ABSTRACT Knowing and defining the spatial and temporal variability of soil chemical properties becomes important for soil management. The definition of application zones in agricultural areas consists of dividing the area into homogeneous subareas, thus allowing the development of localized management. These zones can be defined by cluster methods and one of their advantages is to direct the determination of a future soil sampling, with a possible sample reduction. This study aimed to propose a methodology that integrates multivariate and […]

ABSTRACT Phosphorus is essential for plant metabolism. Although banana plants do not absorb large quantities, most of this mineral is exported together with the fruits, where the nutrients are related to sensory, nutritional, and technological qualities. Highly weathered soils, such as those found in most of Brazil, can immobilize phosphorus because of the cationic charges in iron and aluminum ions, making the element unavailable to plants and more challenging for phosphate fertilization. Brazil is the fourth-largest banana producer worldwide and […]

ABSTRACT The reduced crop diversity under no-tillage increases soil compaction and reduces soil quality. This study aimed to investigate whether intercropping corn and Urochloa has significant short-term effects on soil physical quality, as assessed by Visual Evaluation of Soil Structure (VESS), and its correlations with physical properties. Soil physical quality was assessed after corn and Urochloa intercropping and corn without Urochloa. The VESS, penetration resistance, bulk density, air-filled porosity, air permeability, pore continuity index, and water storage capacity were determined […]

ABSTRACT Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern that requires an integrated approach including human, animal and environmental health. Agricultural environments, such as soil, animal waste and irrigation water, play crucial roles in the dynamics of antimicrobial resistance, as they act as reservoirs and pathways for disseminating resistance determinants. However, these agricultural environments are still often underestimated or neglected in many studies. This study aimed to address antimicrobial resistance in agricultural environments in Brazil and summarize the current state […]

ABSTRACT The influence of organic inputs, such as manure and compost, on the 15N values of growing plants suggests it may be possible to use of 15N natural abundance (NA) as a nitrogen (N) tracer. This study aimed to verify the feasibility of using the TM15N values to estimate compost-N recovery by plants. A field experiment was carried out by growing head lettuce, carrots and broccoli in sequence under increasing levels of compost (randomized complete blocks, six doses, four replicates). […]

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth, and its availability is often influenced by management systems adopted over time. Adopting management systems, such as no-tillage, combined with cover crops, can influence soil P availability through factors including soil organic matter accumulation. This study aimed to evaluate how management systems and cover crops influence different P fractions and organic matter. Furthermore, the effect of the time since the implementation of management systems on phosphorus (P) availability and soil […]

ABSTRACT Natural phosphate rocks (PR) are characterized by low phosphorus (P) solubility in water. Acidulation is the normal method to raise P solubility of these materials, however, it increases the cost and causes operational issues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of partially acidulated and micro-granulated Arraias phosphate rock, which has a lower P content (6.88 %) than normal apatite concentrates. Two experiments were carried out in a greenhouse at the University of Rio Verde, […]

ABSTRACT Sewage sludge (SS) from wastewater treatment has reasonable phosphorus (P) levels, which could be used as fertilizer in agriculture. However, SS-P content is lower than mineral fertilizers, which limits its operational application. The blend of organic and mineral material can increase the P content, formulating organomineral fertilizers (OMF) with higher P levels, enabling agricultural use. This study aimed to assess the agronomic efficiency and residual effect of organomineral fertilizers derived from SS as phosphorus sources for Urochloa brizantha. A […]

ABSTRACT Extreme weather events, such as heavy rains and droughts, necessitate the rapid adaptation of production systems to prevent the degradation of natural resources and to maximize production potential. Defining adaptive practices requires an in-depth understanding of the factors that control the formation and propagation of surface runoff and the identification of specific practices tailored to each location. No-till system, coupled with complementary storm runoff management practices, is effective in controlling surface runoff and related processes. However, the planning of […]

ABSTRACT Soils of the Cerrados (Brazilian Savanna) are deep, well-structured, and well-drained, with flat to gently undulating terrain that favors mechanization for coffee cultivation. However, these soils are susceptible to compaction. This study aimed to assess the effect of mechanization on the physical characteristics of an Oxisol under irrigated coffee cultivation in the Alto Paranaíba-Minas Gerais State. We selected eight areas with different cultivars and years of Arabica coffee plantation, sampling five positions: right soil under the tree crown (RSC), […]