Soil macrofauna communities in Brazilian land-use systems.

Background: Soil animal communities include more than 40 higher-order taxa, representing over 23% of all described species. These animals have a wide range of feeding sources and contribute to several important soil functions and ecosystem services. Although many studies have assessed macroinvertebrate communities in Brazil, few of them have been published in journals and even fewer have made the data openly available for consultation and further use. As part of ongoing efforts to synthesise the global soil macrofauna communities and to increase the amount of openly-accessible data in GBIF and other repositories related to soil biodiversity, the present paper provides links to 29 soil macroinvertebrate datasets covering 42 soil fauna taxa, collected in various land-use systems in Brazil. A total of 83,085 georeferenced occurrences of these taxa are presented, based on quantitative estimates performed using a standardised sampling method commonly adopted worldwide to collect soil macrofauna populations, i.e. the TSBF (Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Programme) protocol. This consists of digging soil monoliths of 25 x 25 cm area, with handsorting of the macroinvertebrates visible to the naked eye from the surface litter and from within the soil, typically in the upper 0-20 cm layer (but sometimes shallower, i.e. top 0-10 cm or deeper to 0-40 cm, depending on the site). The land-use systems included anthropogenic sites managed with agricultural systems (e.g. pastures, annual and perennial crops, agroforestry), as well as planted forests and native vegetation located mostly in the southern Brazilian State of Paraná (96 sites), with a few additional sites in the neighbouring states of São Paulo (21 sites) and Santa Catarina (five sites). Important metadata on soil properties, particularly soil chemical parameters (mainly pH, C, P, Ca, K, Mg, Al contents, exchangeable acidity, Cation Exchange Capacity, Base Saturation and, infrequently, total N), particle size distribution (mainly % sand, silt and clay) and, infrequently, soil moisture and bulk density, as well as on human management practices (land use and vegetation cover) are provided. These data will be particularly useful for those interested in estimating land-use change impacts on soil biodiversity and its implications for below-ground foodwebs, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem service delivery. New information: Quantitative estimates are provided for 42 soil animal taxa, for two biodiversity hotspots: the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Cerrado biomes. Data are provided at the individual monolith level, representing sampling events ranging from February 2001 up to September 2016 in 122 sampling sites and over 1800 samples, for a total of 83,085 ocurrences.

Amazonian earthworm biodiversity is heavily impacted by ancient and recent human disturbance.

Despite the importance of earthworms for soil formation, more is needed to know about how Pre-Columbian modifications to soils and the landscape. Gaining a deeper understanding is essential for comprehending the historical drivers of earthworm communities and the development of effective conservation strategies in the Amazon rainforest. Human disturbance can significantly impact earthworm diversity, especially in rainforest soils, and in the particular case of the Amazonian rainforest, both recent and ancient anthropic practices may be important. Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are fertile soils found throughout the Amazon Basin, created by sedentary habits and intensification patterns of pre-Colombian societies primarily developed in the second part of the Holocene period. We have sampled earthworm communities in three Brazilian Amazonian (ADEs) and adjacent reference soils (REF) under old and young forests and monocultures. To better assess taxonomic richness, we used morphology and the barcode region of the COI gene to identify juveniles and cocoons and delimit Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs). Here we suggest using Integrated Operational Taxonomical units (IOTUs) which combine both morphological and molecular data and provide a more comprehensive assessment of diversity, while MOTUs only rely on molecular data. A total of 970 individuals were collected, resulting in 51 taxonomic units (IOTUs, MOTUs, and morphospecies combined). From this total, 24 taxonomic units were unique to REF soils, 17 to ADEs, and ten were shared between both soils. The highest richness was found in old forest sites for ADEs (12 taxonomic units) and REFs (21 taxonomic units). The beta-diversity calculations reveal a high species turnover between ADEs and REF soils, providing evidence that ADEs and REFs possess distinct soil biota. Furthermore, results suggest that ADE sites, formed by Pre-Columbian human activities, conserve a high number of native species in the landscape and maintain a high abundance, despite their long-term nature.

Mortalidade e comportamento de Neopamera bilobata (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) submetido ao inseticida à base de Sophora flavescens / Mortalidade e comportamento de Neopamera bilobata (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) submetido ao inseticida à base de Sophora flavescens

Aiming at the production of a safe food and new alternatives to chemical pest control, this study investigated the mortality of adults of the strawberry seed bug, Neopamera bilobata (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae), subjected to different products, most of which have low toxicity and low environmental impact. The insects were collected in cultivated areas of Fazenda Escola farm, at the State University of Londrina. A stock culture was established in the Entomology Laboratory (T: 25 ± 1 ºC; 12-h photophase) and maintained on sunflower seeds and distilled water for the development of bioassays and experiment in a greenhouse. The insects were preliminarily subjected to the following treatments: water; a formulation with orange peel essential oil (1 mL L-1); a product based on Sophora flavescens (3 mL L-1); a formulation with orange peel essential oil (1 mL L-1) + S. flavescens (3 mL L-1); S. flavescens (3 mL L-1) + neutral detergent (1 mL L-1); silicone adjuvant (1 mL L-1); sucrose ester (1 mL L-1); and thiamethoxam (0.1 g L-1) as a positive control. Due to the efficiency of S. flavescens, with mortality greater than 90%, different concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mL L-1) were used on the adults. Higher doses of S. flavescens led to lower survival rates. After the dose of 4 mL L-1 was determined, another step was carried out in a greenhouse, using 18 pots with a capacity of 4 L of substrate containing plants of cultivar Albion surrounded by a voile fabric cage. Ten adult bugs were added to each pot; nine pots were sprayed with the S. flavescens-based product and the other nine only with distilled water. Sophora flavescens reduced the survival rate of N. bilobata in the laboratory and in the greenhouse. In conclusion, the S. flavescens-based product has the potential to control the bug N. bilobata at the tested rates, thus warranting further studies.(AU)

