The pursuit of agricultural sustainability is necessary to ensure global food security into the future. To achieve sustainability, production systems around the world use different approaches. Utilizing several biological and physical indicators, this study investigates two agricultural production systems and assesses how management has affected the long-term health and sustainability of the soils. The first study assessed the effect of variable intensities of tillage on three Saskatchewan soils under low-disturbance (LD) management for the ten years prior to tillage. The soils represented were in the Grey, Black and Brown soils zones at sites located near Tisdale, Rosthern and Central Butte, Saskatchewan, respectively. A completely randomized block design utilized four treatments of varying tillage intensity. Samples were taken in spring before planting and after harvest at all sites. The soils were analyzed for microbial indicators of health by assessing dehydrogenase, urease, protease, and alkaline phosphatase activities. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and microbial quotient nitrogen (MQN) also were analyzed. Traditional soil nutrient and physical parameters were measured. The tillage intensities affected each parameter differently likely due to the differences in litter quality at each site. The high intensity tillage treatment decreased dehydrogenase activity at Tisdale at May, while in Rosthern dehydrogenase activity was increased in the moderate intensity tillage treatment and decreased by the high intensity tillage treatment. At Central Butte no effect was detected until October when dehydrogenase activity was increased by the low and moderate tillage intensity treatments. Protease and urease activities were affected at Rosthern only where the moderate intensity tillage treatment decreased activity relative to the control treatment. Soil physical parameters were not affected by tillage intensity; however nutrient levels were impacted by the increasing tillage intensity. Specifically, NO3- was reduced at Tisdale and was increased at Rosthern. Phosphate levels were reduced by the high tillage intensity in Rosthern whereas, with increasing tillage, the opposite occurred at Tisdale and Central Butte. The responses were strongly influenced by site characteristics, especially soil zone, organic matter content and surface litter abundance and quality. These effects were short-term, having no long-term impact on the agricultural sustainability or health of the soil, although knowledge of litter condition and quality is agronomically beneficial in order to predict soil responses to intense tillage events. iii The second part of the study was to assess the success of grass terraces on preserving the soil health of hillslope farm plots with Oxisolic soils in southern Ethiopia. Soil erosion has a devastating impact on hillslope agriculture in Ethiopia causing severe land degradation. An adjacent terraced and unterraced hillslope was chosen and sampled, along with a second unterraced slope for comparison. These soils were analyzed for dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and urease activities, as well as total C and total N. The plots above the terraces [terraced upper and unterraced upper] had higher urease activities than the plots below [terraced lower and unterrraced lower]. The impact of a vegetative strip that had formed a terrace 20 years ago was still evident in consistently higher alkaline phosphatase, urease, and dehydrogenase activities than the other plots. Simple methods of erosion prevention on erosion prone hill-slopes indicated that vegetative strips leading to terracing have a positive effect on soil health and functionality, promoting the long-term agricultural productivity and sustainability of these landscapes.

The structure and function of microbial communities are critical to the maintenance and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystem processes. Consequently, there is substantial interest in assessing how microbial communities respond to various land management practices, and if alterations to the characteristics of microbial communities has the potential to disrupt ecosystem processes. This thesis was conducted to identify the long term effects of fertilisation and different levels of post-harvest organic matter removal on the characteristics of the FH litter and soil microbial communities in six, second rotation Pinus radiata plantation forests located around New Zealand. The six sites, established between 1986 and 1994, were sampled in 2002 and 2003. Various physical and chemical properties of the sites were measured, and litterfall production was determined. The microbial biomass in the FH litter layer and soil was determined by chloroform fumigation-extraction, and Biolog plates were used to assess the relative differences in microbial community diversity, based on patterns of substrate utilisation. Fertilisation substantially altered the physical and chemical properties of the forest floor, including FH litter moisture content, mass, carbon content, nitrogen content and carbon: nitrogen ratio and soil pH, nitrogen content and carbon: nitrogen ratio. The same range of FH litter and soil properties were also significantly changed by different levels of organic matter removal. The biomass and diversity of the FH litter and soil microbial communities were significantly altered by fertilisation and organic matter removal, and the differences in the microbial community characteristics were significantly correlated to the effects of the fertilisation and organic matter removal treatments on the physical and chemical environment in the majority of cases. The physical and chemical properties of the sites were significantly correlated to estimates of wood production, and it was also found that the characteristics of the microbial community were strongly related to productivity at several sites. The results demonstrated that fertilisation and organic matter removal regimes have had long term effects on the microbial communities at the sites. The persistence of the effects of the organic matter removal treatments were particularly noteworthy, as these treatments were applied at site establishment, and despite no subsequent reinforcement over the life of the trials, were still substantially influencing the physical, chemical and microbiological properties of the FH litter and soil up to 17 years later. The results of this thesis also emphasised the value of long-term experiments in assessing the effects of disturbance on the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of forest ecosystems. Further research into the specific nature of the relationship between site productivity and microbial community characteristics was suggested as an important focus for future studies.

