Qualitative soil quality assessment is efficient in a grazing system with or without trees.

BACKGROUND: Soil quality (SQ) assessment is affected by methods that convert data sets into indices, and such analyses are expensive and time-consuming. Qualitative SQ assessments are faster and cheaper than quantitative methods and they can be repeated to monitor SQ in crop and pasture systems. We evaluated SQ using qualitative and quantitative SQ indicators of two grazing systems under Voisin rational grazing (VRG) with trees (WT) or without trees (NT). We took an adjacent native forest as a reference and we used principal component analysis (PCA) to compare the accuracy of the assessment methods. RESULTS: According to the set of indicators used for quantitative assessment, the WT system and the Forest had higher SQ than other systems as a result of higher values of soil physical and chemical indicators. This the reflected better performance of soil in functions related to structural support, nutrient cycling and biological productivity. According to the set of indicators used for qualitative assessment, the WT system showed better SQ than the NT areas because of the higher scores of all indicators and better performance of the soil functions, and those values were close to the Forest in the indicators. PCA applied to integrate the data of qualitative and quantitative indicators indicated that SQ in WT was similar to Forest. CONCLUSION: The qualitative evaluation was as efficient as the quantitative evaluation for SQ assessment in VRG areas with and without trees. Its use can promote farmers' autonomy and the development of skills to identify environmental factors that help to evaluate their practices. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diversity and botanical composition of native species in the Pampa biome in vineyards cultivated on soils with high levels of copper, zinc and manganese and phytoremediation potential.

Viticulture allows the preservation of native species inside vineyards in the Pampa biome. However, phytosanitary treatments in these areas can increase the levels of Cu, Zn and Mn. The study aimed to (i) verify the influence of Cu, Zn and Mn contents in Pampa biome soils; (ii) identify variables related to Cu, Zn and Mn that most contribute to the variation in richness, diversity, and dry matter production of native vegetation, (iii) investigate the phytoremediation potential of species present in vineyards. Botanical composition, Cu, Zn, Mn available in the soil, and plant nutritional composition in two vineyards (V1 and V2) and native field (NF) were evaluated. Vineyards showed higher Cu, Zn and Mn contents in the soil, resulting in the lowest biomass, richness, and diversity of native species. Mn in tissue was the most important variable in explaining the variation in dry matter. Zn in the soil helped to explain the difference in species richness and diversity. P concentration in tissue was important in elucidating the variation in species diversity. Paspalum plicatulum and Paspalum notatum have potential for phytostabilization of metals in vineyards.

Phytoremediation of Cu-contaminated vineyard soils in Brazil: A compendium of Brazilian pot studies.

Vineyard soils can be contaminated by copper (Cu) due to successive applications of fungicides and organic fertilizers. Soil remediation can be addressed by altering soil properties or selecting efficient Cu-extracting cover crops tolerant to Cu toxicity. Our objectives were to synthesize the Cu-extracting efficiency by plant species tested in Brazil, classify them according to Cu resistance to toxicity, and assess the effect of soil properties on attenuating Cu toxicity. We retrieved results from 41 species and cultivars, totaling 565 observations. Freshly added Cu varied between 50 and 600 mg Cu kg-1 of soil across studies. The partition of Cu removal between the above- and below-ground portions was scaled as a logistic variable to facilitate data synthesis. The data were analyzed using the Adaboost machine learning model. Model accuracy (predicted vs. actual values) reached R2  = 0.862 after relating species, cultivar, Cu addition, clay, SOM, pH, soil test P, and Cu as features to predict the logistic target variable. Tissue Cu concentration varied between 7 and 105 mg Cu kg-1 in the shoot and between 73 and 1340 mg Cu kg-1 in the roots. Among soil properties, organic matter and soil test Cu most influenced the accuracy of the model. Phaseolus vulgaris, Brassica juncea, Ricinus communis, Hordeum vulgare, Sorghum vulgare, Cajanus cajan, Solanum lycopersicum, and Crotolaria spectabilis were the most efficient Cu-extracting cover crops, as shown by positive values of the logistic variable (shoot removal > root removal). Those Cu-tolerant plants showed differential capacity to extract Cu in the long run.

Proposition of critical thresholds for copper and zinc transfer to solution in soils.

