping and validating soil properties. 120 soil samples were collected at three depths and submitted to laboratory analyses. pXRF was used in the samples and total element contents were determined. From pXRF data, SMLR and RF were used to predict soil laboratory results, reflecting soil properties, and the models were validated. The best method was used to spatialize soil properties. Using SMLR, models had high values of R² (≥0.8), however the highest accuracy was obtained in RF modeling. Exchangeable Ca, Al, Mg, potential and effective cation exchange capacity, soil organic matter, pH, and base saturation had adequate adjustment and accurate predictions with RF. Eight out of the 10 soil properties predicted by RF using pXRF data had CaO as the most important variable helping predictions, followed by P2O5, Zn and Cr. Maps generated using RF from pXRF data had high accuracy for six soil properties, reaching R2 up to 0.83. pXRF in association with RF can be used to predict soil properties with high accuracy at low cost and time, besides providing variables aiding digital soil mapping.

RESUMO A determinação de atributos do solo auxilia no correto manejo da sua fertilidade. O equipamento portátil de fluorescência de raios-X (pXRF) foi recentemente adotado para determinar o teor total de elementos químicos em solos, permitindo inferências sobre atributos do solo. No entanto, esses estudos ainda são escassos no Brasil e em outros países. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram prever atributos do solo a partir de dados do pXRF, comparando-se os métodos de regressão linear múltipla stepwise (SMLR) e de random forest (RF), além de mapear e validar atributos do solo. 120 amostras de solo foram coletadas em três profundidades e submetidas a análises laboratoriais. Utilizou-se o pXRF para leitura das amostras e determinou-se o teor total de elementos. A partir dos dados do pXRF, foram utilizadas SMLR e RF para predizer resultados laboratoriais, que refletem atributos do solo, e os modelos foram validados. O melhor método foi utilizado para espacializar os atributos do solo. Utilizando SMLR, os modelos apresentaram valores elevados de R² (≥0,8), porém maior acurácia foi obtida na modelagem com RF. A capacidade de troca de cátions potencial e efetiva, matéria orgânica do solo, pH, saturação por bases e teores trocáveis de Ca, Al e Mg apresentaram ajustes adequados e predições acuradas com RF. Dos dez atributos do solo preditos por RF a partir de dados do pXRF, sete apresentavam CaO como a variável mais importante para auxiliar as predições, seguido por P2O5, Zn e Cr. Os mapas gerados a partir de dados do pXRF usando RF apresentaram adequados valores de R² para seis atributos do solo, atingindo R2 de até 0,83. O pXRF em associação com RF pode ser usado para prever atributos do solo com elevada acurácia, com rapidez e a baixo custo, além de proporcionar variáveis que auxiliam o mapeamento digital de solos.

Portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) applications in tropical Soil Science / Aplicações da fluorescência de raios-X portátil (pXRF) na Ciência do Solo tropical

ABSTRACT The X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is an analytical technique for determination of elemental composition of different materials. In soils, the XRF has many pedological, environmental and agronomic applications, mainly after the emergence of portable equipments (pXRF). This technique has been recently adopted and successfully used for soil characterization worldwide, but very rare works have been carried out in soils of developing countries. The soil characterization includes the complete elemental composition determination (nutrients, trace and rare-earth elements) and allows estimating some soil physical and chemical properties. In Brazil, this technique is still incipient, mainly the use of pXRF, however, it can greatly contribute to soil characterization in-field or in-lab conditions and also replacing methods of soil analyses considered non-environmentally friendly. This review summarizes the XRF technique including principles and the main applications of pXRF in soils highlighting its potential for tropical Soil Science.

RESUMO Fluorescência de raios-X (FRX) é uma técnica analítica para determinação da composição elementar de diferentes materiais. Em solos, a FRX apresenta muitas aplicações pedológicas, ambientais e agronômicas, principalmente após a emergência de equipamentos portáteis (pXRF). Essa técnica tem sido utilizada com sucessso no mundo todo para caracterização do solo, entretanto, são raros os trabalhos em solos de países em desenvolvimento. A caracterização do solo inclui a determinação completa da composição elementar (nutrientes, elementos-traço e terras-raras) e permite a estimativa de atributos químicos e físicos do solo. No Brasil, a FRX é ainda incipiente, principalmente o uso do pXRF, entretanto, essa técnica pode contribuir grandemente para a caracterização do solo no campo, em condições laboratoriais e, também, substituindo alguns métodos de análise do solo considerados não prejudicial ao ambiente. Esta revisão sumariza a técnica de FRX incluindo princípios e as principais aplicações do pXRF, destacando seu potencial de uso na Ciência do Solo tropical.

Teor de arsênio e adsorção competitiva arsênio/fosfato e arsênio/sulfato em solos de Minas Gerais, Brasil / Arsenate content, and arsenate/phosphate and arsenate/sulphate competitive adsorption in soils from Minas Gerais, Brazil