Abstract In northernmost Fennoscandia, grazing by reindeer (Rangifer tarandus L.) has a substantial impact on the vegetation of boreal forests and arctic-alpine tundra heaths, which are reflected in below-ground processes, such as nutrient mineralization and soil organic matter decomposition. In the present thesis, the effects of reindeer grazing on soil nutrient cycling were studied by comparing grazed situation with an ungrazed control area in ten boreal forests and six arctic-alpine tundra heaths. In boreal forests, reindeer grazing reduced microbial respiration in both the oligotrophic and mesotrophic study areas, indicating a deficiency of labile substrates for the soil microbes due to reindeer grazing. Simultaneously, there was heterogeneity in the impact on nitrogen mineralization rates as at some sites, mineralization was enhanced by grazing. The fertilization effect of urine and faeces can therefore be strong enough a factor to outweigh a reduction in quality of soil organic matter. In the oligotrophic forests, low soil moisture content in the grazed areas could sometimes limit the mineralization rates even when the potential for mineralization was enhanced by grazing. In the tundra ecosystems, there was spatial variation in the impact of grazing on microbial respiration and nitrogen mineralization. Low grazing intensity occurring outside the growing season had a retarding impact on nutrient cycling in both unfertilized, nutrient-poor and fertilized, nutrient-rich conditions. In contrast, a relatively high grazing intensity enhanced the mineralization rates in two nutrient-poor and two nutrient-rich tundra heaths. When three different grazing intensities were compared in one oceanic, nutrient-rich and one continental, nutrient-poor tundra heath, the strongest positive effect of grazing on soil nutrient cycling occurred in the heavily grazed areas. The data do not support the assumption that soil nutrient availability regulates whether herbivores enhance or retard nutrient cycling in the soil. Instead, the net effect of grazing is determined by the balance between the underlying mechanisms that may work at opposite directions. The most important of these mechanisms are the grazer-mediated impact on the decomposability of the dominant vegetation and fertilization by urine and faeces. The duration, intensity and seasonal timing of the grazing seem to be important factors that regulate whether reindeer grazing enhances or retards soil nutrient cycling in each specific area. Due to the high spatial and temporal variation in the effects of grazing observed in this study, it is not possible to generalize the overall impact of grazing. Further study is required in order to determine the exact conditions under which grazing enhances or it retards soil nutrient cycling.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Horticulture, Forestry, and Recreation Resources / Edward E. Carey / A series of four investigations was conducted from 2005 to 2007 focusing on vegetable or high tunnel production. In the first study (chapters 1 & 2), the effect of high tunnels on soil quality was investigated. Grower perceptions of soil quality were assessed from 81 responses to a questionnaire. Indicators of soil quality were evaluated at two KSU research centers. Soil quality was then quantified in high tunnels and adjacent fields at 79 farms, where high tunnels ranged in age from two to fifteen years. Particulate organic carbon as a fraction of soil total carbon was used as an indicator of soil quality. At 80 % of locations, particulate organic matter carbon was greater under high tunnels than adjacent fields. Soil quality was not adversely affected by the continuous presence of high tunnel covering. Management and cropping history in high tunnels was also collected and reported as this information is of interest to growers and the universities and agricultural industries that serve them. Tomato was the most common high tunnel crop. It was grown by 86 % of survey respondents in the previous four year period. Organic soil amendments were applied by 89 % of growers; 35 % use organic soil amendments exclusively. In the second study (chapter 3), two microbial tea solutions were applied to collard green (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala cv. Top Bunch) or spinach (Spinacea oleracea L. cv. Hellcat) crops at Olathe and Haysville, Kansas, without significant effects on crop yield or soil microbial biomass. Finally, preliminary results from two studies were formatted for reporting as extension publication (chapters 4 and 5). Autumn production, over-wintering, and spring bolting were assessed for 26 spinach cultivars in a 3-season multi-bay Haygrove high tunnel. Also, the effect of autumn planting date on harvest date and yield was observed for two spinach cultivars (cv. Avenger and PVO172) planted on six dates in October and November, under high tunnels at Olathe, Kansas. Spinach planted in the first half of October was harvested in the winter, without loss of spring yield for both cultivars.