Several studies have reported increased copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels in agricultural soils worldwide, mainly due to organic waste and successive leaf fungicide applications in crops. However, the critical transfer thresholds in soils, which can indicate the real risk of environmental contamination and toxicity to plants, remain poorly understood. This study aimed to define the maximum Cu and Zn adsorption capacity (MAC) and threshold (T-Cu and T-Zn) in different soils in Southern Brazil, which present different clay and organic matter (OM) levels. Bw (Oxisol) and A horizon (Inceptisol) samples were used to obtain soils with clay and OM contents ranging from 4 to 70% and from 0.5 to 9.5%, respectively. Cu and Zn adsorption curves were plotted for MAC determination purposes. Based on Cu and Zn MAC values, different concentrations of these elements were applied to the soils for subsequent quantification of available Cu and Zn levels (Mehlich-1 and water). T-Cu in soils with different clay contents ranged from 81 to 595 mg Cu kg-1, whereas T-Zn, from 195 to 378 mg Zn kg-1. T-Cu in soils with different OM levels ranged from 97 to 667 mg Cu kg-1, whereas T-Zn, from 226 to 495 mg Zn kg-1. T-Cu can be calculated through the equation: T-Cu = 75 × (%CL0.34) × (%OM0.39), whereas T-Zn: T-Zn = 2.7 × (CL) + 126 (by taking into consideration the clay content) and T-Zn = - 9.3 × (%OM)2 + 92.4 × (%OM) + 66 (by taking into consideration OM content). T-Cu and T-Zn can be used by researchers, inspection bodies, technical assistance institutions, and farmers as safe indicators to monitor the potential for environmental contamination.

Identification and phytoremediation potential of spontaneous species in vineyard soils contaminated with copper.

Copper (Cu) contents in vineyard soils due to the application of cupric fungicides cause changes in the native covering flora. Under these conditions, the surviving individuals accumulate the metal in and decrease its availability in the soil, reducing the potential toxicity to grapevine. We have identified spontaneous plant species and their phytoremediation potential from vineyards of Isabella (Vitis labrusca) on two distinct soil types (Inceptisol and Entisol) contaminated with Cu. The results demonstrated that wild species displayed higher Cu contents in the roots than in the shoot, but had low bioaccumulation potential. During summer, the plants were unable to extract and stabilize the metal, although during the winter, Lolium multiflorum, Cyperus compressus and Chrysanthemum leucanthemum demonstrated phytostabilization potential. Among the investigated species, dry matter production and Cu accumulation by Lolium multiflorum indicated that the species is effective to decrease Cu availability in the soil.

Natural abundance analysis of the role played by 15 N as indicator for the certification of organic-system deriving food.

BACKGROUND: The natural abundance of stable isotope 15 N (δ15 N) in production systems has emerged as an alternative to distinguish organic products from conventional ones. This study evaluated the use of δ15 N values recorded for nitrogen fertilizers, soil and plant tissue in order to set the differences between organic and conventional agricultural production systems applied to rice, potatoes, apple and banana crops. RESULTS: Values of δ15 N recorded for N sources ranged from +5.58‰ to +18.27‰ and from -3.55‰ to +3.19‰ in organic and synthetic fertilizers, respectively. Values recorded for δ15 N in food from organic rice, potatoes and banana farms were higher than values recorded for δ15 N in conventional farms; the same was observed for values recorded for δ15 N in leaves from the four crops. CONCLUSION: Results have allowed for differentiation between production systems due to values of δ15 N recorded in leaves of all crops and food, for rice, potatoes and banana trees. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Soil phosphorus availability and uptake by mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants in an onion no-tillage system / Disponibilidade e absorção de fósforo no solo por plantas micorrízicas e não micorrízicas em sistema de plantio direto de cebola

ABSTRACT: Onion is an important vegetable crop, predominantly grown under conventional tillage system management. Alternatively, the vegetable no-tillage system uses cover crops to form a residue layer, which improves soil physical, chemical, and biological attributes. Aiming to understand the interaction of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal cover crops, phosphatase activity, and soil phosphorus availability and uptake by plants, a no-tillage vegetable production system experiment with onion was carried out in Ituporanga, Southern Brazil. The treatments were black oats (Avena strigosa); rye (Secale cereale); oilseed radish (Raphanus sativus); rye + oilseed radish; black oats + oilseed radish, and a control with spontaneous plants. Additionally, two plots, a conventional tillage system area and a forest, both adjacent to the experiment, were evaluated. We measured cover crop biomass, onion yield, acid phosphatase activity, and resin-extracted phosphorus in the soil, shoot and root phosphorus content, and root colonization in cover crops, spontaneous plants, and onions. The treatments with cover crops had the highest plant biomass in winter and onion yield. Available soil phosphorus and acid phosphatase activity were higher in no-tillage plots than in the conventional tillage system area. The presence of non-mycorrhizal oilseed radish was associated with decreased colonization of rye and onion roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. No-tillage areas with cover crops or spontaneous plants in winter accumulated more phosphorus than conventional tillage system areas. The conventional tillage system showed adverse effects on most soil attributes, as shown by a Principal Component Analysis.

