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Carbon (C) substrates are critical for regulating denitrification, a process that results in nitrous oxide (N2O) and dinitrogen (N2) emissions from soil. However, the impacts of C substrates on concomitant soil emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and N2O under varying soil types and soil water contents are not well studied. Three repacked Pallic grassland soils, varying in texture and phosphorus (P) status, containing NO3−-15N were held at three levels of matric potential (ψ, −3, −5 and −7 kPa), while receiving daily substrate additions (acetate, glucose and water control) for 14 days. The CO2 and N2O emissions were measured daily. Additionally, the N2O:(N2 + N2O) ratios were determined using 15N on days 3 and 14. Results showed that N2O emissions increased exponentially as soil gas diffusivity declined, and N2O peak emissions were higher with glucose than with acetate addition, with a range (± standard deviation) of 0.1 ± 0.0 to 42.7 ± 2.1 mg N m−2 h−1. The highest cumulative N2O emission (2.5 ± 0.2 g N m−2) was measured following glucose addition with a soil ψ of −3 kPa. In comparison with added glucose, acetate resulted in a twofold increase in N2 emissions in soils with relatively low gas diffusivities. The N2O:(N2O + N2) emissions ratios varied with substrate (glucose, 0.91; acetate, 0.81) on day 3, and had declined by day 14 under substrate addition (≤0.10). Cumulative CO2 emissions were enhanced with increasing soil gas diffusivity and were higher for soils amended with glucose (ranging from 22.5 ± 1.3 to 36.6 ± 1.8, g C m−2) than for those amended with acetate. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the increase of N2O, N2 and CO2 emissions and changes in the N2O:(N2 + N2O) ratio vary over time in response to C substrate type and soil gas diffusivity. Highlights: Co-regulation of CO2 and N2O emissions was assessed for varying soil types and C substrates. Soil diffusivity explained concurrently cumulative N2O and CO2 emissions. Acetate enhanced N2O reduction to N2 in three grassland soils more than glucose. C substrate effects on soil N2O, N2 and CO2 emissions were soil type specific.

Reclaiming histosols in Montéregie region, Québec, Canada, increases peat decomposition and compaction rate and decreases the effectiveness of subsurface drainage. The objective of this paper was to use HYDRUS-2D to model the behavior of subsurface drainage systems, in order to evaluate the compaction effect on drain depth and spacing, and to determine the compact layer thickness and saturated hydraulic conductivities (Ksat) resulting in an improvement of subsurface drainage]. The drainage model was calibrated [Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) = 0.958, percent bias (PBIAS) = −0.57%] using Ksat, meteorological data, and matric potential (h) data measured on the project site from June 10 to July 19, 2017. The calibrated and validated model was used to analyze the variation of h values (Δh in cm d−1) as a function of drain spacing (2–7 m) and drain depth (1 and 1.2 m) and to identify the response surface of Δh to various compact layer thickness and Ksat combinations. The results showed that Δh was on average 58% greater below the compact layer than above it and that reducing drain spacing or increasing drain depth does not improve the drainage rate. The analysis of the compact layer thickness and Ksat effect on Δh showed that for a Δh of 40 cm d−1, Ksat actual values in the two uppermost layers should be multiplied by 50 for compact layer thickness varying from 12 to 35 cm. Water percolation in the soil is reduced by the compact layer. Soil management methods for improving Ksat should therefore be better than deepening the drains or and reducing the spacing.

The soil water retention curve (SWRC) shows the relationship between soil water (&theta, ) and water potential (&psi, ) and provides fundamental information for quantifying and modeling soil water entry, storage, flow, and groundwater recharge processes. While traditionally it is measured in a laboratory through cumbersome and time-intensive methods, soil sensors measuring in-situ &theta, and &psi, show strong potential to estimate in-situ SWRC. The objective of this study was to estimate in-situ SWRC at different depths under two different soil types by integrating measured &theta, using two commercial sensors: time-domain reflectometer (TDR) and dielectric field water potential (e.g., MPS-6) principles. Parametric models were used to quantify &theta, &mdash, &psi, relationships at various depths and were compared to laboratory-measured SWRC. The results of the study show that combining TDR and MPS-6 sensors can be used to estimate plant-available water and SWRC, with a mean difference of &minus, 0.03 to 0.23 m3m&minus, 3 between the modeled data and laboratory data, which could be caused by the sensors&rsquo, lack of site-specific calibration or possible air entrapment of field soil. However, consistent trends (with magnitude differences) indicated the potential to use these sensors in estimating in-situ and dynamic SWRC at depths and provided a way forward in overcoming resource-intensive laboratory measurements.

