O objetivo deste trabalho foi testar um manejo Alternativo em um pomar convencional de Tangerina Murcote (Citrus reticulata, Blanco X Citrus sinensis, Osbeck) enxertadas sobre limão cravo (Citrus limonia, Osbeck), com utilização de composto fermentado Bokashi, avaliando seu efeito sobre a compactação do solo, colonização radicular de fungos micorrízico arbusculares (FMA) nativos, desempenho nutricional, produção e as características tecnológicas dos frutos. O experimento foi delineado separando-se um hectare dentro de um talhão em produção, com 10 anos de idade, onde foram suspensas as aplicações de fertilizantes e defensivos químicos, inclusive os herbicidas, substituindo-os por fontes de nutrientes de baixa solubilidade, de forma que viessem incentivar as interações biológicas, em especial as associações micorrízicas. Para estimular a cobertura vegetal, foi aplicado o composto fermentado Bokashi sobre a vegetação espontânea da linha e entrelinha, procedendo-se o roço mecânico, cuja área foi denominada ‘tratamento Alternativo’. Uma área equivalente e contígua, onde os tratos culturais e fitossanitários convencionais foram mantidos, foi utilizada para fins de comparação, sendo esta denominada ‘tratamento Convencional’. Os parâmetros eleitos para comparação foram: resistência do solo à penetração, densidade radicular superficial, colonização de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares nativos, assim como a quantidade de esporos viáveis no solo, análise de conteúdo de nutriente foliar e produtividade e qualidade de fruto, sendo avaliadas 10 parcelas de 3 plantas para cada tratamento. O manejo Alternativo, com aplicação de composto fermentado Bokashi sobre a vegetação espontânea na entrelinha, propiciou maior cobertura vegetal, 107,5% a mais, avaliado em janeiro de 2005, principalmente de gramíneas, a qual reduziu a resistência do solo à penetração ao longo do experimento, denotando melhora no estado de compactação do solo em relação ao tratamento Convencional. Também, houve melhor desenvolvimento do sistema radicular superficial, maior índice de colonização radicular de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares (FMA) nativos nas plantas do tangor ‘Murcott’, em média 10% superior, e em conseqüência, maior quantidade de esporos viáveis no solo, sendo em média 23% superior ao tratamento Convencional. Em termos nutricionais, a quantidade aportada de K no tratamento Alternativo não foi suficiente para suprir adequadamente as necessidades das plantas, demonstrando que é preciso dar maior atenção a esse nutriente nas propostas alternativas de manejo para citros. O teor de B foliar se apresentou significativamente superior e em níveis crescentes ao longo do experimento, atingindo patamares 280% maiores do que o tratamento Convencional, com teores de até 161,35 mg.kg-1, resultado altamente desejável para este nutriente em citros. Apesar da redução na produtividade inicialmente, o tratamento Alternativo foi superior em massa de frutos por planta na última avaliação, em agosto de 2004, sendo 58,2 kg. planta-1 contra 42,9 kg.planta-1 do Convencional, embora o tamanho dos frutos e a acidez total tenham sido prejudicados pela deficiência do K. Isso demonstra que em pomar de idade avançada o manejo alternativo deve ser adotado de forma gradual. Em avaliações complementares foi observado que o manejo Alternativo proporcionou melhor equilíbrio na população de Orthezia praelonga, tendo 0,54% das plantas atacadas, contra 14,06% no manejo Convencional. / The objective of this study was to test an alternative management in a conventional orchard of ‘Murcott’ tangor (Citrus reticulata, Blanco X Citrus sinensis, Osbeck) grafted on rangpur lime (Citrus limonia, Osbeck) using fermented compost Bokashi, in order to evaluate its effect on soil decompaction, root colonization of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), nutritional performance, yield and technological characteristics of fruits. The experiment was set by separating one hectare plot in a ten year old yielding orchard, where chemicals fertilizers and pesticides, including herbicides, were discontinued and replacing them by sources of low solubility nutrients and alternative pest control, with the purpose to encouraging the biological interactions, mainly mycorrhizal associations. To stimulate vegetal covering, a fermented compost Bokashi was applied on the spontaneous vegetation of the row e interrow, mechanical clearing was used, and the area was designated ‘alternative treatment’. An equivalent and adjoining area, where conventional cultural and phythosanitary treatments were maintained was used for comparative purposes, and was designated ‘conventional treatment’. The parameters chosen for comparison were: soil resistance to penetration, surface root density, colonization of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, as well as amount of viable spores in the soil, analysis of foliar nutrient content, and fruit yield and quality. Ten plots of 3 plants per each treatment were evaluated. The alternative management with application of fermented compost Bokashi on the spontaneous vegetation on the interrow provided a 107.5% increase in vegetal covering, mainly grasses, measured in January 2005, which decreased soil resistance to penetration and resulted in an improvement in soil compaction state as compared with the conventional treatment. Also, there were an improved development of surface root systems, a higher rate of root colonization of indigenous arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in plants of ‘Murcott’ tangor, averaging 10% higher and, consequently, a higher amount of viable spores in the soil, an average of 23% higher than of the conventional treatment. In nutritional terms, the input of K in the alternative treatment was not enough to supply adequately the needs of the plants, indicating that more attention is required in relation to this nutrient in alternative proposals of citrus management. The foliar content of B was shown to be significantly higher and at increasing rates along the experiment, reaching levels 280% higher than those of the conventional treatment, having reached contents of up to 161.35 mg.kg-1, a highly desirable result for citrus nutrition. Despite the initial yield decrease, the alternative treatment showed a higher fruit mass per plant in the last evaluation in August 2004, i.e. 58.2 kg.plant-1 against 42.9 kg.plant-1 in the conventional treatment, even though fruit size and total acidity were impaired by K deficiency. This shows that, in older aged orchard, an alternative management should be introduced gradually. Subsequent appraisals showed that the alternative treatment provide a better equilibrium in the population of Orthezia praelonga, i.e. 0.54% of attacked plants against 14.06% in the conventional treatment.

