The role of land use, management, and microbial diversity depletion on glyphosate biodegradation in tropical soils.

Land use and management changes affect the composition and diversity of soil bacteria and fungi, which in turn may alter soil health and the provision of key ecological functions, such as pesticide degradation and soil detoxification. However, the extent to which these changes affect such services is still poorly understood in tropical agroecosystems. Our main goal was to evaluate how land-use (tilled versus no-tilled soil), soil management (N-fertilization), and microbial diversity depletion [tenfold (D1 = 10-1) and thousandfold (D3 = 10-3) dilutions] impacted soil enzyme activities (ß-glycosidase and acid phosphatase) involved in nutrient cycles and glyphosate mineralization. Soils were collected from a long-term experimental area (35 years) and compared to its native forest soil (NF). Glyphosate was selected due to its intensive use in agriculture worldwide and in the study area, as well as its recalcitrance in the environment by forming inner sphere complexes. Bacterial communities played a more important role than the fungi in glyphosate degradation. For this function, the role of microbial diversity was more critical than land use and soil management. Our study also revealed that conservation tillage systems, such as no-tillage, regardless of nitrogen fertilizer use, mitigates the negative effects of microbial diversity depletion, being more efficient and resilient regarding glyphosate degradation than conventional tillage systems. No-tilled soils also presented much higher ß-glycosidase and acid phosphatase activities as well as higher bacterial diversity indexes than those under conventional tillage. Consequently, conservation tillage is a key component for sustaining soil health and its functionality, providing critical ecosystem functions, such as soil detoxification in tropical agroecosystems.

Forest restoration rehabilitates soil multifunctionality in riparian zones of sugarcane production landscapes.

Brazilian sugarcane plays a vital role in the production of both sugar and renewable energy. However, land use change and long-term conventional sugarcane cultivation have degraded entire watersheds, including a substantial loss of soil multifunctionality. In our study, riparian zones have been reforested to mitigate these impacts, protect aquatic ecosystems, and restore ecological corridors within the sugarcane production landscapes. We examined (i) how forest restoration enables rehabilitation of the soil's multifunctionality after long-term sugarcane cultivation and (ii) how long it takes to regain ecosystem functions comparable to those of a primary forest. We investigated a time series of riparian forests at 6, 15, and 30 years after starting restoration by planting trees (named 'active restoration') and determined soil C stocks, δ13C (indicative of C origin), as well as measures indicative of soil health. A primary forest and a long-term sugarcane field were used as references. Eleven soil physical, chemical, and biological indicators were used for a structured soil health assessment, calculating index scores based on soil functions. Forest-to-cane conversion reduced 30.6 Mg ha-1 of soil C stocks, causing soil compaction and loss of cation exchange capacity, thus degrading soil's physical, chemical, and biological functions. Forest restoration for 6-30 years recovered 16-20 Mg C ha-1 stored in soils. In all restored sites, soil functions such as supporting root growth, aerating the soil, nutrient storage capacity, and providing C energy for microbial activity were gradually recovered. Thirty years of active restoration was sufficient to reach the primary forest state in overall soil health index, multifunctional performance, and C sequestration. We conclude that active forest restoration in sugarcane-dominated landscapes is an effective way to restore soil multifunctionality approaching the level of the native forest in approximately three decades. Moreover, the C sequestration in the restored forest soils will help to mediate global warming.

Soil quality assessment of constructed Technosols: Towards the validation of a promising strategy for land reclamation, waste management and the recovery of soil functions.