RESUMEN En México, el cultivo de tomate de cáscara o tomate verde (Physalis ixocarpa) se realiza en campo, en pequeñas superficies, con poca tecnificación y bajos rendimientos. Para conocer el comportamiento y aumentar su rendimiento, se evaluó el cultivo de tomate de cáscara cultivar Rendidora bajo tres estructuras de protección, con diferentes materiales de cubierta y su influencia sobre la radiación fotosintéticamente activa (RFA), la temperatura y humedad relativa del aire, el potencial mátrico del suelo, consumo de agua y rendimiento. Los materiales de cubierta fueron polietileno transparente, polietileno blanco y malla blanca tipo antiáfidos. Cada material de cubierta fue un tratamiento y el testigo sin cubierta. La densidad de siembra fue de 1,5 plantas/m2 establecidas en suelo, bajo un diseño en bloques completos al azar con cuatro repeticiones y 20 plantas por unidad experimental en cada ambiente. La cubierta de polietileno transparente aumentó la temperatura del ambiente, el potencial mátrico del suelo y disminuyó la humedad relativa, también aumentó el consumo de agua (84 L/planta/ciclo) y su eficiencia (26 L/kg fruto) así como el rendimiento (3,23 kg/planta). Se concluye que la cubierta de polietileno trasparente aumentó en 114% la eficiencia en el uso del agua y en 158% el rendimiento de tomate de cáscara cultivar Rendidora. ABSTRACT In Mexico, tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa) is cultivated in the field, in small areas with low technology and low yields. To understand the behavior of tomatillo and increase its yield, the P. ixocarpa cv. Rendidora crop was evaluated. The evaluation was done in greenhouse under three protective structures covered with different materials and their influence on the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), the temperature and relative humidity, the soil matric potential, the water consumption and yield. The greenhouse covering materials were transparent polyethylene, diffuse white polyethylene and white mesh anti-aphids. Each cover material was considered a treatment and also the control without cover. The crop density was 1.5 plants/m2 established in soil, under a complete randomized block design with four replications and 20 plants per experimental unit in each environment. The transparent polyethylene cover increased the temperature of the environment as well as the soil matric potential and decreased the relative humidity. It also increased water consumption (84 L/plant/cycle), efficiency (26 L/kg fruit), and yield (3.23 kg/plant). We concluded that the cover transparent polyethylene increased by 114% the efficiency in water use and, by 158% the fruit yield of P. ixocarpa cv. Rendidora.

Trophic interactions play a vital role in soil functioning and are increasingly considered as important drivers of the soil microbiome and biogeochemical cycles. In the last decade, novel tools to decipher the structure of soil food webs have provided unprecedent advance in describing complex trophic interactions. Yet, the major challenge remains to understand the drivers of the trophic interactions. Evidence suggests that small scale soil physical structure may offer a unifying framework for understanding the nature and patterns of trophic interactions in soils. Here, we review the current knowledge of how restrictions on soil organisms’ ability to sense and access food resources/prey inherent to soil physical structure essentially shape trophic interactions. We focus primarily on organisms unable to deform the soil and create pores themselves, such as bacteria, fungi, protists, nematodes and microarthropods, and consider pore geometry, connectivity and hydration status as main descriptors of the soil physical structure. We point that the soil physical structure appears to mostly limit the sensing and accessibility to food resources/prey, with negative effects on bottom up controls. The main mechanisms are (i) the reduced transport of sensing molecules, notably volatiles, through the soil matrix and (ii) the wide presence of refuges leading to pore size segregation of consumer/predators and food sources/prey in pores of contrasting size. In addition, variations in the connectivity of the soil pores and the water film is suggested as a central aspect driving encounter probability between consumers/predator and food source/prey and hence locally decrease or increase top-down controls. Constraints imposed by the soil physical structure on trophic interactions are thought to be major drivers of the soil diversity and local community assemblage, notably by favoring a variety of adaptations to feed in this dark labyrinth (food specialists/flexible/generalists) and by limiting competitive exclusion through limited encounter probability of consumers. We conclude with possible future ways for an interdisciplinary and more quantitative research merging soil physics and soil food web ecology.