Organic mulches and cover crops mulched in situ were assessed for their effects on B. cinerea primary inoculum and disease levels in inflorescences at flowering and/or bunches at harvest. Organic mulches were used to enhance biological degradation of vine debris to reduce levels of B. cinerea primary inoculum the following season. Four mulch types (anaerobically and aerobically fermented marc (grape pressings), inter-row grass clippings and shredded office paper) were applied under ten-year-old Riesling vines in a ten-replicate randomized block design in New Zealand over two consecutive years. Plastic mesh bags, each containing naturally infected vine debris, were placed under vines on bare ground (control) and at the soil-mulch interface, in winter (July) 2003 and 2004. In each year, half the bags were recovered at flowering (December) and the remainder at leaf plucking (February), for assessment of B. cinerea sporulation from the vine debris and debris degradation rate. Bait lamina probes, which measure soil biological activity, were placed in the soil-mulch interface three weeks before each of the two bag-recovery dates in both years and were then removed and assessed at the same times as were the bags. All mulches led to a reduction in B. cinerea sporulation. This reduction was significantly correlated with elevated rates of vine debris decomposition and increased soil biological activity. Over both years, compared with the controls, all treatments gave a 3-20-fold reduction in B. cinerea sporulation, a 1.6-2.6-fold increase in vine debris degradation and in the two marc and the paper treatments, a 1.8-4-fold increase in activity of soil organisms. The mulches also altered vine characteristics and elevated their resistance to B. cinerea through changes to the soil environment. Functional soil biological activity, as measured by Biolog Ecoplates and bait lamina probes, was increased 2-4 times in the two marc and paper treatments, compared with the control, an effect relating to the elevated soil moisture and reduced temperature fluctuations under these mulches. Soil nutrient levels and the C:N ratios were also affected in these treatments. The mulched paper lowered vine canopy density by up to 1.4 times that of the other treatments, an effect which probably led to elevated light penetration into the canopy and consequent increased canopy temperature, photosynthesis and lowered canopy humidity. These changes to soil and vine characteristics increased grape skin strength by up to 10% in the paper treatment and sugar concentrations by 1.2-1.4 °Brix in the two marc and paper treatments. The severity of B. cinerea infections in the anaerobic marc, aerobic marc and paper treatments were reduced to 12%, 3% and 2.2% of the control, respectively, in field assessments averaged over two consecutive harvests. Cover crops mulched in situ had similar effects to those of the organic mulches, increasing soil biological activity and reducing B. cinerea primary inoculum and the severity of B. cinerea infection in grapes at harvest (2006). Inter-row phacelia and ryegrass were mulched in winter 2005 and compared with a bare ground control, under 10-year-old Chardonnay vines in a ten-replicate randomized block design. Functional soil biological activity increased by 1.5-4.5 times in the two cover crop treatments compared with the control, an effect possibly related to elevated soil moisture in these treatments. This increase in soil moisture and soil biological activity increased vine debris degradation, reduced B. cinerea primary inoculum on the debris and decreased B. cinerea severity at flowering (December 2005) and harvest (April 2006). These results show the potential of organic mulches and cover crops mulched in situ to enhance soil ecosystem services and improve the sustainability of viticultural practices.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-05-15Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:40:21Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 olibone_d_dr_botfca.pdf: 1015998 bytes, checksum: d5f4ce73b35e58009ff0f4d1c12018b4 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A rotação de culturas e a manutenção de resíduos culturais sobre a superfície do solo durante parte ou todo o ano podem aumentar o potencial deste em armazenar água pelas melhorias físicas e físico-hídricas. Neste sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar o comportamento de três sistemas de rotação de culturas quanto as propriedades físicas e físico-hídricas de um Nitossolo Vermelho de textura argilosa sob Sistema de Semeadura Direta com e sem escarificação inicial. O sistema de rotação de culturas foi implantado na safra de 2005/2006 como segue: (1) milheto / soja / sorgo / milho / sorgo / soja (2) milheto / soja / Brachiaria / milho + Brachiaria / soja, e (3) milheto / soja / mamona + Brachiaria / milho + Brachiaria / Brachiaria + mamona / soja. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental Lageado (Botucatu-SP), nos anos agrícolas de 2005/2006, 2006/2007 e 2007/2008. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. Foram consideradas parcelas aquelas cultivadas em SSD com e sem escarificação, e subparcelas as cultivadas em sistemas de rotação. A escarificação do solo foi realizada inicialmente após a aplicação do corretivo de acidez no primeiro ano (08/2005). Foram coletadas amostras de raízes, tanto das espécies de cobertura como do milho e da soja, nas profundidades de 0,00-0,05, 0,05-0,10, 0,10-0,20, 0,20-0,40 e 0,40-0,60 m. As raízes das plantas de cobertura foram amostradas antes da dessecação química. Já as raízes do milho e da soja foram respectivamente amostradas na linha e na entrelinha de semeadura, quando as culturas apresentavam-se em estádio de pleno florescimento e R2. Para determinar a densidade do solo, a macroporosidade e a 2 microporosidade, a porosidade total e a curva característica da água do solo, foram coletadas...

