Search

Ammonium and nitrate are the major forms of nitrogen (N) present in tropical soils. An experiment was conducted to assess the influence of nitrate and ammonium forms (NO3−, NH4+, and mix of NO3− + NH4+), and levels (1.5–12.0 mM) of N on the growth and nutrition of cacao (Theobroma cacao L). Growth parameters were significantly influenced by N forms, and nitrogen supplied as NH4+ proved better for the growth of cacao compared with NO3− form and mixtures of these two forms. Irrespective of the forms of N, levels of N had no significant effect on plant growth parameters. Nutrient efficiency ratios (NERs) (shoot dry matter produced per unit of nutrient uptake) for macronutrients were sulfur>phosphorus>calcium>magnesium>nitrogen>potassium (S>P>Ca>Mg>N>K) and for micronutrients NERs were in the order of copper>boron>zinc>iron>manganese (Cu>B>Zn>Fe>Mn).

The use of cultivar with nutrient-use efficiency is an important strategy in the management of plant nutritional status, particularly potassium (K), because its high demand and the progressive impoverishment caused by the use of inadequate amounts cause frequent deficiency symptoms observed in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] crops. This study was conducted in greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with four replicates in an Typic Quartzipsamment soil aimed to assess the effect of applying two rates of K (50 and 200 mg kg−1) on growth, shoot dry weight yield (SDWY) and seed yield (SY), nutritional status, yield components, and efficiency of K use in eleven cultivars of different characteristics and growth habits. The SDWY, SY, number of seeds per pod, number of pods, and estimated 100-seed weight showed significant interaction between cultivar and the K rates, with greater values at the rate 200 mg K kg−1. Similarly, the concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K, calcium (Ca), ma...

Two greenhouse experiments were conducted simultaneously to evaluate polymer-coated and common urea in upland rice production. The nitrogen (N) levels used for both the N sources were from 0 to 400 mg kg−1 of soil. Maximum grain yield was obtained with the addition of 167 mg N kg−1 polymer-coated urea and 238 mg N kg−1 common urea. Maximum value of other plant traits was obtained with N applied from 233 to 313 mg kg−1 depending on plant traits and N source. Nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) decreased with increasing N rate in the two N sources. Based on results of growth, yield, and yield components, and NUE it can be concluded that the N sources were equally effective in upland rice production. Base saturation, pH, and exchangeable calcium (Ca) increased with increasing N rates while iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu) contents decreased with the increasing N rates.

Productivity and sustainability of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in tropical soils are affected by levels of iron. Information is lacking on the cacao response to various sources of iron (Fe). A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of five iron sources iron sulfate heptahydrate, ferric ethylenediamine-N,N’-bis(2-hydroxyphenylacetic acid), ferric diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, fiesta herbicide (FeSO4 · 7H2O, FeEDDHA, FeDTPA, FeEDTA,) at 10 mg Fe kg−1 soil on growth, photosynthesis, content of photosynthetic pigments and starch and macro- and micronutrient nutrition of cacao. The various iron sources had significant effects on shoot and root dry biomass accumulation, leaf chlorophyll a and b content, carotenoid levels, SPAD index and PN. These parameters were significantly correlated with concentration, uptake, influx, and transport and use efficiency of Fe. In cacao net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, internal carbon dioxide (CO2), and ...

Globally, lowland rice contributes more than 70 percent of total rice production, and nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for lowland rice production under all agroecological conditions. A field experiment was conducted for 2 consecutive years to evaluate response of twelve lowland rice genotypes to N fertilization. The N rates used were 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha−1. Plant height, grain yield, panicle number, 1000-grain weight, spikelet sterility, grain harvest index (GHI), and nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE; grain yield per unit of N applied) were significantly influenced by N and genotype treatments, except for 1000-grain weight and spikelet sterility, which were not affected by N treatment. Across N rates, genotypes BRS Tropical, BRA 051126, BRA 051130, BRA 05108, and BRA 051134 produced greater grain yields (above average of twelve genotypes) and genotypes BRS Jacana, BRA 02654, BRA 051077, BRA 051108, BRA 051129, BRA 051135, and BRA 051250 produced lower grain yield (lower tha...

Most tropical soils have high acidity and low natural fertility. The appropriate application of lime and cattle manure corrects acidity, improves physical and biological properties, increases soil fertility, and reduces the use of chemical and/or synthetic fertilizers by crops, such as soybean, the main agricultural export product of Brazil. This study aimed to assess the effects of the combination of the application of dolomite limestone (0, 5, and 10 Mg ha−1) and cattle manure (0, 40, and 80 Mg ha−1) on grain yield and the chemical properties of an Oxisol (Red Latosol) cultivated with soybean for two consecutive years. The maximum grain yield was obtained with the application of 10 Mg ha−1 of lime and 80 Mg ha−1 of cattle manure. Liming significantly increased pH index, the concentrations of calcium (Ca2+) and exchangeable magnesium (Mg2+), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil and reduced potential acidity (H+ + Al3+), while the application of cattle manure increased pH level; the concentrations o...

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food legume for the South American population. In South America it is eaten every day by all sections of the population along with rice. The average yield of this legume is low in South America and use of inadequate rates of fertilizers, including potassium (K), is one of the main factors. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate thirty dry bean genotypes for K-use efficiency. The K rates used were 0 mg kg−1 (low) and 200 mg kg−1 (high). Soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol. There was a significant response of potassium level and genotypes for most of the growth, yield, and yield components. In addition, K × genotype interactions were also significant for most of the traits evaluated. The K × genotype significant interaction indicates different responses of dry bean genotypes to change in K levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index, genotypes were classified as efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient in K-use efficiency. Grain yie...

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is very common in annual crops grown on Brazilian Oxisols. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate Zn-use efficiency of 20 upland rice genotypes. The Zn levels used were 0 mg kg−1 (natural level of the soil) and 20 mg kg−1 of soil applied with zinc sulfate (ZnSO4). Zinc × genotype interactions were significant for grain yield, panicle number, panicle length, root dry weight, and specific root length, indicating different responses of genotypes with the variation of Zn levels and that selection for Zn-use efficiency is necessary at low as well as at high Zn rates. Based on Zn-use efficiency index, 11 genotypes were classified as efficient and nine were classified as moderately efficient. The most Zn-efficient genotypes were BRA 01596, BRA 042156, BRA 052053, BRA Primavera, and BRA 01506. The most inefficient genotypes in Zn-use efficiency were BRA 042094, BRA 052045, BRA 052034, and BRA 052023. Grain yield and most of the yield attributing characteristics have significant Zn ...