RESUMO: A cebola é uma importante cultura vegetal, cultivada predominantemente sob sistema de preparo convencional. Como alternativa, o sistema de plantio direto de hortaliças utiliza culturas de cobertura para formar uma camada de biomassa, o que melhora os atributos físicos, químicos e biológicos do solo. Com o objetivo de entender a interação de culturas de cobertura micorrízicas e não-micorrízicas, atividade da fosfatase ácida e disponibilidade e absorção de fósforo do solo pelas plantas, foi realizado um experimento em sistema de plantio direto de hortaliças com a cultura da cebola em Ituporanga, sul do Brasil. Os tratamentos foram: aveia preta (Avena strigosa); centeio (Secale cereale); nabo forrageiro (Raphanus sativus); centeio + nabo forrageiro; aveia preta + nabo forrageiro e um controle com vegetação espontânea. Além disso, duas outras parcelas, uma área em sistema de preparo convencional e uma floresta, ambas adjacentes ao experimento, foram avaliadas. Medimos a biomassa da cultura de cobertura, o rendimento de cebola, a atividade de fosfatase ácida e o fósforo extraído por resina no solo, bem como o conteúdo de fósforo da parte aérea e da raiz e a colonização das raízes em plantas de cobertura, plantas espontâneas e cebolas. Os tratamentos com plantas de cobertura apresentaram a maior biomassa de culturas de cobertura e rendimento de cebola. A atividade de fosfatase ácida e fósforo disponível no solo foram maiores nas parcelas de plantio direto do que na área convencional. A presença de nabo forrageiro, uma planta não micorrízica, foi associada a reduções na colonização de raízes de centeio e cebola por fungos micorrízicos arbusculares. As áreas de plantio direto com plantas de cobertura ou plantas espontâneas no inverno acumularam mais fósforo do que as áreas com preparo convencional. O sistema convencional de lavoura mostrou efeitos adversos para a maioria dos atributos do solo, como mostra a Análise de Componentes Principais.

Copper and Zn distribution in humic substances of soil after 10 years of pig manure application in south of Santa Catarina, Brazil.

This study aims to evaluate available Cu and Zn levels in soil and related in soil organic matter (SOM) fractions (fulvic acids-FA, humic acids-HA, and humins-HU) after 10 years of application of pig slurry (PS) and pig deep litter (PL). Soil samples were collected from an experiment with black oat/corn succession under no-tillage in southern Brazil. The treatments consisted of fertilization of 90 and 180 kg N ha-1 applied as PS and PL from 2002 to 2012 and a control treatment without any fertilization. SOM chemical fractionation was performed in air-dried samples. Copper and Zn concentrations were analyzed in soil (total, EDTA- and CaCl2-extracted) and in SOM fractions. The amount of Cu and Zn (in mol) related to each fraction of SOM (Cu/C and Zn/C molar ratios) was established. The applications of PS and PL promoted the accumulation of total and available Cu and Zn, especially in the PL180 treatment. The highest amount of Zn was found with HU, while for Cu both HA and HU were important retention compartments. The highest Cu/CFA, Cu/CHA and Cu/CHU ratios were found with the addition of PL. Increases in Zn/C ratio were found mainly in FA fraction. The high levels of Cu and Zn obtained in the HCl-extracted SOM fraction suggest that a considerable part is bound to SOM and clay minerals with low energy. However, the SOM is an important source of metal adsorption in soils with swine manure application.

Health risk assessment and soil and plant heavy metal and bromine contents in field plots after ten years of organic and mineral fertilization.

Heavy metals and bromine (Br) derived from organic and industrialized fertilizers can be absorbed, transported and accumulated into parts of plants ingested by humans. This study aimed to evaluate in an experiment conducted under no-tillage for 10 years, totaling 14 applications of pig slurry manure (PS), pig deep-litter (PL), dairy slurry (DS) and mineral fertilizer (MF), the heavy metal and Br contents in soil and in whether the grains produced by corn (Zea mays L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under these conditions could result in risk to human health. The total contents of As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Br were analyzed in samples of fertilizers, waste, soil, shoots and grains of corn and wheat. Afterwards, enrichment factor (EF), accumulation factor (AF), health risk index (HRI), target hazard quotient (THQ) and target cancer risk (TCR) were determined. Mineral fertilizer exhibited the highest As and Cr content, while the highest levels of Cu and Zn were found in animal waste. The contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in soil were below the limits established by environmental regulatory agencies. However, a significant enrichment factor was found for Cu in soil with a history of PL application. Furthermore, high Zn contents were found in shoots and grains of corn and wheat, especially when the plants were grown in soil with organic waste application. Applications of organic waste and mineral fertilizer provided high HRI and THQ for Br and Zn, posing risks to human health. The intake of corn and wheat fertilized with pig slurry manure, swine deep bed, liquid cattle manure and industrialized mineral fertilizer did not present TCR.