Buscando a produção de alimento seguro e novas alternativas ao controle químico de pragas, objetivou-se avaliar a mortalidade de adultos do percevejo-dos-frutos do morangueiro, Neopamera bilobata (Hemiptera: Rhyparochromidae) submetidos a diferentes produtos, sendo a maioria de baixa toxidez e baixo impacto ao ambiente. Os insetos foram coletados em áreas cultivadas da Fazenda Escola da Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Foi estabelecida uma criação estoque no Laboratório de Entomologia (T 25 ± 1ºC, com fotofase de 12 horas) e mantidos com sementes de girassol e água destilada, para realização dos bioensaios e experimento em casa de vegetação. Preliminarmente, os insetos foram submetidos aos seguintes tratamentos: água; produto formulado com óleo essencial de casca de laranja 1 mL L-1; produto à base de Sophora flavescens 3 mL L-1; produto formulado com óleo essencial de casca de laranja 1 mL L-1 + S. flavescens 3 mL L-1; S. flavescens 3 mL L-1 + detergente neutro 1mL L-1; adjuvante siliconado 1 mL L-1; éster de sacarose 1 mL L-1 e tiametoxan 0,1g L-1 como controle positivo. Em função da eficiência de S. flavescens com mortalidades superiores a 90%, os adultos foram submetidos a diferentes concentrações (1, 2, 3, 4 e 5 mL L-1). Quanto maior a dose de S flavescens menor foi a proporção de sobrevivência. Determinada a dose de 4 mL L-1 realizou-se outra etapa em Casa de Vegetação, dispondo-se 18 vasos, com capacidade de 4 litros de substrato, com plantas da Cultivar Albion, envoltas por gaiola de voil. Em cada vaso foram adicionados 10 adultos do percevejo, sendo que 9 vasos receberam a pulverização com o produto à base de S. flavescens e outros 9 somente água destilada. Observou-se que S. flavescens reduziu a proporção de sobrevivência de N. bilobata em laboratório e em casa de vegetação. Conclui-se que o produto à base de S. flavescens tem potencial para o controle do percevejo N. bilobata nas doses testadas, merecendo estudos complementares.(AU)

Parasitism and behavioral responses of Acromyrmex coronatus (Fabricius, 1804) and Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel, 1909) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to Myrmosicarius catharinensis Borgmeier, 1928 (Diptera: Phoridae) in Londrina, PR / Parasitismo e respostas comportamentais de Acromyrmex coronatus (Fabricius, 1804) e Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel, 1909) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) a Myrmosicarius catharinensis Borgmeier, 1928 (Diptera: Phoridae) em Londrina, PR

Leaf-cutting ants of the genus Acromyrmex cause serious damage to cultivated forest areas. Some flies of the family Phoridae are known to parasitize them, and the result of this interaction can provide a promising basis for the management of these ants. This study was developed to record the parasitism and behavioral responses of Acromyrmex spp. leaf-cutting ants to parasitoid phorids in the municipality of Londrina-PR, Brazil. Visual examinations and collections of leaf-cutting ants and associated phorids were carried out between October/2019 and April/2020 in selected anthills and their trails, located on the campus of the State University of Londrina (UEL) and at the Botanical Garden of Londrina. The collected insects were preserved in 70% alcohol, for later identification of the species. The behavioral response of the ants to the parasitoids was recorded individually and collectively, following protocols cited in the literature. The frequencies of the different response behaviors exhibited by the attacked ants were compared using analysis of variance. The leaf-cutting ant species Acromyrmex coronatus and Acromyrmex crassispinus were found at the two evaluated sites. Myrmosicarius catharinensis was the only species of parasitoid phorid found, which attacked both ant species. Although the occurrence of M. catharinensis has been reported in other Brazilian states and its association with A. crassispinus recorded in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this is the first report of the occurrence of the phorid in the state of Paraná with a new association for the species A. coronatus. Under foraging action by the parasitoid, 63.5% of the ants exhibited only one behavioral response, while 36.5% showed two. Accelerated walking, attempting to "bite" the parasitoid, and adopting a 'C' posture were the most frequent behavioral responses to avoid parasitism [...].(AU)

Formigas-cortadeiras do gênero Acromyrmex causam sérios prejuízos em áreas florestais cultivadas. Algumas moscas pertencentes à família Phoridae são conhecidas por parasitá-las e o resultado dessa interação pode fornecer bases promissoras para o manejo destas formigas. Este estudo objetivou registrar o parasitismo e as respostas comportamentais de formigas-cortadeiras Acromyrmex spp. aos forídeos parasitoides no município de Londrina, PR. Entre outubro/2019 e abril/2020 foram realizadas inspeções visuais e coletas de formigas-cortadeiras e forídeos associados em formigueiros selecionados e suas trilhas, situados no Campus da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) e no Jardim Botânico de Londrina. Os insetos coletados foram preservados em álcool 70%, para posterior identificação das espécies. O registro comportamental das formigas aos parasitoides foi realizado a nível individual e coletivo, seguindo protocolos citados em literatura. As frequências entre os diferentes comportamentos de resposta exibidos pelas formigas atacadas foram comparadas por meio de análise de variância. As espécies de formigas cortadeiras Acromyrmex coronatus e Acromyrmex crassispinus foram encontradas nos dois locais avaliados. Myrmosicarius catharinensis foi a única espécie de forídeo parasitoide encontrada e atacou as duas espécies de formigas. Embora a ocorrência de M. catharinensis seja relatada para outros estados brasileiros e sua associação com A. crassispinus registrada em Buenos Aires - Argentina, este é o primeiro relato da ocorrência do forídeo no Paraná com nova associação para a espécie A. coronatus. Sob a ação de forrageamento do parasitoide, 63,5% das formigas apresentaram apenas uma resposta comportamental, enquanto 36,5% apresentaram duas respostas comportamentais [...].(AU)

Parasitism and behavioral responses of Acromyrmex coronatus (Fabricius, 1804) and Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel, 1909) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) to Myrmosicarius catharinensis Borgmeier, 1928 (Diptera: Phoridae) in Londrina, PR / Parasitismo e respostas comportamentais de Acromyrmex coronatus (Fabricius, 1804) e Acromyrmex crassispinus (Forel, 1909) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) a Myrmosicarius catharinensis Borgmeier, 1928 (Diptera: Phoridae) em Londrina, PR

