Selenium protects rice plants from water deficit stress.

Selenium (Se) is essential to humans and animals due to its antioxidant properties. Although it is not considered an essential nutrient for higher plants. Many studies show that Se in low concentrations (up to 0.5 mg kg-1) provides beneficial effects to non-hyperaccumulating plants by participating in antioxidant defense systems and enhancing tolerance to abiotic stress. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of Se application rates on rice plants under different soil water conditions. The experiment was conducted on an Oxisol using four Se rates (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg kg-1) and two soil water conditions (irrigated and water deficit). Selenium application via soil up to 0.5 mg kg-1 increased the plant height, chlorophyll index, sulfur and copper accumulation in shoots, carbon dioxide assimilation, superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) activity and decreased the hydrogen peroxide concentration in rice leaves. The accumulation of Se in shoot biomass and Se concentration in seeds increased linearly with the applied rates. Water deficit strongly decreased the plant growth and yield. However, rice plants treated with Se showed higher net photosynthesis, water use efficiency and antioxidant system. This study provides useful information about the roles of Se in protecting rice plants from water deficit stress.

Genotypic Variation and Biofortification with Selenium in Brazilian Wheat Cultivars.

Selenium is essential to human and animal health, as it regulates glutathione peroxidase activity. Although not considered essential to plants, it may be beneficial to plant growth and development at low concentrations. This study evaluated the effect of selenate application on Se biofortification, macro- and micronutrient content, and the expression of genes involved in Se uptake and assimilation in 12 Brazilian wheat ( L.) cultivars. This nutrient-solution experiment was performed in a greenhouse and consisted of a complete 12 × 2 factorial randomized design, with 12 wheat cultivars in the absence or presence of Se in solution (13 µmol), with three replicates. The presence of Se in solution did not affect growth and yield of wheat cultivars. Selenium content and accumulation in the grain varied significantly among the different cultivars. The presence of Se affected macronutrient content more than micronutrient content, and selenate application increased S content in the shoots of eight cultivars and in the grains of five cultivars. Examination of gene expression did not allow identification of responses within the two groups of cultivars-with high or low Se contents-after selenate application. Our findings are relevant to the design of Se biofortification strategies for wheat in tropical and subtropical agroecosystems.

Selenium promotes sulfur accumulation and plant growth in wheat (Triticum aestivum).

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans and a target for biofortification in crops. Sulfur (S) is a crucial nutrient for plant growth. To gain better understanding of Se and S nutrition and interaction in plants, the effects of Se dosages and forms on plant growth as well as on S level in seven wheat lines were examined. Low dosages of both selenate and selenite supplements were found to enhance wheat shoot biomass and show no inhibitory effect on grain production. The stimulation on plant growth was correlated with increased APX antioxidant enzyme activity. Se forms were found to exert different effects on S metabolism in wheat plants. Selenate treatment promoted S accumulation, which was not observed with selenite supplement. An over threefold increase of S levels following selenate treatment at low dosages was observed in shoots of all wheat lines. Analysis of the sulfate transporter gene expression revealed an increased transcription of SULTR1;1, SULTR1;3 and SULTR4;1 in roots following 10 µM Na2 SeO4 treatment. Mass spectrometry-based targeted protein quantification confirmed the gene expression results and showed enhanced protein levels. The results suggest that Se treatment mimics S deficiency to activate specific sulfate transporter expression to stimulate S uptake, resulting in the selenate-induced S accumulation. This study supports that plant growth and nutrition benefit from low dosages of Se fertilization and provides information on the basis underlying Se-induced S accumulation in plants.

Bioaccumulation and effects of lanthanum on growth and mitotic index in soybean plants.