Orientador: Marlene Cristina Alves / Resumo: A compactação do solo em sistemas plantio direto (SPD) tem comprometido a sua sustentabilidade. Para contornar esse problema, a escarificação mecânica e a manutenção da cobertura vegetal são sugeridas como práticas de manejo a fim de restabelecer as condições ideais de cultivo. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito a curto prazo da escarificação e do uso de diferentes plantas de cobertura na manutenção do SPD envolvendo as culturas do arroz de “terras altas” e feijão de “inverno”). O trabalho foi desenvolvido em Selvíria, MS em 2014/15 e 2015/16, em um Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico de textura argilosa. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados disposto em parcelas subdivididas, tendo nas parcelas as condições da superfície do solo em SPD (com e sem escarificação mecânica) e nas subparcelas as plantas de cobertura (pousio, Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria juncea, Urochloa ruziziensis (Syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis) e Pennisetum glaucum), com quatro repetições, cultivadas com arroz e feijão. Foram avaliadas as características fitotécnicas das culturas e atributos físicos e químicos do solo em quatro camadas (0 a 0,05; 0,05 a 0,10; 0,10 a 0,20 e 0,20 a 0,40 m). Realizou-se a análise de variância e teste de Tukey a 5%de probabilidade para comparação de médias. Além disso, na camada de 0 a 0,05 m do solo também foram analisadas as características das nanopartículas e nanoestruturas do solo. Para essas análises incluiu-se o solo de Cerrado remanescente para comparaçã... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Soil compaction in no-tillage systems (NTS) affects the sustainability of this management. To overcome the problem, mechanical chiseling and maintenance of the cover crop were suggested as management practices reestablishing ideal cultivation conditions. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of mechanical chiseling and the use of different cover crops in the maintenance of NTS involving as crops "dryland” rice and "winter" common bean. The experiment was conducted in Selvíria, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 growing season, on a typical clayey dystrophic Red Latosol, with experiment was evaluated in a randomized block design in split plots, with the main plots as SPD soil surface conditions (with and without mechanical chiseling) and in the subplots as cover crop (fallow, Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria juncea, Urochloa ruziziensis and Pennisetum glaucum), with four replications, cultivated with “dryland” rice and "winter" common bean. The agronomic characteristics of the crops and soil physical and chemical attributes in four layers (0 a 0.05; 0.05 a 0.10; 0.10 a 0.20 e 0.20 a 0.40 m). The analysis of variance and Tukey's test were performed at a 5% probability for comparison of average. In addition, treatments of the 0 to 0.05 m layer of the soil were also compared to the natural closed area, through the conventional chemical and physical properties and characteristics of its nanoparticles and nanostructures. F... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Submitted by EPITÁCIO JOSÉ DE SOUZA null (epitacio.agro@gmail.com) on 2018-03-15T22:10:40Z No. of bitstreams: 1 NANOTECNOLOGIA APLICADA A AVALIAÇÃO FÍSICA DE UM LATOSSOLO DE CERRADO SOB SISTEMAS DE SUCESSÃO DE CULTURAS EM PLANTIO DIRETO .pdf: 4786904 bytes, checksum: 2e74d65cc0fde9399a953d88dd0a155e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Cristina Alexandra de Godoy null (cristina@adm.feis.unesp.br) on 2018-03-16T19:38:28Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 souza_ej_dr_ilha.pdf: 4786904 bytes, checksum: 2e74d65cc0fde9399a953d88dd0a155e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-03-16T19:38:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 souza_ej_dr_ilha.pdf: 4786904 bytes, checksum: 2e74d65cc0fde9399a953d88dd0a155e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-01-18 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / A compactação do solo em sistemas plantio direto (SPD) tem comprometido a sua sustentabilidade. Para contornar esse problema, a escarificação mecânica e a manutenção da cobertura vegetal são sugeridas como práticas de manejo a fim de restabelecer as condições ideais de cultivo. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito a curto prazo da escarificação e do uso de diferentes plantas de cobertura na manutenção do SPD envolvendo as culturas do arroz de “terras altas” e feijão de “inverno”). O trabalho foi desenvolvido em Selvíria, MS em 2014/15 e 2015/16, em um Latossolo Vermelho Distrófico de textura argilosa. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos casualizados disposto em parcelas subdivididas, tendo nas parcelas as condições da superfície do solo em SPD (com e sem escarificação mecânica) e nas subparcelas as plantas de cobertura (pousio, Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria juncea, Urochloa ruziziensis (Syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis) e Pennisetum glaucum), com quatro repetições, cultivadas com arroz e feijão. Foram avaliadas as características fitotécnicas das culturas e atributos físicos e químicos do solo em quatro camadas (0 a 0,05; 0,05 a 0,10; 0,10 a 0,20 e 0,20 a 0,40 m). Realizou-se a análise de variância e teste de Tukey a 5%de probabilidade para comparação de médias. Além disso, na camada de 0 a 0,05 m do solo também foram analisadas as características das nanopartículas e nanoestruturas do solo. Para essas análises incluiu-se o solo de Cerrado remanescente para comparação com os tratamentos estudados. As nanopartículas (< 200nm) foram extraídas e caracterizadas por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET) e espectrometria de infravermelho (FTIR). Os resultados obtidos foram avaliados por meio da análise dos componentes principais e agrupamentos hierárquicos. As plantas de cobertura e a escarificação não influenciaram a produtividade do arroz de “terras altas “e do feijão de “inverno” após dois anos de cultivo. O estudo das nanopartículas e nanoestruturas mostrou-se sensível as alterações promovidas pelo uso da escarificação e das plantas de cobertura, apresentando assim potencial para ser uma ferramenta suplementar indicadora de qualidade do solo. O fósforo (P) foi o atributo químico mais influenciado pelas práticas de manejo pela sucessão com milheto (Pennisetum glaucum) sem escarificação nas duas camadas superficiais e nas demais camadas pela sucessão Urochloa ruziziensis (Syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis). Os atributos físicos e químicos do solo combinados com a caracterização de nanopartículas permitiram identificar que o milheto (Pennisetum glaucum) sem escarificação como mudanças estáveis para a manutenção do SPD. As características geométricas e químicas das nanopartículas auxiliam na identificação de mudanças causadas pelas práticas de manejos sobre os indicadores físicos e químicos da qualidade do solo. A contribuição das plantas de cobertura para a manutenção do SPD está ligada diretamente pela adição de matéria orgânica do solo (MOS). Deste modo contribuindo para as melhorias dos atributos químicos, físicos e influenciaram no comportamento das nanopartículas e nanoestrutura do solo. / Soil compaction in no-tillage systems (NTS) affects the sustainability of this management. To overcome the problem, mechanical chiseling and maintenance of the cover crop were suggested as management practices reestablishing ideal cultivation conditions. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of mechanical chiseling and the use of different cover crops in the maintenance of NTS involving as crops "dryland” rice and "winter" common bean. The experiment was conducted in Selvíria, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, during the 2014/15 and 2015/16 growing season, on a typical clayey dystrophic Red Latosol, with experiment was evaluated in a randomized block design in split plots, with the main plots as SPD soil surface conditions (with and without mechanical chiseling) and in the subplots as cover crop (fallow, Cajanus cajan, Crotalaria juncea, Urochloa ruziziensis and Pennisetum glaucum), with four replications, cultivated with “dryland” rice and "winter" common bean. The agronomic characteristics of the crops and soil physical and chemical attributes in four layers (0 a 0.05; 0.05 a 0.10; 0.10 a 0.20 e 0.20 a 0.40 m). The analysis of variance and Tukey's test were performed at a 5% probability for comparison of average. In addition, treatments of the 0 to 0.05 m layer of the soil were also compared to the natural closed area, through the conventional chemical and physical properties and characteristics of its nanoparticles and nanostructures. For these analyze the remaining Cerrado soil was included for comparison with the treatments studied. As nanoparticles (<200 nm) were extracted and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The results were evaluated by principal component analysis and hierarchical groupings. Cover crops and mechanical chiseling did not influence the yield of “dryland” rice and “winter” common bean after two years of cultivation. The study of the nanoparticles and nanostructures was sensitive to the changes promoted using mechanical chiseling and the cover crops, thus presenting potential to be a supplementary soil quality indicator tool. The phosphorus (P) was the chemical attribute most influenced by management practices by succession with pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) without mechanical chiseling in the two superficial layers and in the other layers by the succession Urochloa ruziziensis (Syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis).The physical and chemical attributes of the soil combined with the characterization of nanoparticles allowed to identify that pearl millet without mechanical chiseling as stable changes to the maintenance of NTS. The geometric and chemical characteristics of the nanoparticles assist in the identification of changes caused by the management practices on the physical and chemical indicators of soil quality. The contribution of cover crops to NTS maintenance is directly linked by the addition of soil organic matter (SOM). Thus, contributing to the improvements of the chemical and physical attributes of soil and influenced the behavior of the nanoparticles and the nanostructure of the soil. / Projeto CNPq 471052/2013-2