Leaf-cutting ants of the genus Acromyrmex cause serious damage to cultivated forest areas. Some flies of the family Phoridae are known to parasitize them, and the result of this interaction can provide a promising basis for the management of these ants. This study was developed to record the parasitism and behavioral responses of Acromyrmex spp. leaf-cutting ants to parasitoid phorids in the municipality of Londrina-PR, Brazil. Visual examinations and collections of leaf-cutting ants and associated phorids were carried out between October/2019 and April/2020 in selected anthills and their trails, located on the campus of the State University of Londrina (UEL) and at the Botanical Garden of Londrina. The collected insects were preserved in 70% alcohol, for later identification of the species. The behavioral response of the ants to the parasitoids was recorded individually and collectively, following protocols cited in the literature. The frequencies of the different response behaviors exhibited by the attacked ants were compared using analysis of variance. The leaf-cutting ant species Acromyrmex coronatus and Acromyrmex crassispinus were found at the two evaluated sites. Myrmosicarius catharinensis was the only species of parasitoid phorid found, which attacked both ant species. Although the occurrence of M. catharinensis has been reported in other Brazilian states and its association with A. crassispinus recorded in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this is the first report of the occurrence of the phorid in the state of Paraná with a new association for the species A. coronatus. Under foraging action by the parasitoid, 63.5% of the ants exhibited only one behavioral response, while 36.5% showed two. Accelerated walking, attempting to "bite" the parasitoid, and adopting a 'C' posture were the most frequent behavioral responses to avoid parasitism [...].

Formigas-cortadeiras do gênero Acromyrmex causam sérios prejuízos em áreas florestais cultivadas. Algumas moscas pertencentes à família Phoridae são conhecidas por parasitá-las e o resultado dessa interação pode fornecer bases promissoras para o manejo destas formigas. Este estudo objetivou registrar o parasitismo e as respostas comportamentais de formigas-cortadeiras Acromyrmex spp. aos forídeos parasitoides no município de Londrina, PR. Entre outubro/2019 e abril/2020 foram realizadas inspeções visuais e coletas de formigas-cortadeiras e forídeos associados em formigueiros selecionados e suas trilhas, situados no Campus da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL) e no Jardim Botânico de Londrina. Os insetos coletados foram preservados em álcool 70%, para posterior identificação das espécies. O registro comportamental das formigas aos parasitoides foi realizado a nível individual e coletivo, seguindo protocolos citados em literatura. As frequências entre os diferentes comportamentos de resposta exibidos pelas formigas atacadas foram comparadas por meio de análise de variância. As espécies de formigas cortadeiras Acromyrmex coronatus e Acromyrmex crassispinus foram encontradas nos dois locais avaliados. Myrmosicarius catharinensis foi a única espécie de forídeo parasitoide encontrada e atacou as duas espécies de formigas. Embora a ocorrência de M. catharinensis seja relatada para outros estados brasileiros e sua associação com A. crassispinus registrada em Buenos Aires - Argentina, este é o primeiro relato da ocorrência do forídeo no Paraná com nova associação para a espécie A. coronatus. Sob a ação de forrageamento do parasitoide, 63,5% das formigas apresentaram apenas uma resposta comportamental, enquanto 36,5% apresentaram duas respostas comportamentais [...].

A "Dirty" Footprint: Macroinvertebrate diversity in Amazonian Anthropic Soils.

Amazonian rainforests, once thought to be pristine wilderness, are increasingly known to have been widely inhabited, modified, and managed prior to European arrival, by human populations with diverse cultural backgrounds. Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are fertile soils found throughout the Amazon Basin, created by pre-Columbian societies with sedentary habits. Much is known about the chemistry of these soils, yet their zoology has been neglected. Hence, we characterized soil fertility, macroinvertebrate communities, and their activity at nine archeological sites in three Amazonian regions in ADEs and adjacent reference soils under native forest (young and old) and agricultural systems. We found 673 morphospecies and, despite similar richness in ADEs (385 spp.) and reference soils (399 spp.), we identified a tenacious pre-Columbian footprint, with 49% of morphospecies found exclusively in ADEs. Termite and total macroinvertebrate abundance were higher in reference soils, while soil fertility and macroinvertebrate activity were higher in the ADEs, and associated with larger earthworm quantities and biomass. We show that ADE habitats have a unique pool of species, but that modern land use of ADEs decreases their populations, diversity, and contributions to soil functioning. These findings support the idea that humans created and sustained high-fertility ecosystems that persist today, altering biodiversity patterns in Amazonia.

Pesticides in a case study on no-tillage farming systems and surrounding forest patches in Brazil.

With the growing global concern on pesticide management, the relationship between its environmental recalcitrance, food security and human health has never been more relevant. Pesticides residues are known to cause significant environmental contamination. Here, we present a case study on long-term no-tillage farming systems in Brazil, where Glyphosate (GLY) has been applied for more than 35 years. GLY and its main breakdown product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) were determined in topsoil (0-10 cm) samples from no-tillage fields and nearby subtropical secondary forests by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector. In addition, the presence of carbamates, organochlorines, organophosphates and triazines were also screened for. GLY and AMPA were present in all soil samples, reaching values higher than those described for soils so far in the literature. A significant decrease for AMPA was observed only between the secondary forest and the farm's middle slope for site B. GLY and AMPA were observed respectively at peak concentrations of 66.38 and 26.03 mg/kg soil. GLY was strongly associated with forest soil properties, while AMPA associated more with no-tillage soil properties. Soil texture was a significant factor contributing to discrimination of the results as clay and sand contents affect GLY and AMPA retention in soils. This was the first study to report DDT and metabolites in consolidated no-tillage soils in Brazil (a pesticide fully banned since 2009). Based on human risk assessment conducted herein and the potential risk of GLY to local soil communities, this study offers a baseline for future studies on potential adverse effects on soil biota, and mechanistic studies.