Rare earth elements such as lanthanum (La) have been used as agricultural inputs in some countries in order to enhance yield and improve crop quality. However, little is known about the effect of La on the growth and structure of soybean, which is an important food and feed crop worldwide. In this study, bioaccumulation of La and its effects on the growth and mitotic index of soybean was evaluated. Soybean plants were exposed to increasing concentrations of La (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 µM) in nutrient solution for 28 days. Plant response to La was evaluated in terms of plant growth, nutritional characteristics, photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, mitotic index, modifications in the ultrastructure of roots and leaves, and La mapping in root and shoot tissues. The results showed that the roots of soybean plants can accumulate sixty-fold more La than shoots. La deposition occurred mainly in cell walls and in crystals dispersed in the root cortex and in the mesophyll. When La was applied, it resulted in increased contents of some essential nutrients (i.e., Ca, P, K, and Mn), while Cu and Fe levels decreased. Moreover, low La concentrations stimulated the photosynthetic rate and total chlorophyll content and lead to a higher incidence of binucleate cells, resulting in a slight increase in roots and shoot biomass. At higher La levels, soybean growth was reduced. This was caused by ultrastructural modifications in the cell wall, thylakoids and chloroplasts, and the appearance of c-metaphases.

Lead tolerance of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes Mart. - Pontederiaceae) as defined by anatomical and physiological traits.

This study aimed at verifying the lead tolerance of water hyacinth and at looking at consequent anatomical and physiological modifications. Water hyacinth plants were grown on nutrient solutions with five different lead concentrations: 0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 2.00 and 4.00 mg L-1 by 20 days. Photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and the Ci/Ca rate were measured at the end of 15 days of experiment. At the end of the experiment, the anatomical modifications in the roots and leaves, and the activity of antioxidant system enzymes, were evaluated. Photosynthetic and Ci/Ca rates were both increased under all lead treatments. Leaf anatomy did not exhibit any evidence of toxicity effects, but showed modifications of the stomata and in the thickness of the palisade and spongy parenchyma in the presence of lead. Likewise, root anatomy did not exhibit any toxicity effects, but the xylem and phloem exhibited favorable modifications as well as increased apoplastic barriers. All antioxidant system enzymes exhibited increased activity in the leaves, and some modifications in roots, in the presence of lead. It is likely, therefore, that water hyacinth tolerance to lead is related to anatomical and physiological modifications such as increased photosynthesis and enhanced anatomical capacity for CO2 assimilation and water conductance.

Biostimulant Response of Foliar Application of Rare Earth Elements on Physiology, Growth, and Yield of Rice.

Rare earth elements (REEs) have been intentionally used in Chinese agriculture since the 1980s to improve crop yields. Around the world, REEs are also involuntarily applied to soils through phosphate fertilizers. These elements are known to alleviate damage in plants under abiotic stresses, yet there is no information on how these elements act in the physiology of plants. The REE mode of action falls within the scope of the hormesis effect, with low-dose stimulation and high-dose adverse reactions. This study aimed to verify how REEs affect rice plants' physiology to test the threshold dose at which REEs could act as biostimulants in these plants. In experiment 1, 0.411 kg ha-1 (foliar application) of a mixture of REE (containing 41.38% Ce, 23.95% La, 13.58% Pr, and 4.32% Nd) was applied, as well as two products containing 41.38% Ce and 23.95% La separately. The characteristics of chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchanges, SPAD index, and biomass (pot conditions) were evaluated. For experiment 2, increasing rates of the REE mix (0, 0.1, 0.225, 0.5, and 1 kg ha-1) (field conditions) were used to study their effect on rice grain yield and nutrient concentration of rice leaves. Adding REEs to plants increased biomass production (23% with Ce, 31% with La, and 63% with REE Mix application) due to improved photosynthetic rate (8% with Ce, 15% with La, and 27% with REE mix), favored by the higher electronic flow (photosynthetic electron transport chain) (increase of 17%) and by the higher Fv/Fm (increase of 14%) and quantum yield of photosystem II (increase of 20% with Ce and La, and 29% with REE Mix), as well as by increased stomatal conductance (increase of 36%) and SPAD index (increase of 10% with Ce, 12% with La, and 15% with REE mix). Moreover, adding REEs potentiated the photosynthetic process by increasing rice leaves' N, Mg, K, and Mn concentrations (24-46%). The dose for the higher rice grain yield (an increase of 113%) was estimated for the REE mix at 0.72 kg ha-1.