Mine reclamation has long relied on reusing topsoil to mitigate mining impacts but recently constructed soils (i.e., Technosols) have emerged as novel technologies for restoring post mining landscapes. However, their success depends on their ability to sustain soil functions. To assess the efficiency of a limestone mine reclamation, we measured the soil quality (SQ) of a three- (SC3) and seven-year-old (SC7) Technosol under sugarcane, and one 20-year-old (P20) Technosol under pasture, constructed with limestone spoil in southeastern Brazil. Soil chemical, physical, and biological attributes were evaluated and compared with those of an adjacent natural soil (NS; Rhodic Lixisol). We also tested the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) for assessing the SQ of the studied soils. SMAF was suitable to detect SQ changes over the years of reclamation. After three and seven years under sugarcane cultivation, the Technosols showed similar SQ indexes (= 0.70 and 0.67) to that of the native soil (SQ = 0.69), whereas after 20 years under pasture the SQ (= 0.88) of P20 was superior to that of NS. Overall, the Technosols recovered most of the ecosystem services expected for healthy soils, especially in P20, where carbon stocks were 2.7 times higher than in NS (82.1 vs 30.35 Mg C ha-1). We highlight the importance of using soil quality assessment tools, such as SMAF, in mine reclamation. In summary, Technosols from limestone wastes could restore basic soil functions under tropical environmental conditions within only 20 years.

Changes in soil phosphorus pool induced by pastureland intensification and diversification in Brazil.

The adoption of more intensive and diversified pasture systems is a promising alternative to improve sustainability of grazing lands in Brazil. Phosphorus (P) is one of the main determinants of ecosystem function in these management systems; therefore, we assessed the effects of adopting more intensive and diversified pasture management systems on soil P dynamics in a set of field experiments. Treatments included fertilized pasture (FP), integrated crop-livestock (ICL), integrated livestock-forest (ILF), compared to conventional management systems (CS) under contrasting climatic conditions (tropical humid, tropical mesic and subtropical). P fractions and total P were determined by soil layer to 1 m depth. Size and distribution of P stocks were related to soil organic matter (SOM) fractions and to clay type and content. Based on the results, P biological fraction represented 9% of P in the soil, on average, in CS under the three assessed climatic conditions. Management systems with FP and the ones with ICL and ILF mainly influenced labile (0.01, 0.02 and 0.03 Mg ha-1 yr-1, respectively), moderately labile (0.03, 0.01 and 0.07 Mg ha-1 yr-1, respectively) and total soil P fractions (0.21, 0.08 and 0.20 Mg ha-1 yr-1, respectively). Clay content and pH were the soil properties mostly related to P fractions; besides, P fractions presented close relationship with these fractions and with total soil C and N, as well as with different SOM fractions. These results can be the scientific basis for governmental initiatives focused on recovering degraded pasture sites in Brazil. The establishment of management practices that favor efficient P use are essential to improve the sustainability of production systems.

Improving phosphorus sustainability of sugarcane production in Brazil.

Phosphorus (P) use in global food and bioenergy production needs to become more efficient and sustainable to reduce environmental impacts and conserve a finite and critical resource (Carpenter & Bennett, Environmental Research Letters, 2011, 6, 014009; Springmann et al., Nature, 2018, 562, 519). Sugarcane is one crop with a large P footprint because production is centered on P-fixing soils with low P availability (Roy et al., Nature Plants, 2016, 2, 16043; Withers et al., Scientific Reports, 2018, 8, 2537). As global demand for processed sugar and bioethanol continues to increase, we advocate that improving P efficiency could become a key sustainability goal for the sugarcane industry. Here, we applied the 5R global P stewardship framework (Withers et al., Ambio, 2015, 44, 193) to identify more sustainable options to manage P in Brazilian sugarcane production. We show that current inputs of P fertilizer to the current crop area could be reduced by over 305 Gg, or 63%, over the next three decades by reducing unnecessary P fertilizer use, better utilization of recyclable bioresources and redesigning recommendation systems. Adoption of these 5R options would save the sugarcane industry in Brazil 528 US$ million and help safeguard global food and energy security.

Assessing the greenhouse gas emissions of Brazilian soybean biodiesel production.