Mortality of leaf-cutting ants with salicylic acid / Mortalidade de formigas-cortadeiras com ácido salicílico

Strategies for the control of leaf-cutting ants have mainly involved granular baits based on fipronil and sulfluramid as active ingredients, which are commonly coated with attractive citrus-based substances. Their constant use and the lack of alternatives in the market may favor the perception of these substances by ants, causing rejection for foraging and consequent difficulty in their control. In this respect, this study examined the mortality of leaf-cutting ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex subjected to direct application with dry powders, in laboratory conditions. As a preliminary treatment, a commercial antiseptic talc powder (C. A. P. T.) was used, followed by isolated treatments that corresponded to its components with potential insecticidal action, namely, salicylic acid, sulfur, boric acid, zinc oxide, in addition to an inert talc powder (Quimidrol®) as the control. For each treatment, 40 (worker) ants, whose activity was reduced due to remaining in a refrigerator prior to the treatment, were placed in transparent crystal polystyrene ('Gerbox' type) and were sprinkled with a salt shaker. The ants were kept at 25 ± 2 °C, under a 12-h photophase, and cumulative mortality was recorded every 24 h, considering dead ants as those that were unable to maintain the natural position of their body, i.e., even dying ants were considered dead when they exhibited no reaction when touched by a paintbrush. When sprinkled on ants, C. A. P. T. causes 40% mortality in both species 24 h after application. Subsequent studies of the components of this commercial product have found that when sprinkled on both Atta sexdens rubropilosa and Acromyrmex crassispinus, salicylic acid causes 100% mortality of workers in the first 24 h. This result provides a new prospect of control through a low environmental-impact product, representing an alternative for control in nests in the field that can contribute to the integrated control of ants.(AU)

As estratégias de controle de formigas-cortadeiras têm sido realizadas principalmente com iscas granuladas, à base dos princípios ativos fipronil e sulfluramida, que são comumente revestidas por substâncias atrativas cítricas. O uso constante das mesmas e a falta de alternativas no mercado podem favorecer a percepção de tais substâncias pelas formigas, causando rejeição para forrageamento e consequente dificuldade do seu controle. Neste sentido, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a mortalidade de formigas-cortadeiras dos gêneros Atta e Acromyrmex, submetidas a aplicação direta com pós secos, em laboratório. Como tratamento preliminar, utilizou-se: um talco antisséptico comercial e, posteriormente seus componentes, com potencial ação inseticida, isoladamente, sendo: ácido salicílico, enxofre, ácido bórico, óxido de zinco, além de um talco inerte (Quimidrol®), como testemunha. Para cada tratamento foram utilizadas 40 formigas (operárias) acondicionadas em poliestireno cristal transparente (Tipo Gerbox), que foram polvilhadas com auxílio de um saleiro, estando com atividade reduzida, devido a permanência em geladeira, previamente ao tratamento. As formigas foram mantidas em 25 ± 2°C, fotofase de 12 horas e a mortalidade acumulada foi observada a cada 24 horas, considerando-se formigas mortas aquelas que não conseguiam manter a posição natural do corpo, ou seja, mesmo formigas moribundas foram consideradas mortas, quando não exibiam reação, ao serem tocadas por um pincel. O talco antisséptico comercial, quando polvilhado sobre as formigas, causa mortalidade de 40%, em ambas as espécies, 24 horas após as aplicações. Estudos subsequentes dos componentes do referido produto comercial detectaram que o ácido salicílico, quando polvilhado tanto para Atta sexdens rubropilosa quanto para Acromyrmex crassispinus, causa mortalidade de 100% das operárias nas primeiras 24 horas. Esse resultado abre uma nova perspectiva de controle, com produto de baixo impacto ambiental, sinalizando uma alternativa de controle em ninhos a campo, podendo contribuir para o controle integrado de formigas.(AU)

Chemical elements in the water of the São Pedro river basin, Faxinal - Paraná / Elementos químicos nas águas da bacia do rio São Pedro, Faxinal - Paraná

Anthropogenic activities close to water bodies can be sources of contamination, posing a risk to the environment and human health. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition of surface and groundwater samples collected from the São Pedro river basin, in the municipality of Faxinal (PR-Brazil). Thirty-eight samples were collected in total: nineteen from rivers, two in dams, eleven at sites with springs, one in a shallow well, and five in deep wells part of the Guarani Aquifer System. Samples were collected in the rainy and dry seasons to determine the concentrations of the following elements: Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Chromium, Nickel, Aluminum, Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium, which were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were compared with the standards established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health Ordinance n. 2914/2011, which regulates the drinking water standard for human consumption in Brazil. Manganese, Aluminum, and Mercury levels were observed to be above those required by the standards established by the legislation, indicating that further studies are necessary to detect possible sources of pollution in these waters as well as highlighting the potential risks to human health and ultimately contributing to the environmental planning of this basin.(AU)

As atividades antrópicas localizadas muito próximas aos cursos dágua podem causar contaminação dos mesmos, oferecendo riscos ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana. Neste sentido, objetivou-se avaliar a composição química das águas superficiais e subterrâneas coletadas da bacia do rio São Pedro, em Faxinal (PR-Brasil). Foram coletadas 38 amostras no total: 19 amostras em rios, duas em represas, 11 em nascentes, uma em poço raso e cinco em poços tubulares profundos do Sistema Aquífero Guarani. As amostras foram coletadas nas estações chuvosa e seca para determinar a concentração dos seguintes elementos: Magnésio, Cobre, Manganês, Zinco, Cromo, Níquel, Alumínio, Chumbo, Mercúrio e Cádmio, as quais foram quantificadas por meio de espectrometria de absorção atômica (AAS) e espectrometria de emissão atômica (ICP-MS). Os resultados foram comparados com os padrões estabelecidos pela Portaria 2914 do Ministério da Saúde, que regula o padrão de potabilidade das águas para consumo humano no Brasil. Foram observados níveis de Manganês, Alumínio e Mercúrio acima dos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação, apontando que estudos complementares são necessários para detectar possíveis fontes poluidoras nestas águas, bem como sinalizar potenciais riscos à saúde humana e, assim, contribuir para o planejamento ambiental da referida bacia.(AU)

Chemical elements in the water of the São Pedro river basin, Faxinal - Paraná / Elementos químicos nas águas da bacia do rio São Pedro, Faxinal - Paraná

Anthropogenic activities close to water bodies can be sources of contamination, posing a risk to the environment and human health. This study aimed to assess the chemical composition of surface and groundwater samples collected from the São Pedro river basin, in the municipality of Faxinal (PR-Brazil). Thirty-eight samples were collected in total: nineteen from rivers, two in dams, eleven at sites with springs, one in a shallow well, and five in deep wells part of the Guarani Aquifer System. Samples were collected in the rainy and dry seasons to determine the concentrations of the following elements: Magnesium, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, Chromium, Nickel, Aluminum, Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium, which were quantified using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were compared with the standards established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health Ordinance n. 2914/2011, which regulates the drinking water standard for human consumption in Brazil. Manganese, Aluminum, and Mercury levels were observed to be above those required by the standards established by the legislation, indicating that further studies are necessary to detect possible sources of pollution in these waters as well as highlighting the potential risks to human health and ultimately contributing to the environmental planning of this basin.

