In comparison with other micronutrients, the levels of nickel (Ni) available in soils and plant tissues are very low, making quantification very difficult. The objective of this paper is to present optimized determination methods of Ni availability in soils by extractants and total content in plant tissues for routine commercial laboratory analyses. Samples of natural and agricultural soils were processed and analyzed by Mehlich-1 extraction and by DTPA. To quantify Ni in the plant tissues, samples were digested with nitric […]

The difficulty in finding recent information on the spatial behavior of properties of soils in the Brazilian Amazon region has been a concern of many researchers. Due to the great difficulty and costs in assessing soil properties, alternative methods have been used for prediction, such as magnetic susceptibility. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial variability of magnetic susceptibility and of physical and chemical soil properties in an Argissolo Vermelho (Ultisol) from native forest, Archaeological Black […]

Although the State of Parana, Brazil, has adopted crop rotation and no-till (NT) systems, fertilizer application is still based on recommendations developed more than 30 years ago for monocropping under conventional tillage because fertilizer recommendations developed specifically for crop rotation under NT are lacking. The objective of our study was to consolidate P calibration and evaluate crop responses to P fertilization so as to propose a system of technical recommendations for P fertilization for soybean, maize, wheat, and barley grown […]

Products from mining operations are of great economic importance to the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. However, due to the extensive damage they may cause to biota, including soil fauna, recovery and biomonitoring of these areas and their surroundings are necessary. Considering the ecological importance of earthworms and their potential as bioindicators, the aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of arsenic to earthworms of the species Eisenia andrei Bouché in soils around gold mining operations in the […]

Eucalyptus requires large amounts of nitrogen (N); however, it responds in diverse manners to the application of this nutrient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the differential performance in growth, mineral nutrition, and gas exchanges of N-fertilized Eucalyptus clones. The treatments consisted of two Eucalyptus clones (VM-01 and I-144) and six N application rates (0, 0.74, 2.93, 4.39, 5.85, and 8 mmol L-1 NH4NO3) arranged in a randomized complete block design with five replications. VM-01 had greater plant […]

The Brazilian savanna is a mosaic of phytophysiognomies influenced by edaphic and topographic factors that range from the occurrence of fires to anthropic disturbance. The goal of this study was a comparative analysis between two cerrado areas in southeastern Goiás, relating the floristic composition and structure of the vegetation to soil properties to better understand the physiognomic characteristics of the region. Twenty-five 20 × 20 m plots were used. All plants with circumference at breast height of more than 15 […]

Alternative copper (Cu) sources could be used in fertilizer production, although the bioavailability of copper in these materials is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the extractants neutral ammonium citrate (NAC), 2 % citric acid, 1 % acetic acid, 10 % HCl, 10 % H2SO4, buffer solution pH 6.0, DTPA, EDTA, water, and hot water in the quantification of available Cu content in several sources, relating them to the relative agronomic efficiency (RAE) of wheat grown in […]

Melon is one of the most demanding cucurbits regarding fertilization, requiring knowledge of soils, crop nutritional requirements, time of application, and nutrient use efficiency for proper fertilization. Developing support systems for decision-making for fertilization that considers these variables in nutrient requirement and supply is necessary. The objective of this study was parameterization of a fertilizer recommendation system for melon (Ferticalc-melon) based on nutritional balance. To estimate fertilizer recommendation, the system considers the requirement subsystem (REQ), which includes the demand for […]

Agricultural management affects soil structure, modifying soil physical properties and soil water movement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of no-tillage (NT) and conventional tillage (CT) on soil structure through physical properties and pore distribution in 2-D digital images. The study was conducted in an Oxisol with a randomized block design. Soil bulk density, soil macroporosity, mean weighted diameter (MWD), saturated hydraulic conductivity (SHC), and analysis of 2-D digital images (156.25 μm2 resolution) were evaluated at […]

Studying nutrient uptake and dry matter accumulation in plants as affected by crop developmental stages is essential to establish and assist strategies for crop fertilization. The aim of this study was to assess shoot dry matter and macronutrient accumulation in Guizotia abyssinica (niger) at different growth and development stages. A randomized block experimental design with five replications was used. Shoot samples of the plants were taken at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 days after seedling emergence (DAE). At […]