Summary Knowing the components of a soil water balance—for example, evapotranspiration, soil water content, and precipitation—is the basis for agricultural water management. Weighing lysimeters and soil water sensors are commonly used to quantify these components. Data can be used to validate common models to estimate evapotranspiration based on meteorological data, for instance. As every measurement device has its own characteristics, it is helpful to assess and improve the performance of a system to obtain best possible data. Recent developments in the processing of lysimeter data allow determining both evapotranspiration and precipitation directly from lysimeter data. Resulting datasets are characterized by a proper accuracy, completeness, and a high temporal resolution. Soil water sensors usually measure a physical property that is related to soil water content or matric potential via a specific calibration function. Hence, measurement accuracy depends not only on this calibration but also on basic physical principles and material properties. Knowing the performance of a device is, therefore, essential for the selection of an adequate sensor arrangement and truthful data interpretation. Advanced soil water monitoring sites combine different sensor types that are integrated into a wireless network to enable real-time data availability and provide a basis for large-scale monitoring.

Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) represent an important part of the living cover in drylands worldwide. BCSs change soil hydrology due to extracellular polymeric substances (EPS)-excreting species of cyanobacteria, dominant members of dryland-BSCs. The presence of EPS allowed matric potential (Ψm) to remain unchanged down to 20% water content, whereas, without EPS, Ψm started decreasing at 80% water content. The EPS matrix improved the water retaining capacity of soil, suggesting that BSCs would delay onset of restrictive matric potential values due to its larger water holding capacity.

Highlight Using non-destructive imaging techniques and numerical modelling, we quantify differences in hydraulic and structural properties of bulk and rhizosphere soil for sand and clay loam soils., Understanding the dynamics of water distribution in soil is crucial for enhancing our knowledge of managing soil and water resources. The application of X-ray computed tomography (CT) to the plant and soil sciences is now well established. However, few studies have utilized the technique for visualizing water in soil pore spaces. Here this method is utilized to visualize the water in soil in situ and in three-dimensions at successive reductive matric potentials in bulk and rhizosphere soil. The measurements are combined with numerical modelling to determine the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity, providing a complete picture of the hydraulic properties of the soil. The technique was performed on soil cores that were sampled adjacent to established roots (rhizosphere soil) and from soil that had not been influenced by roots (bulk soil). A water release curve was obtained for the different soil types using measurements of their pore geometries derived from CT imaging and verified using conventional methods, such as pressure plates. The water, soil, and air phases from the images were segmented and quantified using image analysis. The water release characteristics obtained for the contrasting soils showed clear differences in hydraulic properties between rhizosphere and bulk soil, especially in clay soil. The data suggest that soils influenced by roots (rhizosphere soil) are less porous due to increased aggregation when compared with bulk soil. The information and insights obtained on the hydraulic properties of rhizosphere and bulk soil will enhance our understanding of rhizosphere biophysics and improve current water uptake models.

International audience; The characterization of vadose zone processes is a primary goal for understanding, predicting, and managing water resources. In this study, the issue of soil water monitoring on a vertical profile in the small forested Strengbach catchment (France) is investigated using numerical modeling with the long-term sequences 1D-Richards' equation and parameter estimation through an inverse technique. Three matric potential sensors produce the observation data, and the meteorological data is monitored using an automatic weather station. The scientific questions address the selection of the calibration sequence, the initial starting point for inverse optimization and monitoring frequency used in the inverse procedure. As expected, our results show that the highly variable data period used for the calibration provides better estimations when simulating the long-term sequence. For the starting point of the initial parameters, handmade iterative initial parameters estimation leads to better results than a laboratory analysis or set of ROSETTA parameters. Concerning the frequency of monitoring, weekly and daily datasets provide efficient results compared to hourly data. As reported in other articles, the accuracy of the boundary conditions is important for estimating soil hydraulic parameters and accessing water stored in the layered profile.