Liming as a means of reducing copper toxicity in black oats / Calagem como forma de redução da toxidez por cobre em aveia preta

ABSTRACT: Soils which are cultivated with grapevines have high available copper (Cu) content, which can be toxic to cover crops cohabiting vineyards, such as black oats. This study aimed to assess the effect of liming in reducing Cu toxicity in black oats grown in sandy soils. Samples of a Typic Hapludalf were collected at 0-20cm, dried and subjected to the addition of Cu (0 to 50Mg kg-1) and limestone (0, 1.5, and 3.0Mg ha-1). The soil was placed in a rhizobox and black oats were grown for 30 days. We assessed root and shoot dry matter production, copper (Cu), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents in the tissues; Cu content in the root symplast and apoplast, as well as Cu, carbon and pH values in the rhizosphere and bulk soil. Liming reduced Cu toxicity in black oats. Cu was preferentially accumulated in the roots, mostly in the apoplast, which may be the result of a plant tolerance mechanism to prevent the transport of Cu to the shoots.

RESUMO: Solos cultivados com videiras possuem alto teor de cobre (Cu) disponível, que pode ser tóxico às plantas de cobertura do solo que coabitam vinhedos, como a aveia preta. O estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da calagem na redução da toxidez por Cu em plantas de aveia preta cultivadas em solo arenoso. Amostras de um Argissolo Vermelho foram coletadas na camada de 0-20cm, secas e submetidas à adição de duas doses de Cu (0 e 50Mg kg-1) e três de calcário (0, 1,5 e 3,0Mg ha-1). O solo foi acondicionado em rhizobox e submetido ao cultivo de aveia preta durante 30 dias. Avaliaram-se a produção de matéria seca das raízes e da parte aérea, o teor de cobre (Cu), cálcio (Ca) e magnésio (Mg) nos tecidos; o teor de Cu no simplasto e apoplasto das raízes, e os teores de Cu, de carbono e valores de pH no solo rizosférico e não rizosférico. A aplicação de calcário reduziu a toxidez por Cu na aveia preta. O Cu foi preferencialmente acumulado nas raízes, especialmente no apoplasto, o que pode ser resultado de mecanismo de tolerância das plantas para evitar o transporte de parte do elemento para a parte aérea.

The phytoprotective effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on Enterolobium contorstisiliquum (Vell.) Morong in soil containing coal-mine tailings.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on pacara earpod tree (Enterolobium contorstisiliquum) growth and phytoprotection in soil containing coal-mining waste. A greenhouse experiment was carried out with three inoculation treatment groups (non-inoculated, inoculated with Rhizophagus clarus, and inoculated with Acaulospora colombiana) in two substrates (0 or 30% tailings). After 90 days the seedlings were collected to quantify growth parameters, quality, mycorrhizal root colonization rate, and leaf content of chlorophylls and carotenoids. Macronutrients were quantified in the shoots; Cu, Zn, and Mn levels were measured in the shoots and roots; and glomalin content was measured in the rhizosphere. Colonization by A. colombiana (40%) promoted phytoprotection and better growth in seedlings planted in partial tailing substrate, due to the lower Cu (1.04 mg kg-1) and Zn (13.4 mg kg-1) levels in shoot dry mass and reduced translocation of these elements to the shoots. A. colombiana increased soil glomalin concentrations (2.98 mg kg-1) and the accumulation of nutrients necessary for synthesizing chlorophylls and carotenoids in the leaves. Colonization by R. clarus (81%) produced no phytoprotective effects.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on young vines in copper-contaminated soil.

