ABSTRACT: In geostatistical studies, spatial dependence can generally be described by means of the semivariogram or, in complementary form, with a single index followed by its categorization to classify the degree of such dependence. The objective of this study was to construct a categorization for the spatial dependence index (SDI) proposed by Seidel and Oliveira (2014) in order to classify spatial variability in terms of weak, moderate, and strong dependence. Theoretical values were constructed from different degrees of spatial dependence, […]

ABSTRACT: The boundary line is a method frequently used to assess the nutritional status of plants when the relationship between the variables under analysis is influenced by other interacting factors. The objective of this study was to propose and test the boundary line model to estimate the nutrient sufficiency range and nutritional status of irrigated muskmelon. The lower and upper limits of the sufficiency range were calculated as a basis for assessment of the nutritional status of muskmelon. Leaf material […]

ABSTRACT: The mineral nutrient uptake of plants in the field occurs in pulses, due to variations in the substance concentrations at the root surface. The fluctuations in nutrient supply probably induce changes in the plant, which are to date unknown for Eucalyptus. This study evaluated these changes in plant growth, nutritional status, photosynthesis, and gene expression, which can serve as biomarkers of the nitrogen status, of four eucalypt clones exposed to N omission and resupply. A greenhouse experiment with four […]

ABSTRACT: Studies regarding background concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) are scarce and have mainly focused on a limited number of soil types from the northern hemisphere. The aim of this study was to determine REE concentrations in thirty-five benchmark soils of Brazil. Composite soil samples were taken from areas under native vegetation or with minimal anthropogenic influence. Concentrations of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Yb, Lu, Dy, Er, Ho, Tb, Tm, Y, Sc, and Fe were determined […]

ABSTRACT: High growth rate is one of the criteria used for the selection of species to be used in metal phytoextraction programs. This study was carried out to characterize the growth characteristics of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), castor bean (Ricinus communis L.), corn (Zea mays L), and vetiver [Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash] grown on a soil contaminated with lead (Pb), with and without pH correction, to improve agronomic practices regarding phytoremediation programs. The experiment was designed as a randomized block […]

ABSTRACT Decomposition of leaf litter from pioneer tree species and development of associated soil meso- and macrofauna are fundamental for rehabilitation processes in reclaimed coal mining areas. The aim of our study was to evaluate decomposition of Schinus terebinthifolius and Senna multijuga to answer three basic questions: (i) What type of leaf litter degrades faster in reclaimed coal mining areas? (ii) Is leaf decomposition correlated with the stage of regeneration and exposure time? and (iii) Does the type of leaf […]

ABSTRACT Soils formed in high mountainous regions in southern Brazil are characterized by great accumulation of organic matter (OM) in the surface horizons and variation in the degree of development. We hypothesized that soil properties and genesis are influenced by the interaction of parent materials and climate factors, which differ depending on the location along the altitudinal gradient. The goal of this study was to characterize and classify the soil, evaluate soil distribution, and determine the interactive effects of soil-forming […]

ABSTRACT Despite limited geographic expression of Organosols in Brazil, their high carbon storage capacity and natural environmental vulnerability justifies further studies on C and N stocks in these soils and their relationship to the nature of organic matter. Evaluation of physical and chemical properties of organic soils and their ability to store C is important so as to develop sustainable management practices for their preservation. The objectives of the study were to measure the total organic carbon stock (OCst), total […]

ABSTRACT Microorganisms have a fundamental importance in agricultural ecosystems and may be influenced by several factors, including soil management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of cropping systems and soil covers on the microbial community in soil cultivated with muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.). The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments were arranged in a split plot design with cropping systems (no-tillage and conventional tillage systems) assigned to the […]

ABSTRACT Digital soil mapping (DSM) permits continuous mapping soil types and properties through raster formats considering variation within soil class, in contrast to the traditional mapping that only considers spatial variation of soils at the boundaries of delineated polygons. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of SoLIM (Soil Land Inference Model) for two sets of environmental variables on digital mapping of saturated hydraulic conductivity and solum depth (A + B horizons) and to apply the best […]