No description available.

A dinâmica ambiental possui capacidade limitada de reciclagem e a crescente utilização resíduos agroindustriais, especialmente na agricultura, pode levar a situações de poluição do solo e demais componentes ambientais. A manutenção da produtividade de ecossistemas agrícolas e naturais depende do processo de transformação da matéria orgânica e, por conseguinte, da biomassa microbiana do solo, e que é responsável pela decomposição e mineralização de resíduos no mesmo. A dinâmica natural dos microrganismos do solo, em constante mudança e adaptação, os torna um indicador sensível às mudanças resultantes de diferentes práticas de manejo agrícola. Sendo assim, conhecer essas alterações e suas interferências é fundamental para identificar estratégias adequadas de manejo, apontando técnicas de utilização adequadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de um solo agrícola, cultivado com três variedades de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.), comparando a utilização de adubação mineral frente à utilização de fertilizante orgânico composto no período final de formação dos perfilhos (120 dias após o plantio). Foi implantado, em condições de campo, o cultivo de cana-de-açúcar (cana planta), utilizando as variedades RB 867515, RB 962869 e RB 855453, onde cada variedade foi cultivada de três formas distintas, sendo elas: plantio controle (CT) sem aplicação de insumos para adubação; plantio orgânico (OG) com aplicação de fertilizante orgânico; e plantio convencional (CV) com aplicação de adubação mineral, seguindo recomendações de adubação após análise química inicial do solo local. Cada parcela possuía 37 m2, com 5 sulcos de 5,0 m de comprimento e espaçamento de 1,5 m entrelinhas, sendo os três sulcos centrais formando a área útil. De acordo com a variedade e o tipo de adubação, foram formados nove tratamentos: T1 86CT, T2 96CT, T3 85CT, T4 6OG, T5 96OG, T6 85OG, T7 86CV, T8 96CV e T9 85CV, com delineamento estatístico de blocos ao acaso e quatro repetições. Os parâmetros químicos do solo analisados foram macronutrientes e micronutrientes; os parâmetros microbiológicos foram carbono da biomassa microbiana (CBM), respiração basal do solo (RBS), quociente metabólico (qCO2), número mais provável de fungos e bactérias do solo (NMP); e, por fim, a produtividade agrícola (t/ha). Os resultados foram submetidos a análise de variância (ANOVA) e à comparação das médias através do teste de Tukey (10%). Também foi realizada a análise de variância dos dados e correlação cofenética de Pearson para formação de dendogramas. Com base no período estudado, considerado como fase crítica da formação do canavial, concluiu-se que os parâmetros químicos que evidenciaram alterações no solo foram pH e os macronutrientes Mg, Al e SB, sendo os tratamentos orgânicos equivalentes e/ou melhores que os tratamentos convencionais. Para os parâmetros microbiológicos, o NMP de fungos apresentou os maiores valores nos tratamentos convencionais e controle. A produtividade agrícola não foi influenciada pelos diferentes tratamentos e insumos utilizados, independente da variedade de cana-de-açúcar utilizada. Por fim, foram observadas correlações positivas entre as variáveis CTC e quociente metabólico (qCO2) apontando potencial melhoria da qualidade do solo, com o emprego de insumos orgânicos / The environmental dynamics has limited recycling capacity and increasing use of agroindustrial waste, especially in agriculture, can lead to soil pollution situations and other environmental components. The maintenance of the productivity of agricultural and natural ecosystems is dependent on the transformation process of organic matter and therefore, the microbial biomass, which is responsible for the decomposition and mineralization of waste therein. The natural dynamics of soil microorganisms, constantly changing and adapting, makes them a sensitive indicator of changes resulting from different agricultural practices. So, knowing these changes and their interference is critical to identify appropriate management strategies, pointing appropriate use of techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of an agricultural soil cultivated with three varieties of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), comparing the use of mineral front fertilizer use of organic compound fertilizer at the end of training period of tillers (120 days after planting). Was deployed