Dry bean is an important legume worldwide, and potassium (K) deficiency is one of the important constraints for bean production in most of the bean growing regions. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate fifteen dry bean genotypes grown on a Brazilian lowland (Inceptisol) United States Soil Taxonomy classification and Gley humic Brazilian Soil Classification system), locally known as “Varzea” soil. The K rate used was 0 mg kg−1 (low, natural soil level) and 200 mg kg−1 (high, applied as fertilizer). Straw yield, seed yield, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, and seed harvest index were significantly increased with the addition of K fertilizer. These traits were also significantly influenced by genotypic treatment. Similarly, root length and root dry weight were also influenced significantly by K and genotype treatments. The K X genotype interactions for most of these traits were also significant, indicating variation in these traits with the variation in K level....

Upland rice is an important crop in South America, including Brazil. Nutrient interactions are important in determining crop yields. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate interaction among nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in upland rice production. The treatments applied to upland rice grown on an Oxisol were three levels of N (N0, N150 and N300 mg kg−1), three levels of P (P0, P100 and P200 mg kg−1) and three levels of K (K0, K100 and K200 mg kg−1). These treatments were tested in a 3 × 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Grain yield, shoot dry weight, plant height, root dry weight, maximum root length, panicle number, 1000-grain weight, and grain harvest index were significantly influenced by N, P, and K treatments. The treatment that did not receive P fertilization did not produce panicle or grain. Hence, P was most yield-limiting nutrient compared to two other nutrients. At the N0P0K0 treatment, rice did not produce grains, indicating severe deficiency of these nutrients in Brazili...

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients in crop production around the world. The main reasons of N deficiency are low recovery efficiency (RE) of applied N fertilizers. The RE efficiency of N by most crop plants is lower than 50%. The lower RE of this element is associated with losses by volatilization, leaching, denitrification, and soil erosion. Some part of N is also immobilized in undecomposed organic materials and by soil microbial population. Nitrogen harvest index (NHI) is a ratio between N accumulated in grain to N accumulated in grain plus straw. The NHI is an important index in determining crop yields because it is positively associated with grain yield. Relationship between GHI and crop grain yield may be positive linear or quadratic depending on crop genotypes and soil and crop management practices adopted. In cereals retranslocation of previously assimilated N in the vegetative parts is the predominant source of N for the grain. The most important practices that can improve N...

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors for crop production in South American soils. Upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important crop in South American cropping systems, including Brazil. A field experiment was conducted with the objective to evaluate 20 upland rice genotypes for phosphorus (P) use efficiency. The P rate used was low (0 kg P ha−1) and high [87 kg P ha−1 or 200 kg phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) ha−1]. Plant height, shoot dry weight, grain yield, panicle number, 1000 grain weight, spikelet sterility, and grain harvest index were significantly influenced by P and genotype treatments. The P X genotype interaction was significant for grain yield, indicating that genotypes responded differently under two P rates. Overall, grain yield increased by 12% with the addition of P fertilization. Based on grain yield efficiency index, genotypes were classified into efficient, moderately efficient, and inefficient group. The genotypes that were classified as efficient in P use ...

Upland rice is an important crop in South America, including Brazil. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients in upland rice production in Brazil. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate N uptake and use efficiency as influenced by N sources. The soil used in the experiment was an Oxisol. The N sources were ammonium sulfate and urea, and N rates were 0, 50, 100, 150, 300, and 400 mg kg−1 of soil. Nitrogen concentrations in the root, shoot, and grain were significantly influenced by N sources. The N rate and N source significantly influenced the N uptake in root, shoot, and grain. Similarly, nitrogen rate by N source interaction was also significant for N uptake in the root, shoot, and grain, indicating N source has a significant influence on uptake of N. Overall, concentration (content per unit dry weight) of N was greater in the grain, followed by root and shoot. Agronomical efficiency, apparent recovery efficiency, and utilization efficiency of N were significantly influenced b...

Soybean is one of the most important legume crops in the world. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the influence of liming and gypsum application on yield and yield components of soybean and changes in soil chemical properties of an Oxisol. Lime rates used were 0, 0.71, 1.42, 2.14, 2.85, and 4.28 g kg−1 soil. Gypsum rates applied were 0, 0.28, 0.57, 1.14, 1.71, and 2.28 g kg−1 soil. Lime as well as gypsum significantly increased grain yield in a quadratic fashion. Maximum grain yield was achieved with the application of 1.57 g lime per kg soil, whereas the gypsum requirement for maximum grain yield was 1.43 g per kg of soil. Lime significantly improved soil pH, exchangeable soil calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents, base saturation, and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC). However, lime application significantly decreased total acidity [hydrogen (H) + aluminum (Al)], zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) contents of the soil. The decrease in these soil properties was associated with incre...

Dry bean is an important legume crop for a large portion of the world's population. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients in all dry bean–producing regions of the world. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate responses of 15 dry bean genotypes to N fertilization with and without rhizobial inoculation grown on a lowland soil locally known as Varzea. Nitrogen treatments were (i) 0 mg N kg−1 (control or N0), (ii) 0 mg N kg−1 + inoculation with rhizobial strains (N1), (iii) inoculation with rhizobial strains + 50 mg N kg−1 (N2), and (vi) 200 mg N kg−1 (N3). Shoot dry weight, grain yield, yield components, maximum root length, and root dry weight were significantly affected by N fertilization, rhizobial inoculation, and genotype treatments. The N × genotypes interactions were significant for shoot dry weight, grain yield, number of pods per plant, number of grain per pod, 100-grain weight, grain harvest index (GHI), and maximum root length and root dry weight. These significant in...