The least limiting water range (LLWR) has been used as an indicator of soil physical quality as it represents, in a single parameter, the soil physical properties directly linked to plant growth, with the exception of temperature. The usual procedure for obtaining the LLWR involves determination of the water retention curve (WRC) and the soil resistance to penetration curve (SRC) in soil samples with undisturbed structure in the laboratory. Determination of the WRC and SRC using field measurements (in situ ) is preferable, but requires appropriate instrumentation. The objective of this study was to determine the LLWR from the data collected for determination of WRC and SRC in situ using portable electronic instruments, and to compare those determinations with the ones made in the laboratory. Samples were taken from the 0.0-0.1 m layer of a Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Oxisol). Two methods were used for quantification of the LLWR: the traditional, with measurements made in soil samples with undisturbed structure; and in situ , with measurements of water content (θ), soil water potential (Ψ), and soil resistance to penetration (SR) through the use of sensors. The in situ measurements of θ, Ψ and SR were taken over a period of four days of soil drying. At the same time, samples with undisturbed structure were collected for determination of bulk density (BD). Due to the limitations of measurement of Ψ by tensiometer, additional determinations of θ were made with a psychrometer (in the laboratory) at the Ψ of -1500 kPa. The results show that it is possible to determine the LLWR by the θ, Ψ and SR measurements using the suggested approach and instrumentation. The quality of fit of the SRC was similar in both strategies. In contrast, the θ and Ψ in situ measurements, associated with those measured with a psychrometer, produced a better WRC description. The estimates of the LLWR were similar in both methodological strategies. The quantification of LLWR in situ can be achieved in 10 % of the time required for the traditional method. O intervalo hídrico ótimo (IHO) tem sido utilizado como indicador de qualidade física do solo por representar em um único parâmetro as propriedades físicas diretamente ligadas com o crescimento de plantas, exceto a temperatura. O procedimento usual para obter o IHO envolve a determinação, em amostras com estrutura preservada e em laboratório, da curva de retenção de água (CRA) e da curva de resistência do solo à penetração (CRS). A determinação da CRA e CRS utilizando medições realizadas no campo (in situ ) é preferível, mas exige instrumentação apropriada. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram determinar o IHO a partir de dados coletados para obter a CRA e CRS in situ, utilizando instrumentos eletrônicos portáteis, e comparar essas com determinações feitas em laboratório. As amostragens foram realizadas na camada de 0,0-0,1 m de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. Foram utilizados dois métodos de quantificação do IHO: o tradicional, com medições realizadas em amostras de solo com estrutura preservada e in situ , com medições do conteúdo de água (θ), do potencial mátrico (Ψ) e da resistência do solo à penetração (RP) por meio de sensores. As medições in situ de θ, Ψ e RP foram realizadas durante um perνodo de quatro dias de secamento do solo. Concomitantemente, foram tomadas amostras com estrutura preservada para a determinação da densidade do solo (Ds). Em razão dos limites de medida do Ψ pelo tensiômetro, foram realizadas determinações adicionais do conteúdo de água no Ψ de -1500 kPa com um psicrômetro (em laboratório). Os resultados evidenciaram que é possível determinar o IHO a partir de medições de θ, Ψ e RP, usando a abordagem e instrumentaηão sugeridas. A qualidade do ajuste da CRS foi semelhante nas duas estratégias. No entanto, as medições de θ e Ψ in situ , associadas àquelas realizadas com psicrômetro, produziram melhor descrição da CRA. As estimativas do IHO foram semelhantes nas duas estratégias metodológicas. A quantificação do IHO in situ pode ser realizada com redução de 90 % do tempo em relação ao método tradicionalmente utilizado.

Soil moisture sensors can help to reduce the amount of water needed for irrigation. In this paper we describe the PlantCare soil moisture sensor as a new type of heat dissipation sensor, its calibration and the correction for temperature changes. With the PlantCare sensor it is possible to measure the matric potential indirectly to monitor or control irrigation. This sensor is based on thermal properties of a synthetic felt. After a defined heating phase the cooling time to a threshold temperature is a function of the water content in the synthetic felt. The water content in this porous matrix is controlled by the matric potential in the surrounding soil. Calibration measurements have shown that the sensor is most sensitive to −400 hPa and allows lower sensitivity measurements to −800 hPa. The disturbing effect of the temperature change during the measurement on the cooling time can be corrected by a linear function and the differences among sensors are minimized by a two point calibration.