Sulfate supply decreases barium availability, uptake, and toxicity in lettuce plants grown in a tropical Ba-contaminated soil.

Barium (Ba) is a non-essential element that can cause toxicity in living organisms and environmental contamination. Plants absorb barium predominantly in its divalent cationic form Ba2+. Sulfur (S) can decrease the availability of Ba2+ in the soil by causing its precipitation as barium sulfate, a compound known for its very low solubility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of soil sulfate supply in soil Ba fractions, as well as on plant growth, and Ba and S uptake by lettuce plants grown in artificially Ba-contaminated soil under greenhouse conditions. The treatments consisted of five Ba doses (0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 mg kg-1 Ba, as barium chloride) combined with three S doses (0, 40, and 80 mg kg-1 S, as potassium sulfate). The treatments were applied to soil samples (2.5 kg) and placed in plastic pots for plant cultivation. The Ba fractions analyzed were extractable-Ba, organic matter-Ba, oxides associated-Ba, and residual-Ba. The results indicate that the extractable-Ba fraction was the main one responsible for Ba bioavailability and phytotoxicity, probably corresponding to the exchangeable Ba in the soil. The dose of 80 mg kg-1 of S reduced extractable-Ba by 30% at higher Ba doses while it increased the other fractions. Furthermore, S supply attenuated the growth inhibition in plants under Ba exposure. Thus, S supply protected the lettuce plants from Ba toxicity by reduction of Ba availability in soil and plant growth enhancement. The results suggest that sulfate supply is a suitable strategy for managing Ba-contaminated areas.

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

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

Selenium accumulation in lettuce germplasm.

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans. Increasing Se content in food crops offers an effective approach to reduce the widespread selenium deficiency problem in many parts of the world. In this study, we evaluated 30 diverse accessions of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) for their capacity to accumulate Se and their responses to different forms of Se in terms of plant growth, nutritional characteristics, and gene expression. Lettuce accessions responded differently to selenate and selenite treatment, and selenate is superior to selenite in inducing total Se accumulation. At least over twofold change in total Se levels between cultivars with high and low Se content was found. Synergistic relationship between Se and sulfur accumulation was observed in nearly all accessions at the selenate dosage applied. The change in shoot biomass varied between lettuce accessions and the forms of Se used. The growth-stimulated effect by selenate and the growth-inhibited effect by selenite were found to be correlated with the alteration of antioxidant enzyme activities. The different ability of lettuce accessions to accumulate Se following selenate treatment appeared to be associated with an altered expression of genes involved in Se/S uptake and assimilation. Our results provide important information for the effects of different forms of Se on plant growth and metabolism. They will also be of help in selecting and developing better cultivars for Se biofortification in lettuce.

Phosphorus and sulfur in a tropical soil and their effects on growth and selenium accumulation in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit.

Selenium (Se) is an essential metalloid element for mammals. Nonetheless, both deficiency and excess of Se in the environment are associated with several diseases in animals and humans. Here, we investigated the interaction of Se, supplied as selenate (Se+6) and selenite (Se+4), with phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) in a weathered tropical soil and their effects on growth and Se accumulation in Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit. The P-Se interaction effects on L. leucocephala growth differed between the Se forms (selenate and selenite) supplied in the soil. Selenate was prejudicial to plants grown in the soil with low P dose, while selenite was harmful to plants grown in soil with high P dose. The decreasing soil S dose increased the toxic effect of Se in L. leucocephala plants. Se tissue concentration and total Se accumulation in L. leucocephala shoot were higher with selenate supply in the soil when compared with selenite. Therefore, selenite proved to be less phytoavailable in the weathered tropical soil and, at the same time, more toxic to L. leucocephala plants than selenate. Thus, it is expected that L. leucocephala plants are more efficient to phytoextract and accumulate Se as selenate than Se as selenite from weathered tropical soils, for either strategy of phytoremediation (decontamination of Se-polluted soils) or purposes of biofortification for animal feed (fertilization of Se-poor soils).