Orientador: Ciro Antonio Rosolem / Banca: Morel de Passos e Carvalho / Banca: Paulo Leonel Libardi / Banca: Álvaro Pires da Silva / Banca: Juliano Carlos Calonego / Resumo: A rotação de culturas e a manutenção de resíduos culturais sobre a superfície do solo durante parte ou todo o ano podem aumentar o potencial deste em armazenar água pelas melhorias físicas e físico-hídricas. Neste sentido, objetivou-se com este trabalho estudar o comportamento de três sistemas de rotação de culturas quanto as propriedades físicas e físico-hídricas de um Nitossolo Vermelho de textura argilosa sob Sistema de Semeadura Direta com e sem escarificação inicial. O sistema de rotação de culturas foi implantado na safra de 2005/2006 como segue: (1) milheto / soja / sorgo / milho / sorgo / soja (2) milheto / soja / Brachiaria / milho + Brachiaria / soja, e (3) milheto / soja / mamona + Brachiaria / milho + Brachiaria / Brachiaria + mamona / soja. O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental Lageado (Botucatu-SP), nos anos agrícolas de 2005/2006, 2006/2007 e 2007/2008. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições em esquema de parcelas subdivididas. Foram consideradas parcelas aquelas cultivadas em SSD com e sem escarificação, e subparcelas as cultivadas em sistemas de rotação. A escarificação do solo foi realizada inicialmente após a aplicação do corretivo de acidez no primeiro ano (08/2005). Foram coletadas amostras de raízes, tanto das espécies de cobertura como do milho e da soja, nas profundidades de 0,00-0,05, 0,05-0,10, 0,10-0,20, 0,20-0,40 e 0,40-0,60 m. As raízes das plantas de cobertura foram amostradas antes da dessecação química. Já as raízes do milho e da soja foram respectivamente amostradas na linha e na entrelinha de semeadura, quando as culturas apresentavam-se em estádio de pleno florescimento e R2. Para determinar a densidade do solo, a macroporosidade e a 2 microporosidade, a porosidade total e a curva característica da água do solo, foram coletadas... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Crop rotations and maintenance of plant residues on surface may improve soil physical and physical-hydraulic properties and, consequently, water storage capacity, for some months or all year long. The objective of this work was to study three different crop rotation systems and their effects on physical and physical-hydraulic properties of a clay-texture Hapludox under no tillage system, with and without previous chiseling. Crop rotations were sown in 2005/2006, as follows: (1) millet / soybean / sorghum / maize / sorghum / soybean; (2) millet / soybean / Brachiaria / maize + Brachiaria / soybean and (3) millet / soybean / castor bean + Brachiaria / maize + Brachiaria / Brachiaria + castor bean / soybean. The experiment was carried out on Lageado Experimental Farm (Botucatu-SPBrazil), in the agriculture years 2005/2006, 2006/2007 and 2007/2008. The experimental design was the completely randomized block, with subdivided plots and four replications. Main plots consisted of crops under no tillage system with and without previous chiseling. Subplots consisted of crop rotations. Chiseling was carried out right after liming in the first year (August of 2005). Cover crops, maize and soybean root samples were taken at depths of 0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.40 and 0.40-0.60 m. Cover crop roots were sampled before chemical desiccation. As for maize and soybean roots, sampling took place in the row and spacing row, at full flowering and R2 growth stage, respectively. Soil bulk density, macro and micro porosity, total porosity and the curve of soil water retention were evaluated using undisturbed samples. Volumetric cores were taken at depths of 0.00-0.05 and 0.05-0.10, and in the center of the depths 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.40 and 0.40-0.60 m. The least limit water range (LLWR) was calculated using samples taken at depths of 0.05-0.10 and... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Submitted by (lucia.rodrigues@ufrpe.br) on 2016-10-14T14:40:26Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Valdemir de Paula e Silva Junior.pdf: 1674024 bytes, checksum: fa219e683d9e8d4feb594943a85825eb (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-10-14T14:40:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Valdemir de Paula e Silva Junior.pdf: 1674024 bytes, checksum: fa219e683d9e8d4feb594943a85825eb (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-03 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Soil water content has an important role for agricultural practices, influencing water movement and storage within the soil. In semiarid regions, knowledge concerning soil water content holds great relevance, mainly due to precipitation’s high spatial-temporal variability and high evapotranspiration indices, bringing about soil water deficit. The aim of this study was to evaluate spatial and temporal stability of soil water content under different cover crop conditions and soil types, in order to identify a representative point for soil water content readings. Additionally, it was evaluated the use of infrared thermography as a tool to estimate non-saturated hydraulic conductivity at a representative watershed, located in Pesqueira, in the semiarid region of Pernambuco. A grid of points for soil water content measurement was monitored, using a capacitive probe. In the first chapter, the soil water content data was evaluated on a hillslope with six measuring points, under natural vegetation and pasture with the same type of soil (Red Yellow Ultisol). According to temporal stability concept, the technique for relative mean differences and standard deviations was applied in order to investigate the point, which is capable of representing the mean temporal behavior of the other measuring points, and the correlation among soil water content points. In the second chapter, temporal variation patterns were analyzed