Soybean biodiesel (B100) has been playing an important role in Brazilian energy matrix towards the national bio-based economy. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is the most widely used indicator for assessing the environmental sustainability of biodiesels and received particular attention among decision makers in business and politics, as well as consumers. Former studies have been mainly focused on the GHG emissions from the soybean cultivation, excluding other stages of the biodiesel production. Here, we present a holistic view of the total GHG emissions in four life cycle stages for soybean biodiesel. The aim of this study was to assess the GHG emissions of Brazilian soybean biodiesel production system with an integrated life cycle approach of four stages: agriculture, extraction, production and distribution. Allocation of mass and energy was applied and special attention was paid to the integrated and non-integrated industrial production chain. The results indicated that the largest source of GHG emissions, among four life cycle stages, is the agricultural stage (42-51%) for B100 produced in integrated systems and the production stage (46-52%) for B100 produced in non-integrated systems. Integration of industrial units resulted in significant reduction in life cycle GHG emissions. Without the consideration of LUC and assuming biogenic CO2 emissions is carbon neutral in our study, the calculated life cycle GHG emissions for domestic soybean biodiesel varied from 23.1 to 25.8 gCO2eq. MJ-1 B100 and those for soybean biodiesel exported to EU ranged from 26.5 to 29.2 gCO2eq. MJ-1 B100, which represent reductions by 65% up to 72% (depending on the delivery route) of GHG emissions compared with the EU benchmark for diesel fuel. Our findings from a life cycle perspective contributed to identify the major GHG sources in Brazilian soybean biodiesel production system and they can be used to guide mitigation priority for policy and decision-making. Projected scenarios in this study would be taken as references for accounting the environmental sustainability of soybean biodiesel within a domestic and global level.

Variabilidade espacial da produtividade de milho irrigado e sua correlação com variáveis explicativas de planta / Spatial variability of grain yield of irrigated corn and its correlation with explanatory plant variables

RESUMO: Em decorrência da instabilidade da produtividade das principais culturas associada ao déficit hídrico, tem se tornado cada vez mais frequente a necessidade do uso de tecnologias como a irrigação e a agricultura de precisão (AP). O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a variabilidade espacial da produtividade de grãos de milho e sua correlação com variáveis explicativas de planta em área irrigada. O estudo foi conduzido nas safras agrícolas 2010/2011 e 2011/2012, em área de 35ha, manejada em sistema plantio direto e irrigação por pivô central. Os componentes de produtividade e a produtividade de grãos foram avaliados seguindo uma malha amostral de 100x100m. A produtividade de grãos e a maior parte dos componentes de produtividade apresentaram baixa dispersão dos dados, condicionando a normalidade dos dados. A produtividade de grãos, mesmo com a irrigação, apresentou elevada variabilidade espacial. Na análise de trilha, verificaram-se altos coeficientes de determinação dos componentes de produtividade com a produtividade de grãos.

ABSTRACT: Due to yield instability of main crops associated to drought, the use of technologies such irrigation and precision agriculture (PA) have been recently adopted in large scale. This study had the objective to assess the spatial variability of corn yield and its correlation with explanatory plant variables in an irrigated field. The study was carried out during the growing seasons 2010/2011 and 2011/2012, in an area of 35ha managed under no-till and center-pivot irrigation. Corn yield and yield components were evaluated following a sampling grid of 100x100m. Grain yield and most yield components showed low dispersion data, resulting in data normality. Even under irrigation, corn yield showed high spatial variability. In path analysis, it was found high determination coefficients of corn yield with yield components.

Eficiência de malhas amostrais utilizadas na caracterização da variabilidade espacial de fósforo e potássio / Efficiency of sampling grids used in the characterization of phosphorus and potassium

O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a eficiência das malhas amostrais, utilizadas nas áreas manejadas com agricultura de precisão, para a caracterização da variabilidade espacial dos teores de fósforo (P) e potássio (K). O estudo foi conduzido em 30 áreas agrícolas, localizadas no Rio Grande do Sul, cujos solos foram classificados como Latossolos Vermelhos. As dimensões das malhas amostrais estudadas foram: 100x100m (10 áreas), 142x142m (10 áreas) e 173x173m (10 áreas). Foram analisados os teores de P e K na profundidade de 0,00-0,10m. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e a análise geoestatística. De modo geral, as áreas estudadas apresentaram teores médios de P e K adequados ao desenvolvimento das culturas. Entretanto, observaram-se locais com baixos teores de P, justificando fertilizações em sítio-específico. Com base em parâmetros geoestatísticos, as dimensões de malhas amostrais utilizadas são eficientes em captar as diferentes escalas da variabilidade espacial de P e K, porém, recomenda-se o uso de malhas amostrais menores, que considerem a variabilidade espacial a curtas distâncias.

