Understanding the magnitude of B mobility in eucalyptus may help to select clones that are more efficient for B use and to design new practices of B fertilization. This study consisted of five experiments with three eucalyptus clones (129, 57 and 58) where the response to and mobility of B were evaluated. Results indicated that clone 129 was less sensitive to B deficiency than clones 68 and 57, apparently due to its ability to translocate B previously absorbed via root […]

The application of sludges, especially sewage-sludge (SS) to agricultural soils is one of the most rational ways of using this residue. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of SS on some chemical properties of an SS-amended Ultisol under sugarcane (variety RB 855536) for two years; from October 2002 to August 2003 – growing season 2003/04 and from October 2003 to October 04, designated 2004/05 crop season. Eight treatments were evaluated: (a) control; (b) Mineral fertilization (120 kg ha-1 […]

First regulations concerning contaminant contents in fertilizers were implemented in the State of Washington, USA. The objective of our study was to consider the events as a possible reference for a similar ongoing situation in Brazil. The significant role of the press, which kept people informed and aware about the problem of waste-derived fertilizers, is discussed. Several groups, some with divergent points of view, were called upon to contribute to the final legislation, which was backed up by relevant technical […]

Soybean in symbiosis with Bradyrhizobium japonicum is able to satisfy its nitrogen (N2) demand with biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). However, BNF can be affected by molybdenium deficiency because this micronutrient is part of the nitrogenase enzyme responsible for the process. An experiment was conducted under field conditions on a Red Latosol (Oxisol) in Palotina, state of Paraná, Brazil. The effects of seed treatments with Mo, B. japonicum inoculation as well as foliar Mo fertilization on soybean yield were evaluated. Four […]

Conflicting results have been achieved by the evaluation of manganese availability in soil, largely a consequence of varying values denoted as available by different extractants. Knowledge on the element’s chemical forms in the soil and on relationships with the available concentrations are important to predict its behavior in the soil-plant system. In this study, six Oxisol soil samples were analyzed to evaluate the influence of liming and different manganese doses on desorption, extraction and fractioning. These soil samples, with and […]

The evaluation and classification of soybean cultivars, based on their tolerance to deficient or excessive boron levels, may be relevant when recommending fertilizers and amendments, and for plant breeding programs. This research aimed to study the response of four soybean cultivars to doses of B added to the nutrient solutions. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions, at the experimental station of Instituto Agronômico, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil in 1998. The soybean cultivars IAC-1, IAC-8, IAC-15 e IAC-17 were […]

The effectiveness of the nitrogen supplying to bean plants as fertilizer and, or, as biological nitrogen fixation, and the dependence of these processes on molibdenum availability is still a not well solved problem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of foliar application of Mo on nitrogenase and nitrate reductase activities and on productivity of beans cultivated on a Red Yellow Podzolic, in Coimbra, MG (Brazil). The treatments consisted of increasing rates of foliar application of Mo […]

The boron supply to plants can be accomplished by the soil, by foliar application or by treatment of the seeds. Seed treatment advantages are: application uniformity, readiness for plant use and reduction of the application costs. Theoretically, the initial reserve of boron can be increased by application in the seeds. However, high boron concentrations close to the seeds interfere with germination. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the germination of seeds treated with increasing doses of B and […]

Root growth impairment has sometimes been attributed to zinc deficiency. A greenhouse experiment was conducted in Botucatu, SP, Brazil, in 1997/98, using 2.5 L pots. Zinc redistribution within the plant and the effect of zinc deficiency on root growth were studied in corn (Zea mays) plants grown in nutrient solution containing from 0.0 to 2.0 µmol L-1 of Zn. Half of the pots also received foliar application of Zn. The experiment was terminated 40 days after plant emergence. Dry matter […]

Manganese toxicity may be a major constraint to cotton production in the states of São Paulo and Paraná and Mn deficiency may be a problem in the cerrado areas of Brazil. The objective of this experiment was to study the differential response of three cotton cultivars to Mn in nutrient solution. Cotton plants of the cultivars Coodetec 401, CNPA-ITM 90 and IAC 22 were grown in pots with nutrient solutions containing 0.0, 36.4, 72.8, 145.5 and 290.9 mmol L-1 of […]