for seventeen soil water content points distributed along the watershed, under two different soil types: Yellow Ulitsol and Regolithic Entisol, and two cover crop conditions, being used the mean relative differences technique and correlation among points in order to validate if the stable point would be the same found for the hill experiment. In the third chapter, published in the Quantitative Infrared Thermography Journal, v.11, 2:2014, p.161-169, infrared thermography technique was used to estimate soil hydraulic conductivity. The study was performed in a laboratory of the Coimbra University, using a slope soil channel and three types of soil and a thermographic video camera to record the images. Estimated hydraulic conductivity data with the infrared thermography technique were correlated to the values obtained with the aid of a constant-head permeameter, by statistical indices and regression analysis. For the fourth chapter, the thermography technique was used under field condition to estimate non-saturated hydraulic conductivity, in the Mimoso watershed, for two soil types: Yellow Ultisol and Fluvic Entisol. Four different hydraulic heads were applied to soil surface, with three replications and seven tests for each soil type under different initial conditions of soil temperature and thermal records using a thermographic camera. Thermal records were correlated to non-saturated soil hydraulic conductivity, which presented high correlations. Water content dynamics technique allowed the identification of a point of stability in the watershed. Thermal records enabled the distinction between the studied soil types, when subjected to different hydraulic heads, being related with the respective non-saturated hydraulic conductivities. It was verified that the thermography is an innovative technique capable of estimating non-saturated hydraulic conductivity, enabling the mapping of soil surface conditions. / A umidade do solo tem grande importância para as atividades agrícolas, influenciando o movimento da água no solo e no seu armazenamento. Em regiões de clima semiárido, o conhecimento da umidade no solo tem grande relevância, principalmente por causa da grande variabilidade espacial e temporal da precipitação e dos altos índices de evapotranspiração, provocando déficit de umidade no solo. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a estabilidade temporal e espacial da umidade do solo sob diferentes condições de cobertura vegetal e tipos de solo a fim de identificar um ponto que representativo para leitura da umidade e a aplicação da termografia por infravermelho, para estimativa da condutividade hidráulica não saturada do solo em uma bacia hidrográfica representativa, localizada na região de Pesqueira, semiárido pernambucano. Foi monitorada uma rede de pontos de medição de umidade, utilizando uma sonda capacitiva. No primeiro capítulo, os dados de umidade foram avaliados em uma encosta com seis pontos de monitoramento, com cobertura de vegetação natural e pastagem paro o mesmo tipo de solo um Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo. De acordo com o conceito de estabilidade temporal, foi aplicada a técnica de diferenças relativas médias e desvios padrão, para investigar o ponto que fosse capaz de representar o comportamento temporal da média dos demais locais de monitoramento, e a correlação entre os pontos de umidade. No segundo capítulo analisaram-se os padrões de variação temporal em dezessete pontos monitorados de umidade distribuídos em escala de bacia, avaliados para dois tipos de solo: Argissolo Amarelo e Neossolo Regolítico, com duas condições de cobertura do solo, sendo aplicada a técnica de diferenças relativas médias e correlação desses pontos, validam-se o ponto estável seria o mesmo encontrado para encosta. No terceiro capítulo, publicado na revista Quantitative Infrared Thermography Journal, v.11, 2:2014, p.161-169, foi utilizada a técnica da termografia de infravermelho para estimativa da condutividade hidráulica do solo. O estudo foi realizado em laboratório na Universidade de Coimbra, utilizando um canal de terra com declividade e três tipos de solo e uma câmera de vídeo termográfica para registros das imagens. Os dados de condutividade hidráulica estimados com a técnica da termografia infravermelha foram correlacionados com os valores medidos obtidos com um permeâmetro de carga constante, por meio de índices estatísticos e análises de regressão. Para o quarto capítulo, a técnica da termografia foi utilizada em campo para estimativa da condutividade hidráulica não saturada, na bacia do Mimoso para dois tipos de solo, Argissolo Amarelo e o Neossolo Flúvico. Foram aplicadas no solo quatro cargas hidráulicas distintas na superfície do solo, com três repetições e sete ensaios em cada solo em diferentes condições iniciais de temperatura do solo e registros térmicos utilizando uma câmera termográfica. Os registros térmicos foram correlacionados com a condutividade hidráulica não saturada do solo onde apresentaram correlações elevadas. A técnica da dinâmica da umidade permitiu identificar um ponto de estabilidade na bacia. Os registros térmicos permitiram distinção no solo estudado, quando submetidos a diferentes cargas hidráulicas, estando correlacionados com as respectivas condutividades hidráulicas não saturadas. Verificou-se que termografia é uma técnica inovadora capaz de estimar características da condutividade hidráulica não saturada, possibilitando mapeamento das condições de superfície do solo.