O arroz irrigado é uma cultura significativa para o País, do ponto de vista socioeconômico, em especial nas várzeas tropicais do Estado do Tocantins. Muitas vezes, devido ao uso de adubação inadequada, sua produtividade é limitada. Conduziram-se dois experimentos de campo, na Fazenda Xavante, município de Dueré, Estado do Tocantins, durante dois anos consecutivos, para se avaliar a resposta do arroz irrigado à adubação verde e química, cultivado em um Inceptissolo, cujos tratamentos consistiram de oito combinações de adubação: Adubo verde + N0P0K0; Adubo verde + N100P120K100; Adubo verde + N50P60K50; Adubo verde + N75P90K75; Adubo verde + N45P120K100 (aplicação de N, P e K no plantio); Adubo verde + N45P120K100 (aplicação de P e K no plantio e N em cobertura); Adubo verde + N100P120K100 + 4 Mg ha-1 calcário; e Sem adubo verde + N100P120K100. Obteve-se a produtividade máxima (kg ha-1) de grãos com o tratamento adubo verde + N45P120K100 (aplicação de P e K no plantio e N em cobertura). Entre os componentes da produtividade, o comprimento da panícula foi influenciado positiva e significativamente, pelos tratamentos de adubação. Com a prática da adubação verde, a quantidade de fertilizante nitrogenado a ser empregada pode ser reduzida e, em conseqüência, diminuir também o custo de produção do arroz irrigado. Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-22T19:01:05Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 rbeaa-2007.pdf: 190086 bytes, checksum: 248f6ddc1ef0660bf06e09a360603d03 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007

Rice is a main food crop for about half of the world's population, and phosphorus (P) is the main limiting nutrient in rice production in tropical lowlands. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate P requirements of lowland rice grown on a lowland soil (Inceptisol). Dry matter, grain yield, and yield-attributing characteristics were significantly (P shoot dry weight > panicle number > spikelet sterility > plant height > grain harvest index > panicle length > weight of 1000 grains. Phosphorus uptake in shoot and concentration and ...

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most yield limiting factors in crop production in Brazilian Oxisols. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate 20 upland rice genotypes at low (25 mg P kg−1) and high (200 mg P kg−1) P levels applied to a Brazilian Oxisol. Grain yield and yield components were significantly influenced by P level and genotype treatments. There was a significant interaction between P level and genotype treatments in relation to grain yield, indicating genotypes responded differently under two P levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified into efficient, moderately efficient and inefficient groups. The efficient genotypes in utilizing P were ‘BRA052053’, ‘BRS Primavera’, ‘BRA052015’, ‘BRA052023’, ‘BRA01506’, ‘BRA052045’, ‘BRA032033’, ‘BRA01596’ and ‘BRA052034’. Remaining genotypes were classified as moderately efficient in P use efficiency. None of the genotypes were fall into inefficient group. Grain yield was significantly and positively re...

Rice is staple food for more than 50% of the world's population. Nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield-limiting nutrients for lowland rice production around the world. Two field experiments were conducted at two locations for two consecutive years to evaluate N-use efficiency of 12 lowland rice genotypes. Growth, grain yield, and yield components were significantly influenced by N as well as genotype treatments. Location × year × genotype and location × year × N interactions were significant for most of the growth, yield, and yield components, indicating influence of these factors on yield and yield components. Overall, the most N-efficient genotypes measured in terms of grain yield were BRA 031032, BRA 031044, and BRA 02654 and the most inefficient genotypes were BRS Jacana, BRS Fronteira, and BRA 02674. Genotypes had linear and quadratic responses to added N in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha−1. Nitrogen significantly influenced plant height, shoot dry weight, panicle number, and 1000-grain weights. Nitroge...

Dry bean is an important legume for human consumption in South America. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate uptake and use efficiency of macro- and micronutrients by six dry bean genotypes at two P levels (25 and 200 mg kg−1 soil). Shoot dry weight and grain yield varied significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with increasing phosphorus (P) levels. Grain harvest index (GHI) and 100-grain weight also differ significantly among genotypes and significantly increased with the increasing P levels. Based on grain yield efficiency index (GYEI), genotypes were classified as efficient and inefficient. The most efficient genotype was CNFP 10104, and inefficient genotypes were CNFP 10103 and CNFP 10120. Number of pods per plant and number of seeds per pod increased significantly with the addition of 200 mg P kg−1 of soil compared to the low level of P (25 mg P kg−1). Similarly, nitrogen (N), P, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) concen...

Micronutrient deficiencies have been reported in food crops worldwide. Several macro- and micronutrients are essential for human health. However, among these elements, the trace elements zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), iodine (I), selenium (Se), and cobalt (Co) are limiting in the diets of much of the world's population. According to United Nations estimates, about 1 billion people, especially woman and children, are suffering from malnutrition of trace elements, especially in Africa, Asia, and South America. Improving bioavailability of these elements in food crops is an important strategy to overcome trace-element deficiencies in food crops and improving human health. Genetic variability in micronutrient contents in the grain of crops such as rice, corn, wheat, barley, soybean, and dry bean is widely reported in the literature. Hence, use of genetic variability among crop species and genotypes within species is an important strategy to achieve biofortification of grain of staple food crops. Other practices that c...

Informações sobre o efeito residual da adubação na produção de arroz irrigado em solos de várzeas no Brasil, são escassas. Conduziu-se um experimento de campo, durante três anos consecutivos, para se avaliar o efeito residual da adubação e de níveis de adubação aplicados no sulco de plantio sobre a produção de arroz irrigado em um solo Glei Pouco Húmico (Inseptissolo) de várzea, período em que a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea e de grãos foi significativamente afetada pela adubação no sulco e não pela adubação residual. As produções máximas de matéria seca e de grãos foram obtidas com o tratamento T7 (efeito residual da adubação média + adubo verde + 75 kg N ha-1, 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 e 60 kg K2O ha-1). O tratamento T4 (efeito residual da adubação média + 50 kg N ha-1, 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 e 40 kg K2O ha-1) não foi diferente significativamente em comparação com o tratamento T7; enquanto entre os componentes da produção o número de panículas por m² e o peso de 1.000 grãos foram significativamente afetados pelos tratamentos, por outro lado, a acumulação da maioria dos nutrientes na parte aérea e nos grãos foi significativamente afetada pelos tratamentos. Made available in DSpace on 2013-04-01T23:30:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 177.pdf: 48991 bytes, checksum: 908a318dc54430116f75fcc91deed2dc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2000-10-30