in field conditions, the sugarcane crop (plant cane), using the varieties RB 867515, RB 962 869 and RB 855 453, where each variety was grown in three different ways, namely: planting control (CT) without application of inputs for fertilizer; organic planting (OG) with organic fertilizer application; and conventional tillage (CV) with application of mineral fertilizer, following fertilizer recommendations after initial chemical analysis of the local soil. Each plot had 37 m2, with 5 grooves of 5.0 m long and 1.5 m spacing between lines, with the three central grooves forming the floor area. According to the variety and type of fertilization, they were formed nine treatments: T1 86CT, T2 96CT, T3 85CT, T4 6OG, T5 96OG, 85OG T6, T7 86CV, T8 96CV and T9 85CV, with statistical design of randomized blocks and four replications. Chemical parameters analyzed were macronutrients and micronutrients; microbiological parameters were microbial biomass carbon (MBC), the basal soil respiration (RBS), metabolic quotient (qCO2), most likely number of fungi and soil bacteria (NMP); and, finally, agricultural productivity (t/ha). The results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparison of means by Tukey test (10%). It was also performed the analysis of variance of data and cophenetic Pearson correlation to dendograms training. Based on the study period, considered critical stage of the formation of sugarcane, it was concluded that chemical parameters showed changes in soil were pH and macronutrients Mg, Al and SB being equivalent organic treatments and/or better than those treatments conventional. For microbiological parameters, NMP fungi showed the highest values in conventional and control treatments. Agricultural productivity was not affected by the different treatments and inputs used, regardless of the variety of sugarcane used. Finally, positive correlations were observed between the CTC variables and metabolic quotient (qCO2) indicating potential improvement of soil quality, with the use of organic inputs

Com a grande demanda por derivados da cana-de-açúcar no Brasil a expansão de área para produção, assim como o aumento da produtividade tem sido foco para áreas agrícolas na região centro-sul. Portanto áreas que anteriormente eram dedicadas a pastagem estão tornando-se cultivo de cana-de-açúcar. Essa mudança está ocorrendo com uma grande rapidez e por esse motivo preocupações com a sustentabilidade do solo estão sendo levantadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar como a atual mudança de uso da terra de pastagem para cultivo de canade- açúcar impacta atributos microbiológicos quantitativos e funcionais do solo em um transecto edafoclimático na região centro-sul do Brasil tendo a vegetação nativa como referência. Para isso foram feitas análises do carbono e nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana do solo segundo Vance, Brookes e Jenkinson (1987) e análises da atividade enzimática da β-glicosidase, fosfatase ácida e alcalina segundo Tabatabai (1994). Verifica-se a tendência de reduzir a fertilidade na pastagem em relação a mata nativa e posteriormente aumentar com o uso de fertilizantes na cana-de-açúcar. O estoque de C tem um menor valor na pastagem quando não manejada em Lat S 17º, diminui na sequencia de mudança dos sistemas de uso da terra em Lat S 21º, porém uma recuperação na mudança para cultivo de cana-de-açúcar e é maior em Lat S 23º quando a textura do solo é mais argilosa. Existe uma diminuição do estoque de CBM das matas nativas para as pastagens e um aumento nos cultivos de cana-de-açúcar em Lat S 17º e Lat S 21º. Em Lat S 23º a pastagem apresenta maior CBM do que os outros sistemas de uso da terra. Nos locais de estudo a menor relação CBM/C Total foi de 2,54% na mata nativa em Lat S 17º e a maior de 5,74% na pastagem de Lat S 23º. O N é um elemento muito sensível, em todos os atributos analisados a mudança de uso da terra causou uma grande diminuição, e a degradação do solo é o fator que causa o grande impacto nesses atributos. A textura argilosa do solo garante maior atividade enzimática, porém em cultivos de cana-de-açúcar a atividade diminui independente da classe textural. Os mesmos usos da terra em diferentes locais não podem ser analisados como repetições. Sendo assim pode-se concluir que nos casos analisados o impacto da mudança de uso da terra de pastagem para cultivo de cana-de-açúcar se manifestou de forma