The objective of the research was to evaluate the efficiency of the sampling grids, used in areas managed with precision agriculture, for the characterization of spatial variability levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). The study was conducted in 30 agricultural areas, located in Rio Grande do Sul state, presenting soils classified as Oxisols. The sizes of the sampling grids studied were: 100x100m (10 areas), 142x142m (10 areas) and 173x173m (10 areas).Were analyzed the levels of P and K, in depth of sampling from 0.00-0.10m. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and geostatistical analysis. In, general, the areas showed average levels of P and K suitable for crops development. However, were observed subareas with low levels of P, justifying fertilization on site-specific. Based on geostatistical parameters, sizes of the sampling grids used are efficient to capture the different scales of spatial variability of P and K, however, it is indicated smaller sampling grids to consider the spatial variability over short distances.

Épocas e parcelamentos da adubação nitrogenada aplicada em cobertura na cultura do feijoeiro, grupo comercial preto e carioca, em semeadura direta / Time and partition of nitrogen fertilization side-dressed applied on bean crop, black and carioca commercial group, in direct sowing

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar qual a melhor época de aplicação do N e qual o parcelamento da adubação nitrogenada a ser adotado no sistema plantio direto, em cultivares de feijoeiro do grupo comercial preto e carioca. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Jaboticaba - RS. Os tratamentos constaram da aplicação de N, utilizando como fonte nitrogenada a ureia, em uma única dose (100%), nas épocas: emergência das plântulas, aos 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias após emergência (DAE), e das seguintes combinações de parcelamentos: 50%+50%, 30%+70% e 70%+30% da dose em cada época, totalizando 36 tratamentos. As variáveis avaliadas foram: estatura de plantas (cm); número de nós da haste principal; número de nós m-2; número de legumes planta-1; número de legumes m-2; número de grãos legume-1; altura da base do primeiro legume ao solo; altura de inserção do primeiro legume; e massa de 100 grãos e produtividade de grão. Conclui-se que a melhor época de aplicação e parcelamento foi 30% da dose aos 7DAE + 70% aos 35DAE, diferindo das sugestões propostas pelas atuais recomendações de N para a cultura do feijoeiro. Além disso, a aplicação de 100% da dose de N, na emergência das plântulas, apresentou as menores produtividades, não se mostrando promissora para os grupos de feijoeiro estudados.

The research had as objective to evaluate what is the better time of N application and what is the partition of nitrogen fertilization to be used in no tillage system, in bean cultivars of black and carioca commercial groups. The experiment was conducted in Jaboticaba city - RS. The treatments were N application, using urea as nitrogen source, in one dose (100%) in the time: seedling emergence, at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days after emergence (DAE) and according to the following partition combinations: 50%+50%, 30%+70 and 70%+30% of the dose in each time, totalizing 36 treatments. The variables evaluated were: plant height (cm); number of nodes of principal stem; number of nodes m-2; number of pods plant-1; number of pods m-2; number of grains pod-1; base height of the first pod from the soil; insertion height of the first pod; and 100 grains mass and productivity. It is concluded that the better time of application and partition was 30% of the dose at 7DAE + 70% at 35DAE differing of the suggestions proposed by the actual N recommendations for bean crop. And that the application of 100% of the N dose, at the seedlings emergence, presented the lowest productivity does not showing be promising to the bean groups studied.