High copper (Cu) levels in uprooted old vineyard soils may cause toxicity in transplanted young vines, although such toxicity may be reduced by inoculating plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of AMF on the plant growth, chlorophyll contents, mycorrhizal colonization, and Cu and phosphorus (P) absorption in young vines cultivated in a vineyard soil contaminated by Cu. Commercial vineyard soil with high Cu levels was placed in plastic tubes and transplanted with young vines, which were inoculated with six AMF species (Dentiscutata heterogama, Gigaspora gigantea, Acaulospora morrowiae, A. colombiana, Rhizophagus clarus, R. irregularis) and a control treatment on randomized blocks with 12 replicates. After 130 days, the mycorrhizal colonization, root and shoot dry matter (DM), height increment, P and Cu absorption, and chlorophyll contents were evaluated. The height increment, shoot DM and chlorophyll contents were not promoted by AMF, although the root DM was increased by R. clarus and R. irregularis, which had the greatest mycorrhizal colonization and P uptake. AMF increased Cu absorption but decreased its transport to shoots. Thus, AMF species, particularly R. clarus and R. irregularis, contribute to the establishment of young vines exposed to high Cu levels.

Effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on young vines in copper-contaminated soil

Abstract High copper (Cu) levels in uprooted old vineyard soils may cause toxicity in transplanted young vines, although such toxicity may be reduced by inoculating plants with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of AMF on the plant growth, chlorophyll contents, mycorrhizal colonization, and Cu and phosphorus (P) absorption in young vines cultivated in a vineyard soil contaminated by Cu. Commercial vineyard soil with high Cu levels was placed in plastic tubes and transplanted with young vines, which were inoculated with six AMF species (Dentiscutata heterogama, Gigaspora gigantea, Acaulospora morrowiae, A. colombiana, Rhizophagus clarus, R. irregularis) and a control treatment on randomized blocks with 12 replicates. After 130 days, the mycorrhizal colonization, root and shoot dry matter (DM), height increment, P and Cu absorption, and chlorophyll contents were evaluated. The height increment, shoot DM and chlorophyll contents were not promoted by AMF, although the root DM was increased by R. clarus and R. irregularis, which had the greatest mycorrhizal colonization and P uptake. AMF increased Cu absorption but decreased its transport to shoots. Thus, AMF species, particularly R. clarus and R. irregularis, contribute to the establishment of young vines exposed to high Cu levels.

Reduction of copper phytotoxicity by liming: A study of the root anatomy of young vines (Vitis labrusca L.).

Frequent applications of copper (Cu)-based fungicides on vines causes the accumulation of this metal in vineyard soils, which can cause toxicity in young vines. However, liming may reduce these toxic effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of Cu toxicity on the root anatomy of young vines and the alleviation of Cu toxicity by lime applications to contaminated sandy soil. The treatments consisted of the addition of lime (0.0, 1.5 and 3.0 Mg ha(-1)) and two Cu concentrations (0 and 50 mg kg(-1)) to Typic Hapludalf soil. Young vines 'Niágara Branca' (Vitis labrusca L.) were obtained by micropropagation and cultivated for 70 days. The young vines grown with Cu and without liming presented a disorganized root structure; reduced root cap size; increased diameter (47%), cortex area (128%), vascular cylinder area (93%), and number of cortical layers and cells containing phenolic compounds (132%); and reduced root (41%), stem (44%) and leaf dry mass (21%) and height increase (55%). Moreover, Cu exposure reduced Ca concentrations (13%) and increased Cu concentrations (371%) in the roots. Liming, primarily with the highest tested dose, increased the soil pH (from 4.4 to 5.4-6.1), decreased the Cu concentration in the soil (extracted by CaCl2), increased the calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) uptake by plants, prevented root anatomical changes and benefited young vine growth in soil with higher Cu concentrations.

Perdas de nitrogênio do solo e resposta do pessegueiro à adição de composto orgânico / Loss of soil nitrogen and peach yield with the addition of organic compost

A aplicação de composto orgânico no solo pode incrementar a produção de pêssego, porém parte do N pode ser perdido por lixiviação e volatilização. O trabalho objetivou avaliar o estado nutricional das plantas, a produção de pêssego, a lixiviação de formas de N no solo e a volatilização de N-NH3 em um pomar de pessegueiro com a adição de composto orgânico produzido a partir de resíduos de agroindústrias de suco, resíduos de abatedouro de aves e serragem. O pomar foi implantado em 2009 e, em julho de 2010, 2011 e 2012, foram aplicados 0, 3, 6, 12 e 24L de composto por m2 e avaliaram-se os teores totais de nutrientes nas folhas e a produção. Em 2012, usando lisímetros instalados a 20 e a 40cm de profundidade, avaliaram-se as formas de N lixiviadas na solução percolada nos tratamentos 0 e 24L de composto. Usando câmeras coletoras, foi avaliada a volatilização de N-NH3 em todos os tratamentos até 478h depois da deposição do composto no solo. A aplicação de composto na superfície do solo incrementou o teor de K e N nas folhas completas, aumentando a produção de frutos. A aplicação de composto no florescimento aumentou a concentração de nitrato na solução do solo, somente na profundidade de 20cm. A emissão de amônia aumentou com o incremento da dose de composto aplicado, especialmente e nos períodos de maior temperatura.