Impact of selenium supply on Se-methylselenocysteine and glucosinolate accumulation in selenium-biofortified Brassica sprouts.

Brassica sprouts are widely marketed as functional foods. Here we examined the effects of Se treatment on the accumulation of anticancer compound Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMSCys) and glucosinolates in Brassica sprouts. Cultivars from the six most extensively consumed Brassica vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, green cabbage, Chinese cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts) were used. We found that Se-biofortified Brassica sprouts all were able to synthesize significant amounts of SeMSCys. Analysis of glucosinolate profiles revealed that each Brassica crop accumulated different types and amounts of glucosinolates. Cauliflower sprouts had high total glucosinolate content. Broccoli sprouts contained high levels of glucoraphanin, a precursor for potent anticancer compound. Although studies have reported an inverse relationship between accumulation of Se and glucosinolates in mature Brassica plants, Se supply generally did not affect glucosinolate accumulation in Brassica sprouts. Thus, Brassica vegetable sprouts can be biofortified with Se for the accumulation of SeMSCys without negative effects on chemopreventive glucosinolate contents.

Assessment of the anticancer compounds Se-methylselenocysteine and glucosinolates in Se-biofortified broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) sprouts and florets.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) is a rich source of chemopreventive compounds. Here, we evaluated and compared the effect of selenium (Se) treatment on the accumulation of anticancer compounds Se-methylselenocysteine (SeMSCys) and glucosinolates in broccoli sprouts and florets. Total Se and SeMSCys content in sprouts increased concomitantly with increasing Se doses. Selenate was superior to selenite in inducing total Se accumulation, but selenite is equally effective as selenate in promoting SeMSCys synthesis in sprouts. Increasing sulfur doses reduced total Se and SeMSCys content in sprouts treated with selenate, but not in those with selenite. Examination of five broccoli cultivars reveals that sprouts generally have better fractional ability than florets to convert inorganic Se into SeMSCys. Distinctive glucosinolate profiles between sprouts and florets were observed, and sprouts contained approximately 6-fold more glucoraphanin than florets. In contrast to florets, glucosinolate content was not affected by Se treatment in sprouts. Thus, Se-enriched broccoli sprouts are excellent for simultaneous accumulation of chemopreventive compounds SeMSCys and glucoraphanin.

Assessing the tolerance of castor bean to Cd and Pb for phytoremediation purposes.

This study evaluated Cd and Pb accumulation by castor bean (Ricinus communis cv. Guarany) plants grown in nutrient solution, aiming to assess the plant's ability and tolerance to grow in Cd- and Pb-contaminated solutions for phytoremediation purposes. The plants were grown in individual pots containing Hoagland and Arnon's nutrient solution with increasing concentrations of Cd and Pb. The production of root and shoot dry matter and their contents of Cd, Pb, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were evaluated in order to calculate the translocation and bioaccumulation factors, as well as toxicity of Cd and Pb. Cadmium caused severe symptoms of phytotoxicity in the plant's root and shoot, but no adverse effect was observed for Pb. Castor bean is an appropriate plant to be used as indicator plant for Cd and tolerante for Pb in contaminated solution and it can be potentially used for phytoremediation of contaminated areas.

Evaluation of genotypic variation of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italic) in response to selenium treatment.

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italic) fortified with selenium (Se) has been promoted as a functional food. Here, we evaluated 38 broccoli accessions for their capacity to accumulate Se and for their responses to selenate treatment in terms of nutritional qualities and sulfur gene expresion. We found that the total Se content varied with over 2-fold difference among the leaf tissues of broccoli accessions when the plants were treated with 20 µM Na(2)SeO(4). Approximately half of total Se accumulated in leaves was Se-methylselenocysteine and selenomethionine. Transcriptional regulation of adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate sulfurylase and selenocysteine Se-methyltransferase gene expression might contribute to the different levels of Se accumulation in broccoli. Total glucosinolate contents were not affected by the concentration of selenate application for the majority of broccoli accessions. Essential micronutrients (i.e., Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) remained unchanged among half of the germplasm. Moreover, the total antioxidant capacity was greatly stimulated by selenate in over half of the accessions. The diverse genotypic variation in Se, glucosinolate, and antioxidant contents among accessions provides the opportunity to breed broccoli cultivars that simultaneously accumulate Se and other health benefit compounds.

