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No-tillage (NT) has been one of the main advances related to soil management in Brazilian agriculture in the last 30 years. However, its full adoption in lowland areas that are traditionally cultivated with flooded rice is still incipient (

Current research on the impacts of biochar (BC), an organic compound used as soil amendment, focuses on soil physical and chemical properties, such as nutrient or water retention, while little attention is paid to the effects on soil mechanical behavior, especially on the microscale. Our objective was to investigate how BC amendment impacts the microscale mechanical behavior of a weathered soil under oscillatory stresses. Substrates were prepared by mixing soil with two BC types obtained from rice and soybean straw (application rate: 10 t ha−1) and incubating the mixture. Disturbed soil samples were collected 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after mixing to conduct rheological tests to characterize the soil microstructural stability and shear behavior. Along the incubation (except for at 45 days), the BC amendment decreased the soil shear strength in the order of treatments: rice BC-amended soil = soybean BC-amended soil > unamended soil (control). A possible cause, the lubricating impact of increased water retention and low aggregation potential of BC, is discussed. The soil viscoelasticity was not affected by biochar application. Already shear stresses of moderate intensity caused structural breakdown of the BC-amended soil, making it more susceptible to deformation and erosion processes.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) intermittent irrigation is a potential strategy to mitigate methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, but the effects of dry-wetting intervals on soil electrochemical changes and plant characteristics should be considered. This study was conducted in a greenhouse evaluating CH4 and N2O fluxes in rice under five different irrigation management practices (continuous irrigation (CI), intermittent irrigation with flooding resumption in saturated soil condition (SSI) and soil moisture at field capacity (FCI), saturated soil and irrigation resumption with soil moisture bellow field capacity (FCS), and soil at field capacity (FCD)) and its relation to plant development and global warming potential (GWP). Soil electrochemical conditions and CH4 and N2O emissions were expressively affected by irrigation management. The CI system presented the greatest CH4 flux (20.14 g m-2) and GWP (462.7 g m-2 eq. CO2), whereas intermittent irrigation expressively reduced CH4 emissions. Overall, the N2O flux was low (bellow 20 μg m-2 h-1) even with N application, with greater emissions occurring at the FCD treatment at the beginning of the rice season. Soil moisture at field capacity had no CH4 flux but presented greater GWP (271 g m-2 eq. CO2) than intermittent irrigation systems due to N2O flux while compromising rice plant development. The best soil moisture condition to initiate a flooding cycle during intermittent irrigation is at saturated soil conditions.

Nitrogen (N) is a key nutrient for rice production, and its bioavailability in paddy soils is strongly coupled to soil organic matter (SOM) cycling. A better understanding of potentially available N forms in soil, such as alkaline hydrolyzable N (AH-N), and their depth distribution will support the development of best management practices to improve the N use efficiency of rice while minimizing adverse environmental effects. Fifteen rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields from Southern Brazil were selected, and stratified soil samples were taken to a depth of 60 cm before crop establishment. Selected soil physical and chemical properties were analyzed to evaluate their relationships with AH-N contents in the soil profile. The AH-N contents below 20 cm varied extensively (increased, reduced, or constant) compared with that above 20 cm. Although clay and clay + silt contents were highly correlated to AH-N for some soils, the major property dictating AH-N distribution by depth was total N (TN), as the correlation between TN and AH-N was mainly by direct effect. The proportion of TN recovered as AH-N across sites and depths presented high amplitude, and thus AH-N was not a constant N pool across depths, indicating that AH-N can be affected by soil management practices even when TN showed no major changes. The distinct distribution of AH-N across soil sampling sites and depths indicates that depths greater than 20 cm should be considered when calibrating the AH-N index for N fertilizer recommendations for flooded rice in Southern Brazil.

Nitrogen (N) is a key nutrient for rice (Oryza sativa L.) and its availability in soil profile can influence the plant root morphology and total nutrient uptake. This study evaluated if N from deeper soil layers would increase rice root growth, N uptake and influence plant nutritional status. Flooded rice was grown in undisturbed soil samples from three locations with 15N-labeled ammonium sulfate application at different depths (0, 10, 20, 30, and 45 cm). At rice heading, chlorophyll content and photosynthesis rate were measured at flag leaves and rice biomass production, root morphology, and total N and 15N uptake were evaluated. Higher biomass and N uptake were observed with N application at near soil surface layers. The majority of rice N uptake was derived from soil, which was more evident when N fertilizer was injected at 45 cm deep (on average 74%). The highest root growth was observed at the near surface layers with constant decrease in depth, up to 60 cm. Roots from deeper layers exhibited smaller diameter, as they were mainly highly branched roots. The N application at 30 and 45 cm depths provided N later in the season, resulting in plants with lower total biomass but with higher N content in aboveground biomass, with higher chlorophyll content, photosynthesis rate, and carboxylation efficiency by Rubisco. The N available below 20 cm contributes to plant nutrition and root growth, hence soils with available N in depth likely cause plants to function more optimally in photosynthates supply.

This study evaluated physical characteristics, chemical composition, content of vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and minerals in biribiri fruits (Averrhoa bilimbi) from the Middle Doce River region (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Titratable acidity was determined by volumetric neutralization, pH by direct potentiometry, soluble solids by refractometry, humidity by gravimetry, ash by calcination in muffle, proteins by the micro-Kjeldahl method, dietary fiber by non-enzymatic gravimetric method and lipids using a Soxhlet extractor. Carotenoids and vitamin C were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and vitamin E by HPLC with fluorescence detector. Fourteen minerals were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Biribiri showed high yield of edible portion (100%), low lipid, protein and carbohydrate content, and; consequently, low total energy value (25.36 kcal 100 g-1). The fruit also showed low dietary fiber content (0.62 g 100 g-1), total vitamin E (17.62 µg 100 g-1), total carotenoids (0.32 g 100 g-1), and high vitamin C, zinc, copper, iron content, manganese, molybdenum and chrome content. Regarding the heavy metals, the fruit showed no cadmium, and traces of aluminum and nickel. In conclusion, biribiri presented low energy value and expressive contents of dietary fibers, vitamin C, iron, manganese, molybdenum, chromium, zinc, and copper.

This research identified arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in rhizosphere soil of grapevines with Grapevine Death and Decline symptoms (GDD) or asymptomatic healthy (H) plants, and characterized the relationship of AMF communities with soil chemical attributes. The AMF spore number ranged from 287 to 432 spores 50 cm-3 in soil with GDD plants, and from 357 to 464 spores 50 cm-3 in H plants, with no differences among vineyards or between GDD and H plants within each vineyard. We detected 42 species and 17 genera, and most taxa belonged to Acaulosporaceae or Glomeraceae. Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Funneliformis mosseae, and Archaeospora trappei were the most frequent species in all vineyards. Soil chemical attributes were not determinant for the occurrence of most fungal species; although, Entrophospora infrequens, Diversispora sp1 and Diversispora sp2 were associated with a vineyard having high soil copper. Vineyards harbor highly diverse AMF communities, which are determined by location. RESUMO: Este trabalho teve como objetivo identificar fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) em solo rizosférico de videiras com sintomas de declínio e morte da videira (D) e em plantas saudáveis (S), e caracterizar a relação das comunidades de FMA com atributos químicos do solo. O número de esporos de FMA variou de 287 a 432 esporos 50 cm-3 em solo em plantas D, e de 357 a 464 esporos 50 cm-3 em plantas S, sem diferenças entre vinhedos ou entre plantas D e S dentro de cada vinhedo. Detectamos 42 espécies e 17 gêneros, sendo que a maioria dos táxons pertencia a Acaulosporaceae ou Glomeraceae. Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Funneliformis mosseae e Archaeospora trappei foram as espécies mais frequentes em todos os vinhedos. Os atributos químicos do solo não foram determinantes para a ocorrência da maioria das espécies de fungos, embora Entrophospora infrequens, Diversispora sp1 e Diversispora sp2 estivessem associados a um vinhedo com alto teor de cobre do solo. Os vinhedos abrigam comunidades FMA altamente diversificadas, que são determinadas pela localização.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of long-term organic and mineral fertilization on soil solution dynamics of nitrogen (N), as well as to understand its relationship with corn plant growth, plant N uptake, and grain yield. The study was conducted in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, for 12 years. The treatments consisted of pig slurry (PS); cattle slurry (CS); pig deep-litter (PL); mineral fertilizer (NPK); and no fertilization (control). We determined concentrations of dissolved inorganic N (DIN) and dissolved organic N (DON) in soil solution in situ, prior to sowing and during the growing cycle of corn. In plants, we determined the gaseous exchange, shoot N content, grain yield, and indices of recovery and efficiency of N. DIN in soil solution was the predominant N form in all treatments, ranging from 53 to 80% of total dissolved nitrogen (TDN). NPK was the only treatment that maintained high NO3-concentration in the soil solution up to 35 days after plant emergence (DAE) and this resulted in higher grain yield. The plants fertilized with CS obtained a recovery of 80% of the N, and promoted improvements in crop growth. The results of this study showed the importance of combining the application of organic fertilizers (before sowing) with mineral sources of N (topdressing), allowing the maintenance of N availability in the soil solution during periods of demand of organic fertilizer.

Subsoil nitrogen (N) can contribute to rice (Oryza sativa L.) nutrition and affect its response to N fertilization. The N recovery by depth for flooded rice using 15N was evaluated in three undistu...