Densidade amostral aplicada ao monitoramento georreferenciado de lagartas desfolhadoras na cultura da soja / Sample density applied to the georeferenced monitoring of defoliating caterpillars in soybean crop

O conhecimento da distribuição espaço-temporal de insetos-praga na cultura da soja, por meio do uso de ferramentas da agricultura de precisão, tem sido apontado como uma importante estratégia no manejo integrado de pragas (MIP). Nesse sentido, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a influência da densidade amostral no monitoramento de lagartas desfolhadoras na cultura da soja. O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental de 48,0ha, localizada no município de Júlio de Castilhos - RS, no ano agrícola 2008/2009. O monitoramento georreferenciado foi realizado seguindo três malhas amostrais regulares, 50x50m, 71x71m e 100x100m e também seguindo o método tradicional de amostragem. Durante todo o ciclo da cultura, e para cada malha amostral, foram realizadas cinco avaliações da infestação de lagartas, duas no estádio vegetativo e três no reprodutivo, com a utilização do pano-de-batida. Para analisar a distribuição espaço-temporal das lagartas na área, os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística descritiva e à geoestatística, utilizando semivariogramas e krigagem para elaboração dos mapas temáticos. Os resultados obtidos indicam que as grades amostrais avaliadas permitem caracterizar a distribuição espacial das lagartas e modelar a variabilidade espacial de lagartas na cultura da soja. A amostragem e monitoramento georreferenciado e posterior elaboração de mapas temáticos constituem-se numa alternativa potencial para agregarem-se às estratégias de MIP.

The knowledge of the spatial and temporal distribution of pest insects on soybean crop through the use of precision agriculture tools, have been appointed as an important strategy in the integrated pest management (IPM). In this sense, the objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of sample density in the monitoring of defoliating caterpillars in soybean crop. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of 47.98ha, located in Júlio de Castilhos - RS city, in 2008/2009 season. The georeferenced monitoring was carried out following three regular grids, 50x50m, 71x71m and 100x100m and also following the traditional method of sampling. During the entire crop cycle, and for each grid, there were conducted five evaluations of caterpillar infestations, two on the vegetative stage and three in the reproductive, using a beat cloth. To analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of caterpillars in the area, the data were submitted to descriptive statistical analysis and geostatistics analysis, using semivariograms and kriging to the elaboration of thematic maps. The results obtained indicated that the evaluated sample grids allowed to characterize the spatial distribution of caterpillars and modeled the spatial variability of caterpillars in soybean crop. The sampling and the georeferenced monitoring and further development of georeferenced thematic maps constitute a potential alternative to aggregate to the IPM strategies.

Dissimilaridade genética de girassol por meio de caracteres quantitativos / Agronomic performance and genetic dissimilarity sunflower

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar, por meio de caracteres quantitativos, a dissimilaridade genética entre cultivares de girassol em diferentes localidades, além da concordância entre os métodos, visando à extração de linhagens para possíveis cruzamentos. Foram cultivados oito híbridos de girassol em duas localidades no noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul, com solo predominantemente do tipo Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. Foram utilizados métodos multivariados para determinar a divergência genética, utilizando a distância generalizada de Mahalanobis. Apesar dos rendimentos distintos entre locais e cultivares, os métodos de agrupamento tiveram concordância entre si. Para obtenção de populações segregantes, a cultivar 'Olisun 5', independente da localidade, demonstrou-se com maior potencial de hibridação, tendo as maiores contribuições por meio do número de aquênios por capítulo e altura de inserção do capítulo.

The aim of this study to evaluate by means of quantitative traits, the genetic dissimilarity among sunflower cultivars in different locations, in addition to the agreement between the methods in order to extract lines for future crosses. There were eight sunflower hybrids grown in two locations in northwestern Rio Grande do Sul, mainly with soil type Oxisol. Multivariate methods were used to determine the genetic diversity, using the Mahalanobis distance. Although the different yield between locations and cultivars, methods of grouping agreed among them selves. To obtain segregating populations, regardless of location, the cultivate 'Olisun 5', demonstrated greater potential for hybridization, with major contributions through number of achenes per chapter and height of the insertion section.