Co-Inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobium sp. Enhances Nitrogen Uptake and Yield in Field-Grown Cowpea and Did Not Change N-Fertilizer Recovery.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of Azospirillum brasilense and Bradyrhizobium sp. co-inoculation coupled with N application on soil N levels and N in plants (total N, nitrate N-NO3- and ammonium N-NH4+), photosynthetic pigments, cowpea plant biomass and grain yield. An isotopic technique was employed to evaluate 15N fertilizer recovery and derivation. Field trials involved two inoculations-(i) single Bradyrhizobium sp. and (ii) Bradyrhizobium sp. + A. brasilense co-inoculation-and four N fertilizer rates (0, 20, 40 and 80 kg ha-1). The co-inoculation of Bradyrhizobium sp. + A. brasilense increased cowpea N uptake (an increase from 10 to 14%) and grain yield (an average increase of 8%) compared to the standard inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. specifically derived from soil and other sources without affecting 15N fertilizer recovery. There is no need for the supplementation of N via mineral fertilizers when A. brasilense co-inoculation is performed in a cowpea crop. However, even in the case of an NPK basal fertilization, applied N rates should remain below 20 kg N ha-1 when co-inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. and A. brasilense is performed.

Comparing soil-to-plant cadmium (Cd) transfer and potential human intake among rice cultivars with different Cd tolerance levels grown in a tropical contaminated soil.

With its accumulation in upland rice, cadmium (Cd) can easily enter the human food chain, which poses a global health threat considering nearly half of the human population depends on rice as a staple food source. A study was conducted to (1) evaluate Cd accumulation by rice cultivars, grown in Cd-polluted Tropical Oxisols, with different levels of Cd tolerance; (2) quantify Cd transfer from soil to rice shoots and grain; and (3) estimate daily Cd intake by humans. Three rice cultivars, characterized by low (Cateto Seda-CS), medium (BRSMG Talento-BT), and high (BRSMG Caravera-BC) Cd uptake capacity, were investigated. Rice cultivars were exposed to increasing soil Cd concentrations (0.0, 0.7, 1.3, 3.9, 7.8, and 11.7 mg kg-1). Analysis was performed on soil, shoots, and grain. Shoot biomass and grain yield decreased with increasing Cd supply, suggesting the following Cd tolerance: CS > BT > BC. Cadmium concentrations in shoots and grain increased when exposed to Cd. Only CS did not exceed the maximum Cd limit permitted in food (0.40 mg kg-1), when rates up to 1.3 mg kg-1 of Cd were applied to soil. Considering daily rice consumption levels in Brazil, Cd intake often exceeds maximum tolerable levels. Continuous monitoring of soil Cd concentrations is a pivotal step in avoiding hazards to humans. Such monitoring is important on a global scale since outside of Asia, Brazil is the leading rice-producing and rice-consuming country.

Optimizing pyrolysis conditions for recycling pig bones into phosphate fertilizer.

Selecting pyrolysis parameters for recycling P-rich and hazardous biowastes, such as bones, into fertilizers is still a challenge. Our objective was to improve pyrolysis procedures of pig bones for the production of P fertilizers. Bone chars were produced by pyrolysis at 400, 550, or 800 °C with no gas addition; 550 and 800 °C under N2; 800 °C under steam flux, using calcination at 800 °C as control treatment. Synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy at the P and Ca K- and L-edges showed that these bone chars were largely composed of hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite crystallization was inhibited by pyrolysis conducted in the absence of oxygen at 400, 550, or 800 °C, either under no gas or under N2 flux. The clogging of pores by lack of organic compounds removal was hypothesized to cause low surface area of 400 °C bone char, resulting in a fertilizer with citric-acid soluble P as low as calcination, while 550 and 800 °C bone chars obtained in absence of oxygen showed greater porosity, surface area, and citric acid-soluble P than steamed or calcined samples at 800 °C. Although extractable phosphate in water and neutral-ammonium-citrate showed trends comparable to those from citric acid, it was negligible for all heated materials. Since it is possible to produce bone chars with different chemical, physical and crystallographic properties by managing pyrolysis conditions, bone chars can be designed to increase their suitability as P fertilizers for different purposes, such as high solubility or slow P release.

Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy for a qualitative evaluation of plant leaf pigment extraction.

The extraction and quantification of leaf pigments are easy, fast, and cheap procedures; on the other hand, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy associated with chemometrics tools could offer new insights into leaf biochemical composition. We aimed to boost the classic leaf pigment quantification, adding leaf biochemical information derived from DRIFT spectroscopy + principal component analysis, using the same leaf pigment extract produced by the classical quantification method. We performed a dose-response experiment using P as the limiting nutrient, and maize (Zea mays L.) as a plant-test. After 45 d of growth, we evaluated the effects of P fertilization in total maize shoot biomass, P shoot accumulation, leaf pigment quantification by UV-Vis, and the evaluation of biochemical variations by DRIFT spectroscopy analysis associated with a chemometric approach in the same leaf extract used for pigment quantification. P fertilization raised biomass accumulation (∼7.4×), P uptake (∼2.3×), and total chlorophyll a and b contents (∼2.1×). DRIFT spectroscopy analysis of extracted pigments revealed an elevated content of proteins and polysaccharides at high P availability. At low P availability, we found a low efficiency of N metabolism suggested by the accumulation of inorganic N forms. DRIFT spectroscopy applied together with the classic leaf pigment extraction and quantification method is a novel and promising tool for plant nutrition studies as a DRIFT spectroscopy metabolic profile protocol.

Fertilization using sewage sludge in unfertile tropical soils increased wood production in Eucalyptus plantations.

Fertilization of Eucalyptus plantations using sewage sludge on unfertile tropical soils represents an alternative to using mineral N and P fertilizers. A 44-month field experiment was conducted to study the effects of increasing application of sludge, and its interactions with mineral N and P fertilizers, on wood volume. Four rates of sludge (0, 8, 15 and 23 Mg ha-1, dry base), N (0, 47, 95 and 142 kg ha-1) and P (0, 28, 56 and 84 kg ha-1 of P2O5) were combined in a 4 × 4 × 4 factorial scheme in a totally randomized block design. Response surface and age-shift modeling was used to establish an initial recommendation for mineral fertilization of the Eucalyptus plantations treated with sludge and to analyze the implications of increased growth on the duration of the forest cycle in a tropical climate. The results showed that from 8 to 44 months after planting, the sludge application (with or without N and P) yielded a statistically larger wood volume (P < 0.05), compared to application of N and P fertilizers only. The response surface modeling showed the following outcomes: i) application of sludge based on N criterion reduced the need for N and P fertilizers by 100%; and ii) an increase in wood volume by 7% could be achieved, compared to NPK fertilizers only, if 2/3 of the recommended P was applied. The cultivation time to produce 150 m3 ha-1 of wood volume was 45 months for the control and was reduced by two, three, four, or five months, respectively, through application of recommended P, sludge dose, sludge plus one third of P, and sludge plus two thirds of P. On the whole, sewage sludge could represent an excellent unconventional N and P fertilizer source for wood production on unfertile tropical soils.

Silicon fertilization improve yield and quality of rice and pearl millet in cerrado soils / Adubação silicatada aumenta a produtividade e qualidade de arroz e milheto em solos do cerrado