Renewing carbon and re-establishing it again in the soil is one of the valuable means to cope with climate change. There are many technologies for carbon apprehension and storage, but the most important one gaining attention is biochar technology. So, to carbonize and return different biological materials back to the farmland, a comprehensive study was proposed to characterize and evaluate the carbon (C) mineralization of biochars produced from different animal manures and crop straws. Six types of biochars were prepared from animal manures (poultry litter, swine and cattle manures) and crop straws (rice, soybean, and corn straws). The biochars were analyzed for chemical characteristics (elemental variables, thermal decomposition, cation exchange capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, specific surface area, and surface functional groups) and an incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate C mineralization from soil biochar mixture. Biochars produced from crop straws resulted to have more C as compared to the biochars produced from animal manures. Concentration of nitrogen was low, while P, K, Ca, and Mg were found reasonably higher in all biochars except swine manure biochar. The plant-derived biochars presented lower CO2 emissions when incorporated to soil at 1 and 2% of C. Varying but all the biochars prepared represented an alkaline pH. Biochars prepared from the crop straws resulted to have more C, alkaline in nature, high CEC, low CO2 emissions, can sequester C and more suitable to enhance the soil fertility in comparison to biochars produced from other sources.

The Nitrogen Soil Test for Rice (N-STaR, Oryza sativa L.) has been calibrated and is being used to predict rice nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates. Research has identified the organic forms of N quantified via N-STaR (NH₄ released by distillation with 10 mol L–¹ NaOH), but no research has looked at the ability of N-STaR to quantify clay-fixed NH₄ (CF-NH₄). This laboratory trial was initiated to determine the amount of CF-NH₄ quantified via N-STaR as well as the influence of soil drying conditions (oven dry vs. field moist) and alkali distillation method (NaOH vs. KOH) on the CF-NH₄ recovered. Seven soils representing five clayey and two loamy soil textures were collected from various rice-producing regions across Arkansas from the 0- to 15-cm and 15- to 30-cm soil depths. Total CF-NH₄ and CF-NH₄ recovered by N-STaR varied greatly across soils and soil depths with a range of 35 to 299 mg N kg soil–¹ and 6 to 21 mg N kg soil–¹, respectively. The N-STaR recovered as much as 15% of total CF-NH₄ and recovery was greatest for silt loam soils. Alkaline hydrolyzable-N (AH-N) concentrations were strongly influenced by soil drying conditions and the alkali used with a higher level (22%) of AH-N recovered from oven-dry than field-moist soils and a higher (7%) recovery of AH-N with NaOH than KOH. These results indicate that the N-STaR method recovers a small, but significant percentage of total CF-NH₄ and may capture the portion of CF-NH₄ that may be plant available during the growing season.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) has the potential to predict soil organic carbon (SOC). However, it is still little used as a matter of routine in soil laboratories in Brazil. The objective of this study was to make evaluations as to whether SOC predicted by spectral techniques can replace measurement by routine chemical methods with no loss in quality and be applied in the recommendation of nitrogen fertilizer as well as identifying the best prediction strategies to use. A data set containing 2,471 samples from six soil spectral libraries (SSL) was used to develop spectroscopic models for SOC content prediction, including consideration of sample stratification and preprocessing techniques. The SOC was quantified through the analytical-chemical methods of wet combustion with determination by titration, designated as the reference method (REM), and colorimeter, designated as the routine method (ROM in an independent data set). SOC contents predicted by the spectral analysis method (SAM) were compared to the REM and ROM results, converted to soil organic matter (SOM) and used for N recommendations. The best estimate for SOM content using the SAM was achieved through stratification of the SSL and application of the standard normal variate (SNV) preprocessing. The SOC predicted by spectral techniques proved capable of replacing the SOC measured by routine chemical methods with no loss of quality and supported by an appropriate nitrogen fertilizer recommendation, provided the models met the conditions and possessed the characteristics of the samples to be analyzed.

After flooding in rice crops, the Fe3+ ions from iron oxide minerals are reduced to Fe2+ in the anaerobic conditions, making it soluble. The excess of Fe2+ in soil solution can be toxic to plants, resulting in decreasing rice yield. Pyrolyzed materials from rice crop residues, such as rice husk, can be an environmentally friendly option to reduce iron availability in soil solution, provided they have appropriate chemical and physical characteristics regarding iron adsorption. In this study, rice husk biochar (RHB) and rice husk ashes (RHA1 and RHA2) were characterized regarding physical and chemical characteristics and the iron adsorption capacity. The different oxygenation conditions in obtaining the materials resulted in chemical and physical differences (e.g., biochar carbon content of 46% and ashes of 16% and 0.93%), but there were no significant differences related to iron adsorption capacity in aqueous solution. The iron adsorption capacity of the biochar was 5.53 mg Fe2+ g−1 and of the ashes was 6.74 and 7.22 mg Fe2+ g−1 for the two materials tested, which demonstrates potential of these materials to mitigate iron toxicity in flooded rice crops.

The rate and method of lime application modify soil chemical attributes, but the re-acidification process after liming remains poorly understood in the long-term. This study aimed to assess the long-term effect of surface and incorporated liming on shifting soil use from native grassland of South Brazilian Campos to no-tillage system (NTS) for grain production in a highly acidic sandy-loam Ultisol. In 1994, an experiment in a randomized block with split plot design and four replications was installed in Southern Brazil. The main plot consisted of lime application method (surface or incorporation by soil tillage), while the subplots were lime rates (0.0, 2.0, 8.5 and 17.0 Mg ha−1), corresponding, approximately, to 0, 1/8, 1/2, and 1 fold the recommended dose to rise soil pH to 6.0 in the 0–20 cm soil layer. The 2 Mg ha‒1 treatment had reapplication every two years until soil accumulated 8 Mg ha‒1 of lime. In October 2006 and 2012 (i.e., 12 and 18 years after lime application), soil samples were collected at every centimeter from 1 to 10 cm depth, every 2.5 cm from 10 to 25 cm, every 5 cm from 25 to 50 cm and 50 to 60 cm. The chemical attributes related to soil acidity were evaluated. Even after 18 years of lime application, the re-acidification process recovered only 50% of the exchangeable Al and 30% of the potential acidity compared to native soil. Lime incorporation before NTS adoption proved to be more rapid and efficient to mitigate soil acidity than surface liming, and it is suitable for correction of deep-layered soil acidity in the soil profile. Surface lime application induced a lower alkalinization front in the soil profile, and even after 18 years there was no neutralization of total exchangeable Al in the 10–20 cm layer.

Soil contamination with copper (Cu)-based agrochemicals used in vineyards for pest control is a growing problem. In this context, the application of soil amendment to limit Cu toxicity, especially for young plants after the replanting of vineyards, has been a concern for winemakers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate how different amendments can contribute to the decrease in Cu availability in areas vocated to viticulture. Furthermore, the aim was to evaluate to the effect of Cu on the biochemical and physiological changes in the development of the young vine plants, both at the shoot and the root level. Vine plants were grown in a greenhouse using a Typic Hapludalf soil characterized by 87.5 mg of Cu kg−1 (control). Three different amendments were applied to the soil: limestone (3 Mg ha−1), calcium silicate (3 Mg ha−1) and vermicompost (30 g of C kg−1). The amendment with vermicompost and calcium silicate caused a significant alkalization of the soil solution. Moreover, specifically for the treatment with vermicompost, the levels of Cu2+ in the soil solution were consistently diminished with a clear benefit for plants (+89% biomass accumulation at the shoot level). In addition, this soil amendment led to a higher photosynthetic rate, lower superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) and guaiacol peroxidase (POD, EC 1.11.1.7) activity and a higher percentage of fine roots with diameter between 0

RESUMO Dejetos animais representam importantes fontes de nutrientes para as plantas; entretanto, necessitam de estabilização para evitar contaminação ambiental. Juntamente com a casca de arroz, podem ser usados em compostagens e vermicompostagens e reinseridos no sistema produtivo. Neste estudo, foram elaborados compostos e vermicompostos com casca de arroz e dejetos de aves, bovinos e suínos, que, após estabilização biológica, foram avaliados quanto à composição química e fracionamento de fibras, relacionando-se com sua adequação ao uso agrícola e seu potencial fertilizante. A redução do teor de C e da relação C/N e o aumento da relação CTC/C dos compostos e vermicompostos indicaram que os processamentos favoreceram a degradação dos resíduos orgânicos e sua estabilização. Os dejetos afetam a composição, sendo que maiores teores de P, Ca e Mg foram obtidos nos materiais com dejetos de aves (1%, 4,9% e 1,6%, respectivamente). Os compostos e vermicompostos apresentaram composições similares, exceto para CE (redução de 1,6 para 0,5 dS.m-1 em vermicompostagem, na média dos três dejetos) e nos teores de K (redução de 1,8 para 0,6%, em vermicompostagem com dejeto de aves), provavelmente pela lixiviação durante o processo. Houve maior fração solúvel (61,5%) e menores teores de celulose (9,3%) e lignina (7,2%) no composto e vermicomposto com dejeto bovino, o que poderá favorecer a liberação de N para as plantas na decomposição desse material. Os dejetos de aves, bovinos e suínos resultaram em compostos maturados e vermicompostados com características químicas diferentes, sendo que os maiores teores de P, Ca e Mg foram observados nos materiais produzidos com dejetos de aves. Conclui-se que os compostos e vermicompostos produzidos poderiam ser utilizados em substituição aos fertilizantes minerais e as quantidades a serem aplicadas devem ser ajustadas em função de sua composição específica. ABSTRACT Animal manure represents an important source of plant nutrients; however, it needs to be stabilized to avoid environmental contamination. These wastes, together with rice hulls, can be used in composting and vermicomposting and reinserted into the production system. In this study, compounds and vermicomposts were elaborated with rice hulls and poultry, bovine, and swine manure, which, after biological stabilization, were evaluated for chemical composition and fiber fractionation, associated to their suitability for agricultural use and potential fertilizer. The reduction in C content and C/N ratio with increase in the CTC/C ratio of the compounds and vermicomposts indicated that the processes boost the degradation of the organic residues and their stabilization. The manures affected the composition, with higher levels of P, Ca, and Mg in poultry waste materials (1, 4.9, and 1.6%, respectively). The compounds and vermicomposts presented similar composition, except for EC (reduction of 1.6 to 0.5 dS.m-1 in vermicompost in the average of the three wastes) and in K contents (reduction 1.8 to 0.6% in vermicompost with poultry waste), probably due to leaching during the process. There was a higher soluble fraction (61.5%) and lower cellulose (9.3%) and lignin (7.2%) contents in the compound and vermicompost with bovine manure, which could benefit the release of N to plants in the decomposition of this material. Compounds and vermicomposts could be used in sustainable production systems as a substitute for mineral fertilizers, and the amounts to be applied should be adjusted according to their specific composition.