Rice is the staple food crop for about 50% of the world's population. It is grown mainly under two ecosystems, known as upland and lowland. Lowland rice contributes about 76% of the global rice production. The anaerobic soil environment created by flood irrigation of lowland rice brings several chemical changes in the rice rhizosphere that may influence growth and development and consequently yield. The main changes that occur in flooded or waterlogged rice soils are decreases in oxidation–reduction or redox potential and increases in iron (Fe2+) and manganese (Mn2+) concentrations because of the reductions of Fe3+ to Fe2+ and Mn4+ to Mn2+. The pH of acidic soils increased and alkaline soils decreased because of flooding. Other results are the reduction of nitrate (NO3 −) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 −) to dinitrogen (N2) and nitrous oxide (N2O); reduction of sulfate (SO4 2−) to sulfide (S2−); reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) to methane (CH4); improvement in the concentration and availability of phosphorus ...

Lowland rice is a staple food for more than 50% of the world's population and phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the main constraints in rice production in tropical lowlands. A field experiment was conducted for two years consecutive with the objective to evaluate 12 lowland rice genotypes for P use efficiency. The P rates used were 0, 22, 44, 66, and 88 kg P ha−1 (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg P2O5 ha−1) applied to an Inceptisol. The genotypes used were BRS Jacana, CNAi 8860, BRS Fronteira, CNAi 8879, CNAi 8880, CNAi 8886, CNAi 8885, CNAi 8569, BRSGO Guara, BRS Alvorada, BRS Jaburu and BRS Bigua. There were significant and quadratic responses of genotypes to phosphorus fertilization. Adequate P rates for maximum grain yield varied from genotype to genotype. However, across 12 genotypes, maximum grain yield was obtained with the application of 54 kg P ha−1. Genotype BRS Jacana was most efficient and genotype CNAi 8569 was most inefficient in P use efficiency. Shoot dry weight and panicle number was also inc...

Salt affected soils limit crop yields around the world. Knowledge of how nutrient availability is affected in plants growing on salt affected soils is important in adopting appropriate management practices to satisfy plants’ nutritional requirements and improve yields to meet food demands of increasing world populations. In the salt affected environment plants required to absorb essential nutrients from a dilute source in the presence of highly concentrated nonessential nutrients. Nutrient uptake and use efficiency in salt affected soils is low due to salt stress and negative interactions with cations and anions present in high concentrations. Hence, a higher amount of nutrients is necessary in salt affected soils compared to normal soils. Biological nitrogen fixation is also adversely affected in legumes grown on salt affected soils. Salts also reduce activity of many enzymes which supply energy for nutrient uptake. The important soils and plant management practices which can improve nutrient uptake and ...

Ammonium sulfate and urea are main sources of nitrogen (N) for annual crop production in developing countries. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted using ammonium sulfate and urea as N sources for upland rice grown on a Brazilian Oxisol. The N rates used were 0, 50, 100, 150, 3000, and 400 kg N kg−1 of soil. Yield and yield components were significantly increased in a quadratic fashion with increasing N rate. Ammonium sulfate X urea interaction was significant for grain yield, shoot dry matter yield, panicle number, plant height and root dry weight, indicating a different response magnitude of these plant parameters to two sources of N. Based on regression equation, maximum grain yield was achieved with the application of 380 mg N kg−1 by ammonium sulfate and 271 mg N kg−1 by urea. Grain yield and yield components were reduced at higher rates of urea (>300 mg kg N) but these plant parameters’ responses to ammonium sulfate at higher rates was constant. In the intermediate N rate range (125 to 275 mg k...

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important nutrients in increasing lowland rice yield. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate influence of ammonium sulfate and urea fertilization on growth, yield and yield components of lowland rice. The nitrogen rates used were 0, 50, 100, 150, 300 and 400 mg N kg−1 of soil. Shoot dry weight and grain yield were significantly (P < 0.01) increased in a quadratic fashion when N rate increased from 0 to 400 mg kg−1 by ammonium sulfate as well as urea fertilization. Maximum grain yield was obtained at 168 mg N kg−1 soil by ammonium sulfate and at 152 mg N kg−1 soil by urea. Maximum grain yield at average N rate (160 mg kg−1) was 22% higher with the application of ammonium sulfate compared to urea, indicating superiority of ammonium sulfate compared to urea. Rice yield components, N uptake and use efficiency were significantly influenced with the increasing N rate from 0 to 400 mg kg−1 of soil by both the sources of N. Plant height, shoot dry weight, grain harve...

Dry bean along with rice is a staple food for the population of South America. In this tropical region beans are grown on Oxisols and phosphorus (P) is one of the most yield limiting factors for dry bean production on these soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate P use efficiency in 20 elite dry bean genotypes grown at deficient (25 mg P kg−1 soil) and sufficient (200 mg P kg−1) levels of soil P. Grain yields and yield components were significantly increased with P fertilization and, interspecific genotype differences were observed for yield and yield components. The grain yield efficiency index (GYEI) was having highly significant quadratic association with grain yield. Based on GYEI most P use efficient genotypes were CNFP 8000, CNFP 10035, CNFP10104, CNFC 10410, CNFC 9461, CNFC 10467, CNFP 10109 and CNFP 10076 and most inefficient genotypes were CNFC 10438, CNFP 10120, CNFP 10103, and CNFC 10444. Shoot dry weight, number of pods per plant, 100-grain weights and number of seeds per pod ...