As atividades antrópicas localizadas muito próximas aos cursos dágua podem causar contaminação dos mesmos, oferecendo riscos ao meio ambiente e à saúde humana. Neste sentido, objetivou-se avaliar a composição química das águas superficiais e subterrâneas coletadas da bacia do rio São Pedro, em Faxinal (PR-Brasil). Foram coletadas 38 amostras no total: 19 amostras em rios, duas em represas, 11 em nascentes, uma em poço raso e cinco em poços tubulares profundos do Sistema Aquífero Guarani. As amostras foram coletadas nas estações chuvosa e seca para determinar a concentração dos seguintes elementos: Magnésio, Cobre, Manganês, Zinco, Cromo, Níquel, Alumínio, Chumbo, Mercúrio e Cádmio, as quais foram quantificadas por meio de espectrometria de absorção atômica (AAS) e espectrometria de emissão atômica (ICP-MS). Os resultados foram comparados com os padrões estabelecidos pela Portaria 2914 do Ministério da Saúde, que regula o padrão de potabilidade das águas para consumo humano no Brasil. Foram observados níveis de Manganês, Alumínio e Mercúrio acima dos padrões estabelecidos pela legislação, apontando que estudos complementares são necessários para detectar possíveis fontes poluidoras nestas águas, bem como sinalizar potenciais riscos à saúde humana e, assim, contribuir para o planejamento ambiental da referida bacia.

Selectivity of insecticide use in soybean crop to the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) / Seletividade de inseticidas utilizados na cultura da soja ao predador Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The selectivity of different insecticides to nymphs and adults of Podisus nigrispinus was evaluated in this study. Tests were carried out in the laboratory according to IOBC standard protocol. We evaluated different active ingredients that were applied using a Potter tower. Insect survival was assessed at 24-hour intervals for up to five days after exposure to treatments. Adult survivors of each treatment were assigned to breeding-pairs to evaluate possible effects on fertility. The pyrethroids bifenthrin, zeta-cypermethrin, beta-cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin alone or in mixtures with neonicotinoids and diamides, such as beta-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxan and chlorantraniliprole + lambda-cyhalothrin, as well as the organophosphate, chlorpyrifos, were the most harmful (class 4 classification) insecticides for the preservation of P. nigrispinus for both nymph and adult predators. Conversely, the insecticide growth regulators (IGRs) lufenuron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron, tebufenozide and novaluron were classified as harmful (class 4) only for P. nigrispinus nymphs. These products were classified as harmless (class 1) and slightly harmful (class 2) for adult predators. Among the evaluated products, the most selective for P. nigrispinus were those belonging to the spinosyns (spinosad and spinetoram) and the diamides group (flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole), which were classified as harmless (class 1) and slightly harmful (class 2) for both P. nigrispinus nymphs and adults. Next, the most selective product was methoxyfenozide, which ranged between slightly harmful (class 2) and moderately harmful (class 3) to nymphs and harmless (class 1) to adults of the natural enemy.

A seletividade de diferentes inseticidas para ninfas e adultos de Podisus nigrispinus foi avaliada neste estudo. Os testes foram realizados em laboratório de acordo com protocolo padrão da IOBC. Foram avaliados diferentes ingredientes ativos que foram aplicados usando uma torre Potter. A sobrevivência dos insetos foi avaliada em intervalos de 24 horas por até cinco dias após a exposição aos tratamentos. Os sobreviventes adultos de cada tratamento foram distribuídos em casais para avaliar possíveis efeitos sobre a fertilidade. Os piretróides bifentrina, zeta-cipermetrina, beta-citflutrina, lambda-cialotrina e deltametrina isolados ou em misturas com neonicotinóides e diamidas, tais como beta-citflutrina + imidacloprid, lambda-cialotrina + tiametoxano e clorantraniliprole + lambda-cialotrina, bem como o organofosforado, clorpirifós, foram os inseticidas mais nocivos (classe 4) para a preservação de ninfas e adultos do predador P. nigrispinus. Por outro lado, os reguladores de crescimento de inseticidas (IGRs) lufenuron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron, tebufenozide e novaluron foram classificados como nocivos (classe 4) apenas para ninfas de P. nigrispinus. Estes produtos foram classificados como inofensivos (classe 1) e levemente nocivo (classe 2) para os predadores adultos. Entre os produtos avaliados, os mais seletivos para P. nigrispinus foram aqueles pertencentes às espinosinas (spinosad e spinetoram) e ao grupo das diamidas (flubendiamida e clorantraniliprole) classificados como inofensivos (classe 1) e levemente nocivos (classe 2) para ninfas e adultos de P. nigrispinus. Em seguida, o produto mais seletivo foi methoxyfenozide, que variou entre ligeiramente prejudicial (classe 2) e moderadamente prejudicial (classe 3) para ninfas e inofensivo (classe 1) para adultos do inimigo natural.