Although silicon (Si) fertilization in rice (Oryza sativa) plants have already been studied, most of the Brazilian studies have focused on the acidity correction effects of sources and the application rate, but not on Si supply. Moreover, beneficial effects are rarely linked to other Si-accumulation plants such as pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), which is extensively grown in low soluble Si of Cerrado soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Si sources and application rates on the yield and quality of two commonly cultivated grain crops (rice and pearl millet) in Cerrado soils. The experiments were conducted on two crops (rice and pearl millet) and two soil types (Rhodic Haplustox-LV and Quartzipsamment-RQ) in a completely randomized factorial scheme with four replicates, four Si rates (0; 200; 400, and 800 kg ha-1 Si); and three sources (calcium and magnesium silicate, wollastonite, and silicic acid). All plots received the same quantities of Ca and Mg to equilibrate these levels in both soils. Ca and Mg silicate and wollastonite produced linear increases in soluble Si (0.5 mol L-1 acetic acid), in LV, RQ, and in Si uptake by rice and pearl millet. Increases in shoot dry weight were observed in rice and pearl millet from maximum rates of 542, 550 and 480 kg ha-1 Si in RQ, respectively. Ca and Mg silicate levels were higher than wollastonite in the dry weight of both plants.

Embora já tenha sido estudada a adubação silicatada em arroz, a maioria dos estudos brasileiros tem focado nos efeitos da correção da acidez de fontes e doses aplicadas e não no fornecimento de Si. Aliado a isso, os efeitos benéficos são raramente associados a outras plantas acumuladoras como o milheto, que é intensamente cultivado nos solos com baixo Si solúvel da região do Cerrado. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar fontes e doses de silício na produção e qualidade de duas culturas comumente cultivadas (arroz e milheto) em solos de cerrado. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em duas culturas (arroz e milheto) e dois solos (Neossolo Quartzarênico-RQ e Latossolo Vermelho- Amarelo-LV) em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado composto de quatro doses de silício equivalentes a 0; 200; 400 e 800 kg ha-1Si, três fontes (silicato de cálcio e magnésio-S; wollastonita-W; ácido silícico-AS) e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos receberam a mesma quantidade de Ca e Mg para equilibrar as quantidades desses nutrientes dos solos. O silicato e a wollastonita aumentaram linearmente o Si solúvel em ácido acético 0,5 mol L-1 no LV e no RQ e a absorção pela parte aérea do arroz e milheto. Silicato de cálcio e magnésio e a wollastonita aumentaram linearmente o Si solúvel no solo e a absorção de Si pelo arroz e milheto. Máxima produção de grãos e massa seca da parte aérea do arroz e milheto foram obtidas com doses de 542, 550 e 480 kg ha-1 no RQ, respectivamente. As doses de Si proporcionaram redução do número de grãos chochos e aumento na absorção de Si pela parte aérea. O silicato proporcionou maior produção de massa seca comparada a wollastonita nas duas culturas.

Absorción de macronutrientes por plantas de papa (Solanum Tuberosum L.) en la producción de tubérculo-semilla / Macronutrients uptake by potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in seed-tuber production / Absorção de macronutrientes pela batateira (Solanum tuberosum L.) na produçãó de tubérculo-semente

En el cultivo de papa en invernadero, la nutrición mineral es uno de los factores que más contribuye para alcanzar elevado rendimiento y calidad del producto. El conocimiento de la cantidad de nutrientes acumulada en la planta en cada fase de crecimiento suministra información que ayuda en el establecimiento de fertilizaciones más balanceadas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar las curvas de absorción y acumulación de macronutrientes en plantas de papa para la producción de tubérculos-semilla de papa en solución nutritiva. El experimento fue ejecutado en condiciones de invernadero, utilizando material in vitro de categoría pre-básica de la variedad ‘Atlantic’. El inicio de las colectas fue a partir de los 14 días después del transplante (DDT), con frecuencia semanal y se prolongó hasta los 70 DDT. El diseño experimental empleado fue el de bloques completos al azar con nueve tratamientos referentes a las épocas de colectas de las plantas y cuatro repeticiones. La mayor demanda de nutrientes en la parte aérea ocurrió en el periodo comprendido entre los 28 y 56 DDT, mientras que en los tubérculos fue a partir de los 49 DDT. La secuencia de acumulación máxima de los macronutrientes fue K>N>S>Ca>P>Mg.