Alfalfa is an important forage crop with high nutritive value, although highly susceptible to soil acidity. Liming is one of the most efficient and prevailing practices to correct soil acidity and improve alfalfa yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate response to liming of alfalfa grown in a greenhouse on a Typic Quartzipsamment soil. The treatments consisted of four lime rates (0, 3.8, 6.6 and 10.3 Mg ha-1) and two cuts. Alfalfa dry matter increased quadratically with increasing lime rates. In general, dry matter yield was maximized by a lime rate of 8.0 Mg ha-1. Except for the control, the dry matter nutrient contents in the treatments were adequate. The positive linear correlation between root and nodule dry matter with lime rates indicated improvement of these plant traits with decreasing soil acidity. The soil acidity indices pH, base saturation, Ca2+ concentration, Mg2+ concentration, and H + Al were relevant factors in the assessment of alfalfa yield. The magnitude of influence of these soil acidity indices on yield as determined by the coefficient of determination (R²) varied and decreased in the order: base saturation, H + Al, pH, Ca and Mg concentrations. Optimum values of selected soil chemical properties were defined for maximum shoot dry matter; these values can serve as a guideline for alfalfa liming to improve the yield of this forage on acid soils. A alfafa é uma importante forrageira com alto valor nutritivo, porém é altamente suscetível à acidez do solo. A calagem é uma das mais eficientes práticas para corrigir esse problema e melhorar a produtividade da alfafa. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta à calagem da alfafa cultivada em Neossolo Quartzarênico em casa de vegetação. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro doses de calcário (0; 3,8; 6,6 e 10,3 Mg ha-1) e duas épocas de corte. A produção de matéria seca foi significativamente aumentada com a adição de calcário, com o máximo rendimento estimado obtido com a adição de 8,0 Mg ha-1. Exceto na testemunha, o teor de nutrientes na matéria seca foi adequado. A matéria seca de raízes e de nódulos foi significativamente aumentada com a aplicação de calcário. Os índices de acidez do solo, como pH, saturação por bases, concentração de Ca2+ e de Mg2+ e H + Al, foram importantes na avaliação do rendimento da alfafa. Magnitudes de influência da acidez do solo desses índices no rendimento variaram, conforme determinado pelo coeficiente de determinação (R²) obedeceram a seguinte ordem decrescente: saturação por bases, H + Al, pH, concentração de Ca2+ e de Mg2+ . Os valores considerados ótimos das propriedades químicas do solo selecionados para obtenção da máxima produção estimada podem servir como referência e melhorar o rendimento de culturas forrageiras em solos ácidos.

Soil acidity is the principal limiting factor in crop production in Oxisols, and deficiency of micronutrients has increased in recent years because of intensive cropping. A field experiment was conducted over three consecutive years to assess response of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to lime and iron (Fe) applications on an Oxisol in a no-tillage system. Changes in selected soil chemical properties in the soil profile (0- to 10- and 10- to 20-cm depths) with liming were also determined. Lime rates used were 0, 12, and 24 Mg ha–1, and Fe application rates were 0, 50, 100, 150 200, and 400 kg ha–1. Both lime and Fe were applied as broadcast and incorporated in the soil. Grain yields of common bean were significantly increased with the application of lime. Iron application, however, did not influence bean yield. There were significant changes in soil profile (0- to 10-cm and 10- to 20-cm depths) in pH, calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), hydrogen + aluminum (H+ + Al3+), base saturation, acidity saturatio...

Amazonas State is the largest state in Brazil and mainly covered by tropical forest. Because of the importance of the tropical forest in maintaining soil health and a clean environment, conservation of the Amazon forest is a national priority. However, sustainable agriculture development is necessary in the state for the welfare of the local population. Maintaining soil fertility at an adequate level is an important component of sustainable farming. Very little information is available about soil fertility of Amazonas State. The objective of the present study was to evaluate chemical soil properties of Amazonas State of Brazil. Results include chemical properties of 3,340 samples, covering 62 municipalities of the state collected at 0–20 cm deep during 30 years (1975–2005). Chemical properties [phosphorus (P), potassium (K) extracted with Mehlich 1, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al) extracted with potassium chloride (KCl) 1.0 mol L−1, potential acidity (H + Al) extracted with calcium acetate, an...

Essential plant nutrients are mainly applied to soil and plant foliage for achieving maximum economic yields. Soil application method is more common and most effective for nutrients, which required in higher amounts. However, under certain circumstances, foliar fertilization is more economic and effective. Foliar symptoms, soil and plant tissue tests, and crop growth responses are principal nutrient disorder diagnostic techniques. Soil applications of fertilizers are mainly done on the basis of soil tests, whereas foliar nutrient applications are mainly done on the basis of visual foliar symptoms or plant tissue tests. Hence, correct diagnosis of nutrient deficiency is fundamental for successful foliar fertilization. In addition, there are some more requirements for successful foliar fertilization. Foliar fertilization requires higher leaf area index for absorbing applied nutrient solution in sufficient amount, it may be necessary to have more than one application depending on severity of nutrient deficiency. Nutrient concentration and day temperature should be optimal to avoid leaf burning and fertilizer source should be soluble in water to be more effective. Foliar fertilization of crops can complement soil fertilization. If foliar fertilization is mixed with postemergence herbicides, insecticides, or fungicides, the probability of yield response could be increased and cost of application can be reduced.

In tropical regions, soil acidity and low soil fertility are the most important yield‐limiting factors for sustainable crop production. Using legume cover crops as mulch is an important strategy not only to protect the soil loss from erosion but also to ameliorate soil fertility. Information is limited regarding tolerances of tropical legume cover crops to acid soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the differential tolerance of 14 tropical legume cover crops to soil acidity. The acidity treatments were high (0 g lime kg−1 soil), medium (3.3 g lime kg−1 soil), and low (8.3 g lime kg−1 soil). Shoot dry weight of cover crops were significantly affected by acidity treatments. Maximum shoot dry weight was produced at high acidity. Jack bean, black mucuna, and gray mucuna bean species were most tolerant to soil acidity, whereas Brazilian lucern and tropical kudzu were most susceptible to soil acidity. Overall, optimal soil acidity indices were pH 5.5, hydrogen (H)+ aluminum (Al) 6.8 cmolc kg...

Banana cultivation is considered one of the most important agricultural activities of economic and social importance in Brazil. The objective of this work was to investigate the uptake, retranslocation and the effect of fertilization on the yield and uniformity of banana bunches (Musa spp.) cultivated in Central Amazonian, region with approximately 1.5 million km2 or 150 million hectares. Two experiments were conducted in a Xanthic Ferralsol (dystrophic Yellow Latosol), the predominant soil of the region, examining: i) the nutrient uptake and translocation rate in twelve plants; and ii) the efficiency of zinc use, in a completely randomized blocks in a 4×2 factorial scheme in split plot design with four zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) rates (0, 30, 60, and 120 g plant−1 cycle−1) and two application times (in the hole together with the seedling or as surface broadcast in the fifth month after planting), with four replicates. Uptake of macronutrients was in the order of potassium (K) > nitrogen (N) > calcium ...