Selectivity of insecticide use in soybean crop to the predator Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) / Seletividade de inseticidas utilizados na cultura da soja ao predador Podisus nigrispinus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The selectivity of different insecticides to nymphs and adults of Podisus nigrispinus was evaluated in this study. Tests were carried out in the laboratory according to IOBC standard protocol. We evaluated different active ingredients that were applied using a Potter tower. Insect survival was assessed at 24-hour intervals for up to five days after exposure to treatments. Adult survivors of each treatment were assigned to breeding-pairs to evaluate possible effects on fertility. The pyrethroids bifenthrin, zeta-cypermethrin, beta-cyfluthrin, lambda-cyhalothrin and deltamethrin alone or in mixtures with neonicotinoids and diamides, such as beta-cyfluthrin + imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin + thiamethoxan and chlorantraniliprole + lambda-cyhalothrin, as well as the organophosphate, chlorpyrifos, were the most harmful (class 4 classification) insecticides for the preservation of P. nigrispinus for both nymph and adult predators. Conversely, the insecticide growth regulators (IGRs) lufenuron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron, tebufenozide and novaluron were classified as harmful (class 4) only for P. nigrispinus nymphs. These products were classified as harmless (class 1) and slightly harmful (class 2) for adult predators. Among the evaluated products, the most selective for P. nigrispinus were those belonging to the spinosyns (spinosad and spinetoram) and the diamides group (flubendiamide and chlorantraniliprole), which were classified as harmless (class 1) and slightly harmful (class 2) for both P. nigrispinus nymphs and adults. Next, the most selective product was methoxyfenozide, which ranged between slightly harmful (class 2) and moderately harmful (class 3) to nymphs and harmless (class 1) to adults of the natural enemy.(AU)

A seletividade de diferentes inseticidas para ninfas e adultos de Podisus nigrispinus foi avaliada neste estudo. Os testes foram realizados em laboratório de acordo com protocolo padrão da IOBC. Foram avaliados diferentes ingredientes ativos que foram aplicados usando uma torre Potter. A sobrevivência dos insetos foi avaliada em intervalos de 24 horas por até cinco dias após a exposição aos tratamentos. Os sobreviventes adultos de cada tratamento foram distribuídos em casais para avaliar possíveis efeitos sobre a fertilidade. Os piretróides bifentrina, zeta-cipermetrina, beta-citflutrina, lambda-cialotrina e deltametrina isolados ou em misturas com neonicotinóides e diamidas, tais como beta-citflutrina + imidacloprid, lambda-cialotrina + tiametoxano e clorantraniliprole + lambda-cialotrina, bem como o organofosforado, clorpirifós, foram os inseticidas mais nocivos (classe 4) para a preservação de ninfas e adultos do predador P. nigrispinus. Por outro lado, os reguladores de crescimento de inseticidas (IGRs) lufenuron, teflubenzuron, triflumuron, tebufenozide e novaluron foram classificados como nocivos (classe 4) apenas para ninfas de P. nigrispinus. Estes produtos foram classificados como inofensivos (classe 1) e levemente nocivo (classe 2) para os predadores adultos. Entre os produtos avaliados, os mais seletivos para P. nigrispinus foram aqueles pertencentes às espinosinas (spinosad e spinetoram) e ao grupo das diamidas (flubendiamida e clorantraniliprole) classificados como inofensivos (classe 1) e levemente nocivos (classe 2) para ninfas e adultos de P. nigrispinus. Em seguida, o produto mais seletivo foi methoxyfenozide, que variou entre ligeiramente prejudicial (classe 2) e moderadamente prejudicial (classe 3) para ninfas e inofensivo (classe 1) para adultos do inimigo natural.(AU)

No impact of Bt soybean that express Cry1Ac protein on biological traits of Euschistus heros (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) and its egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae)

No impact of Bt soybean that express Cry1Ac protein on biological traits of Euschistus heros (Hemiptera, Pentatomidae) and its egg parasitoid Telenomus podisi (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae). Biological traits of the stink bug Euschistus heros and its main biological control agent Telenomus podisi were evaluated under controlled environmental conditions (25 ± 2ºC; 60 ± 10% RH; and 14/10 h photoperiod) by placing first instar nymphs into Petri dishes with pods originating from two soybean isolines (Bt-soybean MON 87701 × MON 89788, which expresses the Cry1Ac protein, and its near non-Bt isoline A5547) where they remained until the adult stage. Due to gregarious behavior exhibited by first instar nymphs, they were individualized only when at the second instar. Adults were separated by sex and weighed, and pronotum width of each individual was subsequently measured. They were placed into plastic boxes containing soybean grains of the same soybean isoline as food source. Egg viability and female fecundity were assessed in adult individuals. Adult females of T. podisi (up to 24h old) were placed with eggs of E. heros from mothers reared on both soybean isolines. Nymphal development time, insect weight, pronotum width, sex ratio, female fecundity, and egg viability (% emergence) of Euschistus heros did not differ between treatments. Eggto-adult development time, female longevity, sex ratio, and percentage of parasitized eggs were not impacted by the Bt-soybean (expressing Cry1Ac protein). Results indicate that the Bt-soybean, MON 87701 × MON 89788, has no direct significant impact on the two studied species.

Earthworm ecotoxicological assessments of pesticides used to treat seeds under tropical conditions.

Ecotoxicological laboratory tests (lower-tier tests) are fundamental tools for assessing the toxicity of pesticides to soil organisms. In this study, using these tests under tropical conditions, we quantified the impact of the insecticides imidacloprid, fipronil, and thiametoxam, and the fungicides captan and carboxin+thiram, all of which are used in the chemical treatment of crop seeds, on the survival, reproduction, and behavior of Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta). With the exception of imidacloprid, none of the pesticides tested caused mortality in E. andrei in artificial soils. The LC(50) of imidacloprid was estimated as 25.53 mg active ingredient kg(-1) of dry soil. Earthworm reproduction rates were reduced by imidacloprid (EC(50)=4.07 mgkg(-1)), fipronil (EC(20)=23.16 mgkg(-1)), carboxin+thiram (EC(50)=56.38 mgkg(-1)), captan (EC(50)=334.84 mgkg(-1)), and thiametoxam (EC(50)=791.99 mgkg(-1)). Avoidance behavior was observed in the presence of imidacloprid (AC(50)=0.11 mgkg(-1)), captan (AC(50)=33.54 mgkg(-1)), carboxin+thiram (AC(50)=60.32 mgkg(-1)), and thiametoxam (AC(50)=>20 mgkg(-1)). Earthworms showed a preference for soils with the insecticide fipronil. Imidacloprid was the most toxic of the substances tested for E. andrei. The avoidance test was the most sensitive test for most pesticides studied, but results varied between pesticides. These results offer new insights on the toxicity of pesticides used to treat seeds in tropical regions. However, they should be complemented with higher-tier tests in order to reduce the uncertainties in risk assessment.