In greenhouse potato cultivation, mineral nutrition is one of the main factors contributing to high yields and better product quality. Knowledge about the amount of nutrients accumulated in the plants at each growing phase provides important information that helps the establishment of a more balanced fertilizer application. The objective of this research was to determine the time course of macronutrients uptake and accumulation in potato plants for seed-tuber production, grown in nutrient solution. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, using in vitro material from the pre-basic category of the ‘Atlantic’ variety. The plants were collected weekly from 14 days after transplanting (DAT) until 70 DAT. The experimental design was a completely randomized block with 9 treatments to sampling times and four replicates. The highest nutrient requirement in the plant shoot occurred at the periods between 28 and 56 DAT, while in the tubers it was after 49 DAT. The maximum accumulation sequence of macronutrients was K>N>S>Ca>P>Mg.

No cultivo da batateira em casa-de-vegetação, a nutrição mineral é um dos fatores que mais contribui para atingir elevada produtividade e qualidade do produto. O conhecimento da quantidade de nutrientes acumulada na planta em cada fase de crescimento fornece informação importante que ajuda no estabelecimento de adubações mais balanceadas. O objetivo de este trabalho foi determinar as curvas de absorção e acúmulo de macronutrientes em plantas de batata para a produção de tubérculos-semente de batata, em solução nutritiva. O experimento foi executado em condições de casa-de-vegetação, utilizando material in vitro, da categoria pre-básica do cultivar ‘Atlantic’. O inicio das coletas foi a partir dos 14 dias após do transplante (DAT), com freqüência semanal y se prolongou até os 70 DAT. O delineamento experimental empregado foi o de blocos completos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e nove tratamentos, referentes às épocas de coletas das plantas. A maior demanda de nutrientes na parte aérea ocorreu no período compreendido entre 28 e 56 DAT, enquanto nos tubérculos foi a partir dos 49 DAT. A seqüência de acúmulo máximo dos macronutrientes foi K>N>S>Ca>P>Mg.

Aproveitamento do nitrogênio (15N) da crotalária e do milheto pelo milho sob plantio direto em Latossolo Vermelho de Cerrado / Utilization of nitrogen (15N) from sun hemp and millet by corn crop under no-tillage in Red Latosol of Cerrado

O cultivo de adubos verdes na entressafra altera a dinâmica e a recuperação do nitrogênio pelo milho no sistema solo-planta. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de utilização do N da crotalária (Crotalaria juncea) e do milheto (Pennisetum americanum), marcados com 15N, pelo milho cultivado sob diferentes doses de N em plantio direto, num Latossolo Vermelho de Cerrado. O estudo foi desenvolvido na fazenda experimental da Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira-UNESP, Selvíria-MS, nos anos agrícolas 2001/02 e 2002/03. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com 15 tratamentos e quatro repetições, dispostos em esquema fatorial 5 x 3, constituídos pela combinação de cinco doses de N (0, 30, 80, 130 e 180kg ha-1), na forma de uréia, aplicadas no estádio quatro folhas, e três sistemas de cobertura do solo: crotalária, milheto e o solo em pousio entressafra. O N inorgânico promoveu um efeito sinérgico na quantidade de N absorvida e no aproveitamento pelo milho do N da crotalária e do milheto. A crotalária, na média dos dois anos agrícolas, proporcionou, no milho cultivado sem a aplicação de N, um efeito equivalente à aplicação de 56,0 e 73,0kg ha-1 de N-uréia, comparado ao do milho cultivado sobre solo em pousio e em sucessão ao milheto, respectivamente. A produtividade de grãos aumentou de forma quadrática em função das doses de N, nos dois anos agrícolas.