The Southern Grasslands or Pampa biome covers 176,496 km 2 (2.07%) of the Brazilian territory, concentrated in the southernmost state with 63% covered by this biome. When adding Uruguay and Argentina, the biome area reaches 750,000 km 2 . Rangelands are being substituted by crops and commercial eucalyptus, with potential impacts on ecological and hydrological response of watersheds and river basins. Studies of isotopic natural abundance may be used to understand vegetation dynamics in the past. We evaluated the natural abundance of 13 C in soil profiles (ten soil layers down to 1.40 m) at different positions of the landscape, in order to associate it with the vegetation dynamics in the studied environment. Two grassland areas and a forest area in the Pampa region of southern Brazil were sampled. Isotopic signature δ 13 C in the soil profile of the two grassland areas was dissimilar: one area is in the range of C4 plant formation, and the other followed the same trend up to the first 1.00 m but from this depth on δ 13 C is in an intermediate range, which could have occurred due to the influence of C3 and C4 plants. Forest vegetation presents a clear change of predominant vegetation in a more-recent past period. Characteristic values of soil formed by C3 photosynthetic cycle plants are predominant in surface layers, whereas those of C4 plants predominate in deeper soil layers. Our hypothesis that soil classes, texture, and position in landscape are related to the presence/absence of riparian forest, as evaluated by the 13 C isotopic abundance in soils from these sites, is accepted. Quantification of isotopic natural abundance allowed verifying changes in vegetation based on photosynthetic types predominant in the environments of grassland and native forests of the Pampa biome, and may provide information to manage this ecosystem.

Methane (CH4) is the second major greenhouse gas after CO2, exerting a significant influence on the climate and the chemistry of the atmosphere. In lowland soil, acetate and H2/CO2 are the most important precursors of CH4 and formed from organic matter fermentation in an anaerobic environment, giving rise to short-chain organic acids (ethanoic, propanoic, and butanoic), depending on the type of crop residue and the soil management system. Ethanoic acid can be directly converted to CH4 by methanogenic microorganisms, but propanoic and butanoic acids must be converted to acetate before being converted to CH4. This study aimed to quantify, in isolation, the dynamics and CH4 emission potential of the three short-chain organic acids found in flooded lowland soils with rice crops. The study was carried out in a controlled environment using four standard carbon doses (0, 90, 180, and 270 mg kg−1) of ethanoic, propanoic, and butanoic acids. The dynamics and the potential emission of CH4 from soil were investigated when the acids were applied to flooded soil previously incubated for 20 days. The CH4 emission dynamics were altered with the application of the three short-chain organic acids to the soil, even using an equal amount of carbon. The faster and more intense emission was achieved with the ethanoic acid application in relation to the other two acids application, while butanoic acid presents slower, delayed, and prolonged dynamics of CH4 emission. Propanoic acid resulted in the lowest CH4 emission due to its own stoichiometry and the temperature condition in which the experiment was conducted, which were unfavorable to the hydrogenotrophic bacteria. The addition of short-chain organic acids promoted a priming effect in the soil with conversion values of C to CH4 above the calculated theoretical values.

Fruit and vegetable waste can be used for the production of organic compost, which when mineralized can increase the availability of nitrogen. The objectives of this study were: (a) to produce compost from different ratios of fruit and vegetable waste, rice husk and poultry manure that meets the legislation on organic fertilizers and (b) to assess the mineralization of N in substrates prepared with different ratios of compost. In experiment 1, the following treatments were prepared using (fruit and vegetable residue: rice husk: poultry waste) (v:v): Treatment 1 (2:1:0), T2 (1:1:1), T3 (1.5:1:0) and T4 (1.2:1:0). All the treatments were subjected to composting for 95 days, were subjected to analysis of nutrients, organic carbon, C/N, CEC/C, pH and moisture content. The composts were compared in regards to the parameters required by legislation. In experiment 2, the treatments consisted of eight blends of agricultural peat, carbonized rice husk and organic compost pre-selected from experiment 1. The NO3 --N and NH+ 4-N contents were analyzed in the substrate at time zero and at 7, 14, 28, 56, 112 days after incubation. Compost (C2) met the parameters required by legislation and the use of 40% in the substrate composition promoted the mineralization of N.

The state of Rio Grande do Sul has about 20% of the total area as lowland soils, suitable for flooded rice (Oryza sativa). In order to mitigate damage caused by rice monoculture, new crops such as sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and soybean (Glycine max) have been cultivated in these areas. With different qualities of crop residues, it is expected a change in soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics and consequently, nitrogen (N) availability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of rice, soybean and sorghum crop residues on the N present in physical fractions of SOM of two lowland soils, using labeled 15N technique, under incubation for 180 days in aerobic condition and more 180 days in anaerobic condition. At 30, 180 and 360 days of incubation the remaining N of the plant residues and N destination from the residues in both soils were quantified in the physical fractions of SOM >250 μm, 250-53 μm and 250 μm, 250-53 μm e

EnglishRhizospheric carbon resulting from root exudation is one of the substrates used by the soil microbiota, and reflects methane (CH4) emissions in anoxic environments such as irrigated rice cultivation. With the increase of the photosynthetic capacity of the plant in the reproductive period, there is greater accumulation of biomass which, in turn, increases the rate of root exudation. However, genotypic variations in the physiological aspects of rice plants may be related to the amount of root exudates. Ten cultivars of irrigated rice were evaluated for the exudation rate of total organic carbon (EXRToc), shoot dry matter (SDM), and physiological variables related to photosynthesis during the full flowering (blooming) period. Two experiments were conducted in the greenhouse of the Department of Soils of the UFSM (University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil) in a completely randomized experimental design. The cultivars presented significant differences in EXRToc, SDM, and all physiological variables as well as positive and significant correlations between EXRToc and physiological variables. Early cultivars were more inefficient in the physiological variables reflecting reduced values of EXRToc and SDM whereas medium-cycle cultivars were more efficient with larger EXRToc and SDM reflections. Key words: Oryza sativa; photosynthesis; exudates; methanogenesis portuguesO carbono rizosferico resultado da exsudacao radicular e um dos substratos utilizados pela microbiota do solo, refletindo-se nas emissoes de metano (CH4) em ambientes anoxicos, como no cultivo de arroz irrigado. Com o aumento da capacidade fotossintetica da planta no periodo reprodutivo, ocorre acumulo maior de biomassa, que por sua vez, impulsiona aumento na taxa de exsudacao radicular. Entretanto, variacoes genotipicas nos aspectos fisiologicos das plantas de arroz podem se relacionar com a quantidade de exsudatos radiculares. Foram avaliadas dez cultivares de arroz irrigado quanto a taxa de exsudacao de carbono orgânico total (TEXCOT), materia seca da parte aerea (MSPA) e variaveis fisiologicas relacionadas com a fotossintese no periodo de florescimento pleno. Dois experimentos foram conduzidos na casa de vegetacao do Departamento de Solos da UFSM em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado. As cultivares apresentaram diferencas significativas na TEXCOT, na MSPA e em todas as variaveis fisiologicas, bem como, correlacoes positivas e significantes entre TEXCOT e as variaveis fisiologicas, sendo que as cultivares de ciclo precoce se mostraram mais ineficientes nas variaveis fisiologicas refletindo em valores reduzidos de TEXCOT e MSPA, enquanto que as cultivares de ciclo medio se mostraram mais eficientes com reflexos em maiores TEXCOT e MSPA. Palavras-chave: Oryza sativa; fotossintese; exsudatos; metanogenese

Both soil phosphorus (P) and soil acidity are the key factors in soil fertility management and of - ten limits crop production in subtropical agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of lime and different P rates on sugarcane variety and their interactive effect on the sugar cane borer attack. A three factorial experiment containing, two sugarcane varieties i. e., (SP81-3250 and RB-956911); with and without application of agricultural lime (3.5 t ha-1) and four P rates i. e., (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg P2O5 ha-1) was ca - rried out at the research field area of Federal University of Santa Maria, RS, Brazil during 2011-12. It assessed a) sugarcane stalk length, b) stem diameter; c) number of internodes, d) number of stalk ha-1, e) stalk yield, f) °Brix and g) Intensity of infestation Index. Results indicated that, the stalk yields of RB-956911 and SP81-3250 was 106.6 and 139.8 Mg ha-1, respectively. The °Brix was between 18.60 % and 18.00 %, respectively. The Intensity of infestation Index was 2.76 % for the RB-956911 and 3.65 % for the SP81-3250. The lime application showed significant results only on the borer attack. Phosphorus application increased the sugarcane yield from 105.9 Mg ha-1 to 136.5 Mg ha-1 with 60 kg of P2O5 ha-1. The application of phosphorus increased sugarcane productivity but it does not contribute which increase the borer attack.