[Bromatological characterization of mulberry cultivars, Morus spp., and determination of nutritional indexes of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)]. / Caracterização bromatológica de cultivares de amoreira, Morus spp., e determinação dos índices nutricionais de Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae).

The objective of this work was to assess, through consumption and utilization of natural food measurements, whether mulberry cultivars, Morus spp., could be recommended to rear the silkworm, Bombyx mori L., in a commercial scale. The mulberry cultivars Miura (standard), Korin and Tailandesa and the hybrids FM 3/3, FM 86, SK 1 and SK 4 were tested. Seventy five fifth-instar commercial hybrid larvae were individualized in gerbox® unities and maintained in a rearing room (25 ± 3ºC and 80 ± 10% RH).The mulberry leaves of each of the five cultivars used to feed the silkworm larvae were submitted to bromatological analysis. The dry weight of larvae at the beginning and at the end of the fifth instar, the food consumed and the feces eliminated were recorded to determine the following indexes: relative consumption rate (RCR), relative metabolic rate (RMR), relative growth rate (RGR), approximate digestibility (AD), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), metabolic cost (MC). The bromatological composition analysis of mulberry leaf cultivars revealed that the hybrid SK 4 presented superior nutritional quality compared to the standard cultivar Miura, due to its higher content in crude protein and ethereal extract, and lower detergent fiber content. The hybrid SK 4 was the most adequate food to the silkworm larvae because it was ingested in small amounts, thus providing good digestibility to the larvae, low metabolic cost, good growth rate and one of the highest efficiencies in the conversion of the ingested food and ingested and digested in biomass.

Caracterização bromatológica de cultivares de amoreira, Morus spp., e determinação dos índices nutricionais de Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) / Bromatological characterization of mulberry cultivars, Morus spp., and determination of nutritional indexes of Bombyx mori L. (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae)

The objective of this work was to assess, through consumption and utilization of natural food measurements, whether mulberry cultivars, Morus spp., could be recommended to rear the silkworm, Bombyx mori L., in a commercial scale. The mulberry cultivars Miura (standard), Korin and Tailandesa and the hybrids FM 3/3, FM 86, SK 1 and SK 4 were tested. Seventy five fifth-instar commercial hybrid larvae were individualized in gerbox® unities and maintained in a rearing room (25 ± 3ºC and 80 ± 10 percent RH).The mulberry leaves of each of the five cultivars used to feed the silkworm larvae were submitted to bromatological analysis. The dry weight of larvae at the beginning and at the end of the fifth instar, the food consumed and the feces eliminated were recorded to determine the following indexes: relative consumption rate (RCR), relative metabolic rate (RMR), relative growth rate (RGR), approximate digestibility (AD), efficiency of conversion of ingested food (ECI), efficiency of conversion of digested food (ECD), metabolic cost (MC). The bromatological composition analysis of mulberry leaf cultivars revealed that the hybrid SK 4 presented superior nutritional quality compared to the standard cultivar Miura, due to its higher content in crude protein and ethereal extract, and lower detergent fiber content. The hybrid SK 4 was the most adequate food to the silkworm larvae because it was ingested in small amounts, thus providing good digestibility to the larvae, low metabolic cost, good growth rate and one of the highest efficiencies in the conversion of the ingested food and ingested and digested in biomass.

Exigências térmicas de Doru lineare Eschs. e Doru luteipes Scudder em laboratório / Thermal requirements of Doru lineare Eschs. and Doru luteipes Scudder in the laboratory

Algumas espécies de tesourinhas (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) são importantes predadoras da lagarta-do-cartucho do milho Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito de temperaturas constantes no desenvolvimento de Doru luteipes (Scudder) e Doru lineare (Eschs.). D. luteipes não completou seu desenvolvimento nas temperaturas de 30 e 32°C, enquanto D. lineare não completou apenas na temperatura de 32°C. O período de incubação variou de 8,0 (25°C) a 17,2 dias (18°C) e de 4,6 (30°C) a 14,5 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes e D. lineare, respectivamente. A duração do período ninfal variou de 30,4 dias (25°C) a 63,6 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes, e de 20,4 dias (30°C) a 60,5 dias (18°C), para D. lineare. A duração do ciclo biológico (ovo-adulto) variou de 38,4 (25°C) a 80,8 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes, e de 25 (30°C) a 75 dias (18°C), para D. lineare. Portanto, as temperaturas elevadas foram desfavoráveis para ambas as espécies, observando-se que D. luteipes é mais susceptível à elevação térmica.

Some Earwigs species (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) are important predators of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The effects of constant temperatures on the development of Doru luteipes (Scudder) and Doru lineare (Eschs.) were evaluated. The development of D. luteipes was not completed at 30 and 32°C, whereas D. lineare did not complete only at 32°C. The incubation period ranged from 8.0 (25°C) to 17.2 days (18oC) for D. luteipes and D. lineare, respectively. The duration of the nymphal stage ranged from 30.4 (25°C) to 63.6 days (18°C) for D. luteipes and, from 20.4 (30°C) to 60.5 days (18°C) for D. lineare. The duration of the biological cycle (egg-adult) varied from 38.4 (25°C) to 80.8 days (18°C) for D. luteipes and from 25 (30°C) to 75 days (18°C) for D. lineare. Therefore, high temperatures were unfavorable for both species, but D. luteipes is more susceptible to higher temperatures.