International audience; In greenhouses, reducing water consumption by increasing water efficiency is of high interest. To reach this goal, predictive models of soil-plant-atmosphere water transfer could be helpful. However, such models have been mainly developed for open field conditions, and very few models exist for greenhouse plants grown in pots. Moreover, most of these models were implemented under well-watered conditions, but very few are available under water restriction. The aim of this study is to develop an integrated soil-plant-atmosphere water balance model applied to potted plants grown in greenhouses, to predict plant transpiration under different restrictive irrigation regimes. Implementing such a model requires an accurate estimation of stomatal resistance Rs under water restriction conditions. Rs is then used in the Penman-Monteith model to evaluate transpiration. To establish the model parameters, an experiment was conducted for sixteen weeks inside a greenhouse with ornamental plants (New Guinea Impatiens) grown in containers on shelves. Well-watered and water restriction conditions were applied. The peat matric potential, radiation, temperature and humidity were continuously recorded, while Rs was measured and transpiration was assessed every half-hour from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm 10, 11, 12, 14, and 16 weeks after planting. The resulting model was first validated against experimental measurements during the twelfth week of the experiment. It displayed good correlations for both the instantaneous data and integrated total transpiration. Different scenarios of irrigation reduction (frequency x volume) were tested and the results indicated real potential for water use reduction. Indeed, by reducing water application by 50% and by applying one irrigation per day, transpiration was not affected

Avaliou-se a distribuição de raízes do tomateiro e a variabilidade horizontal do potencial matricial (psim) e da condutividade elétrica da solução em substratos, de fibra de coco verde, casca de arroz carbonizada, maravalha carbonizada e comercial, acondicionados em sacos de plástico do tipo bisnaga. Cada planta foi irrigada por um único gotejador, posicionado a 7 cm da mesma. Maior concentração de raízes e menores valores de psim, sob condições de déficit hídrico temporário, ocorreram junto às plantas, nos substratos de fibra de coco e casca de arroz, e junto aos gotejadores, nos de maravalha e comercial. A baixa concentração de raízes entre um gotejador e a planta subseqüente, irrigada por outro emissor, ocorreu, provavelmente, pela alta condutividade elétrica da solução do substrato nessa região (até 8,3 dS m-1). As correlações entre concentração de raízes versus psim e concentração de raízes versus condutividade foram significativas para todos os substratos. A avaliação da variabilidade do psim nos substratos, em plantas submetidas a déficit hídrico, permitiu avaliar qualitativamente a distribuição do sistema radicular do tomateiro, de forma mais prática que pelo método direto. Para fins de manejo da água, recomenda-se instalar os sensores de umidade entre a planta e seu respectivo gotejador. The distribution of tomato rooting system and horizontal variability of matric potential (psim) and electrical conductivity of the solution were evaluated on green coconut fiber, carbonized rice husk, carbonized coarse sawdust and commercial substrates packed in plastic bags. Each plant was irrigated by a single dripper, set up 7 cm apart. Higher root concentrations and lower psim, under temporary water deficit conditions, occurred close to the plant for coconut fibers and rice husk, and close to the dripper for coarse sawdust and commercial substrates. The lower root concentration between a dripper and the following plant, irrigated by another emitter, occurred probably due to the high electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution in that zone (up to 8.3 dS m-1). Correlations between root concentration versus Ym and root concentration versus electrical conductivity were significant for all substrates. Evaluation of psim variability on substrates for plants exposed to water deficit allowed a qualitative estimation of the root system distribution of tomato crop, easier than the direct method. For irrigation scheduling purpose, moisture sensors should be placed between the plant and its respective dripper.