The application of organic compost to the soil can increase the production of peach, although part of the N may be lost by leaching and volatilization. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status, yield of peaches, leaching of N forms and volatilization of NH3-N in a peach orchard with the addition of compost produced from agroindustrial juice waste, poultry slaughterhouse residues and sawdust. The orchard was established in 2009, and in july 2010, 2011 and 2012 the quantities of 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24L of organic compost per m2 were applied on a peach orchard and the total nutrient content in leaves and production was evaluated. In 2012, using lysimeters installed at 20 and 40cm deep in the soil, it was measured the forms of N in the solution in the treatments of 0 and 24L of compost. The volatilization of NH3-N was assessed in all the treatments up to 478h after compost application on the soil. The application of compost on the soil surface increased the content of K and N in whole leaves, increasing fruit production. The compost application at flowering increased the concentration of nitrate in the soil solution at a depth of only 20cm. The ammonia emission increased especially with the augmenting dose of compost applied, and in periods of higher temperature.

Environmental vulnerability and phosphorus fractions of areas with pig slurry applied to the soil.

The application of pig slurry as a fertilizer can cause soil and water contamination. Intrinsic characteristics of the environment may enhance this effect and influence the vulnerability of the agricultural system. The goal of this study was to evaluate the accumulation of soil P fractions in areas treated with pig slurry and in forest areas and to propose an evaluation of the areas' vulnerability to P contamination. Soil samples were collected from 10 areas with pig slurry applied to the soil and one in forest without a history of pig slurry application, all located in the Coruja and Bonito rivers microbasin at Braço do Norte, Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Samples were prepared and subjected to P chemical fractionation. Two versions of the P index method, based on soil P forms or only on P extracted by Mehlich-1, were used to evaluate the environmental risk of the studied areas. Estimated soil losses were lower for the forest and natural pasture and highest in areas with black oat ( Schreb.)-corn ( L.) crop cultivation. Concentrations of P fractions, especially of organic and inorganic P extracted by 0.1 and 0.5 mol L NaOH and NaHCO and of inorganic P extracted by anion exchange resin and HCl, were higher in areas with a longer history and higher frequency of pig slurry applications. Vulnerability to P contamination was mainly influenced by soil P concentrations and soil losses in the studied areas. The P index based on Hedley's fractionation P forms resulted in a more accurate risk scoring of the studied areas than the P index based on the concentration of available P extracted by Mehlich-1.

Produção e nitrogênio no solo e na solução em pomar demacieira submetido à aplicação de fontes de nutrientes / Yield and nitrogen in soil and solution in an appleorchard subjected to application of nutrient sources

A aplicação de fontes de nitrogênio (N) em pomar de macieira pode incrementar o teor do nutriente no solo ao longo do ciclo, afetar o estado nutricional e a produção, mas parte do N pode ser perdido por lixiviação. O trabalho objetivou avaliar o teor de N total em folhas, a produção e o fluxo de N no solo e na solução, em um pomar de macieira com a aplicação de distintas fontes de N, em um experimento em Urubici (SC). Plantas foram selecionadas, receberam a aplicação de ureia (U), ureia peletizada (UP) e cama sobreposta de suínos (CS); além de um tratamento sem adubação (SA). Nas safras 2011/2012 e 2012/2013 foram analisados teores de N em folhas completas e mensurados o crescimento das plantas e a produção de frutos. Foram coletadas amostras de solo e de solução, e analisados os teores de N-NH4 + e N-NO3 - ao longo da segunda safra. Aplicações de U, UP e CS aumentaram o rendimento da macieira no segundo ano, mas o teor de N em folhas não foi afetado nas duas safras. A aplicação de N afetou o fluxo de formas do nutriente no solo e na solução ao longo do ciclo da cultura, com pequenos incrementos nos teores do solo e da solução em períodos próximos à aplicação das diferentes fontes de N.