RESUMO O método usualmente empregado para avaliação da disponibilidade de potássio (K) no solo (Mehlich-1) não estima as formas não trocáveis do elemento. No entanto, essas formas podem contribuir de maneira significativa no suprimento às plantas de arroz irrigado por alagamento. Objetivou-se avaliar formas de K em solos de várzea por diferentes métodos e associá-las às quantidades de K absorvidas por plantas de arroz irrigado por alagamento. O experimento foi conduzido em casade-vegetação, com amostras de 14 solos de várzea cultivados com arroz (cultivar IRGA 417) e irrigados por alagamento. Nas amostras de solo, o K foi extraído com cloreto de cálcio, Mehlich-1, tetrafenil borato de sódio (NaTFB) e ácido fluorídrico, antes e após o cultivo. Na parte aérea das plantas, foi determinada a quantidade de K absorvido. Houve ampla variação na quantidade de K total para os solos de várzea. A variação na quantidade de K extraído pelo método Mehlich-1 não explica a quantidade de K absorvida pelas plantas de arroz irrigado para todos os solos. O método NaTFB foi mais sensível em estimar o K disponível em solos de várzea cultivados com arroz irrigado por alagamento. ABSTRACT Non-exchangeable potassium (K) forms are not estimated by usual methods of soil K availability, like Mehlich-1, but they can contribute to K nutrition of flooded rice. This study aimed at evaluating K forms in lowland soils by different chemical methods and associate them to K absorption by flooded rice. Fourteen lowland soils cultivated with flooded rice (IRGA 417 cultivar) were sampled and used in a greenhouse experiment. The K forms in the soil samples were extracted before and after rice cultivation by using calcium chlorite, Mehlich-1, sodium tetra phenyl borate (NaTFB) and fluorite acid. The K uptake was measured in rice shoots. There was a wide variation in K forms among the lowland soils. The variation in the amount of K extracted by using the Mehlich-1 method does not explain the K absorption by irrigated rice plants in every soil. The NaTFB method was more sensitive to evaluate K availability in lowland soils cultivated with flooded rice plants.

Non-exchangeable potassium (K) forms are not estimated by usual methods of soil K availability, like Mehlich-1, but they can contribute to K nutrition of flooded rice. This study aimed at evaluating K forms in lowland soils by different chemical methods and associate them to K absorption by flooded rice. Fourteen lowland soils cultivated with flooded rice (IRGA 417 cultivar) were sampled and used in a greenhouse experiment. The K forms in the soil samples were extracted before and after rice cultivation by using calcium chlorite, Mehlich-1, sodium tetra phenyl borate (NaTFB) and fluorite acid. The K uptake was measured in rice shoots. There was a wide variation in K forms among the lowland soils. The variation in the amount of K extracted by using the Mehlich-1 method does not explain the K absorption by irrigated rice plants in every soil. The NaTFB method was more sensitive to evaluate K availability in lowland soils cultivated with flooded rice plants.

Pig slurry application as soil manure can alter the chemical properties of the soil and affect its acidity, modifying the environment for crop growth and development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical properties related to soil acidity subjected to successive applications of pig slurry. The experiment was conducted in May 2000, in an experimental area of the Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM) under no-tillage and lasted until January 2008. Nineteen surface applications of 0, 20, 40, and 80 m³ ha-1 of pig slurry were performed, during a period of 100 months and the soil sampled in the end (layers 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-50 and 50-60 cm). The application of pig slurry increased soil pH values, an effect that could reach the depth of 8 cm without affecting the potential acidity values. The applications also resulted in accumulation of Ca and Mg exchangeable levels in the surface layers, increasing base saturation and reducing Al saturation. Long-term applications induced an increase in organic matter in the deeper layers. However, the effect of this residue on the potential CEC was less significant and restricted to the surface layers. A aplicação de dejetos como adubo ao solo pode alterar os atributos químicos deste e afetar a sua acidez, modificando o ambiente para o crescimento e desenvolvimento das culturas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a alteração de atributos químicos relacionados à acidez de um solo submetido a aplicações sucessivas de dejeto líquido de suínos. O experimento foi instalado em maio de 2000, em área experimental sob plantio direto pertencente à Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) e conduzido até janeiro de 2008. Foram realizadas 19 aplicações superficiais de 0, 20, 40 e 80 m³ ha-1 de dejeto líquido de suínos, durante 100 meses. Ao final, foi coletado solo nas camadas de 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-50 e 50-60 cm. A aplicação de dejeto líquido de suínos aumentou os valores de pH do solo, podendo o incremento atingir a profundidade de 8 cm, sem alteração nos valores de acidez potencial. Também promoveu acúmulo dos teores trocáveis de Ca e Mg nas camadas superficiais do solo, aumentando os valores de saturação por bases e diminuindo a saturação por Al. As aplicações ao longo do tempo possibilitaram aumento no teor de MO em profundidade. Entretanto, o efeito desses dejetos sobre a CTC potencial foi menos significativo e restrito à camada superficial.

Na execução de uma análise química de solo são empregados diversos procedimentos que, mesmo seguindo-se o protocolo preconizado pelo método de análise utilizado, estão sujeitos a variações nos resultados analíticos, causadas por manipulação das amostras ou dos materiais utilizados. Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a influência do grau de moagem da amostra, do tipo de frasco e do volume vazio no frasco na execução dos métodos Mehlich-1 e Mehlich-3 para determinar o P no solo. Para tanto, foram conduzidos três experimentos. No primeiro experimento, as amostras de solo foram moídas e tamisadas em peneiras com aberturas de 2,000; 1,700; 0,850; 0,600; e 0,300 mm. No segundo, foram utilizados dois modelos de frasco (erlenmeyer e snap-cap), ambos com volume de 50 mL. Já no terceiro, foi alterado o volume vazio no frasco, mantendo-se a relação solo:solução extratora utilizando-se as quantidades dentro do frasco de 1:10; 1,5:15; 2,5:25; 3:30; e 4:40 cm³ cm-3. O grau de moagem das amostras não influenciou a capacidade de extração do Mehlich-1; entretanto, a capacidade extrativa do Mehlich-3 foi influenciada, principalmente em solos argilosos. Tanto para o Mehlich-1 quanto para o Mehlich-3, os teores de P extraído foram significativamente mais elevados com o uso de frasco tipo snap-cap em relação ao erlenmeyer. O volume vazio no frasco alterou os teores de P extraído para o Mehlich-1 e Mehlich-3 em 100 e 64 % das amostras, respectivamente. Deve-se padronizar a intensidade da moagem das amostras de solo para extração do P pela solução de Mehlich-3. Um modelo único de frasco deve ser adotado pelos laboratórios de rotina para análise do P, independentemente do método de extração, mantendo-se sempre constante no frasco o volume da amostra (cm³) para o volume de solução extratora (cm³). Even following the protocol recommended by the method of analysis, variations in analytical results can be caused by the way samples, or the kind of materials used in the analysis, are handled. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of soil particle size, the type of extraction container, and the container void volume on soil P content extracted by Mehlich-1 and Mehlich-3. In the first experiment, soil samples were ground to pass through sieves with 2.000, 1.700, 0.850, 0.600, and 0.300 mm diameter openings. In the second experiment two 50 mL container types (Erlenmeyer and "snap-cap") were used. In the third experiment the void volume of the container was changed while maintaining the soil:extraction solution ratio within the container at 1:10, 1.5:15, 2.5:25; 3:30 and 4:40 cm³ cm-3, respectively. Soil particle size of the samples did not affect the extraction capacity of Mehlich-1; however, the extraction capacity of Mehlich-3 was affected, especially in clay soils. Extracted P was significantly higher with "snap-cap" type containers than Erlenmeyer containers for both methods. The void volume of the container affected the content of P extracted by Mehlich-1 and Mehlich-3 in 100 and 64 % of the samples, respectively. We recommend standardizing soil particle size for P extraction by the Mehlich-3 solution. A single container type should be adopted by laboratories for P analysis, regardless of the extraction method, always maintaining the sample volume (cm³) to extraction solution volume (cm³) contained in the bottle constant.

Grapevines grown on acid soils with low fertility in southern Brazil are treated with intense foliar applications of copper (Cu) fungicides, resulting in an increased level of Cu in the soil and increased toxicity. The present study evaluated the accumulation and bioavailability of Cu, and soils with varying levels of Cu from the main producing regions of southern Brazil were collected. The forms of Cu present in the soil were assessed using chemical extractants; additionally, oat cultivation was performed, reflecting the use of the plant as an indicator of Cu bioavailability. Cu accumulated in the topsoil, mainly in bioavailable forms, and there was also an increase of Cu up to a depth of 0.4 m. Cu was primarily found in the mineral fraction, with apparent saturation of the soil organic matter functional groups. Inceptisol and Alfisol soils with a long history of cupric fungicide application were found to have levels of Cu toxic to oat plants. Furthermore, accumulated copper in Alfisol soil from the Campanha Gaúcha region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul had higher bioavailability compared to Cu accumulated in Inceptisol soil from the Serra Gaúcha region. In addition, the copper concentration in roots was found to serve as an indicator of Cu bioavailability in soil, but not of copper phytotoxicity in plants.