WOS:000324300700004; International audience; Little is known about the factors that regulate C mineralisation at the soil pore scale or how these factors vary throughout the pore network. This study sought to understand how the decomposition of organic carbon varies within the soil pore network and to determine the relative importance of local environmental properties relative to biological properties as controlling factors. This was achieved by sterilising samples of soil and reinoculating them with axenic bacterial suspensions using the matric potential to target different locations in the pore network. Carbon mineralisation curves were described with two-compartment first-order models to distinguish CO2 derived from the labile organic carbon released during sterilisation from CO2 derived from organic C unaffected by sterilisation. The data indicated that the size of the labile pool of organic C, possibly of microbial origin, varied as a function of location in the pore network but that the organic carbon unaffected by sterilisation did not. The mineralisation rate of the labile C varied with the bacterial type inoculated, but the mineralisation rate of the organic C unaffected by sterilisation was insensitive to bacterial type. Taken together, the results suggest that microbial metabolism is a less significant regulator of soil organic carbon decomposition than are microbial habitat properties.

O método mais tradicional para determinação da curva de retenção de água no solo emprega a câmara de pressão de Richards. Por questões práticas, a busca por métodos alternativos ao de Richards, financeiramente mais acessíveis e menos morosos, faz-se interessante. Diante disso, desenvolveu-se o presente trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar o uso do método do papel-filtro. Para isso, realizou-se inicialmente coleta, caracterização física e preparo de amostras indeformadas de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico e ensaio em câmara de Richards, utilizando pressões de 0, 10, 30, 60, 100, 300, 500, 1000 e 1500 kPa. No ensaio com o papel-filtro, mediu-se o potencial matricial da água em amostras cujas umidades foram previamente estabelecidas, utilizando-se curva de calibração adequada. Os ensaios resultaram em pontos de pressão versus umidade, que foram ajustados pelo modelo de van Genuchten, utilizando o programa RETC. Realizou-se uma análise comparativa de valores de umidade volumétrica estimados pelo modelo ajustado nos ensaios com o papel-filtro com a curva de retenção ajustada obtida pela câmara de Richards. Por meio dessa comparação, verificou-se a aplicabilidade do método do papel-filtro para determinação da curva de retenção de água no solo agrícola utilizado. The most traditional method to determine the soil-water retention curve is based on the Richards' pressure plate apparatus. For practical reasons, cheaper and faster alternatives to the Richards' apparatus are needed. Therefore, this study evaluated the use of the filter paper method. Initially, an Oxisol was sampled and physically characterized. Undisturbed soil samples were prepared and tested in Richards' chamber, at pressures of 0, 10, 30, 60, 100, 300, 500, 1,000 and 1,500 kPa. In the filter paper test, the water matric potential was measured in samples for which moisture levels had been determined by an appropriate calibration curve. The tests obtained pressure versus moisture points that were adjusted by the van Genuchten model, using the RETC program. A comparative analysis of the soil moisture values estimated by the model adjusted in the filter paper test and the adjusted retention curve obtained by the Richards' apparatus was performed. Results allowed the conclusion that the filter paper method is suited to determine the water retention curve of the agricultural soil studied.

Compaction of tilled layers under the single effect of rainfall or irrigation was called slumping. Slumping affects strongly root development and plant biomass production. It has been observed in different soil types, but sandy soils appear particularly prone to this physical degradation. Our objectives in this study were (i) to measure in the field the changes in soil structure and water status simultaneously, (ii) to study the effects of rainfall and management practices on slumping, and (iii) to propose a conceptual model for sandy soil slumping. An experimental site was selected in Northeast Thailand and we studied the effect of tillage depth and initial water content on slumping dynamic. Plots (9 m × 15 m each) were tilled at (i) two depths (20 and 40 cm, called S and D respectively) in dry conditions, (ii) at 20 cm depth in dry or wet conditions (called Y and W respectively). These plots were submitted to natural rainfall for 20 or 61 days to get different total rainfall amounts (114 and 212 mm respectively). In addition, smaller plots (0.24 m 2 each) were used for experimental flooding irrigation (similar to measured rainfalls, i.e. 100 and 200 mm). Soil bulk density, soil surface elevation, soil water content and matric potential were measured. A decrease in soil elevation was observed in all treatments. In the absence of erosion it was interpreted as a loss of porosity which resulted from slumping. Bulk density increased in all layers of the tilled profile (from 1.38 to 1.57 g cm −3 ). In the surface layer (0–5 cm) this increase was systematically higher compared to deeper layer. No significant difference in final bulk density was found between the S and W treatments, and between the Y and W treatments. Bulk density increased more rapidly in the Y and W treatments than in the S and D treatments, even though the cumulative rainfall was lower. After the flooding experiments, bulk density was higher than after natural rainfall despite similar amounts of water added to the soil.