This thesis analyses buckwheat as a cover crop in Florida. The study was designed to demonstrate: soil enrichment with nutrients, mycorrhizal arbuscular fungi interactions, growth in different soil types, temperature limitations in Florida, and economic benefits for farmers. Buckwheat was planted at the FIU organic garden (Miami, FL) in early November and harvested in middle December. After incorporation of buckwheat residues, soil analyses indicated the ability of buckwheat to enrich soil with major nutrients, in particular, phosphorus. Symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased inorganic phosphorus uptake and plant growth. Regression analysis on aboveground buckwheat biomass weight and soil characteristics showed that high soil pH was the major limiting factor that affected buckwheat growth. Spatial analysis illustrated that buckwheat could be planted in South Florida throughout the year but might not be planted in North and Central Florida in winter. An economic assessment proved buckwheat to be a profitable cover crop.

Augmenter la diversité végétale au sein même du champ permet de réguler les populations de ravageurs dans de nombreux agroécosystèmes. Les mélanges variétaux (diversité intraspécifique) ou les associations de cultures avec une plante compagne (diversité interspécifique) sont considérées comme des pratiques agroécologiques prometteuses pour les systèmes de culture à bas intrants ou l'agriculture biologique. En effet, ces pratiques favorisent de nombreux services écosystémiques tels que la régulation des ravageurs, des maladies ou des adventices, ainsi que la fertilisation azotée. Cependant, le potentiel de régulation des ravageurs du blé par la combinaison de ces deux pratiques de diversification n'a pas encore été étudié.Nous avons combiné ces deux pratiques dans le cadre d'expérimentations menées en plein champ et sur deux saisons de culture, afin d'examiner leurs impacts sur les populations de pucerons et d'ennemis naturels. Nous avons également évalué le potentiel de régulation des ravageurs en mesurant les taux de prédation de proies sentinelles.La combinaison des diversités intra- et interspécifique n'est pas plus performante pour réduire les populations de pucerons que les pratiques prises séparément. L'association de culture blé-trèfle tend à être moins infestée par les pucerons, tandis que le mélange variétal est plus infesté que la variété la moins sensible. Les variations annuelles des conditions climatiques impactent fortement le développement du blé et du trèfle, ainsi que la date d'apparition du pic de puceron. Le rendement du blé, ainsi que le taux d'azote du grain sont réduits par l'association de culture par 7 à 10%, mais pas par le mélange variétal. La présence d'un couvert de trèfle dans les champs de blé, semble avoir favorisé la biodiversité fonctionnelle, particulièrement les ennemis naturels tels que les carabes, mais pas le mélange variétal. Les résultats sont variables selon la famille d'arthropodes concernée et leur position au sein du couvert végétal (au sol ou dans le feuillage). Le couvert de trèfle et le champ ont influencé la composition de la communauté de carabes prédateurs. Les taux de prédation des proies sentinelles n'ont pas été impactés par les pratiques de diversifications.En laboratoire, nous avons évalué comment l'association du blé avec des légumineuses (trèfle ou pois) pouvait modifier le comportement du puceron du blé Sitobion avenae en terme de location de sa plante hôte et du développement de la population. Les pucerons ont résidé moins de temps sur le blé quand il était associé à du trèfle. Les populations de pucerons se sont moins développées dans les associations du blé avec une légumineuse par rapport à du blé seul, mais si l'on prend en compte la biomasse du blé, seulement l'association blé-trèfle a considérablement réduit les densités de pucerons sur le blé. Ainsi l'espèce associée et sa densité sont des paramètres importants qui devraient être pris en compte dans les études sur la diversité interspécifique, car ils pourraient expliquer la grande variation dans les résultats rapportés par les analyses bibliographiques.Nos résultats suggèrent qu'augmenter la diversité cultivée au sein du champ peut aider à réguler les pucerons dans une certaine mesure, mais la combinaison des deux pratiques de diversification ne résultent pas en un trade-off entre la régulation des ravageurs et les performances agronomiques particulièrement attractifs pour les agriculteurs. / Increasing intrafield plant diversity has been shown to regulate pest populations in various agroecosystems. Polyvarietal mixtures of a crop species (intraspecific diversity) or associations of a crop and a companion plant (interspecific diversity) are both considered as promising agroecological practices for low-input or organic agriculture systems by providing several ecosystem services such as pest, disease and weed control, and nitrogen fertilization. However, combining both diversification practices has not been studied yet in perspective of winter wheat pest control.In organic field experiments over two growing seasons, we combined both practices and examined the direct impact on aphid and natural enemy populations and on wheat production. We also investigated the potential pest regulation service through the assessment of the rate of predation by using sentinel preys.Results show that combining intra- and interspecific diversity did not outperform each practice individually in reducing aphid populations, thus not clearly showing synergetic effects. Taken separately, intercropping tended to have lower aphid infestation, while it the cultivar mixtures was more infested by aphids than the least susceptible cultivar. Yearly variation in climatic conditions strongly impacted wheat and clover development, as well as the appearance of aphid peaks. Wheat yields and grain nitrogen content were reduced in intercropping by 7 to 10%, but not in cultivar mixtures. Functional