O sucesso do sistema plantio direto (SPD) está alicerçado na rotação de culturas, que proporciona elevada adição de diferentes tipos de resíduos culturais ao solo. Entretanto, cada resíduo cultural tem uma cinética específica de decomposição, o que é determinante na mineralização e imobilização líquida de nitrogênio (N) no solo. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a taxa de decomposição e a liberação de N de plantas de cobertura de inverno, quando diferentes quantidades de fitomassa da parte aérea foram aportadas à superfície do solo. O experimento foi conduzido em Argissolo arênico na área do Departamento de Solos da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), com delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com três repetições, durante as safras de 2003/04 e 2004/05. Avaliou-se a decomposição e liberação de nitrogênio (N) dos resíduos de aveia preta, nabo forrageiro e ervilhaca através de bolsas de decomposição contendo quantidades equivalentes a 3, 6 e 9 Mg ha-1 de matéria seca e dispostos em parcelas com 80 m², contendo os mesmos níveis de resíduos das bolsas. As coletas das bolsas foram realizadas aos 7, 14, 28, 42, 63, 84, 113 e 141 dias após o manejo das plantas de cobertura. As quantidades de resíduos aportadas não influenciaram as taxas de decomposição. Entretanto, os processos de mineralização e imobilização de N foram afetados pelo nível de aporte de resíduos e governados, principalmente, pela relação C/N. A maior taxa de decomposição dos resíduos e a maior liberação de N seguiram a ordem: ervilhaca, nabo forrageiro e aveia preta. A relação C/N dos resíduos influenciou a magnitude dos compartimentos lábil e recalcitrante da fitomassa das plantas de cobertura.

The use of urea coated with urease inhibitor may become a useful tool for increasing the efficiency of nitrogen top-dressing in rice crop, thereby reducing nutrient losses through volatilization of NH3 (ammonia). Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the volatilization of NH3 and the response of rice to the use of urea coated with urease inhibitor in two cropping systems, no-tillage and conventional. For this purpose, field experiments were developed in the agricultural years 2007/2008 and 2008/2009, in UFSM in Santa Maria-RS. The design was randomized blocks in bifactorial scheme (2x5) with two sources, urea and urea + NBPT and five intervals of water intake (0; 3; 6; 9; 12 days) after application of nitrogen sources. The results of two seasons show that the urease inhibitor present in urea slows and decrease the conversion of N to NH3, reducing the losses by volatilization, compared to urea without inhibitor. Among the systems, the losses are magnified in the no-tillage cropping system. The behavior of the response variable in relation to productivity is variable in two cropping systems used in this study and the stress caused to the rice plant by the late start of the irrigation is more damaging than the losses caused by the volatilization of NH3.A utilização de uréia recoberta com inibidor de urease pode tornar-se uma ferramenta útil para aumentar a eficiência da adubação nitrogenada em cobertura na cultura do arroz irrigado, diminuindo assim perdas do nutriente por volatilização de NH3 (amônia). Com isso, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a volatilização de NH3 e a resposta do arroz irrigado ao uso de uréia recoberta com inibidor de urease em dois sistemas de cultivo, direto e convencional. Para tanto, conduziram-se experimentos em campo, nos anos agrícolas 2007/2008 e 2008/2009, na UFSM em Santa Maria-RS. O delineamento utilizado foi o delineamento experimental blocos completos casualizados em esquema bifatorial (2x5), com duas fontes, uréia e uréia+NBPT e cinco intervalos de início da irrigação (0; 3; 6; 9; 12 dias) após a aplicação das fontes de N. Os resultados das duas safras demonstram que o inibidor de urease presente na uréia retarda e diminui a conversão de N para NH3, reduzindo as perdas por volatilização, comparativamente à uréia sem inibidor. Entre os sistemas, as perdas são potencializadas no sistema plantio direto. O comportamento da variável resposta em relação à produtividade é variável nos dois sistemas de cultivo utilizados e o estresse causado na planta de arroz pelo atraso no início da irrigação é mais prejudicial do que as perdas causadas pela volatilização de NH3.

Após a colheita do arroz irrigado, a palha produzida pode ser manejada de diferentes formas, o que deve afetar a disponibilidade dos nutrientes do solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito dos diferentes manejos do solo e da palha após a colheita do arroz sobre os teores de nitrogênio mineral, e de fósforo e potássio disponíveis do solo. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em blocos casualizados com avaliações em parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com os tratamentos correspondentes a sete diferentes manejos do solo: [1] lâmina de água permanente sem incorporação da palha, [2] incorporação da palha com preparo do solo seco logo após a colheita, [3] incorporação da palha com preparo do solo alagado após a colheita, [4] incorporação da palha com o solo seco somente em julho, [5] incorporação da palha com solo alagado logo após a colheita e gradagem da área em julho com solo seco, [6] incorporação da palha com solo seco logo após a colheita e gradagem da área em julho com solo seco, [7] sem incorporação e sem lâmina de água. Foram avaliados em cinco diferentes datas de coleta de solo, com quatro repetições. A manutenção da palha na superfície do solo provoca a maior variação nos teores de nitrogênio mineral durante o período avaliado; porém, independente do manejo pós-colheita utilizado para a palha de arroz irrigado, não há aumento nos teores de nitrogênio mineral e de fósforo e potássio disponível no solo ao final do período de entressafra.After harvesting irrigated rice, the straw produced can be managed in different ways, and these may affect the availability of soil nutrients. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of different types of soil and straw management, carried out after the rice is harvested, on the levels of mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium available in the soil,. The treatments were arranged in randomized blocks with plot evaluations split up in time, and corresponding to seven different types of soil management: [1] water at a constant depth, without straw, [2] straw incorporated into the preparation of dry soil immediately after harvest, [3] straw incorporated into the preparation of flooded soil immediately after harvest, [4] straw incorporated into the preparation of dry soil during July only, [5] straw incorporated into the preparation of flooded soil immediately after harvest, and then harrowing the area with dry soil in July, [6] straw incorporated into the preparation of dry soil immediately after harvest, and harrowing the area with dry soil in July, [7] no incorporated straw and no water. Evaluations were made on five different soil-collection dates, with four replications. Keeping straw on the soil surface produced the greatest variations in the concentrations of mineral nitrogen for the period studied, however, regardlesss of the post-harvest rice-straw managn the levels of mineral nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium available in the soil by the end of the season.

O efeito de doses em cobertura de adubação nitrogenada foi avaliado sobre o rendimento do beneficiamento, a incidência de grãos gessados e barriga branca, os teores de proteína e de amilose nos grãos polidos da variedade de arroz irrigado IRGA 422CL. Utilizando a ureia como fonte de nitrogênio (N), os tratamentos constituíram-se de doses crescentes distribuídas em cobertura na primeira aplicação (0, 40, 63, 80 e 120kg ha-1 de N), na parcela principal (10x5m), e na segunda aplicação (0, 25, 50 e 75kg ha-1 de N), na subparcela (2,5x5m). Assim, foram obtidos 20 tratamentos com variação de 0 a 195kg ha-1 de N aplicado durante o cultivo. As doses em cobertura de adubação nitrogenada influenciaram quadrática e positivamente o rendimento de grãos inteiros (R²=0,75) e negativamente a percentagem de grãos quebrados (R²=-0,89), não apresentando efeitos significativos na percentagem de casca + farelo. As doses de nitrogênio influenciaram de forma linear positiva sobre o teor de proteína (R²=0,81) e linear negativa sobre o teor de amilose (R²=-0,66), nos grãos polidos da variedade de arroz irrigado IRGA 422CL.The effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization levels was assessed by the industrial yield, the incidence of chalky and white belly grains as well as protein and amylose content of IRGA 422CL cultivar polished grains. The experiment was consisted with N levels applied in coverage using urea as a N source. The first application (0, 40, 63, 80 and 120kg ha-1 of N) was carried out on a main plot (10x5m) and the second application (0, 25, 50 and 75kg ha-1 of N) on a subplot (2,5x5m). Therefore, 20 treatments were obtained varying from 0 to 195kg ha-1 of N applied during cultivation. The nitrogen levels presented a positive quadratic influence on the yield of whole grains (R²=0.75) and a negative influence on the percentage of broken grains (R²=-0.89), not demonstrating significant effects on the percentage of rice hulls + bran. The nitrogen levels influenced protein content in a positive linear way (R²=0.81) and amylose content in a negative linear way (R²=-0.66), in IRGA 422CL cultivar flood-irrigated polished grains.

O efeito de doses em cobertura de adubação nitrogenada foi avaliado sobre o rendimento do beneficiamento, a incidência de grãos gessados e barriga branca, os teores de proteína e de amilose nos grãos polidos da variedade de arroz irrigado IRGA 422CL. Utilizando a ureia como fonte de nitrogênio (N), os tratamentos constituíram-se de doses crescentes distribuídas em cobertura na primeira aplicação (0, 40, 63, 80 e 120kg ha-1 de N), na parcela principal (10x5m), e na segunda aplicação (0, 25, 50 e 75kg ha-1 de N), na subparcela (2,5x5m). Assim, foram obtidos 20 tratamentos com variação de 0 a 195kg ha-1 de N aplicado durante o cultivo. As doses em cobertura de adubação nitrogenada influenciaram quadrática e positivamente o rendimento de grãos inteiros (R²=0,75) e negativamente a percentagem de grãos quebrados (R²=-0,89), não apresentando efeitos significativos na percentagem de casca + farelo. As doses de nitrogênio influenciaram de forma linear positiva sobre o teor de proteína (R²=0,81) e linear negativa sobre o teor de amilose (R²=-0,66), nos grãos polidos da variedade de arroz irrigado IRGA 422CL. The effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization levels was assessed by the industrial yield, the incidence of chalky and white belly grains as well as protein and amylose content of IRGA 422CL cultivar polished grains. The experiment was consisted with N levels applied in coverage using urea as a N source. The first application (0, 40, 63, 80 and 120kg ha-1 of N) was carried out on a main plot (10x5m) and the second application (0, 25, 50 and 75kg ha-1 of N) on a subplot (2,5x5m). Therefore, 20 treatments were obtained varying from 0 to 195kg ha-1 of N applied during cultivation. The nitrogen levels presented a positive quadratic influence on the yield of whole grains (R²=0.75) and a negative influence on the percentage of broken grains (R²=-0.89), not demonstrating significant effects on the percentage of rice hulls + bran. The nitrogen levels influenced protein content in a positive linear way (R²=0.81) and amylose content in a negative linear way (R²=-0.66), in IRGA 422CL cultivar flood-irrigated polished grains.

