In spite of the high amount of N accumulated in high-yielding, short-rotation eucalyptus plantations, no significant or consistent increases in trunk volume have been observed in response to N fertilization. This experiment evaluated the effect of N fertilization on the growth and chemical composition of eucalyptus as well as its role in soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization. The field experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with three replications, in Itamarandiba- MG. Two N sources (ammonium sulphate and […]

Sugarcane, which involves the use of agricultural machinery in all crop stages, from soil preparation to harvest, is currently one of the most relevant crops for agribusiness in Brazil. The purpose of this study was to investigate soil physical properties and root growth in a eutroferric red Oxisol (Latossolo Vermelho eutroférrico) after different periods under sugarcane. The study was carried out in a cane plantation in Rolândia, Paraná State, where treatments consisted of a number of cuts (1, 3, 8, […]

The Na, K and P concentrations in soil extracts obtained by a conventional extraction method, at a soil:extractant (Mehlich-1) ratio of 1:10, were compared with those found at a soil:extractant (Mehlich-1) ratio of 1:5. Also, the data obtained by conventional quantification techniques, in which Na and K are quantified by flame photometry and P by UV-Vis molecular absorption spectrophotometry, were compared with those found by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). Fifteen Brazilian soil samples were analyzed. In […]

One of the factors affecting the distribution of native vegetation is soil formation. Therefore, soils under native vegetation can be highly informative with regard to a region and the original soil fertility, as records of conditions found before agricultural reclamation (agrosilvopasture). The purpose of this study was to assess soil fertility and texture under native vegetation fragments sampled during the Forest Survey of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In general, the variability in all soil properties was high, except […]

Nitrogen losses from urea by ammonia volatilization are higher from no-tillage than from conventional tillage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the magnitude of this process under cool and wet spring conditions in the South-Central region of the State of Paraná and to evaluate the influence of two winter cover crops (black oat and common vetch) on ammonia volatilization in no-tillage. The tillage systems were compared in a long-term tillage experiment (28 years) and the cover crops tested […]

Microorganisms have relevant functions in the sustainability of ecosystems and for life on the planet, although society is generally not aware of this role and considers only the domain of pathogens. The purpose of this study was to analyze the content about soil microorganisms conveyed to students by biology textbooks of high schools in Lavras, State of Minas Gerais. Students and teachers from three schools of this city were described and the knowledge about soil microbiology of 334 high school […]

The conversion of natural vegetation to cultivated land often results in changes in the quantity and quality of soil organic matter. The magnitude of these alterations varies according to the soil properties, climate, crops and soil management. Soil organic C is not always a sensitive indicator of soil changes. The distribution of C fractions is therefore being used to assess the soil organic matter quality more precisely. This study evaluated the changes in organic C fractions of a Humic Oxisol […]

Chlorophyll determination with a portable chlorophyll meter can indicate the period of highest N demand of plants and whether sidedressing is required or not. In this sense, defining the optimal timing of N application to common bean is fundamental to increase N use efficiency, increase yields and reduce the cost of fertilization. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the efficiency of N sufficiency index (NSI) calculated based on the relative chlorophyll index (RCI) in leaves, measured with a […]

Gypsum does not affect the soil negative charges and maintains sulfate in the soil solution, making it one of the cheapest products to increase Ca activity in soil solution, especially in the deeper soil layers. Higher Ca levels in the soil solution can increase the uptake of this nutrient by apple trees, reducing the risk of physiological disorders caused by Ca deficiency. This study assessed the effect of long-term gypsum application on some soil properties and on the chemical composition […]

Sugarcane production should be integrated with crop diversification with a view to competitive and sustainable results in economic, social and environmental aspects. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of different soil uses during the sugarcane fallow period on the chemical and physical properties of eutroferric Red Latosol – LVef (Oxisol) and Acric Latosol – LVw (Acric Oxisol), in Jaboticabal, São Paulo State, Brazil (21º14’05” S, 48º17’09” W, 600 m asl). A randomized block design was used […]