The functional relation between the decline in the rate of a physiological process and the magnitude of a stress related to soil physical conditions is an important tool for uses as diverse as assessment of the stress-related sensitivity of different plant cultivars and characterization of soil structure. Two of the most pervasive sources of stress are soil resistance to root penetration (SR) and matric potential (ψ). However, the assessment of these sources of stress on physiological processes in different soils can be complicated by other sources of stress and by the strong relation between SR and ψ in a soil. A multivariate boundary line approach was assessed as a means of reducing these complications. The effects of SR and ψ stress conditions on plant responses were examined under growth chamber conditions. Maize plants (Zea mays L.) were grown in soils at different water contents and having different structures arising from variation in texture, organic carbon content and soil compaction. Measurements of carbon exchange (CE), leaf transpiration (LT), plant transpiration (PT), leaf area (LA), leaf + shoot dry weight (LSDW), root total length (RTL), root surface area (RSA) and root dry weight (RDW) were determined after plants reached the 12-leaf stage. The LT, PT and LA were described as a function of SR and ψ with a double S-shaped function using the multivariate boundary line approach. The CE and LSDW were described by the combination of an S-shaped function for SR and a linear function for ψ. The root parameters were described by a single S-shaped function for SR. The sensitivity to SR and ψ depended on the plant parameter. Values of PT, LA and LSDW were most sensitive to SR. Among those parameters exhibiting a significant response to ψ, PT was most sensitive. The boundary line approach was found to be a useful tool to describe the functional relation between the decline in the rate of a physiological process and the magnitude of a stress related to soil physical conditions. Fil: Imhoff, Silvia del Carmen. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral. Universidad Nacional del Litoral. Instituto de Agrobiotecnología del Litoral; Argentina Fil: Kay, B. D.. University of Guelph; Canadá Fil: da Silva, A. Pires. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Hajabbasi, M. A.. Isfahan University of Technology; Irán

O cultivo intensivo dos solos das regiões tropicais e subtropicais somente torna se viável dentro do contexto de uma agricultura sustentável através do uso de tecnologias apropriadas que assegurem uma eficiência produtiva, sem degradação do solo. O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar in situ os efeitos da escarificação na condutividade hidráulica saturada de um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico sob plantio direto por mais de vinte anos. A condutividade hidráulica saturada do solo escarificado aumentou de forma significativa em 1,45 10-5m s-1, porém um ano após essa escarificação, esse ganho foi reduzido para 0,48 10-5m s-1 e não mais diferiu do solo sob plantio direto contínuo. Intensive soil cultivation in tropical and subtropical regions is only viable within the context of the sustainable agriculture that ensures appropriated technologies that assures productive efficiency without soil degradation. The present in situ study was carried out to determine the effect of the soil scarification in the saturated hydraulic conductivity in a dystrophic Red Latosol (Oxisol) under no-tillage systems for 20 years. The results showed that the study of hydraulic conductivity in the soil under no-tillage system was significantly affected in 1.45 10-5m s-1 after soil scarification, but a year later this gain was greatly reduced for 0.48 10-5m s-1.