Paddy rice fields may contribute to methane (CH4) emission from soil due to anaerobic conditions after flooding. Alternatives to continuous flooding irrigation in rice have been developed to mitigate CH4 efflux into the atmosphere. This study aims to investigate the effects of irrigation managements in the CH4 efflux during the rice growing season. An experiment was carried out at in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, during 2007/08 and 2009/10 growing seasons. The treatments were continuous flooding and intermittent irrigation in 2007/08 and continuous flooding, intermittent irrigation and flush irrigation in 2009/10. Intermittent irrigation is effective in mitigating CH4 efflux from rice fields when climatic conditions enable water absence during cultivation, but its efficiency depends on the electrochemical soil conditions during the flooding cycles.O cultivo de arroz irrigado pode contribuir com a emissão de metano (CH4), em razão das condições anaeróbicas, após o alagamento do solo. Alternativas ao alagamento contínuo da irrigação na cultura do arroz têm sido desenvolvidas a fim de mitigar o efluxo de CH4 para a atmosfera. O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar o efeito do regime de irrigação contínua, intermitente e por banhos no efluxo de CH4 em arroz irrigado. Para tal, foi conduzido um experimento no Departamento de Fitotecnia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, durante os anos agrícolas 2007/2008 e 2009/2010. Os tratamentos consistiram em irrigação contínua e intermitente, em 2007/2008, e irrigação contínua, intermitente e por banhos, em 2009/2010. A prática da irrigação intermitente é eficiente em abrandar o efluxo de CH4 no cultivo do arroz irrigado, quando as condições climáticas permitem a ausência da lâmina de água durante o cultivo. A eficiência em suavizar o efluxo de CH4 pelo manejo intermitente da irrigação na cultura do arroz depende das condições eletroquímicas do solo, durante a intermitência dos ciclos de alagamento da cultura.

Agronomists in most parts of the world are already, and will be increasingly in the next couple of decades, solicited to resolve pressing issues associated with global climate change and food security. For a number of reasons, it is most likely that in both of these areas, their research will be very tightly linked to what happens in Brazil. In that context, this chapter attempts to offer as complete a picture as possible of the events and influences that have shaped historically both Brazilian agriculture and its agricultural research efforts, as well as their relationships with other sectors of Brazilian society. An account is provided of the history of Brazilian agriculture and of the initially slow, then extremely rapid development of the agricultural research sector. This chapter also analyzes in detail the present contributions of agriculture to the economic and social consolidation of Brazil, describes the main actors of research and technological development, discusses the effect of agricultural production and expansion on the environment, tries to identify the various forces that are influencing Brazilian agriculture in the future, and lists the main challenges that will have to be faced in the future of Brazilian and world agriculture. Throughout the chapter, we try to make clear how Brazilians interpret as half-truths a number of statements commonly made about Brazilian agriculture, and how they see their agriculture evolve in the foreseeable future, with a discourse that often differs substantially from the one commonly put forth by the media or even scientists elsewhere in the world. This analysis results in the description of a proposed national agricultural policy that attempts to move Brazilian agriculture in the right direction within the context of the nation's economy.

Successive applications of pig slurry to soils under no-tillage can increase the nutrient levels in the uppermost soil layers and part of the nutrients may be transferred to deeper layers. The objective was to evaluate the distribution of nutrients in the profile of a soil after 19 pig slurry applications under no-tillage for 93 months. The experiment was conducted from May 2000 to January 2008 in an experimental area of the Federal University of Santa Maria, southern Brazil, on a Typic Hapludalf. The treatments consisted of pig slurry applications (0, 20, 40 and 80 m³ ha-1) and at the end of the experiment, soil samples were collected (layers 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-50 and 50-60 cm). The levels of mineral N, available P and K and total N, P and K were evaluated. The 19 pig slurry applications in 93 months promoted migration of total N and P down to 30 cm and available P and K to the deepest layer analyzed. At the end of the experiment, no increase was observed in mineral N content in the deeper layers, but increased levels of available P and K, showing a transfer of N, P and K to layers below the sampled. This evidences undesirable environmental and economic consequences of the use of pig slurry and reinforces the need for a more rational use, i.e., applications of lower manure doses, combined with mineral fertilizers. Aplicações sucessivas de dejeto de suínos em solos sob plantio direto podem aumentar os teores de nutrientes em suas camadas superficiais, bem como parte desses podem ser transferidos para as mais profundas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a distribuição de nutrientes no perfil de um solo com 19 aplicações de dejeto líquido de suínos em sistema de plantio direto, durante 93 meses. O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, no período de maio de 2000 a janeiro 2008, em um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico arênico. Os tratamentos consistiram da aplicação de 0, 20, 40 e 80 m³ ha-1 de dejeto líquido de suínos e, no final do experimento, amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-50 e 50-60 cm. Foram determinados os teores de N mineral, P e K disponíveis e os teores totais de N, P e K. As 19 aplicações de dejeto de suínos por 93 meses promoveram o deslocamento de N e P total até 30 cm e P e K disponíveis até a camada mais profunda analisada. Essas 19 aplicações não promoveram incremento no teor de N mineral do solo, mas aumentaram os níveis de P e K disponíveis, demonstrando a transferência de P e K para as camadas mais profundas do que as do limite da amostra. Isso evidencia indesejáveis consequências ambientais e econômicas para o uso de dejeto de suínos e reforça a necessidade de racionalidade na sua utilização, o que envolve o uso de doses menores de dejeto combinado com fertilizantes minerais.

Successive applications of pig slurry to soils under no-tillage can increase the nutrient levels in the uppermost soil layers and part of the nutrients may be transferred to deeper layers. The objective was to evaluate the distribution of nutrients in the profile of a soil after 19 pig slurry applications under no-tillage for 93 months. The experiment was conducted from May 2000 to January 2008 in an experimental area of the Federal University of Santa Maria, southern Brazil, on a Typic Hapludalf. The treatments consisted of pig slurry applications (0, 20, 40 and 80 m³ ha-1) and at the end of the experiment, soil samples were collected (layers 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-50 and 50-60 cm). The levels of mineral N, available P and K and total N, P and K were evaluated. The 19 pig slurry applications in 93 months promoted migration of total N and P down to 30 cm and available P and K to the deepest layer analyzed. At the end of the experiment, no increase was observed in mineral N content in the deeper layers, but increased levels of available P and K, showing a transfer of N, P and K to layers below the sampled. This evidences undesirable environmental and economic consequences of the use of pig slurry and reinforces the need for a more rational use, i.e., applications of lower manure doses, combined with mineral fertilizers.Aplicações sucessivas de dejeto de suínos em solos sob plantio direto podem aumentar os teores de nutrientes em suas camadas superficiais, bem como parte desses podem ser transferidos para as mais profundas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a distribuição de nutrientes no perfil de um solo com 19 aplicações de dejeto líquido de suínos em sistema de plantio direto, durante 93 meses. O experimento foi conduzido em área experimental da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, no período de maio de 2000 a janeiro 2008, em um Argissolo Vermelho distrófico arênico. Os tratamentos consistiram da aplicação de 0, 20, 40 e 80 m³ ha-1 de dejeto líquido de suínos e, no final do experimento, amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-50 e 50-60 cm. Foram determinados os teores de N mineral, P e K disponíveis e os teores totais de N, P e K. As 19 aplicações de dejeto de suínos por 93 meses promoveram o deslocamento de N e P total até 30 cm e P e K disponíveis até a camada mais profunda analisada. Essas 19 aplicações não promoveram incremento no teor de N mineral do solo, mas aumentaram os níveis de P e K disponíveis, demonstrando a transferência de P e K para as camadas mais profundas do que as do limite da amostra. Isso evidencia indesejáveis consequências ambientais e econômicas para o uso de dejeto de suínos e reforça a necessidade de racionalidade na sua utilização, o que envolve o uso de doses menores de dejeto combinado com fertilizantes minerais.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência do fertilizante fosfatado protegido Top-Phos® em relação ao superfosfato simples (SFS) na cultura do milho. O experimento foi desenvolvido em Galvão/SC, com a cultura do milho, na safra 2012/2013, em duas áreas distintas: Experimento 1 – com alto teor de P disponível, a qual recebeu os seguintes tratamentos: SFS, fertilizante fosfatado protegido e a testemunha; e, Experimento 2 – com médio teor de fósforo disponível, cuja área foi subdividida em duas faixas, uma recebeu aplicação de corretivo para elevar o pH e a outra faixa manteve-se o pH original. Posteriormente, cada uma das faixas recebeu os mesmos tratamentos utilizados para o experimento 1. Os experimentos foram realizados em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Em solos corrigidos, o fertilizante fosfatado protegido se mostrou mais eficiente comparado ao SFS para a adubação fosfatada na cultura do milho, independentemente do nível inicial de P disponível no solo.