RESUMO O fósforo é um dos nutrientes limitantes na produção de feijão, em solos de várzea do Brasil. Foi conduzido um experimento de campo, em 1995 e 1996, para calibrar a análise de solo de várzea (Inceptissolo) em relação ao fósforo, na produção de feijão ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.). No primeiro ano, as doses de fósforo corresponderam a 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 e 1000kg.ha-1 de P2O5, aplicadas a lanço; no segundo ano, cada tratamento de fósforo recebeu, em subparcelas, 0, 50, 100 e 150kg.ha -1 de P2O5 aplicados no sulco. A interpretação dos teores de P no solo extraído pelo extrator Mehlich 1 e as recomendações de adubação de P para a cultura do feijoeiro, baseiaram-se na produção relativa de grãos. O teor muito baixo de P correspondeu a até 5,3mg P.kg-1, o baixo variou de 5,3 a 7,1mg P.kg-1, o médio variou de 7,1 a 9,0mg P.kg-1 e o teor alto de P maior que 9mg P.kg-1 de solo. As quantidades de fósforo necessárias para atender a esses níveis, foram 350, 560, 760 e > 760kg de P2O5.ha-1, aplicadas a lanço. As quantidades de fósforo no sulco de semeadura necessárias para manter a produção máxima, foram de 150kg de P2O5.ha-1, para teor muito baixo de P, 100kg de P2O5.ha-1, para teor baixo e médio de P, e 50kg.ha-1, para teor alto de P no solo. ABSTRACT Phosphorus deficiency is one of the most important yield-limiting factors in bean production in lowland soils of Brazil. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to calibrate a lowland soil analysis (Inceptisol) regarding to phosphorus in the bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production. In the first year, the broadcast P rates were 0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000kg P2O5.ha-1. In the second year, each broadcast P rate received band application of 0, 50, 100 and 150kg P2O5.ha-1. Interpretation of P levels for Mehlich-l extracted soil and the P fertilization recomendations for the bean crop were based on relative grain yield. Very low soil tests ranged from 0 to 5.3mg P.kg-1, low from 5.3 to 7.1mg P.kg-1, medium from 7.1 to 9mg P.kg-1, and high exceeded 9mg P.kg-1 soil. The amounts of broadcasted P needed to build up soil P concentrations at very low, low, medium, and high soil categories were 350, 560, 760 and more than 760kg P2O5.ha-1, respectively. The amounts of banded fertilizer P required to obtain maximum yield were 150kg P2O5.ha-1 for the very low soil P level, 100kg P2O5.ha-1 for the low and medium soil P levels and 50kg P2O5.ha-1 for the high soil P level.

Manganese (Mn) deficiency in upland rice grown after common bean or soybean, which received adequate rate of liming on highly weathered Oxisols, is observed. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate Mn‐use efficiency of 10 promising upland rice genotypes. The genotypes were grown on an Oxisol at 0 mg Mn kg−1 (natural soil Mn level) and 20 mg Mn kg−1 of soil applied as manganese sulfate. Grain yield, panicle number, and grain harvest index (GHI) were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by genotype. However, shoot dry weight was significantly affected by Mn as well as genotype treatments. Manganese uptake in the shoot as well as in the grain was also affected by genotype treatment. On the basis of Mn‐use efficiency (mg grain weight/mg Mn accumulated in shoot and grain), genotypes were classified as efficient and responsive (ER), efficient and nonresponsive (ENR), nonefficient and responsive (NER), and nonefficient and nonresponsive (NENR). Genotypes Carisma, CNA8540, and IR42 were classified as ER,...

Liming is an essential practice in improving yields of annual crops grown on acid soils and deficiency of micronutrients including manganese (Mn) is increasing in crop plants in recent years. A field experiment was conducted during three consecutive years to determine response of common bean to liming and manganese fertilization. The liming rates used were 0, 12, and 24 Mg ha− 1 and Mn rates were 0, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 kg ha− 1. Liming significantly influenced grain yield of common bean. The increase in shoot dry weight and pod number were responsible for 44 and 34% variation in bean yield, respectively. Liming significantly influenced soil chemical properties in the top (0–10 cm) as well as in the sub (10–20 cm) soil layer in favor of higher bean yield. Application of Mn did not influence yield of bean and soil chemical properties were also not influenced significantly by Mn application. Average soil chemical properties across two soil layers (0–10 and 10–20 cm) for maximum bean yield were p...

In the 21st century, nutrient efficient plants will play a major role in increasing crop yields compared to the 20th century, mainly due to limited land and water resources available for crop production, higher cost of inorganic fertilizer inputs, declining trends in crop yields globally, and increasing environmental concerns. Furthermore, at least 60% of the world's arable lands have mineral deficiencies or elemental toxicity problems, and on such soils fertilizers and lime amendments are essential for achieving improved crop yields. Fertilizer inputs are increasing cost of production of farmers, and there is a major concern for environmental pollution due to excess fertilizer inputs. Higher demands for food and fiber by increasing world populations further enhance the importance of nutrient efficient cultivars that are also higher producers. Nutrient efficient plants are defined as those plants, which produce higher yields per unit of nutrient, applied or absorbed than other plants (standards) ...

Dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food legume for the world population. However, its average yield is low worldwide. The main reasons for low yield are biotic and abiotic stresses. Maximum economic yield of a crop can be achieved with appropriate balance between plant and environmental factors during crop growth cycle. Adopting appropriate management practices in favor of high yields can modify some of these factors. Hence, knowledge of yield physiology of dry bean is important for understanding yield formation components during crop growth and development and consequently improving yield. Dry bean growth cycle is divided into vegetative and reproductive growth stages. During vegetative stage, development of roots, trifoliate, node, and branches take place. Main features of reproductive growth stage are flowering, pod and grain formation. Important plant traits associated with yield are root and shoot dry matter yield, pod number, 100 grain weight, leaf area index, grain harvest in...