diferente em cada local, não permitindo uma generalização. / The great demand for derivatives of sugarcane in Brazil is the motive for the area expansion for production as well as the increase of productivity have been the focus of agricultural areas in the center-south region. So areas that were previously pastures have been changing for sugarcane cultivation. This change has occured with great speed and therefore concerns about the sustainability of soil have been raised. The aim of this study was to determine how the current change from pasture to sugarcane cultivation impacts quantitative and functional microbiological attributes of soil in a soil climatic zone in the central-south region of Brazil considering the native vegetation as reference. For it were made analysis of soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen according to Vance, Brookes and Jenkinson (1987) and analysis of enzymatic activity of β-glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase according to Tabatabai (1994). There is a tendency to reduce fertility in pasture compared to native vegetation and then increase with the use of fertilizers in sugarcane cultivation. The stock of C has a lower value in the pasture when there is no fertilizers in Lat S 17º, decreases in the land use change in Lat S 21º, but there is a recovery in the switch over to sugarcane cultivation and it is the biggest in Lat S 23º when the soil texture is clayey. There is a decrease in the stock of CBM from native forests to pastures and an increase in sugarcane cultivation in Lat S 17º and Lat S 21º. In Lat S 23º the pasture has higher CBM stock than other land use systems. In the study sites the reason between CBM and C Total was 2.54% in the native vegetation in Lat S 17º and the highest 5.74% in the pasture of Lat S 23º. The N is a very sensitive element, in all attributes analyzed, the land use change caused a large decrease, and soil degradation is the factor that causes serious impact on those attributes. The clayey soil ensures greater enzymatic activity, but in sugarcane cultivation decreases the activity independent of the texture. The same land uses in different locations can\'t be analyzed as repetitions. Therefore in the cases analyzed the impact of the change from pasture to sugarcane cultivation was differently in each place, not allowing a generalization.

Submitted by Mario BC (mario@bc.ufrpe.br) on 2017-03-14T12:34:58Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Uemeson Jose dos Santos.pdf: 2015027 bytes, checksum: 66a434524c6011a6eb2fb5eeb1227e57 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-14T12:34:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Uemeson Jose dos Santos.pdf: 2015027 bytes, checksum: 66a434524c6011a6eb2fb5eeb1227e57 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The land use in Caatinga has caused changes in their properties, as well as behavior and quality of organic matter. extractive character changes, agro pastoral and agricultural biome has taken this to an unsustainable condition, with profound changes in the dynamics and the stock C and its fractions, linked to changes in the microbial community that plays an important role in nutrient cycling in the soil. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in soil C, its labile and recalcitrant but the activity and microbial diversity in soils under different vegetation covers and historical uses. seven areas were studied which consisted of native forest (F) without human action, forest with predominance of mimosa (AF) and the other with ipe (IP); three areas converted into farmland irrigated elephant grass (EG), irrigated corn (MI) and corn without irrigation (M); and a farmyard area (NF). They were collected in different areas samples at depths of 0-5, 5-10 and 10-20 cm, respectively. Evaluated the total stocks of C and N, water-soluble carbon (CSA) and the C cumulative mineralized after 32 days of incubation, the carbon oxidizable fractions (F1, F2, F3 and F4) and its fractions humic soil (C-FAH C-FAF and C-HUM), C microbial biomass, microbial quotient (qMIC) and structure the microbial community by phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PFLA). The conversion of the savanna for maize cultivation causes a decrease of 56 and 38% in stocks of C and N in the soil. The larger C stocks were observed in AF coverage, while for N, M stood out with lower stocks of this element and