RESUMO O monitoramento da qualidade de análises de amostras de solo contribui para que sejam minimizados os erros nas recomendações de adubação e calagem. Pelo controle de qualidade dos laboratórios da rede ROLAS-RS/SC é avaliada a exatidão média anual dos resultados de quatro amostras, analisadas mensalmente, no ano. Os dados amostrais devem ajustar-se à distribuição normal e não apresentar outliers, para que a mediana possa ser assumida como medida de tendência central. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se os dados de controle de qualidade ajustam-se à distribuição normal, identificar a presença de outliers e como o método de cálculo dos dados pode afetar a estimativa de exatidão dos laboratórios. O teste de Lilliefors identificou a normalidade e os outliers foram identificados pelo método dos quartis. Os outliers foram eliminados para ajustar os dados à distribuição normal. Também foi testado o uso da média em substituição à mediana e avaliado o procedimento de cálculo da exatidão por atributo de análise, em vez da exatidão média de todos os atributos. Somente 48% dos dados apresentaram distribuição normal. A exclusão dos outliers aumentou de 48 para 65% o número de análises com distribuição normal, fato que tornou o método de avaliação mais rigoroso. Em dados com distribuição normal, a média parece estimar melhor do que a mediana o valor verdadeiro e o procedimento que calcula a exatidão da média anual pode ocultar atributos com exatidão inferior ao mínimo preconizado pelo sistema. ABSTRACT The monitoring of quality of soil analysis suppresses errors into the recommendations of liming and fertilizers. The program of quality control from ROLAS-RS/SC network evaluates the analysis accuracy by testing four soil samples monthly during a year. However, the data sets must have normal distribution and absence of outliers to insure that median can be consider an estimation of the true value from the soil samples. Therefore, the objective of this work was to check the normal distribution, identify outliers and evaluate procedures of accuracy calculations, such as how these aspects may affect laboratories accuracy. The Lilliefors test was run to check the normality and outliers were identified through the quartile test. Elimination of these ones from data population was test, such as the substitution of the median by average as criteria of central reference and the procedure of calculation the accuracy per attribute instead of annual average accuracy was tested. Only 48% of data followed normal distribution. Outliers exclusions of data sets improved analyzes with normal distribution up to 65%, which decreased laboratories with minimal accuracy required by the network. When data sets have normal distribution, the average shows a better estimation then the median and the procedure of calculate annual average accuracy may hide attributes of analyzes less accurate then the minimal average required.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade do método de destilação a vapor direta (DVD) em extrair a fração de nitrogênio do solo hidrolisável em meio alcalino, e em predizer a disponibilidade de N em solos aptos ao cultivo de arroz irrigado por inundação. Vinte e cinco amostras foram coletadas da camada de 0-20 cm do solo, com diferenças de textura e teor de matéria orgânica. A mineralização de N por incubação anaeróbica foi realizada em laboratório, e os teores foliares e o acúmulo de N pelas plantas de arroz irrigado foram obtidos em casa de vegetação, pela simulação de condições de alagamento em vasos. Estas variáveis correlacionaram-se ao N extraído pelo método DVD. Os teores de N do solo obtidos com o método, bem como o N disponibilizado após 28 dias de incubação anaeróbica e o N acumulado pelas plantas após 45 dias de cultivo, apresentaram valores elevados. A avaliação de uma fração mais lábil do N, pelo método DVD, melhora a estimativa da disponibilidade de N, em comparação a métodos que avaliam apenas o teor de matéria orgânica, indício de que o método DVD tem potencial para avaliar a disponibilidade de N em solos sob cultivo de arroz irrigado por inundação. Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the ability of the direct steam distillation (DSD) method to extract alkaline hydrolyzable nitrogen fraction in the soil and to predict N availability in rice paddies. Twenty-five soil samples were collected at the 0-20-cm soil depth, with contrasting texture and contents of soil organic matter. The mineralization of N by anaerobic incubation was determined in a laboratory, and leaf-N content and N accumulation by rice plants were obtained in a greenhouse by simulating flooding conditions in pots. These variables correlated with N extracted by the DSD method. Soil-N contents obtained with the method, as well as available N after 28-day anaerobic incubation and N accumulated by rice plants after 45 days, showed high values. The evaluation of a more labile N fraction by the DSD method improves the estimation of N availability, in comparison to methods that only assess soil organic matter contents, which indicates that the DSD method has potential for evaluating N availability in rice paddies.

O clorofilômetro e a cartela de cores têm sido utilizados para monitorar a adubação nitrogenada em diferentes culturas, com o pressuposto de que há uma relação entre suas leituras e o teor de nitrogênio (N) no tecido das plantas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização do clorofilômetro e da cartela de cores na estimativa do teor de N em folhas de arroz irrigado por alagamento. Foram utilizados dois experimentos instalados em um Planossolo Háplico, sendo o primeiro conduzido com cinco doses de N (0, 50, 80, 120 e 160kg ha-1 na forma de ureia) e a cultivar 'IRGA 417', e o segundo com seis cultivares de arroz irrigado de diferentes ciclos ('BR-IRGA 409', 'BR-IRGA 410', 'IRGA 417', 'IRGA 421', 'EPAGRI 108' e 'HÍBRIDO 2') com uma única dose de N. Foram realizadas avaliações com clorofilômetro e a cartela de cores nas folhas do arroz em diferentes épocas. Simultaneamente às leituras, foram coletadas amostras de folhas e nelas determinado o teor de N. Quando variaram as doses de N, houve correlação significativa entre as leituras do clorofilômetro e da cartela de cores com o teor de N nas folhas, independente da época de avaliação. Já quando variaram as cultivares, as leituras do clorofilômetro se correlacionaram com o teor de N (r=0,78; PThe chlorophyll meter and the color chart have been applied to monitor nitrogen fertilization in different crops, based on the assumption that there is a correlation between their readings and the nitrogen content (N) in the plant tissue. This research aims at assessing the use of the chlorophyll meter and the color chart to estimate the N content in leaves of flooded rice plants. Two experiments installed at a Albaqualf (Planossolo Háplico) were used, the first using five N doses (0, 50, 80, 120 and 160kg ha-1 as urea) and the cultivar 'IRGA 417', and the second with six flooded rice cultivars of different cycles ('BR-IRGA 409', 'BR-IRGA 410', 'IRGA 417', 'IRGA 421', 'EPAGRI 108' and 'HÍBRIDO 2') with one only N dose. Assessments with the chlorophyll meter and the color chart were carried out on leaves of rice at different growth stages. Along with the readings, leaves were sampled and the leaf N content was determined. When the N doses varied, there was a meaningful correlation between the readings from the chlorophyll meter and the color chart with the leaf N content, regardless the assessment period. When the cultivars varied, the chlorophyll meter readings correlated with the N content (r=0.78, P

O clorofilômetro e a cartela de cores têm sido utilizados para monitorar a adubação nitrogenada em diferentes culturas, com o pressuposto de que há uma relação entre suas leituras e o teor de nitrogênio (N) no tecido das plantas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a utilização do clorofilômetro e da cartela de cores na estimativa do teor de N em folhas de arroz irrigado por alagamento. Foram utilizados dois experimentos instalados em um Planossolo Háplico, sendo o primeiro conduzido com cinco doses de N (0, 50, 80, 120 e 160kg ha-1 na forma de ureia) e a cultivar 'IRGA 417', e o segundo com seis cultivares de arroz irrigado de diferentes ciclos ('BR-IRGA 409', 'BR-IRGA 410', 'IRGA 417', 'IRGA 421', 'EPAGRI 108' e 'HÍBRIDO 2') com uma única dose de N. Foram realizadas avaliações com clorofilômetro e a cartela de cores nas folhas do arroz em diferentes épocas. Simultaneamente às leituras, foram coletadas amostras de folhas e nelas determinado o teor de N. Quando variaram as doses de N, houve correlação significativa entre as leituras do clorofilômetro e da cartela de cores com o teor de N nas folhas, independente da época de avaliação. Já quando variaram as cultivares, as leituras do clorofilômetro se correlacionaram com o teor de N (r=0,78; P

A ureia é a principal fonte de N usada na agricultura, mas apresenta grandes perdas em arroz irrigado por alagamento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de fontes de N alternativas à ureia para utilização pelo arroz irrigado aplicadas em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento da planta através da quantificação da volatilização de N-NH3 e de parâmetros agronômicos. O experimento foi realizado em campo nos anos agrícolas 2007/08 e 2008/09. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram compostos de diferentes fontes de N aplicados na semeadura, no perfilhamento e no estádio de diferenciação floral: testemunha sem aplicação de N, ureia, ureia+inibidor de urease, duas fontes de N líquido (N-28 e N- 30), sulfato de amônio e ureia + enxofre. Nas duas safras, a volatilização de N-NH3 na semeadura foi praticamente insignificante, enquanto no estádio V4 a fonte que menos volatilizou foi o sulfato de amônio. A resposta em produtividade variou entre os anos, provavelmente em função da disponibilidade de N no solo e aspectos climáticos. Quando vantajoso economicamente, o uso do inibidor de urease e o sulfato de amônio proporcionam produtividades semelhantes à fonte ureia.Urea is the main source of N used in agriculture, but has large losses in irrigated rice. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of N sources alternative to urea for use by rice applied at different stages of plant development through the quantification of N-NH3 and agronomic parameters. The experiment was conducted in the field in the agricultural years 2007/08 and 2008/09. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. The treatments consisted of different N sources applied at seeding, tillering and at the stage of floral differentiation: control without N, urea, urea + urease inhibitor, two sources of liquid N (N-28 and N-30) ammonium sulfate and urea + sulfur. In both seasons, the volatilization of N-NH3 at seeding was almost negligible, whereas in the V4 stage, the source that was less volatilized was the ammonium sulfate. Yield response varied among years, probably due to the availability of N in the soil and climatic aspects. When economically advantageous, the use of urease inhibitor and ammonium sulfate provide yields similar to urea supply.