The application of nitrogen (N), from different sources, in apple orchard can increase soil N content, affecting the plant's nutritional status and yield, but part of the N can be lost by leaching. With the aim of assessing plant nutritional status and yield, and N flow in the soil and solution an experiment was carried out in in an apple orchard in Southern Brazil, applying different N source. Selected plants received the following treatments: application of urea, pelletized urea or pig deep litter, besides a control without fertilization. In the 2011/2012 and 2012/2013 crop seasons, N contents in whole leaves were analyzed and plant growth and fruit yield parameters were measured. Soil and soil solution samples were collected and the NH4 +-N and NO3 --N contents were analyzed during the second crop season. Application of pig deep litter, urea and pelletized urea increased apple yield in the second crop season, with no differences among treatments in leaf total N content at any time period. The application of N to the soil affected the flow of nutrient forms in the soil and in the solution throughout the apple crop cycle, with small increases in soil and in solution contents in periods near the application of the different N sources to the soil.

Matéria seca de plantas de cobertura, produção de cebola e atributos químicos do solo em sistema plantio direto agroecológico / Dry matter of cover crops, onion yield and soil chemical attributes in agroecological no-tillage system

O cultivo e a deposição de resíduos de plantas de cobertura em sistema plantio direto podem afetar os atributos químicos do solo e a produção de cebola. O trabalho objetivou avaliar a interferência do cultivo de plantas de cobertura sobre a produção de cebola e sobre os atributos químicos do solo em sistema plantio direto (SPD) agroecológico. O experimento foi conduzido na EPAGRI, em Ituporanga (SC), em um Cambissolo Húmico, nas safras de 2010 e 2011. Em abril, foram implantados os tratamentos: testemunha com vegetação espontânea (T1); cevada (2010)/aveia-preta (2011) (T2); centeio (T3); nabo-forrageiro (T4); centeio + nabo-forrageiro (T5); e cevada (2010)/aveia-preta (2011) + nabo-forrageiro (T6). Aos 60, 80 e 95 dias após a semeadura (DAS) das espécies de inverno, coletou-se a parte aérea das plantas e determinou-se a produção de matéria seca por hectare. Em julho, foram transplantadas mudas de cebola e, em novembro, avaliou-se a produção. Após o acamamento das plantas de cobertura de inverno e a colheita da cebola, foi coletado solo na camada de 0-10 cm e submetido à análise de atributos químicos. O cultivo e a deposição dos resíduos de matéria seca das espécies de plantas de cobertura em SPD contribuíram para o aumento e a manutenção da produção total de cebola ao longo dos anos. Os atributos químicos do solo, com exceção do K trocável, P disponível e valores de saturação da CTCpH7,0 por bases não foram afetados pelo cultivo de plantas de cobertura.

The cultivation and deposition of waste from cover crops in no-tillage can affect soil chemical attributes and onion yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dry matter yield of plant species from winter cover crops, onion yield and chemical attributes of soil in agroecological no-tillage system. The experiment was carried out at EPAGRI Experimental Station in Ituporanga (SC) under Humic Haplumbrept in the agricultural years of 2010 and 2011. The following treatments was implanted in April: weed vegetation (T1), Hordeum vulgare L. (2010)/Avena strigosa L. (2011) (T2), Secale cereale L. (T3), Raphanus sativus L. (T4), Secale cereale L + Raphanus sativus L. (T5) e Hordeum vulgare L. (2010)/Avena strigosa L. (2011) + Raphanus sativus L. (T6). At 60, 80 and 95 days after sowing (DAS) of winter species, the cover crops were collected to determine the dry matter yield. In July the onion seedlings were transplanted and in November the yield was evaluated. After the rolling of winter cover crops and after onion harvest, soil was collected at 0-10cm for the evaluation of chemical attributes. The cultivation and deposition of waste from cover crops in no-tillage contributed to the growth and maintenance of the total production of onion over the years. The soil chemical attributes in 0-10cm layer, with the exception of exchangeable K, available P and CTCpH7,0 saturation values for bases, were not affected by cover crops cultivation and deposition of waste.

Plantas de cobertura de inverno em sistema de plantio direto de hortaliças sem herbicidas: efeitos sobre plantas espontâneas e na produção de tomate / Winter cover crops in no-tillage system whitout herbicides: effects on weed biomass and tomato yield