also below at all depths to the CSA. The C mineralizable showed linear behavior, observing a reduction in average C mineralized accumulated up to 21.03% in the intermediate depth. The AF, F and IP coverage had higher carbon content in oxidizable fractions for all depths evaluated. The AF area showed higher C levels in labile forms. The C of humic fractions showed inventories in C-FAF fractions and C-FAH 3.59 and 3.73 t ha-1, respectively for AF area; and 22.64 t ha-1 in C-HUM fraction for EG. The area with MI showed greater efficiency in the use of C for microorganisms at different depths. For CBM, coverage with F had a higher concentration, down to 78.32% in depth. Further total Pflas EG concentrations were observed in the area with a larger population of bacteria and fungi in relation to the predominance of gram positive bacteria over gram negative. F1 fractions, CSA and CHUN contributed most significantly to the increase in the stock of C and N soil. Areas converted agícola production, has the potential to change the fractions of COS and microbial activity, especially when it is making use of irrigation in these environments. The EG coverage was more efficient in the use of C and preservation of MOS, combined with a high microbial community, providing better soil quality. / A utilização do solo sob Caatinga tem ocasionado alterações nas suas propriedades, assim como no comportamento e na qualidade da matéria orgânica. Alterações de caráter extrativista, agropastoril e agrícola tem levado esse bioma a uma condição de insustentabilidade, com profundas alterações na dinâmica e no estoque do C e suas frações, atreladas às modificações na comunidade microbiana que exerce importante função na ciclagem de nutrientes no solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as alterações no C do solo, suas frações lábeis e recalcitrantes além da atividade e diversidade microbiana em solos sob diferentes coberturas vegetais e históricos de usos. Foram estudadas sete áreas que consistiram em floresta nativa (F) sem ação antrópica, floresta com predominância de angico (AF) e outra com ipê (IP); três áreas convertidas em cultivos agrícolas de capim elefante irrigado (EG), milho irrigado (MI) e milho sem irrigação (M); e uma área de capoeira (NF). Foram coletadas nas diferentes áreas amostras nas profundidades de 0-5, 5-10 e 10-20 cm, respectivamente. Avaliaram-se os estoques totais de C e N, carbono solúvel em água (CSA) e o C mineralizável acumulado aos 32 dias de incubação, as frações oxidáveis do carbono (F1, F2, F3 e F4) e suas frações nas substâncias húmicas do solo (C-FAH, C-FAF e C-HUM), o C da biomassa microbiana, quociente microbiano (qMIC) e a estrutura da comunidade microbiana através da análise de fosfolipídeos de ácidos graxos (PFLA). A conversão da caatinga para o cultivo de milho ocasionou diminuição de 56 e 38% nos estoques de C e N no solo. Os maiores estoques de C foram observados na cobertura AF, enquanto para o N, o M destacou-se com menores estoques deste elemento, sendo também inferior em todas as profundidades para o CSA. O C mineralizável apresentou comportamento linear, observando-se uma redução na média de C mineralizado acumulado de até 21,03% na profundidade intermediária. As coberturas AF, F e IP obtiveram maiores teores de carbono nas frações oxidáveis para todas as profundidades avaliadas. A área AF apresentou maiores teores de C nas formas lábeis. O C das frações húmicas, apresentaram estoques nas frações C-FAF e C-FAH de 3,59 e 3,73 t ha-1, respectivamente para área AF; e 22,64 t ha-1 na fração C-HUM para EG. A área com MI demonstrou maior eficiência na utilização do C pelos microrganismos nas diferentes profundidades. Para o CBM, a cobertura com F obteve maior concentração, com redução de até 78,32% em profundidade. Maiores concentrações de PFLAs totais foram observadas na área EG, com uma maior população de bactérias em relação aos fungos e maior predominância de bactérias gram positivas em relação as gram negativas. As frações F1, CSA e a C-HUM contribuíram de forma mais expressiva para o aumento do estoque de C e N do solo. Áreas convertidas para produção agícola, tem o potencial de alterar as frações do COS e atividade microbiana, sobretudo quando faz o uso de irrigação nesses ambientes. A cobertura EG foi mais eficiente na utilização do C e preservação da MOS, aliada a uma alta comunidade microbiana, proporcionando melhor qualidade do solo.