biodiversity, especially natural enemies such as ground beetles, tended to be positively correlated to the presence of a clover cover in the wheat fields (interspecific diversification), but did not respond to the wheat cultivar mixture (intraspecific diversification). Results varied according to the family of arthropods concerned and their position within the vegetation layer (ground dwelling or foliage dwelling arthropods). The cover of white clover and the field context influenced the community composition of predatory ground dwelling beetles. Rates of predation on sentinel preys were not influenced by any of the diversification practices.Under laboratory conditions, we evaluated how combining wheat and legumes (clover or pea) modifies the behaviour of the cereal aphid Sitobion avenae in terms of host-plant location, and population growth. We observed that aphids’ residence time on wheat was decreased when this host-plant was intercropped with clover. At the population level, wheat-legume intercrops reduced the number of aphids on wheat plants compared to wheat sole crops but if we take into account plant biomass, only intercropping clover with wheat significantly reduced aphid densities on wheat. The species used as non-host plants and their density are important parameters that should be taken into account in studies on intercropping systems and that may explain the large variability in the results observed in the literature.Our findings suggest that intrafield diversification may regulate wheat aphids to some extent, but combining the two diversification practices did not result in an interesting trade-off between pest regulation and wheat production in real farming conditions.

Greater projected demand for food, fuel, and fiber will require substantial increases in global agricultural production over the next three decades. Climate change is also forecasted to make weather events more extreme and variable. Efficiency will become more important as demand for food products increases and the availability of fertilizer and land decreases. Technology may be of paramount importance for pushing the boundaries of production while remaining sustainable for generations to come. The first chapter of this dissertation investigated the importance of rate and timing of the plant growth regulator trinexapac-ethyl to malting barley in Virginia. Plant growth regulators can help plants remain upright during strong winds, thereby preserving grain quality and yield. However, this study demonstrated that risks of plant injury also exist. Application should be restricted to fields with greater risk of lodging and made only after the barley crop has broken dormancy and a substantial increase in air temperature is not forecasted in the week following application. Chapter two compared the efficacy of eight vegetation indices calculated from three satellites (Landsat 8, Sentinel 2, and Planet) for estimating cover crop biomass. Cover crops can have beneficial effects on agricultural land as well as groundwater and surface water, but only when adequate biomass is established to reduce erosion and nutrient leaching. Satellite imagery was able to estimate multi-species cover crop biomass more accurately than field-based sensors, although the most accurate vegetation index was dependent upon which satellite was being tested. Chapter three investigated the potential of Arabidopsis thaliana ipk1-, a loss-of-function mutant which exhibits decreased growth at elevated phosphorus concentration, for serving as in indicator of plant available phosphorus. An indicator crop could provide greater spatial resolution compared to soil testing, as well as represent plant available nutrients as opposed to chemically extracted nutrient estimations. Plant response exhibited a quadratic relationship with media P concentration in the range of fertilizer decision making for maize, providing valuable insight for potential yield response in agricultural fields below 'very high' phosphorus concentration. / Doctor of Philosophy / Climate change, increased demand for locally sourced ingredients, and elevated pressure for environmentally responsible practices will make meeting the growing demand for food difficult for farmers to achieve over the next few decades. Similar to many other industries, implementation of advanced technology may be necessary to keep up with agricultural demand. Plant growth regulators are one such technology which when applied to plants can cause them to remain short, decreasing the chance of blowing over during windstorms. However, chapter one of this dissertation concluded that risks of plant injury also exist when applying plant growth regulator on malting barley (for brewing or distilling). Application should be restricted to fields with greater risk of wind damage (e.g. taller barley) and made only after the barley crop begins spring growth and a decrease in air temperature is not forecasted in the week following application. Chapter two compared eight spectral vegetation indices across three satellites with different image resolution for their ability to estimate cover crop biomass. Cover crops protect groundwater and surface water quality, but only when adequate growth is achieved. Satellite imagery was able to estimate multi-species cover crop biomass more accurately than field-based sensors, although the most accurate vegetation index was dependent upon which satellite was being tested. Chapter three investigated the potential of Arabidopsis thaliana ipk1-, a loss-of-function mutant which exhibits decreased growth at elevated phosphorus concentration, as in indicator of plant available phosphorus in soil. An indicator crop could help determine which areas of a field are likely to have increased crop yield if fertilized and which are not. The mutant tested could be useful as an indicator crop given its response to phosphorus concentration, warranting further research with other plant species more appropriate for field use.