Production of peach grafts under hydroponic conditions / Produção de mudas de pêssego enxertadas em sistema hidropônico

The objective of the present work was to study the feasibility of producing Okinawa rootstocks and peach grafts using a hydroponic system. The study was conducted in two phases. The growth and development of Okinawa rootstocks under hydroponic conditions were determined in the first phase, and in the second phase, the viability of grafting production of peach cultivars Aurora and Diamante associated with different types of rootstocks. The parameters analysed were the time required for 60 to 75 percent plants to reach the stages of transplanting (15 cm height) and grafting (4 to 6 cm stem diameter), the percentage of sprouting grafts determined 20 days after grafting, and the height of the shoots measured every 7 days until grafts were 40 cm high measured from the crown. Although 13 percent of the Okinawa rootstocks grown under hydroponic conditions presented undesirable genetic segregation characteristics, transplanting was reached at 30 days after transference (DAT) to hydroponic conditions and grafting at 61 DAT. Proximal pruning at 5 cm gave rise to grafts of 47.53 cm in height at 116 DAT, and both cultivar showed 100 percent graft sprouting with the cultivar Aurora presenting higher growth.

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de estudar a viabilidade da produção de porta-enxerto 'Okinawa' e de mudas enxertadas em sistema hidropônico. O experimento foi conduzido em duas etapas. Na primeira etapa, pesquisaram-se o tempo de germinação e o desenvolvimento vegetativo das plantas do porta-enxerto 'Okinawa' e na segunda etapa a viabilidade de produção de mudas enxertadas de pêssego das cultivares 'Aurora' e 'Diamante', associada a diferentes tipos de desmama dos enxertos. As características avaliadas referiram-se ao tempo para que 60 a 75 por cento das plântulas atingissem o ponto de repicagem (15 cm de altura) e o ponto de enxertia (diâmetro de 4 a 6 mm) coletados semanalmente, a percentagem de pegamento da enxertia foi avaliada aos 20 dias após a enxertia e o crescimento em altura dos enxertos (brotos), tomadas semanalmente, até atingirem 40 cm de altura. Embora cerca de 13 por cento dos porta-enxerto de 'Okinawa' tenham se apresentado com aparência arbustiva e ananicante, características impróprias ao futuro desenvolvimento normal das mudas, o ponto de repicagem dos porta-enxertos foi atingido aos 30 dias após transferência para solução nutritiva (DAT) e o ponto de enxertia aos 61 DAT. A desbrota a 5 cm foi a mais apropriada à propagação de mudas de pessegueiro, estando as mesmas prontas para a comercialização aos com 47,53 centímetros de altura aos 116 DAT e ambas as cultivares apresentaram índice de pegamento de 100 por cento, sendo que a cultivar Aurora apresentou maior crescimento.

Productivity and efficiency of nitrogen fertilization in maize under different levels of urea and NBPT-treated urea / Produtividade e eficiência da adubação nitrogenada em milho sob doses de uréia comum e com NBPT

The management of nitrogen fertilization is complex due to the various transformations of the nitrogen that occur in the soil-plant-atmosphere system, reducing the efficiency of the fertilization, productivity and the profit margin of the maize production areas. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of common urea and urea treat with NBPT [N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide] on the productivity and efficiency of the nitrogen fertilization in maize, correlated with simple economic analysis. The design of the field experiment was in randomized complete blocks with six repetitions, in a 2 x 4 factorial outline, made up of by two sources of nitrogen (urea and NBPT-treated urea) and four levels of nitrogen as top dressing (60, 120, 180 and 240 kg ha-1). The sources and applied nitrogen levels influenced the productivity and the leaf and grain nitrogen contents, while the production components (size and diameter of the ear, and percentage of straw and cob) were not altered. The agronomic efficiency of the nitrogen fertilization decreased with the increase of the applied nitrogen levels. The highest gross profit margin in the maize culture is obtained with 180 kg ha-1 of nitrogen supplied in the NBPT-treated urea.

