ABSTRACT Theobroma cacao, the source for chocolate fabrication, is a high-value crop that faces challenges such as the impact of climate change, pathogens, and cadmium accumulation. Soil associated with T. cacao has been extensively studied, looking for bio-controllers and microorganisms capable of Cd accumulation. However, there is no information about the microbial structure and interactions occurring in soil associated with cacao wild relatives, which represent a repository for biological diversity and its potential for biotechnological applications. We performed an extracellular […]

ABSTRACT Although Selenium (Se) plays a role as a micronutrient for humans through vegetable consumption, it is also recognized as toxic when present in excessive quantities. Therefore, quantifying Se contents in soils can prevent diseases influenced by crop Se deficiency or excess. We aimed to measure background contents, establish quality reference values (QRV) for Se in soils from two Brazilian biomes (Cerrado and Caatinga), and assess how geopedological factors affect Se content and spatial variability. Two hundred and eight composite […]

ABSTRACT Widespread use of soluble mineral fertilizers derived from non-renewable sources has raised concerns about environmental impacts, energy expenditures, and sustainability. Combining biosolid and mineral sources of phosphorus and potassium to produce organomineral fertilizers (OMF) can be used as an alternative nutrient source while reducing the environmental impact of sewage residues. As this approach simultaneously provides nutrients and incorporates organic matter, we hypothesized the presence of an organic source (biosolid) granulated with mineral sources of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) […]

ABSTRACT Serra da Saudade Formation corresponds to the upper part of the stratigraphic column of the Bambuí Group. Few studies have addressed the soil properties and pedogenesis of the pelitic rocks rich in potassium minerals of this formation. This study analyzed siltstone-derived soils, some of which are glauconitic (green siltstone; “verdete”), to understand the role of the main pedogenetic factors and processes in the landscape of the Central-West region of the Minas Gerais State, covered by Cerrado vegetation. Nine soil […]

ABSTRACT Carbon flows into and out of the soil are important processes that contribute to controlling the global climate. The relationship between soil organisms and the climate is interdependent since the organisms that contribute to carbon and greenhouse gas fluxes are simultaneously affected by climate change and soil management. Temperature, soil moisture, pH, nutrient level, redox potential and organic matter quality are key elements affecting the microorganisms involved in organic carbon flows in the soil. Climate, topography (slope and position […]

ABSTRACT Shaded coffee systems may offer a series of benefits, however, studies on shaded cultivation of Conilon coffee crops are still scarce in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the soil physical, chemical, and biological properties of two Conilon coffee intercropping systems from southeastern Brazil. Two commercial coffee crops – one shaded by macadamia trees and the other by green dwarf coconut trees – were evaluated according to three treatments: coffee plants in the inter-row of the tree species; […]

ABSTRACT Tropical forests have the highest rates of net primary productivity (NPP) in terrestrial ecosystems and, therefore, may contribute significantly to the mitigation of global climate change. Although NPP is influenced by soil fertility, and recently, in some regions, mining activity in forest ecosystems has intensified. Little is known about how soils determine the restoration of NPP in forests degraded by mining. We evaluated the influence of soil nutrients on wood NPP of post-mining forests in the biogeographic Chocó region […]

ABSTRACT Peanuts are mainly grown in sandy soils with low boron content, which may limit the crop yield, especially runner-type cultivars that have high-yields. Boron deficiency causes hollow heart in peanut seeds, reducing yield and seed quality, but the best strategy to supply boron to peanut is still not known. This study aimed to evaluate peanuts nutrition, yield, and seed quality as a function of boron rate, source, and application form. The study was conducted for two years in sandy […]

ABSTRACT Kaolinite is the main clay mineral in most soils around the world and has been widely used for industrial purposes. This research aimed to study chemical, morphological and crystallographic characteristics of kaolinite, and establish the origin of kaolinitic samples on Serra do Mar and kaolinitic layers on peatlands, located at Southern Brazil. Samples were collected on different geomorphological positions: two samples at Serra do Mar (kaolinitic saprolite – SAP, and kaolinitic layers – KL); and two cores at the […]

ABSTRACT Land-use changes from native pastures to forest plantations in humid temperate areas have raised concerns about their potential impact on the environment. This study aimed to assess the effects of such changes on soil water properties, focusing on the impact of the forest species planted and their relationship with changes in soil C content. Specifically, we aimed to identify the development of surficial soil hydrophobicity and changes in soil water holding capacity. A long-term forest experiment with variable planting […]