Nitrogen and potassium applications affected the nutrient concentration and accumulation of sweet pepper, cultivar Mayata, grown in a protected environment. An experiment was conducted in a protected environment in Eutrostox, during 34 weeks from November, 1996 to August, 1997, with the following treatments: control and combination of three rates of N (13.3; 26.6 and 39.9 g m-2) and three rates of K (5.5; 11.0 and 16.6 g m-2). All plants were watered by trickle irrigation and the urea and KCl […]

The effect of three water table management systems on the physical-morphological adaptation of snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris, L. ), cv. BAT 477 to flooding tolerance was studied and the relative influence of the main physical, chemical and biological interfering factors discussed. The trial was conducted at ESALQ/USP, Piracicaba (SP) Brazil, from March to June, 1999, under maximal simulation of natural low land conditions. A 1.000 L concrete box was used as plot, under a completely randomized design, with four treatments […]

The spatial variability of soil water infiltration rate and A horizon thickness were studied in a Red-Yellow Podzolic soil (Kandudalf) showing erosion signs, located in Vera Cruz, SP. Field measurements were taken in regular 5 meter spacing square grid, resulting in 64 sampling points where the infiltration rate at the A, E and B horizon, and A horizon thickness were determined in coffee, pasture and natural vegetation. Statistical analysis showed high variability in the soil water infiltration rate and in […]

This work aimed to evaluate the efficiency of two leguminous and two grass species in improving soil chemical characteristics (organic carbon, effective, and potential CEC and available levels of P, K, Ca, Mg, H and pH) as a function of the depth and position of the sample collection. The experiment design was a split plot in a factorial scheme. The plot was previously used for studies of soil losses by erosion, and the soil classified as “Nitossolo Vermelho Eutrófico”, loamy […]

Part of the swine manure from confined production is still improperly disposed into water streams and small rivers in southern Brazil. An alternative disposal method would be to use this animal residue as a soil fertilizer. However, repeated applications in the same area may cause nutrient build up to phytotoxic levels and could lead to surface and subsurface water pollution. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Zn addition to the soil on corn dry matter […]

Calcium deficiency and aluminum toxicity are considered to be the most important acidity factors limiting root growth. A field experiment was carried out on a dystrophic Red Latosol (Haplortox) in Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil, to study the effects of surface application of lime and gypsum on root growth and nutrient uptake by soybean, cv. EMBRAPA 58, under no-tillage system. A randomized complete block design was used, with three replications, in a split-plot experiment. Dolomitic limestone was applied at rates of […]

A considerable fraction of the area under natural pastures in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) – Brazil, presents acid soils and, if correctly managed, can be used for grain production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the chemical characteristics of an acid natural pasture field soil after receiving lime and being cultivated under different managements. Two experiments were conducted: one in the field and the other in soil columns in the laboratory. […]

This work aimed to evaluate mineralogic transformations along pedogenetic alterations of soil profiles in the region of Lavras; Minas Gerais, Brazil, differentiated by acid, intermediate and basic geochemical composition of the parent material. Three profiles were selected: Profile 1 – Hapludult developed from granitic rocks (Granite from Itutinga); Profile 2 – Rhodudalf formed from dioritic rocks (Diorite from Rosário); and Profile 3 – Argiudoll formed from basic rocks of the Greenstone-Belt of Lavras. Along each soil profile, from the consolidated […]

Ectomycorrhizal symbiosis can play a crucial role in protecting plant roots from heavy metals. However, a high heavy metal contamination can inhibit ectomycorrhizal fungi growth and activity, negatively influencing mycorhizal symbiosis. The growth of nine isolates of Pisolithus tinctorius, two of Suillus bovinus and one of Scleroderma sp. was assessed to evaluate the effect of Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb contaminated soil-sand mixes added to the liquid culture media, at different proportions. Addition of contaminated soil to the media reduced […]

Amelioration of degraded soils is time-consuming and expensive. Green manure and cover crops have been widely used in this remediation process since these plants produce a large amount of phytomass at a low cost, especially if they are tolerant to soil acidity. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of liming on dry matter yield of the following 16 species, under greenhouse conditions: eight winter crops (Lollium multiflorum, Avena strigosa, Lathyrus sativus, Lupinus angustifolius, Pisum sativum, Secale cereale, […]