The retention of mineral elements applied to the soil surface is crucial to maintain water quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of liquid swine manure and mineral fertilizer on leaching of P, Cu and Zn through undisturbed soil columns (height 25 cm, diameter 20.3 cm) of an Oxisol under no tillage. A water volume (10.020 cm3) corresponding to three times soil total pore volume (3,340 cm3) was continuously applied to the columns, and the sampling and analysis of the […]

The Reference Quality Values (RQV) for heavy metals in soils are quite heterogeneous around the world. In Brazil, few studies establishing such values have been published. In the absence of VRQ of heavy metals in soils established for the specific conditions of the State of Espírito Santo, international generic values or values developed for other States are used. However, it should be noted that the use of these values can lead to erroneous assessments, due to the regional differences in […]

Soils are a result of the interaction between forming factors and processes in the different landscapes of the Earth´s land surfaces. Long-term processes change landscapes and associated soil profiles. These changes result from gradual or catastrophic processes of eolian, tectonic and climatic or even human impact, and are generally irreversible, destroying the associated soils. Nevertheless, in particular situations soils may remain preserved in a specific area of the ancient landscape, embedded in sedimentary and volcanic sequences, resulting in the so-called […]

The chemical analysis of plant tissue is an efficient method to assess the nutritional status. This study aimed to characterize the spatial variability of plant nutrients and soybean yield in an experimental area (120 x 160 m, totaling 1.92 ha) of a Rhodic Hapludox under no tillage for two years. Soybean leaf and grain yield were sampled at 63 points in a regular 20 m grid. Plant nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were determined analyzing the 3rd leaf […]

Aluminum in complexes with soil organic matter is usually determined by selective extraction techniques. A common extractant for this Al form is sodium pyrophosphate. Due to its lack of selectivity for some soil samples, unbuffered Al extractants, such as CuCl2 and LaCl3, have been recommended. The selectivity of sodium pyrophosphate (Alp) and of unbuffered Cu (AlCu) and La (AlLa) chlorides to extract aluminum bound to soil organic matter (Al-humus) was evaluated in soil samples from 31 pedons (Spodosols and Quartzipsamments) […]

Both N excess and deficiency may affect cotton yield and quality. It would therefore be useful to base the N management fertilization on the monitoring of the nutritional status. This study investigated the correlations among the following determination methods of the N nutritional status of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L., var. Latifolia): chlorophyll readings (SPAD-502®, Minolta), specific-ion nitrate meter (Nitrate Meter C-141, Horiba-Cardy®), and laboratory analysis (conventional foliar diagnosis). Samples were taken weekly from two weeks before flowering to the fifth […]

Orchid fertilization is fundamental for a satisfactory plant growth and development for commercial orchid production as well as in collections. Mineral and/or organic sources can be used for fertilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of organic and/or mineral fertilizers on the nutrition and growth of orchid (Laelia purpurata ‘werkhanserii’ x L. lobata ‘Jeni’) seedlings in greenhouse. The following fertilizers were tested: an NPK fertilizer + micronutrients; a Ca source in the form […]

Although silicon is not recognized as a nutrient, it may benefit rice plants and may alleviate the Mn toxicity in some plant species. The dry matter yield (root, leaf, sheaths and leaf blade) and plant architecture (angle of leaf insertion and leaf arc) were evaluated in rice plants grown in nutrient solutions with three Mn doses, with and without Si addition. The treatments were arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial [with and without (2 mmol L-1) Si; three Mn doses (0.5; 2.5 and […]

Changes in the pH of the rhizosphere of N2-fixing plants seem to play a key role in the uptake of micronutrient whose availability depends on changes in soil acidity. Variations in the B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn uptake were studied during soybean development and growth cycle under the influence of biological N2 fixation and the initial pH of two soils samples (a clayey and a sandy Yellow Latosol; Oxisols), in a greenhouse experiment. These samples were incubated with rates […]

The crop type and seed row direction in relation to the land slope can modify the total amount and size of runoff-transported sediment. They may alter the relation between organic carbon levels in the sediments and the eroded soil. The current study aimed to quantify the sediment size and proportion transported at constant runoff rate and the organic carbon level in the sediments and the eroded soil, under oat and vetch sown in two row directions. Four simulated rainfalls were […]