O objetivo deste trabalho foi eliminar o uso de herbicidas nas lavouras de tomate, em sistema de plantio direto (PD). Para conhecer a melhor combinação de plantas de cobertura (PC) de inverno para o controle de plantas espontâneas (PE) e a produção do tomate, conduziu-se experimento a campo na Estação Experimental da Empresa de Pesquisa Agropecuária e Extensão Rural (EPAGRI) de Ituporanga, Santa Catarina (SC). Foram testadas a aveia preta (Avena strigosa Schreb), a ervilhaca (Vicia villosa Roth) e o nabo forrageiro (Raphanus sativus L.) em sistemas de cobertura solteiros e consorciados. O tomate, variedade Márcia-EPAGRI, foi tutorado e conduzido sob sistema de fertirrigação. Os melhores tratamentos na produção de matéria seca (MS) de PC foram aveia + ervilhaca e aveia solteira, seguidos de ervilhaca + nabo, aveia + nabo e aveia + ervilhaca + nabo. Entre os cinco melhores resultados na produção de MS, apenas aveia não foi um tratamento consorciado. No controle de plantas espontâneas, destacaram-se os tratamentos aveia + nabo, aveia + ervilhaca e aveia + ervilhaca + nabo, seguidos de aveia. Não ocorreram diferenças estatísticas entre tratamentos no rendimento total do tomate e na produção comercial.

With the aim of eliminating herbicide use in no-tillage tomato production, an experiment was carried out to evaluate the best combination of winter cover crops for weed control and tomato production at the Ituporanga Experimental Station. Oat (Avena strigosa Schreb), vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.) were grown in monoculture and in mixes. The tomato variety ‘Márcia-EPAGRI’ was stake-trained and grown under fertirrigation. The highest values in above-ground dry biomass were obtained by oat+vetch and oat monoculture, followed by vetch+radish, oat+radish, and oat+vetch+radish. Treatments with oats had the best performances in controlling resident vegetation, while vetch was associated with the worst performances. There were no significant differences between treatments for total yield and marketable fruit production.

Integração de técnicas de solo, plantas e animais para recuperar áreas degradadas / Integration of techniques of soil, plants and animals for restoration of degraded areas

Este trabalho trata da recuperação de áreas degradadas pela mineração da fração argila em Doutor Pedrinho-SC. O estudo utilizou técnicas para integrar o solo, as plantas e os animais. Testaram-se dois níveis de topografia, regular e irregular, dois níveis de adubação, orgânica e química, e dois níveis de serapilheira, com e sem. A espécie arbórea selecionada foi a leguminosa Mimosa scabrella (bracatinga). Poleiros artificiais foram instalados na área a fim de incrementar o número de sementes provenientes de áreas vizinhas pelos devidos dispersores. Aos nove meses de avaliação, a partir das análises químicas de solo, não foram verificados incrementos nutricionais. A bracatinga apresentou índice de sobrevivência superior a 92 por cento, enquanto que a cobertura do solo pela copa das árvores foi significativamente superior para os tratamentos que receberam serapilheira, com valores maiores de 67 por cento. Apesar de a cobertura do solo pela revegetação natural não apresentar diferença, em geral, houve tendência da mesma ser maior nos tratamentos com topografia regular. Os poleiros artificiais foram responsáveis pela vinda de vinte e uma sementes pertencentes a seis morfoespécies distintas. Entre as doze famílias botânicas de plantas espontâneas identificadas, a maior parte apresentou síndrome de polinização zoofilica, dispersão de sementes anemocórica e hábito herbáceo. Conclui-se que a bracatinga, a abubação orgânica e/ou química, a serapilheira e os poleiros artificiais são indicados para utilização em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas semelhantes ao deste estudo. Estudos complementares são necessários para avaliar a pertinência ou não do uso da topografia irregular em programas de recuperação de áreas degradadas.

This paper is about the restoration of areas degraded by clay mining in Doutor Pedrinho/ Brasil, state of Santa Catarina. The study employs techniques that integrate soil, plants and animals. Two types of surface preparation (regular and irregular), two types of fertilizer (organic and chemical), and two conditions of litter (present and absent) were tested. The species selected for the experiment was the legume Mimosa scabrella (bracatinga). Artificial perches were installed in the area in order to increase the amount of seeds from neighborhood areas. Chemical analysis of the soil, nine months after the initiation of the experiment, did not show any nutritional potential increase. The bracatinga showed a survival rate over 92 percent, whereas the soil cover by bracatinga canopies was significantly larger in the treatments where litter was added, with values over 67 percent. Although the soil cover by natural revegetation did not show any significant differences, it was in general larger in regular surface treatments. The artificial perches were responsible for bringing twenty one seeds from six distinct morpho species. Among the 12 identified botanical families, the larger part of them showed insect pollination, wind-dispersed seed and herbaceous habit. The conclusion is that the integrated use of bracatinga, organic and/or chemical fertilizer, litter and artificial perches are indicated for restoration programs in degraded areas similar to the one presented in this study. Further investigation is required to evaluate the relevance of the use of irregular surface in the restoration of degraded areas.