In the best cultivation methods of orchids, in particular of the genus Phalaenopsis, liming is a common practice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of lime rates (0.0; 1.0; 2.0; 3.0; 4.0; and 5.0 g dm-3 of substrate) applied to the cultivation substrate (xaxim) on the growth of Epidendrum ibaguense seedlings. In a greenhouse, 1-L plastic pots filled with 0.8 dm3 of xaxim were irrigated such that no leachate was lost during the experiment. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, […]

This paper presents the results of morphological properties and absolute dating by luminescence and 14C of 28 pedons from Quaternary marine deposits located in three counties along the coast in São Paulo State, Brazil: Bertioga, Cananéia, and Ilha Comprida. The objective was to provide evidence to elucidate the main processes of the genesis of Spodosols. This approach, which is unusual in research concerned with Brazilian Quaternary coastal plains, resulted in the following interpretations: (a) relief, hydrologic conditions and time were […]

To maximize the efficiency of N uptake by plants it is important to study N and C mineralization, particularly in the case of eucalyptus, which has a very low response to nitrogen fertilization. The rates of C and N mineralization and C and N mineralization potential were estimated, in soils under 1, 3, 5, and 13 year-old eucalyptus plantations with similar soil and climatic conditions. Soil from the 0-10 cm layer was sampled in November 2003. The samples were incubated under aerobic […]

Morphologically differentiated Spodosols usually occur in the Coastal Plain of the South of Bahia and North of Espírito Santo. They are found in profiles known as “muçungas”, i.e. sandy soils that accumulate water. In these areas, two kinds of Spodosols, different from those in the Restinga area, can be found: Spodosols with E albic horizon (white muçunungas) and without this horizon (black muçunungas). Eight soil profiles with spodic characteristics were collected and described in order to evaluate differences in the […]

Phytoremediation strategies utilize plants to decontaminate or immobilize soil pollutants. Among soil pollutants, metalloid As is considered a primary concern as a toxic element to organisms. Arsenic concentrations in the soil result from anthropogenic activities such as: the use of pesticides (herbicides and fungicides); some fertilizers; Au, Pb, Cu and Ni mining; Fe and steel production; coal combustion; and as a bi-product during natural gas extraction. This study evaluated the potential of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), wand riverhemp (Sesbania virgata), […]

Antibiotics are used in large quantities in livestock. Many of these molecules are not fully metabolized by the animals, leaving detectable residues in soil, surface water and groundwater samples. The occurrence of these residues in the environment can favor microorganism resistance to antibiotic agents, in addition to toxic effects on certain living organisms. In general, veterinary antibiotic molecules are amphoteric with many ionizable functional groups (different pKa values), rather variable molar masses (172 to 916 g mol-1) and low volatilization potential (vapor […]

Soil is an important pool for C stocks and plays a fundamental role in greenhouse gas emissions and consequently in climatic changes. Land use change can cause either a negative or a positive effect in terms of greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. However, the intensification of global warming has been confirmed, related mainly to the increase of greenhouse gas emissions from burning of fossil fuel, deforestation, and adoption of inadequate agricultural land management practices. An inadequate soil use does […]

Soil organic matter (SOM) contents and characteristics are results of production, incorporation, decomposition, alteration, and mineralization rates, according to environmental conditions. In hydromorphic soils, SOM dynamics are regulated by O2 deficit, lowering the decomposition rates and producing substances different from those in well-drained soils. This article aimed to determine SOM contents and characteristics at three locations in the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil. Total organic carbon (TOC) was quantified by three methods, besides partitioning humic substances (HS) and determining the […]

Zeolites are hydrated crystalline aluminosilicate minerals of natural occurrence, structured in rigid third dimension net that can be used as slow release plant-nutrient source. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of plant growth substrate under zeolite application, enriched with N, P and K, on dry matter yield and on nutrient contents in consecutive crops of lettuce, tomato, rice, and andropogon grass. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with 3 kg pots with an […]

Pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Merrill) in vitro propagation results in the production of a large quantity of healthy and homogeneous plantlets. Despite these advantages, the long time required for acclimatization makes this agricultural practice too costly. Growth acceleration of plantlets by inoculation with endophytic and epiphytic diazotrophic bacteria may be useful to reduce this period. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential of 20 diazotrophic bacteria strains in synthesizing indole, solubilizing Ca phosphate and Zn oxide and […]