A produtividade das culturas agrícolas, associada às condições climáticas e edáficas, depende da disponibilidade de água e nutrientes no solo em época e quantidades apropriadas. A falta ou excesso de água no solo são fatores limitantes ao crescimento vegetal e podem diminuir a produtividade. Portanto, estudos que levem a um melhor entendimento de como a água se comporta na zona radicular de uma cultura agrícola no campo são de importância indiscutível ao adequado manejo agrícola. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar o método do balanço de água no solo aplicado ao volume de solo explorado pelo sistema radicular de uma planta de citros, considerando cinco profundidades de solo e cinco distâncias horizontais do tronco em duas direções a partir do tronco (uma ao longo e outra perpendicular à linha de plantas) e, então, verificar a contribuição de cada uma das camadas de solo avaliadas à evapotranspiração real da planta. O experimento foi realizado num Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico argissólico em um pomar de citros, no município de Piracicaba (SP), durante dois períodos, um seco (40 dias) e um chuvoso (37 dias). Para atender ao objetivo proposto, um conjunto de 25 tensiômetros (cinco profundidades x cinco distâncias do tronco) foi instalado ao longo da linha e um outro, idêntico, perpendicular à linha, em direção à entrelinha. A armazenagem foi calculada a partir das leituras dos dois conjuntos de 25 tensiômetros cujos potenciais mátricos determinados foram convertidos em umidades volumétricas pelas curvas de retenção da água no solo. A drenagem interna e a ascensão capilar foram estimadas a partir das leituras diárias dos tensiômetros e da função K(fim) (condutividade hidráulica em função do potencial mátrico), por meio da equação de Darcy-Buckingham. Esta função K(fim) para cada profundidade foi determinada pelo método do perfil instantâneo realizado em área adjacente. A precipitação pluvial foi medida por pluviômetro com aquisição automática de dados instalado na área. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o método do balanço de água proposto foi adequado para avaliar quanto cada camada de solo da zona radicular da planta contribuiu para o consumo total de água (evapotranspiração real) da planta, nos dois períodos estudados. Nesse sentido, a camada de 0,00 a 0,60 m de profundidade mostrou ser a que a planta deva apresentar maior volume de raízes ativas, de acordo com sua maior contribuição ao consumo de água pela planta. Crop yields, associated to weather and soil conditions, depend on the availability of water and nutrients in the soil at the appropriate time and amounts. Lack and excess of water in the soil are limiting factors for plant growth and can reduce the productivity. Therefore, studies leading to a better understanding of how water behaves within the root zone of a field crop are of unquestionable importance for an adequate agricultural management. Objectives of this study were the evaluation of the methodology of soil water balance applied to the soil volume used by the root system of a citrus plant, considering five soil depths and five horizontal distances from the stem in two directions from the stem (one along and the other perpendicular to the plant row); and second, to verify the contribution of each evaluated soil layer to the actual plant evapotranspiration. The experiment was carried out on an Oxisol with a citrus orchard in Piracicaba, state of São Paulo, Brazil, during 40 days (dry period) and 37 days (rainy period). To attain the goal set, two sets of 25 tensiometers (5 depths x 5 distances from the stem) were installed: one along the plant row and the other perpendicular to it. Water storage was calculated from the readings of the two tensiometer sets whose matric potentials were converted into volumetric soil water contents by the respective soil water retention curve. The internal drainage and the capillary rise were determined by the Darcy-Buckingham equation through daily readings of the installed tensiometers and by the function K(phim) (hydraulic conductivity in function of the matric potential). The soil hydraulic conductivity for each depth was determined by the instantaneous profile method in an adjacent area. A rain gauge with automatic data acquisition installed in the area measured the rain. The obtained results allowed the conclusion that the proposed soil water balance methodology adequately evaluated how each soil layer of the plant root zone contributed to the total plant water use (actual plant evapotranspiration) in the two studied periods. In this sense, the 0.00 to 0.60 m soil layer should be the one in which citrus should have the greatest volume of active roots since the contribution of this layer to the plant water use was the highest.

As variabilidades de medidas de potencial mátrico da água no solo e de gradiente de potencial hidráulico são analisadas utilizando conceitos geoestatísticos e estatística da distribuição normal. São analisados 25 pares de dados, coletados ao longo de uma transecção de terra roxa estruturada, de 125 m de comprimento. Autocorrelogramas e semivariogramas não indicaram dependência espacial nas variáveis estudadas. A variabilidade do potencial mátrico da água no solo, medida através de tensiômetros, é menor do que a variabilidade do gradiente de potencial hidráulico. Este último apresentou alta variabilidade, a ponto de comprometer seu uso em estimativas de fluxos de água no solo. Variabilities of soil water matric potential and of hydraulic gradients are analysed using geostatistical concepts and normal distribution statistics. Twenty five data pairs, collected along a 125 m transect of a dark red latosol (terra roxa estruturada) are analysed using autocorrelograms and semivariograms. No spatial dependence was found for both variables. The variability of soil water matric potential, measured by tensiometry, is less than the variability of hydraulic gradients. This last variable presented a high variability, to the point of compromising its use in soil water flux estimatives.