The dynamics and availability of potassium (K) in soils depend on many factors, including the mineralogy of fractions and the soil geochemical conditions. The objective of this work is to quantify K in distinct lowland soil compartments in the south of Brazil, relating them to particle size fractions and mineralogical constitution. The soil samples (0–20 cm depth) were collected in six different lowland areas of flooded rice fields in southern Brazil. A mineralogical characterisation was performed. A semi-quantitative analysis was performed on the clay fraction using X-ray diffractogram (XRD) decomposition technique. The K concentration in the different soil fractions was determined using the following methods: potassium total (Kt) by the hydrofluoric acid total digestion method, non-exchangeable K (Kne) extracted by sodium tetraphenyl borate (NaTPB) after a 24-h contact, exchangeable K (Ke) extracted by ammonium acetate at pH 7, and available K extracted by the Mehlich-1 method. Potassium desorption curves from the soil were obtained by successive extractions with NaTPB. Based on the contents found in the different soil forms and compartments, the contribution of each Kne and Kt particle size fraction could be mathematically evaluated. Silt fraction mineralogy may vary depending on the soil and the parent rock. The K-feldspar minerals were observed in the XRD of three soils, explaining the high Kt contents. The following mineral species were observed in the clay fraction: kaolinite, illite, smectite/vermiculite or smectite/vermiculite with a hydroxy-Al interlayer. The Kt and Kne (R 2 = 0.99) values are correlated, and both show a low correspondence with the Ke (R 2

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a liberacao de N mineral nas formas de NH 4 + e NO 3 - em funcao do tempo apos o inicio do alagamento, em diferentes solos de varzea do RS, e correlacionar as formas de N mineral com caracteristicas dos solos. Amostras de 15 solos de varzea do RS foram coletadas em 13 municipios de regioes produtoras de arroz irrigado, as quais foram acondicionadas em tubos de lixiviacao e incubadas durante 24 semanas. Durante esse periodo, foram realizadas lixiviacoes e determinado o teor de N-mineral. Os teores de N-NO 3 - decresceram apos o inicio da incubacao e praticamente desapareceram apos oito semanas de incubacao enquanto o teor de N-NH 4 + aumentou com o alagamento, atingindo picos ao redor de quatro a cinco semanas de incubacao, com posterior declinio ate a 18o semana. Os solos apresentaram diferencas quanto ao teor de N-NH 4 + acumulado e este apresentou correlacao, entre outros, com o teor de C orgânico. O teor de N-NO 3 - nao apresentou correlacao com os parâmetros avaliados, exceto com o teor de N total do solo, e o pico maximo de N-NH 4 + apresentou correlacao com o teor de C orgânico e com o N-NH 4 + acumulado. Os solos de varzea do RS podem apresentar diferentes quantidades de N-NO 3 - antes do alagamento e se este nao for absorvido pelas plantas, podera ser perdido. O teor de N-NH 4 + acumulado nos solos de varzea apresentou variacoes relacionadas as caracteristicas dos solos, principalmente ao teor de C orgânico.

Algumas rochas utilizadas na produção de fertilizantes contêm impurezas de baixa solubilidade em água, destacando-se alguns fosfatos de Fe e Al, que poderiam ser aplicados em solos alagados, onde as reações de redução podem aumentar a solubilidade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a liberação do P de fertilizantes contendo impurezas de fosfatos de Fe com baixa solubilidade em água em diferentes solos de várzea do Rio Grande do Sul (RS) sob condições de alagamento. Para realização do experimento foram utilizados seis solos de várzea (dois Gleisssolos, dois Planossolos e dois Chernossolos) de diferentes locais do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, os quais foram acondicionados em vasos plásticos de 8 L. Cada solo recebeu duas fontes de P (superfosfato simples e superfosfato simples com resíduos de Fe) e uma testemunha sem adição de P, com três repetições. Nos tratamentos com P foram adicionados ao solo 100 mg kg-1 P no solo. Os solos foram alagados e mantidos, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e três repetições, com uma lâmina de água de 5 cm de altura acima de sua superfície. A solução do solo foi coletada semanalmente, sendo medidos imediatamente o pH e o potencial redox (Eh); posteriormente, procedeu-se, em laboratório, à determinação dos teores de P e Fe. Os resultados mostram redução do Eh e aumento do pH e dos teores de Fe e P em solução para todos os solos. O teor de P na solução não diferiu quanto à fonte, mostrando que o superfosfato simples com impurezas de fosfato de Fe tem potencial de uso em solos de várzea do Rio Grande do Sul cultivados com arroz irrigado por alagamento, mesmo sem a solubilidade em água prevista na legislação brasileira. Some rocks used in fertilizer production contain low water-soluble impurities, such as iron and aluminum phosphates. The industrialization processes of these rocks may generate simple superphosphate with an insufficient solubility degree to meet the requirements established by Brazilian fertilizer law. If applied to waterlogged soils, reduction reactions can increase the solubility of such fertilizers. The objective of this study was to evaluate phosphorus release from these fertilizers from flooded lowland soils of Rio Grande do Sul State. Six lowland samples were collected: two Albaqualf (Santa Maria and Pelotas); two Alfissol (Santa Maria and Cachoeirinha) and two Molisol (Santa Vitória do Palmar and Uruguaiana). Each soil received two phosphate sources - simple superphosphate and superphosphate with iron phosphate impurities - and a treatment without phosphorus addition. In the treatments with phosphorus, an amount equivalent to 100 mg kg-1 P was applied. Soils in 8 L plastic buckets were flooded and a 5cm water layer was maintained over the soil surface, in a complete randomized design with three replications. Soil solution was collected weekly and, immediately, the pH and redox potential (Eh) measured; afterwards, P and Fe were extracted in the lab. Results show that Eh decreased and pH, P and Fe content increased in the soil solution in all tested soils. The P increase in soil solution was independent of the phosphate source, indicating simple superphosphate with iron phosphate impurities for use in lowland soils where flooded rice is grown in Rio Grande do Sul, even though it does not comply with the solubility requirements established by the Brazilian fertilizer legislation.

Solos de várzea sob cultivo de arroz irrigado contribuem com aproximadamente 18 % das emissões totais de metano (CH4) do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Entretanto, a liberação de CH4 depende do curso de redução de cada solo. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a dinâmica da emissão desse gás de efeito estufa (GEE) em seis solos: Gleissolo (2), Planossolo (2), Chernossolo e Neossolo, representativos do cultivo de arroz irrigado no Sul do Brasil, visando identificar também sua relação com propriedades do solo e as alterações eletroquímicas da solução após o alagamento. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação, com três repetições, segundo delineamento de blocos casualizados. Os solos foram dispostos em vasos de PVC mantidos com uma lâmina de água de 10 cm de altura e cultivados com arroz. A avaliação das emissões de CH4 foi realizada semanalmente, do 3º ao 66º dia após o alagamento (DAA) do solo, com o auxílio de uma câmara de PVC acoplada ao topo dos vasos. As amostras de ar foram coletadas em quatro intervalos de 5 min, para estimativa das taxas de emissão de CH4. A solução do solo também foi coletada e caracterizada. O início da emissão de CH4 variou entre os solos e, normalmente, ocorreu após a quase total redução do Fe3+ (em torno de 90 % da maior liberação de Fe2+) e estabilização dos valores de pH e de Eh da solução. A emissão total de CH4 variou de 8,5 a 44,2 g m-2 e apresentou relação sigmoidal com os teores de C orgânico dos solos (r2=0,83, p < 0,05), sugerindo que a disponibilidade de C somente foi limitante para o processo de metanogênese em teores inferiores a 8 g kg-1 de C no solo. Os resultados mostram que a dinâmica e as quantidades totais de CH4 emitidas são influenciadas pelo tipo de solo e que esforços devem ser direcionados para determinação dos fatores de emissão de CH4 para os diferentes solos representativos da produção de arroz no Sul do Brasil, bem como na avaliação do efeito de práticas agrícolas na mitigação das emissões desse GEE nos diferentes solos. Paddy soils under flooded rice produce nearly 18% of all methane (CH4) emissions in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. However, CH4 release depends on the intensity of soil reduction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of emissions of this greenhouse gas from six representative soils [Albaqualf (2), Endoaqualf (2), Udorthent and Hapludoll] of rice cultivation in southern Brazil, to identify the relation with soil proprieties and electrochemical changes in the soil solution after flooding. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse with three replications in a randomized block design. Rice was grown in PVC pots filled with soil and covered with a 10 cm water layer. CH4 emissions were evaluated weekly from the 3rd to the 66th day after flooding, using a gas trap fixed on top of the pots. The gas was collected every five minutes, four times, to estimate CH4 emission rates. Soil solution was collected and analyzed as well. The beginning of CH4 emissions varied according to the soil type and usually occurred when 90 % of Fe3+ had been reduced to Fe2+ and pH and Eh stabilized. Total CH4 emission varied from 8.5 to 44.2 g m-2 and had a sigmoid relation to soil organic C (r2 = 0.83, p < 0.05), suggesting that C availability only limited methanogenesis when levels were below 8 g kg-1 C soil. The results illustrate that the dynamics and total fluxes were strongly affected by the soil type and efforts must be directed toward determining CH4 emission factors for the different representative soil types of rice cultivation in southern Brazil, and agricultural practices to mitigate greenhouse gases from the different soils should be evaluated.