O manejo da adubação nitrogenada é complexo em razão das diversas transformações do nitrogênio que ocorrem no sistema solo-planta-atmosfera, diminuindo a eficiência da adubação, produtividade e a margem de lucro das áreas de produção de milho. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses de uréia comum e com NBPT [N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide] na produtividade e eficiência da adubação nitrogenada na cultura do milho, correlacionado com análise econômica simples. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos completos casualizados com seis repetições, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, constituídos por duas fontes de N (uréia comum e uréia tratada com NBPT) e quatro doses de nitrogênio em cobertura (60, 120, 180 e 240 kg ha-1). As fontes e doses de nitrogênio influenciaram na produtividade e nos teores de N da folha e dos grãos, enquanto que os componentes de produção (tamanho e diâmetro da espiga e porcentagem de palha e sabugo) não foram alterados. A eficiência agronômica da adubação nitrogenada diminuiu com o aumento das doses de N aplicadas em cobertura. A maior margem bruta de ganho da cultura do milho é obtida com aplicação de uréia tratada com NBPT, na dosagem de 180 kg ha-1.

Previous cultivation of palisade grass and soil correctives: influence on growth and yield of soybean cultivated under various soil compaction levels / Cultivo prévio de braquiarão e corretivos de solo: influência sobre o crescimento e produção da soja cultivada sob vários níveis de compactação do solo

Soil compaction directly interferes on crop yield. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the effect of previous cultivation with palisade grass [Urochloa brizantha (C. Hochstetter ex A. Rich.) R. Webster cv. Marandu] and the use of soil correctives on the growth and yield of soybeans (Glycine max L.) cultivated under various soil compaction levels, in greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in pots (columns) of 0.2 m diameter PVC tubes, composed of two rings: the lower ring, 0.4 m in height, received the soil (dystrophic Red Latosol, clayey texture) without corrective and a density of 1.0 Mg m-3; and the upper ring, 0,2 m in height, received the treatments of soil correctives and density. The experimental design was fully randomized in a 4 x 6 x 2 factorial outline, being four soil density levels (1.0; 1.20; 1.40 and 1.60 Mg m-3), six soil correctives (without corrective, lime, calcium silicate, gypsum, lime + gypsum and calcium silicate + gypsum) and two cultivation systems of the soybean (with and without previous cultivation of palisade grass). Starting from 1.2 Mg m-3 of soil density the soybean growth and yield were decreased. The use of soil correctives and previous soil cultivation with palisade grass decreased the harmful effects of the soil compaction on the soybean growth and yield. For the treatments that received previous cultivation with palisade grass, the soybean growth and yield were higher with application of lime + gypsum and calcium silicate + gypsum.

A compactação do solo interfere diretamente sobre a produção das culturas. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do cultivo prévio do braquiarão e o uso de corretivos do solo sobre o crescimento e produção da soja cultivada sob solo com vários níveis de compactação, em condições de casa de vegetação. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos (colunas) de tubos de PVC de 0,2 m de diâmetro, compostos por dois anéis: o anel inferior, de 0,4 m de altura, recebeu o solo (Latossolo Vermelho distrófico de textura argilosa) sem corretivo e densidade de 1,0 Mg m-3; e o anel superior, com 0,2 m de altura, recebeu os tratamentos de corretivos do solo (sem correção, calcário, silicato de cálcio, gesso, calcário + gesso e silicato de cálcio + gesso) e de compactação (1,0; 1,20; 1,40 e 1,60 Mg m-3 de densidade) do solo. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 x 6 x 2, sendo quatro densidades de solo, seis corretivos de solo e dois sistemas de cultivo da soja, com e sem cultivo prévio do braquiarão. A partir de 1,2 Mg m-3 de densidade de solo, foi observada redução no crescimento e produção de grãos da soja. O uso de corretivos e o cultivo prévio do solo com braquiarão amenizam os efeitos deletérios da compactação do solo sobre o crescimento e produção da soja. Para os tratamentos que receberam cultivo prévio de braquiarão, a mistura de calcário + gesso e silicato de cálcio + gesso foram os corretivos que proporcionaram maior crescimento e produção da soja.