A dinâmica ambiental possui capacidade limitada de reciclagem e a crescente utilização resíduos agroindustriais, especialmente na agricultura, pode levar a situações de poluição do solo e demais componentes ambientais. A manutenção da produtividade de ecossistemas agrícolas e naturais depende do processo de transformação da matéria orgânica e, por conseguinte, da biomassa microbiana do solo, e que é responsável pela decomposição e mineralização de resíduos no mesmo. A dinâmica natural dos microrganismos do solo, em constante mudança e adaptação, os torna um indicador sensível às mudanças resultantes de diferentes práticas de manejo agrícola. Sendo assim, conhecer essas alterações e suas interferências é fundamental para identificar estratégias adequadas de manejo, apontando técnicas de utilização adequadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de um solo agrícola, cultivado com três variedades de cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum spp.), comparando a utilização de adubação mineral frente à utilização de fertilizante orgânico composto no período final de formação dos perfilhos (120 dias após o plantio). Foi implantado, em condições de campo, o cultivo de cana-de-açúcar (cana planta), utilizando as variedades RB 867515, RB 962869 e RB 855453, onde cada variedade foi cultivada de três formas distintas, sendo elas: plantio controle (CT) sem aplicação de insumos para adubação; plantio orgânico (OG) com aplicação de fertilizante orgânico; e plantio convencional (CV) com aplicação de adubação mineral, seguindo recomendações de adubação após análise química inicial do solo local. Cada parcela possuía 37 m2, com 5 sulcos de 5,0 m de comprimento e espaçamento de 1,5 m entrelinhas, sendo os três sulcos centrais formando a área útil. De acordo com a variedade e o tipo de adubação, foram formados nove tratamentos: T1 86CT, T2 96CT, T3 85CT, T4 6OG, T5 96OG, T6 85OG, T7 86CV, T8 96CV e T9 85CV, com delineamento estatístico de blocos ao acaso e quatro repetições. Os parâmetros químicos do solo analisados foram macronutrientes e micronutrientes; os parâmetros microbiológicos foram carbono da biomassa microbiana (CBM), respiração basal do solo (RBS), quociente metabólico (qCO2), número mais provável de fungos e bactérias do solo (NMP); e, por fim, a produtividade agrícola (t/ha). Os resultados foram submetidos a análise de variância (ANOVA) e à comparação das médias através do teste de Tukey (10%). Também foi realizada a análise de variância dos dados e correlação cofenética de Pearson para formação de dendogramas. Com base no período estudado, considerado como fase crítica da formação do canavial, concluiu-se que os parâmetros químicos que evidenciaram alterações no solo foram pH e os macronutrientes Mg, Al e SB, sendo os tratamentos orgânicos equivalentes e/ou melhores que os tratamentos convencionais. Para os parâmetros microbiológicos, o NMP de fungos apresentou os maiores valores nos tratamentos convencionais e controle. A produtividade agrícola não foi influenciada pelos diferentes tratamentos e insumos utilizados, independente da variedade de cana-de-açúcar utilizada. Por fim, foram observadas correlações positivas entre as variáveis CTC e quociente metabólico (qCO2) apontando potencial melhoria da qualidade do solo, com o emprego de insumos orgânicos / The environmental dynamics has limited recycling capacity and increasing use of agroindustrial waste, especially in agriculture, can lead to soil pollution situations and other environmental components. The maintenance of the productivity of agricultural and natural ecosystems is dependent on the transformation process of organic matter and therefore, the microbial biomass, which is responsible for the decomposition and mineralization of waste therein. The natural dynamics of soil microorganisms, constantly changing and adapting, makes them a sensitive indicator of changes resulting from different agricultural practices. So, knowing these changes and their interference is critical to identify appropriate management strategies, pointing appropriate use of techniques. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of an agricultural soil cultivated with three varieties of sugarcane (Saccharum spp.), comparing the use of mineral front fertilizer use of organic compound fertilizer at the end of training period of tillers (120 days after planting). Was deployed in field conditions, the sugarcane crop (plant cane), using the varieties RB 867515, RB 962 869 and RB 855 453, where each variety was grown in three different ways, namely: planting control (CT) without application of inputs for fertilizer; organic planting (OG) with organic fertilizer application; and conventional tillage (CV) with application of mineral fertilizer, following fertilizer recommendations after initial chemical analysis of the local soil. Each plot had 37 m2, with 5 grooves of 5.0 m long and 1.5 m spacing between lines, with the three central grooves forming the floor area. According to the variety and type of fertilization, they were formed nine treatments: T1 86CT, T2 96CT, T3 85CT, T4 6OG, T5 96OG, 85OG T6, T7 86CV, T8 96CV and T9 85CV, with statistical design of randomized blocks and four replications. Chemical parameters analyzed were macronutrients and micronutrients; microbiological parameters were microbial biomass carbon (MBC), the basal soil respiration (RBS), metabolic quotient (qCO2), most likely number of fungi and soil bacteria (NMP); and, finally, agricultural productivity (t/ha). The results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparison of means by Tukey test (10%). It was also performed the analysis of variance of data and cophenetic Pearson correlation to dendograms training. Based on the study period, considered critical stage of the formation of sugarcane, it was concluded that chemical parameters showed changes in soil were pH and macronutrients Mg, Al and SB being equivalent organic treatments and/or better than those treatments conventional. For microbiological parameters, NMP fungi showed the highest values in conventional and control treatments. Agricultural productivity was not affected by the different treatments and inputs used, regardless of the variety of sugarcane used. Finally, positive correlations were observed between the CTC variables and metabolic quotient (qCO2) indicating potential improvement of soil quality, with the use of organic inputs