Exigências térmicas de Doru lineare Eschs. e Doru luteipes Scudder em laboratório

Some Earwigs species (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) are important predators of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The effects of constant temperatures on the development of Doru luteipes (Scudder) and Doru lineare (Eschs.) were evaluated. The development of D. luteipes was not completed at 30 and 32°C, whereas D. lineare did not complete only at 32°C. The incubation period ranged from 8.0 (25°C) to 17.2 days (18oC) for D. luteipes and D. lineare, respectively. The duration of the nymphal stage ranged from 30.4 (25°C) to 63.6 days (18°C) for D. luteipes and, from 20.4 (30°C) to 60.5 days (18°C) for D. lineare. The duration of the biological cycle (egg-adult) varied from 38.4 (25°C) to 80.8 days (18°C) for D. luteipes and from 25 (30°C) to 75 days (18°C) for D. lineare. Therefore, high temperatures were unfavorable for both species, but D. luteipes is more susceptible to higher temperatures.

Algumas espécies de tesourinhas (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) são importantes predadoras da lagarta-do-cartucho do milho Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito de temperaturas constantes no desenvolvimento de Doru luteipes (Scudder) e Doru lineare (Eschs.). D. luteipes não completou seu desenvolvimento nas temperaturas de 30 e 32°C, enquanto D. lineare não completou apenas na temperatura de 32°C. O período de incubação variou de 8,0 (25°C) a 17,2 dias (18°C) e de 4,6 (30°C) a 14,5 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes e D. lineare, respectivamente. A duração do período ninfal variou de 30,4 dias (25°C) a 63,6 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes, e de 20,4 dias (30°C) a 60,5 dias (18°C), para D. lineare. A duração do ciclo biológico (ovo-adulto) variou de 38,4 (25°C) a 80,8 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes, e de 25 (30°C) a 75 dias (18°C), para D. lineare. Portanto, as temperaturas elevadas foram desfavoráveis para ambas as espécies, observando-se que D. luteipes é mais susceptível à elevação térmica.

Exigências térmicas de Doru lineare Eschs. e Doru luteipes Scudder em laboratório

Some Earwigs species (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) are important predators of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The effects of constant temperatures on the development of Doru luteipes (Scudder) and Doru lineare (Eschs.) were evaluated. The development of D. luteipes was not completed at 30 and 32°C, whereas D. lineare did not complete only at 32°C. The incubation period ranged from 8.0 (25°C) to 17.2 days (18oC) for D. luteipes and D. lineare, respectively. The duration of the nymphal stage ranged from 30.4 (25°C) to 63.6 days (18°C) for D. luteipes and, from 20.4 (30°C) to 60.5 days (18°C) for D. lineare. The duration of the biological cycle (egg-adult) varied from 38.4 (25°C) to 80.8 days (18°C) for D. luteipes and from 25 (30°C) to 75 days (18°C) for D. lineare. Therefore, high temperatures were unfavorable for both species, but D. luteipes is more susceptible to higher temperatures.

Algumas espécies de tesourinhas (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) são importantes predadoras da lagarta-do-cartucho do milho Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Neste trabalho, avaliou-se o efeito de temperaturas constantes no desenvolvimento de Doru luteipes (Scudder) e Doru lineare (Eschs.). D. luteipes não completou seu desenvolvimento nas temperaturas de 30 e 32°C, enquanto D. lineare não completou apenas na temperatura de 32°C. O período de incubação variou de 8,0 (25°C) a 17,2 dias (18°C) e de 4,6 (30°C) a 14,5 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes e D. lineare, respectivamente. A duração do período ninfal variou de 30,4 dias (25°C) a 63,6 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes, e de 20,4 dias (30°C) a 60,5 dias (18°C), para D. lineare. A duração do ciclo biológico (ovo-adulto) variou de 38,4 (25°C) a 80,8 dias (18°C), para D. luteipes, e de 25 (30°C) a 75 dias (18°C), para D. lineare. Portanto, as temperaturas elevadas foram desfavoráveis para ambas as espécies, observando-se que D. luteipes é mais susceptível à elevação térmica.

Characterization of management systems in a typic hapludox using biological, physical and chemical parameters / Caracterização de sistemas de manejo em latossolo vermelho utilizando parâmetros biológicos, físicos e químicos

The dynamics of an agricultural system are better understood by means of multifactor experimental approaches on soil ecology, involving physical, chemical, and biological attributes. This study evaluated the influence of four soil management systems on those attributes in a Typic Hapludox in Rolândia State of Paraná, Brazil, in order to identify variations in each type of management. Evaluations included: soil porosity, bulk and particle density, aggregate stability, field capacity and permanent wilting point, granulometry, cropping profile, chemical characteristics, and soil invertebrate macrofauna. Biological activity showed a relationship with the structures observed in the profile (µ, microaggregate structures) and with the increase in aggregates between 0.5 and 2 mm found via the clod method. Soil management introduced changes in the soil profile, particularly down to a 0.2 m depth, especially in the pasture, where cattle trampling increased bulk density in relation to no-till. Water availability tended to increase in the no-till system, and there was also a tendency of higher number of macropores in relation to the pasture. Base saturation in the agricultural areas was between 50 and 75%. The invertebrate macrofauna decreased in agricultural areas, as compared to the forest.

O funcionamento de um sistema agrícola é melhor compreendido com abordagens experimentais multifatoriais relativas à ecologia do solo, envolvendo atributos físicos, químicos e biológicos. Este trabalho avaliou as influências de quatro sistemas de manejo do solo sobre os referidos atributos de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico no município de Rolândia - Paraná, com o objetivo de identificar variações para cada manejo. Foram avaliados: porosidade do solo, densidade do solo e de partículas, estabilidade de agregados, capacidade de campo e ponto de murcha permanente, granulometria, perfil cultural, características químicas e macrofauna invertebrada do solo. A atividade biológica apresentou relação com as estruturas observadas no perfil (µ, estruturas microagregadas) e com o aumento dos agregados entre 0,5 e 2 mm encontrados no tamisamento úmido. O manejo das áreas também modificou o perfil do solo, principalmente até 0,2 m de profundidade, especialmente na pastagem, em que o pisoteio do gado aumentou a densidade do solo em relação à semeadura direta. A disponibilidade de água tendeu a aumentar no sistema de semeadura direta, assim como houve uma tendência de maior quantidade de macroporos em relação à pastagem. A saturação de bases nas áreas agrícolas ficou entre 50 e 75%. A macrofauna de invertebrados diminuiu nas áreas agrícolas, em relação à mata.