Eficiência nutricional e aproveitamento do nitrogênio pelo capim-marandu de pastagem em estágio moderado de degradação sob doses e fontes de nitrogênio / Nutritional efficiency and nitrogen uptake by capim-marandu at pasture in moderate stage of degradation under doses and sources of nitrogen

O presente estudo foi desenvolvido sob condições de campo, visando avaliar a eficiência no uso e no aproveitamento do nitrogênio pelo capim-marandu por meio de diversos índices. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Modelo da Universidade Estadual de Goiás (UEG) num Latossolo Vermelho distrófico, no período de julho de 2003 a março de 2006. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Os tratamentos nas parcelas foram caracterizados por um fatorial 2 x 4, sendo duas fontes de N (sulfato de amônio e uréia) e quatro doses de N (0, 100, 200 e 300 kg/ha). Na subparcela, os tratamentos foram representados pelos anos (2004, 2005 e 2006), referentes ao tempo de recuperação da pastagem. A adubação nitrogenada foi parcelada em três aplicações após cada corte de avaliação da forrageira. Foram realizados três cortes da forrageira por ano, avaliando-se a massa seca e os teores de N nos tecidos. Com esses resultados, avaliaram-se os índices de Eficiência de Utilização do N (EUN), Recuperação do N Aplicado (RNA), Eficiência Agronômica do N Aplicado (EA) e Eficiência Fisiológica (EF) ou Eficiência Biológica. Os resultados mostraram que a EUN aumentou, enquanto que a RNA, EA e a EF diminuíram com o aumento das doses de N aplicadas. Em todos os casos, os índices foram influenciados pelos anos de recuperação da forrageira estudados, mas não pelas fontes de N.

This study was accomplished under field conditions, to evaluate the use and efficiency of nitrogen uptake, through various indexes, in pasture of Brachiaria brizantha. The experiment was conduced at the Model Farm of the Goiás State University in a distrophic Dark Red Latosol, from 2003 July to 2006 March. The experimental design was randon blocks, with three replicates. The treatments were placed in parcels characterized by a 2x4 factorial, with two sources of N (ammonium sulfate and urea) and four doses of N (0, 100, 200 and 300 kg/ha/year). In sub - parcel, the treatments were represented per years (2004, 2005 and 2006) refering to time of pasture recovery. The use of nitrogen was divided in three times, after each cut evaluation of the forage pasture. Three cuts were made per year, evaluating dry mass and N accumulation in the tissue. Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency, Recovery from the N Applied, Agronomic Efficiency from the N Applied, Physiological or Biological Efficiency indexes were evaluated. The results showed that EUN increased, while RNA, EA and EF reduced with the increase in the N doses applied. In all cases, the indexes were influenced by the years of recovery the herbage, and not by the sources of N.

Produção de massa seca e nutrição nitrogenada de cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha (A. Rich) Stapf sob doses de nitrogênio / Dry mass production and nitrogen nutritional value of Brachiaria brizantha (A. Rich) Stapf cultivars under nitrogen doses

O nitrogênio (N) é considerado um dos nutrientes responsável pelo crescimento vegetativo das plantas, mantendo as pastagens produtivas e com bom valor nutritivo. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada na produção de massa seca, valor nutritivo e nutrição nitrogenada de cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha (A. Rich) Stapf. O delineamento utilizado foi blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3 x 4 (três cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha: Marandu, Xaraés e MG-4; e quatro doses de N: 0, 50, 100 e 150 mg.dm-3, tendo como fonte a uréia), com três repetições. Avaliaram-se três cortes nas forrageiras, com intervalos de 30 dias. A adubação nitrogenada proporciona aumentos lineares nas produções de massa seca, teores de PB, nitrato, amônio e clorofila (unidade SPAD); e redução nos teores de FDN e FDA nos cultivares de Brachiaria brizantha. O cultivar Xaraés apresenta maior produção de massa seca, teor de PB, clorofila (unidade SPAD) e menores teores de FDN e FDA que os cultivares Marandu e MG-4.