The cultivation of green manure in the fallow ground alter the dynamics and the recovery of the nitrogen by corn in the soil-plant system. The objective of this work was to evaluate the utilization of nitrogen (15N) from sun hemp and millet by corn grown under different N rates in no-tillage in Red Latosol of Cerrado. The research was carried in the Experimental Farm of Faculty of Engineering, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Ilha Solteira, located in Selvíria-MS, Brazil, during the 2001/02 and 2002/03 growing season. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks, with 15 treatments and four replications in a factorial 5 x 3, constituted by the combination of five N rates (0, 30, 80, 130 and 180kg ha-1), as urea, applied at four leaf stage; and three preceding cover crops: sun hemp, millet and fallow ground. The inorganic N promoted a synergic effect on the amount of absorbed N and utilization of sun hemp and millet N by the corn crop. The sun hemp, in average for two growing season, provided in the corn cultivated without the application of N an equivalent effect of the application of 56.0 and 73.0kg ha-1 as urea, compared to the corn grown in fallow soil and in succession to millet, respectively. The grain yield increased in a quadratic way in function of the N rates, in the two growing season.

Efeito residual de calagem micronutrientes em latossolo amarelo sob rotação de culturas

An experiment was conducted during three years on a Central Amazonian Oxisol under a rotation of soybean (1985), rice (1986), cowpea (1987) and cowpea (1988) to evaluate the residual effect of lime and its interaction with micronutrients. The treatments were 0,2, 3 and 5 t/ha of lime, and 2, 3 and 5 t/ha of lime plus micronutrients (5 kg/ha Cu; 7,5 kg/ha Mn; 0,5 kg/ha Mo; 4,5 kg/ha Zn; 2,0 kg/ ha B). During the first two years, the lime application did not affected the soybean (260 to 732 kg/ha) and rice (557 to 919 kg/ha) grain yields, but significant increases in yield were obtained with lime and micronutrients (soja: 1986 to 2357 kg/ha; rice: 1471 to 2133 kg/ha). In the third year, cowpea crop presented a small response to micronutrients, while the last cowpea crop did not present response to the treatments and grain yield was smaller than in the third year. Soil analyses in the first and second crop showed all nutrient concentrations above critical levels, except Cu and Mn whose concentrations were low in the soil. Yields of soybean and rice presented a high positive correlation with Cu and Mn concentration in the soil. It is possible that the lime reduced Cu and Mn availability in the first and second years in the treatments without micronutrients.

O ensaio de campo foi conduzido por um período de três anos, num Latossolo Amarelo da Amazônia Central cultivado com soja (1985), arroz (1986), caupi (1987) e caupi (1988), em rotação, visando estudar o efeito residual da calagem e interação com micronutrientes. Os tratamentos foram 0,2,3 e 5 t/h de calcário calcítico e 2,3 e 5 t/ha de calcário calcítico + micronutrientes (5 kg/ha Cu; 7,5 kg/ha Mn; 0,5 kg/ha Mo; 4,5 kg/ha Zn; 2,0 kg/ha B). Não houve acréscimo significativo na produção de soja e arroz com doses crescentes de calcário: soja variou de 260 a 732 kg/ha e arroz de 557 a 919 kg/ha. No entanto, com calcário + micronutrientes foram obtidos aumentos significativos de produção com relação aos tratamentos só com calagem e à testemunha: soja variou de 1986 a 2357 kg/ha e arroz de 1471 a 2133 kg/ ha. No terceiro ano (caupi) ainda houve uma pequena resposta à aplicação de micronutrientes, enquanto que no quarto ano de cultivo a produção do caupi foi bem menor que a do ano anterior e não houve r-esposta aos tratamentos estudados. A análise do solo nos dois primeiros anos de cultivo mostrou que a maioria dos micronutrientes analisados encontravam-se acima dos níveis críticos; somente o Cu e o Mn apresentaram baixos teores, principalmente nos tratamentos só com calagem. As produções dos dois primeiros cultivos apresentaram alta correlação positiva com os teores de Cu e Mn no solo. possível que nos dois primeiros cultivos a calagem tenha induzido deficiências de Cu e Mn nos tratamentos sem micronutrientes.