Com a grande demanda por derivados da cana-de-açúcar no Brasil a expansão de área para produção, assim como o aumento da produtividade tem sido foco para áreas agrícolas na região centro-sul. Portanto áreas que anteriormente eram dedicadas a pastagem estão tornando-se cultivo de cana-de-açúcar. Essa mudança está ocorrendo com uma grande rapidez e por esse motivo preocupações com a sustentabilidade do solo estão sendo levantadas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar como a atual mudança de uso da terra de pastagem para cultivo de canade- açúcar impacta atributos microbiológicos quantitativos e funcionais do solo em um transecto edafoclimático na região centro-sul do Brasil tendo a vegetação nativa como referência. Para isso foram feitas análises do carbono e nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana do solo segundo Vance, Brookes e Jenkinson (1987) e análises da atividade enzimática da β-glicosidase, fosfatase ácida e alcalina segundo Tabatabai (1994). Verifica-se a tendência de reduzir a fertilidade na pastagem em relação a mata nativa e posteriormente aumentar com o uso de fertilizantes na cana-de-açúcar. O estoque de C tem um menor valor na pastagem quando não manejada em Lat S 17º, diminui na sequencia de mudança dos sistemas de uso da terra em Lat S 21º, porém uma recuperação na mudança para cultivo de cana-de-açúcar e é maior em Lat S 23º quando a textura do solo é mais argilosa. Existe uma diminuição do estoque de CBM das matas nativas para as pastagens e um aumento nos cultivos de cana-de-açúcar em Lat S 17º e Lat S 21º. Em Lat S 23º a pastagem apresenta maior CBM do que os outros sistemas de uso da terra. Nos locais de estudo a menor relação CBM/C Total foi de 2,54% na mata nativa em Lat S 17º e a maior de 5,74% na pastagem de Lat S 23º. O N é um elemento muito sensível, em todos os atributos analisados a mudança de uso da terra causou uma grande diminuição, e a degradação do solo é o fator que causa o grande impacto nesses atributos. A textura argilosa do solo garante maior atividade enzimática, porém em cultivos de cana-de-açúcar a atividade diminui independente da classe textural. Os mesmos usos da terra em diferentes locais não podem ser analisados como repetições. Sendo assim pode-se concluir que nos casos analisados o impacto da mudança de uso da terra de pastagem para cultivo de cana-de-açúcar se manifestou de forma diferente em cada local, não permitindo uma generalização. / The great demand for derivatives of sugarcane in Brazil is the motive for the area expansion for production as well as the increase of productivity have been the focus of agricultural areas in the center-south region. So areas that were previously pastures have been changing for sugarcane cultivation. This change has occured with great speed and therefore concerns about the sustainability of soil have been raised. The aim of this study was to determine how the current change from pasture to sugarcane cultivation impacts quantitative and functional microbiological attributes of soil in a soil climatic zone in the central-south region of Brazil considering the native vegetation as reference. For it were made analysis of soil microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen according to Vance, Brookes and Jenkinson (1987) and analysis of enzymatic activity of β-glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase according to Tabatabai (1994). There is a tendency to reduce fertility in pasture compared to native vegetation and then increase with the use of fertilizers in sugarcane cultivation. The stock of C has a lower value in the pasture when there is no fertilizers in Lat S 17º, decreases in the land use change in Lat S 21º, but there is a recovery in the switch over to sugarcane cultivation and it is the biggest in Lat S 23º when the soil texture is clayey. There is a decrease in the stock of CBM from native forests to pastures and an increase in sugarcane cultivation in Lat S 17º and Lat S 21º. In Lat S 23º the pasture has higher CBM stock than other land use systems. In the study sites the reason between CBM and C Total was 2.54% in the native vegetation in Lat S 17º and the highest 5.74% in the pasture of Lat S 23º. The N is a very sensitive element, in all attributes analyzed, the land use change caused a large decrease, and soil degradation is the factor that causes serious impact on those attributes. The clayey soil ensures greater enzymatic activity, but in sugarcane cultivation decreases the activity independent of the texture. The same land uses in different locations can\'t be analyzed as repetitions. Therefore in the cases analyzed the impact of the change from pasture to sugarcane cultivation was differently in each place, not allowing a generalization.