Nitrogen (N) is considered one of the major nutrients responsible for vegetative pasture growth, by influencing forage productivity and nutritive value. With this in mind, dry mass production and quality of Brachiaria brizantha (A. Rich) Stapf cultivars were studied and evaluated in order to discover nitrogen (N) fertilization effect on pasture grown under Brazilian savanna conditions. The experimental design used was randomized block in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme (three Brachiaria brizantha cultivars: Marandu, Xaraés, and MG-4 and applying four doses of N: 0, 50, 100, and 150 mg.dm-3, using urea as N source with three replications. Three forage cuttings were done in 30 day intervals. Nitrogen fertilization resulted in a linear increase of dry mass production, crude protein content, nitrate, ammonium, and chlorophyll (SPAD unit) content and a decrease of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content in Brachiaria brizantha cultivars. Xaraés cultivar presented greater dry mass production, crude protein content, chlorophyll (SPAD unit) content, and lower NDF and ADF content than Marandu and MG-4 cultivars.

Crescimento e acúmulo de fósforo pela soja cultivada em sucessão a diferentes gramíneas forrageiras adubadas com super fosfato triplo e fosfato reativo de arad / Phosphorus fractions and soybean yield in succession to grasses fertilized with different phosphorus sources

Conduziu-se este trablho, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito do cultivo prévio de diferentes gramíneas forrageiras, adubadas com superfosfato triplo (SFT) e fosfato reativo de arad (FRA), sobre o crescimento, produção e acúmulo de P pela soja. Foram realizados dois experimentos, um em Cambissolo Háplico tb distrófico típico e o outro em Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico textura muito argilosa. Para os dois experimentos, o delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 + 2, sendo o cultivo prévio de quatro gramíneas forrageiras (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf - braquiária, Brachiaria brizantha Hochst Stapf - braquiarão, milheto e sorgo forrageiro) adubadas com duas fontes de P (FRA e SFT) e dois tratamentos adicionais que é o cultivo da soja sem o cultivo prévio de plantas de cobertura e adubadas com SFT e FRA. As plantas foram colhidas após completar o ciclo de desenvolvimento. Foram determinadas a produtividade de grãos (PG) e de massa seca da parte aérea (MSPA) e o acúmulo de fósforo na parte aérea e nos grãos da soja, as forrageiras imobilizaram o P do SFT, reduzindo o efeito residual para a soja e o feijoeiro. Quando as gramíneas forrageiras foram adubadas com o FRA, houve um aumento do efeito residual, com aumento da produtividade da soja em sucessão às plantas de cobertura, com exceção para o cultivo em sucessão ao braquiarão.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the previous cultivation of different forage grasses fertilized with triple superphosphate (TSP) and reactive Arad phosphate (RAP) on growth, yield, and accumulation of P by soybean. Two experiments were carried out ; one in Haplic Cambisol typical tb distrophic, medium texture and the other in Red Latosol typical distrophic very clayey texture. For both experiments, the experimental design was a completely randomized one in a 4 x 2 + 2 factorial scheme; the previous crop being of four forage grasses utilized as cover plants in no-tillage system (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf - braquiária, Brachiaria brizantha Hochst Stapf - braquiarão, millet and forage sorghum) fertilized with two sources of P (RAP and TSP) and two additional treatments, which are the cultivation of soybean and bean plant without the previous growing of cover plants, and also fertilized with TSP and RAP. The plants were harvested after they had completed the development cycle. Grain and shoot dry matter yield and P accumulation in the shoot and in the grains of soybean were determined. The forage plants immobilized the P of TSP, reducing the residual effect for soybean. When forage grasses are fertilized with RAP, there is increased residual effect with increasing yield of soybean in succession to the cover plants, with exception for the growing in succession to Brachiaria brizanta.