Rice is a staple food for more than 50% of the world's population and nitrogen (N) is one of the most yield limiting nutrients in lowland rice ecosystems. A field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years to evaluate dry matter production and grain yield of 12 lowland rice genotypes (BRS Jacana, CNAi 8860, BRS Fronteira, CNAi 8879, CNAi 8880, CNAi 8886, CNAi 8885, CNAi 8569, BRSGO Guara, BRS Alvorada, BRS Jaburu, and BRS Bigua) at five N rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha− 1). Genotypes showed significant variation in grain yield and shoot dry weight. Genotype BRSGO Guara was highest yielding, whereas genotype BRS Jaburu was lowest yielding and the remaining genotypes were intermediate in grain yielding potential. Grain yield and shoot dry weight were having significant quadratic increase with increasing N rates in the range of 0 to 200 kg ha− 1. However, 90% of the maximum yield is often considered as an economical rate, which was 120 kg for shoot dry weight and 136 kg N ha− 1 for gr...

Com o objetivo de avaliar a influência de doses, métodos e épocas de aplicação de N sobre as características fisiológicas do feijoeiro foi conduzido um estudo em várzeas no Tocantins. Nos dois primeiros anos, foram avaliados as doses de 0; 40; 80; 120 e 160 kg ha-1 de N e os métodos e épocas de aplicação: M1 - todo N na semeadura; M2 - ½ na semeadura + ½ incorporado ao solo aos 20 dias após a emergência (DAE) e M3 - ½ na semeadura + ½ a lanço aos 20 DAE, com a cultivar Rudá. No terceiro ano, avaliaram-se apenas as doses de N incorporadas ao solo aos 20 DAE, com a cultivar Pérola. A adubação nitrogenada foi feita na forma de sulfato de amônio, no primeiro ano, e de uréia, nos dois últimos. Em várzeas tropicais, a eficiência de utilização da adubação nitrogenada pelo feijoeiro é baixa, o que reforça em parte a razão da resposta da cultura a altas doses desse nutriente. A incorporação de todo N na semeadura e a aplicação de parte do N por ocasião dessa e parte incorporada aos 20 DAE demandam menores doses do fertilizante para obtenção dos maiores índices fisiológicos do feijoeiro que a aplicação de parte do N a lanço na superfície do solo. Essas doses diferem da que proporciona maior produtividade de grãos. Com 140 kg ha-1 de N, o feijoeiro produz mais grãos por unidade de área foliar. Maiores doses de N propiciam maiores produção biológica e índices fisiológicos.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta de genótipos de arroz irrigado à aplicação de nitrogênio. O experimento foi conduzido em campo, por dois anos consecutivos, com 12 genótipos e cinco doses de N. Foram utilizadas doses de 0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 kg ha-1 de N. Os genótipos de arroz irrigado apresentaram diferenças significativas na produtividade de grãos. Houve resposta significativa e quadrática à aplicação de N. Nos dois anos de cultivo, os genótipos mais produtivos foram BRSGO Guará e BRS Alvorada, e os menos produtivos foram BRS Jaburu e BRS Biguá. A maior produtividade dos genótipos BRS Guará e BRS Alvorada está associada ao maior número de panículas, maior índice de colheita e menor esterilidade de espiguetas sob alta dose de N. Os genótipos diferiram, também, na eficiência do uso de N, no que se refere à produtividade de grãos por quilograma de N aplicado, N acumulado na planta ou recuperado pela planta. The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield of lowland rice genotypes as affected by nitrogen fertilization. A field experiment was conducted, during two consecutive years, in order to evaluate the response of 12 irrigated rice genotypes to five doses of N application. The N doses used were 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1. Genotypes differed significantly in relation to grain yield. Response of genotypes to N rate was significant and quadratic. Genotypes BRSGO Guará and BRS Alvorada had maximum grain yield and BRS Jaburu and BRS Biguá were the lowest yield producers, during two years of cultivation. Higher productivity of BRSGO Guará and BRS Alvorada was associated with higher panicle number, higher grain harvest index, and low grain sterility at higher N rates. Genotypes also differed in N use efficiency regarding grain produced per kilogram of N applied, and regarding N accumulated in the plant or recovered by plant.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food for more than 50% of the world's population, including regions of high population density and rapid growth. Rice is produced under both upland and lowland ecosystems with about 76% of the global rice produced from irrigated lowland rice systems. The objective of this article is to discuss growth and formation of yield components in rice during crop growth cycles. The yield components of rice are the number of panicles per unit area, number of spikelets per panicle, weight of spikelet and spikelet sterility or filled spikelet. In addition, shoot dry weight, grain harvest index, and nitrogen (N) harvest index are also positively associated with grain yield. These yield components and yield associated parameters are formed during crop growth cycle. Growth cycle of the rice plant is divided into three stages. These stages are designated as vegetative, reproductive and spikelet filling or ripening. Yield potential of rice is formed or defined during these growth stages. Plant height, tillering (associated with panicle number), root growth, leaf area, and morphology are the main features of vegetative growth stage. In the reproductive growth stage panicle development takes place. Booting and flowering are part of the reproductive growth stage. Panicle size or spikelets per panicle are determined in the reproductive growth stage. Spikelet size or weight is determined during the spikelet filling growth stage. The reproductive growth stage is the most sensitive to biotic and abiotic stresses, followed by spikelet filling and vegetative growth stage. Recent advances in molecular linkage maps of rice and other developments of molecular biology offer new opportunities for improving rice yield components in favor of higher yield.

The positive role of green manuring in crop production has been known since ancient time. Importance of this soil ameliorating practice is increasing in recent years because of high cost of chemical fertilizers, increased risk of environmental pollution, and need of sustainable cropping systems. Green manuring can improve soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and consequently crop yields. Furthermore, potential benefits of green manuring are reduced nitrate (NO3 −) leaching risk and lower fertilizer N requirements for succeeding crops. However, its influence may vary from soil to soil, crop to crop, environmental variables, type of green manure crop used, and its management. Beneficial effects of green manuring in crop production should not be evaluated in isolation; however, in integration with chemical fertilizers. The objective of this article is to review recent advances in green manuring practice, in the context of potential benefits and drawbacks in use of this practice for ann...