A alta toxicidade de As para homens e animais gera a necessidade de estudos do comportamento químico do arsenato nos solos que possam auxiliar na mitigação de áreas contaminadas com arsênio. Este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o teor total e a adsorção de As na ausência e presença dos ânions fosfato e sulfato em seis diferentes classes de solos do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Os solos alvo deste estudo são: o Neossolo Flúvico (RU), Gleissolo Háplico (GX), Gleissolo Melânico (GM), Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico (LVd), coletados em Lavras; Neossolo Quartzarênico (RQ), coletado em Itutinga e o Latossolo Amarelo Distrófico (LAd), coletado em Rosário, no estado de Minas Gerais. As amostras de solo foram secas, moídas e peneiradas em peneira de 2,0mm para execução do teste de adsorção e peneiradas em peneira plástica com malha de 1,5mm para determinação do teor de As, o qual foi determinado pelo método 3051A. A adsorção de As foi avaliada na dose de1500µmol L-1 de As, 1500µmol L-1 de As + 1500µmol L-1 de P e 1500µmol L-1 de As + 750µmolL-1 de S, em relação solo:solução final de 1:100, a pH 5,5 e força iônica de 15mmol L-1. Os seis solos apresentaram teor médio de As entre 0,14 e 9,3mgkg-1. A porcentagem adsorvida de arsênio na ausência dos outros ânions seguiu a sequência GM>LVd=RU=LAd=GX=RQ. A adição de fosfato e sulfato reduziu a porcentagem de arsênio adsorvido e, por consequência, houve um aumentou na concentração de arsênio disponível na solução do solo.

The high toxicity of arsenic to humans and animals creates the need to study the chemical behavior of arsenate in soils that can help in the mitigation of areas contaminated with arsenic. This work aimed to evaluate the total content and adsorption in the absence and presence of phosphate and sulfate anions in six different soil classes in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Soils aim of this study are: Fluvic Neosol (RU), Haplic Gleysol (GX), Melanic Gleysol (GM) and Typical Distrophic Red Latosol (LVd) collected in Lavras, MG; Quartzenic Neosol (RQ) collected in Itutinga, MG, and Typical Distrophic Yellow Latosol (Lad) collected in Rosário, MG. Soil samples were dried, ground and sieved through a sieve of 2mm for the test run of adsorption and sieved through a sieve with a mesh of plastic 1.5mm for the As determination. The As content was determined by the method 3051A. The rate 1500µmolL-1As, 1500µmol L-1 As + 1500µmol L-1 P, 1500µmol L-1 As + 750µmol L-1 As were used to evaluate As adsorption, soil solution rate of 1:100, pH 5,5 and ionic force of 15mmol.L-1. The mean As content in the six soils was between 0,14 and 9,3mgkg-1. The adsorpted percentage of As in absence of other anions followed the sequence GM>LVd=RU=LAd=GX=RQ. Phosphate and sulphate addition reduced the percentage of adsorpted arsenic, consequently there was an increase of disponible arsenic in the soil solution.

Potassium extractability from soils of brazilian coffee regions / Extractabilidade de potássio de solos brasileiros cultivados com cafeeiro

Coffee, which is an important commodity for Brazil, is a highly K-demanding crop. Methods for recommending K fertilization to coffee crops in Brazil are based on the amount of exchangeable K. Mineralogical studies estimating K supply capacity from different soil fractions, from medium to long term, were performed in Brazilian soils, but very few studies have been carried out focusing on the use of successive chemical extractions. This study evaluated K release from whole soil, as well as clay, silt, and sand fractions of B-horizon samples of a basalt-derived Oxisol and a sienite-derived Ultisol, both representative soils from coffee regions of Minas Gerais State. Successive extractions (0 to 665 h) of K were performed with 10-3 mol L-1 of either citrate or oxalate at 1:10 solid:solution ratio. The cumulative results were compared with forms of K (exchangeable, non-exchangeable, and total) as measured by different extraction procedures. The results showed that exchangeable K was higher, and non-exchangeable as well as total K were lower in the whole soil fraction of the Oxisol, than the K forms extracted from the Ultisol. The clay fraction was the main source of K in the Oxisol whereas the silt fraction contributed most for K supply in the Ultisol. Citrate and oxalate extracted similar amounts of K from the Oxisol, which is probably related to the fact that most of its K supply came from the exchangeable form. Citrate caused a greater release of K (part of which being from the non-exchangeable form) from the Ultisol than did oxalate. This work showed that soil texture alone is not a good indicator of K supply capacity, since for the same particle size, the studied soils revealed different K extractability.

O café, importante mercadoria para o Brasil, é uma cultura que demanda grande quantidade de potássio (K). Os métodos de recomendação de fertilizantes potássicos para lavouras cafeeiras no Brasil são baseados na quantidade de K trocável no solo. Estudos mineralógicos que estimam a capacidade de suprimento de K em diferentes frações do solo, em médio e longo prazo, foram realizados em solos brasileiros, mas poucos foram realizados com foco em extrações sucessivas. No presente estudo, avaliou-se a liberação de K do solo e das frações argila, silte e areia de amostras do horizonte B de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico e de um Nitossolo Háplico, ambos representativos de regiões cafeeiras de Minas Gerais. Extrações sucessivas de K , com tempos de agitação variando de 0 a 665 h, foram realizadas com 10-3 mol L-1 de citrato ou oxalato, na relação solo:solução de 1:10. Os resultados cumulativos foram comparados às formas de K (trocável, não-trocável e total) medidas por diferentes procedimentos de extração. Verificou-se que a concentração de K trocável foi maior e as concentrações de K não-trocável e total foram menores no Latossolo que as mesmas formas de K extraídas do Nitossolo. A fração argila foi a principal fonte de K do Latossolo, ao passo que a fração silte foi a que mais contribuiu para a liberação de K do Nitossolo. Citrato e oxalato extraíram quantidades similares de K do Latossolo, resultado este relacionado ao fato de que a maioria do suprimento de K foi extraída da forma trocável. O citrato extraiu mais K (parte na forma não-trocável) do Nitossolo que o oxalato. Observou-se, neste trabalho, que a textura do solo, isoladamente, não é uma boa indicação da capacidade do solo em suprir K para as plantas, visto que, para o mesmo tamanho de partículas, os solos estudados revelaram extratabilidade de K diferenciada.