Cover crops are important components of a sustainable crop-production system in plantation crops such as cacao (theobroma cacao), coffee (Coffee arabica), oil palm (Elaeis Spp.), and banana (Musa Spp.). Optimal growth of cover crops in plantation agriculture is determined by adaptability of crop species, light intensity reaching their leaf canopies, and their nutrient-use efficiencies, including those of micronutrients. An experiment was conducted in a climatically controlled growth chamber to evaluate the influence of levels of light intensity on growth and micronutrient [boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn)] uptake parameters in legume cover crops. Two photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD, 200 and 400 μmol m−2 s−1) light treatments were imposed on nine legume species (joint vetch (Aeschynomene americana), sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), Crotalaria rchroleuca, showy crotalaria (crotalaria spectabilis), hairy indigo (Indigofera hirsute L.), lab-lab (Lablab purpureu...

A field study was conducted with the objective of determining response of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to liming and copper (Cu) fertilization applied to an Oxisol. The lime rates used were 0, 12, and 24 Mg ha−1 and Cu rates were 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, and 40 kg Cu ha−1. Liming significantly increased common bean grain yield. Liming also significantly influenced soil chemical properties in the top (0–10 cm) as well as in the sub (10–20 cm) soil layer in favor of higher bean yield. Application of Cu did not influence yield of bean significantly. Average soil chemical properties across two soil layers (0–10 and 10–20 cm) for maximum bean yield were pH 6.4, calcium (Ca), 4.2 cmolc kg−1, magnesium (Mg) 1.0 cmolc kg−1, H+Al 3.2 cmolc kg−1, acidity saturation 40.4%, cation exchange capacity (CEC) 8.9 cmolc kg−1, base saturation 63.1%, Ca saturation 45.7%, Mg saturation 18.0%, and Potassium (K) saturation 2.9.

The objective of this work was to evaluate Zn use efficiency by upland rice genotypes. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with ten upland rice genotypes grown on an Oxisol (Typic Hapludox) with no application, and with application of 10 mg kg-1 Zn, applied as zinc sulfate. Shoot dry weight, grain yield, Zn harvest index, Zn concentration in shoot and in grain were significantly influenced by soil Zn levels and genotypes. However, panicle number and grain harvest index were significantly affected only by genotype. Genotypes CNA8557, CNA8540 and IR42 produced higher grain yield than other genotypes. Genotypes showed significant variability in Zn recovery efficiency. On average, 13% of the applied Zn was recovered by upland rice genotypes. Genotypes with high Zn recovery efficiency could be used in breeding of Zn efficient upland rice cultivars. Higher level of soil Zn (10 mg kg-1) increased significantly the concentrations of plant Cu and Mn. However, Fe concentrations in plant (shoot and grain) were not influenced by soil Zn levels.

In the agricultural science, soil fertility and plant nutrition have played an important role during the 20th century in increasing crop yields. In the 21st century, importance of this field is still expanding due to the limitations of natural resources (land and water), sustainable agriculture, and concern about environmental pollution. In this context, increasing crop yields will be associated with rational use of chemical fertilizers, increasing use of organic sources of nutrients, recycling of plant available nutrients, and exploiting genetic potential of crop species or cultivars within species in efficient use of nutrients. Hence, in the future, increasing crop yields will be a challenge for agricultural and soil scientists. Conducting fertilizer field trials for adequate sources, methods, rates, timing of application along with crop species or genotypes within species, under different agroecological regions are necessary to generate data and their use for achieving maximum economic crop yields. The objective of this article is to present basic concepts and discuss methodology of soil fertility and plant nutrition research under field conditions.

Cover crops play an important role in improving productivity of subsequent row crops by improving soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. The objective of this article is to review recent advances in cover crops practice, in the context of potential benefits and drawbacks for annual crop production and sustained soil quality. Desirable attributes of a cover crop are the ability to establish rapidly under less than ideal conditions, provide sufficient dry matter or soil cover, fix atmospheric nitrogen (N), establish a deep root system to facilitate nutrient uptake from lower soil depths, produce organic matter with low‐residue carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and absence of phytoxic or allelopathic effects on subsequent crops. Cover crops can be leguminous or nonleguminous. Leguminous cover crops provide a substantial amount of biologically fixed N to the primary crop, as well as ease of decomposition due to their low C/N ratio. Legume cover crops also possess a strong ability to absorb lo...

A aplicação de calcário no Sistema Plantio Direto (SPD) ainda não é uma prática bem definida. Assim, um experimento de campo foi conduzido na Embrapa Arroz e Feijão, localizada em Santo Antônio de Goiás, GO, para avaliar os efeitos de doses de calcário aplicadas na superfície e incorporadas ao solo sobre os atributos de fertilidade do solo e produtividade do feijoeiro irrigado (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) e da soja (Glycine Max (L.) Merril). O solo da área experimental foi classificado como Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico, tendo sido cultivado anteriormente, por quatro anos, sob SPD. Foram aplicadas três doses de calcário: zero, 1/3 e 3/3 da necessidade de calcário para elevar a saturação por bases a 60%. O delineamento experimental usado foi o de blocos casualizados com três repetições e esquema de parcelas subdivididas que variou com a característica avaliada: rendimento de grãos do feijoeiro e da soja, pH, teores de H + Al, Ca e Mg e porcentagem de saturação por bases. O experimento foi conduzido de 1999 a 2001. Em 1999 e 2001 o feijão foi semeado após a soja e, em 2000, após arroz. Em novembro de 2001 foi semeada a soja. No final do experimento, foram coletadas amostras de solo para análise nas camadas de 0-10, 10-20 e 20-30 cm de profundidade. A aplicação de calcário na dose calculada para elevar a saturação por bases a 60%, independentemente do sistema de aplicação (superficial ou incorporado ao solo), aumenta o pH e eleva os teores de Ca e Mg trocáveis das camadas de 0-10 e de 10-20 cm de profundidade, após 24 meses da calagem. A ação corretiva da acidez pela calagem, é mais acentuada na camada de 0-10 cm de profundidade independentemente se incorporado ou não ao solo. A aplicação de calcário, aumenta significativamente o rendimento médio de grãos do feijoeiro irrigado e mesmo o da soja em sucessão, devido ao seu efeito residual.