Submitted by Mario BC (mario@bc.ufrpe.br) on 2016-06-20T13:01:08Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Juscelia da Silva Ferreira.pdf: 599678 bytes, checksum: b682d9e3e450e33bf0ff2cacb6d70fcd (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-20T13:01:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Juscelia da Silva Ferreira.pdf: 599678 bytes, checksum: b682d9e3e450e33bf0ff2cacb6d70fcd (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-06 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The conversion of native vegetation áreas into pastures may contribute to the emission of greenhouse effect gases, due to the soil use change. The use of silvopastoral systems, which integrate legume tree species and grasses, may be a viable option to mitigate these emissions and increase soil carbon and nitrogen stocks. This work aimed to evaluate carbon stock (EC) and microbial activity in silvopastoral systems in the Forest Zone of Pernambuco. To this end, soil samplings were done at the dry and rainy seasons in an experiment evaluating signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf) with sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth) or gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.). Soil samples were taken up to 100 cm depth at 0, ,4 and 8 m from the legume strip, and up to 20 cm at 0,2,4,6 e 8 m from the legume strip for biological analysis. Total organic carbon (COT), total nitrogen (NT), soil organic matter chemical fractioning (fractions fulvic acid – AF; humic acid – AH and humin –HUM), soil density, microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), soil basal respiration (RBS) were determined and metabolic quocient (qCO2) and carbon stock (EC) were calculated. There was no significant difference (p>0.10) for Cmic for the distances from the legume strip at the rainy season. Significant difference was found for RBS at the rainy season for legume strip distances and soil depth layers. There was no significant difference (p >0.10) for Cmic between legume strips distances for the rainy season, while there was significant differences (p<0.10) for RBS between legume strip distances and soil layers. At the dry season, the highest qCO2 was at the 0-10 cm layer, 2 m away from the legum strip. There was significant difference between systems and legume strip distances for COT at the dry season, with the highest contents at 8 and 4 m for gliricidia and sabiá, respectively. EC had significant differences (p<0.10) between soil layers at the dry season, with higher values at the 20-60 layers, while at the rainy season there was only a significant difference at the 0-10 layer at 8 m from the legume strips, when sabiá values were 33% higher than gliricidia ones. Significant difference (p<0.10) was found for NT between layers on both seasons, with higher values going from the upper to the deeper layers. In general the AF fraction was the smallest, with higher values for all three fractions (AF, AH and HUM) for sabiá. Biological activity, as represented by Cmic and RBS, confirmed the silvopastoral systems capability of maintaining soil microbiota. The the higher C content in more stable fractions in sabiá indicates it to be more efficient in carbon sequestration. The silvopastoral system had EC similar to other cropping systems, but it might increase in a longer term of evaluation. / A conversão de áreas de vegetação nativa em pastagem pode contribuir para a emissão de gases de efeito estufa, ocasionada pela mudança no uso do solo. O uso de sistemas silvipastoris, que integram espécies arbóreas leguminosas e gramíneas, pode ser uma opção viável para mitigar essas emissões com aumento do estoque de carbono e nitrogênio no solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o estoque de carbono (EC) e atividade microbiana em sistemas silvipastoris na Zona da Mata de Pernambuco. Para isso foi realizada coleta de solo nos períodos seco e chuvoso em experimento avaliando consórcios de braquiária (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf.) com sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth) ou com gliricídia (Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.). Foram retiradas amostras de solo até 100 cm de profundidade aos 0,4,e 8 m de distância da faixa da leguminosa, e até os 20 cm em pontos com 0,2,4,6 e 8 m de distância da faixa da leguminosa para análises biológicas. Foram determinados carbono orgânico total (COT), nitrogênio total (NT), fracionamento químico da matéria orgânica do solo (fração ácido fúlvico-AF; ácido húmico-AH e humina-HUM), densidade do solo, carbono da biomassa microbiana (Cmic), respiração basal do solo (RBS) e calculado o quociente metabólico (qCO2) e estoque de carbono (EC). Não houve diferença significativa (p>0,10) para Cmic entre distâncias da faixa da leguminosa no período chuvoso. A RBS apresentou diferença significativa (p<0,10) no período chuvoso entre distâncias da faixa da leguminosa e camadas. No período seco, o maior valor de quociente metabólico (qCO2) ocorreu na camada de 0-10 cm, na distância 2. Houve diferença significativa entre sistemas e distâncias da faixa da leguminosa para COT no período seco, com os maiores teores nas distâncias 8 e 4, para gliricídia e sabiá, respectivamente. Houve diferença significativa (p<0,10) entre camadas no EC no período seco, com maior estoque nas camadas de 20-60 cm. No período chuvoso observou-se maior uniformidade do EC, com diferença significativa apenas na camada de 0-10 cm na posição 8 com sabiá 33% superior. Para NT ocorreu diferença significativa (p<0,10) entre camadas com teores que variaram nos dois períodos avaliados, com maior concentração nas camadas superficiais reduzindo em profundidade. Para o fracionamento químico, no geral, a fração AF apresentou os menores teores de C, com os maiores teores das três frações (AF, AH e HUM) no consórcio com sabiá. A atividade biológica refletida pelos valores de Cmic e RBS comprovou a capacidade dos sistemas silvipastoris em sustentar a microbiota do solo. Os maiores teores de C nas frações mais estáveis no consórcio com sabiá o destacou com maior eficiência de reter carbono. O sistema silvipastoril apresentou EC semelhante a outros sistemas de manejo, mas não se descarta possibilidade de maior retenção de C em uma avaliação do experimento a longo prazo.

Orientador: Carlos Roberto Espindola / Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Agricola / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-05T08:09:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Colodro_Gilberto_D.pdf: 1303522 bytes, checksum: 0ad772710ae2e3db6a985db59816eabf (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005 / Resumo: Foi avaliado o efeito do lodo de esgoto na recuperação de um subsolo degradado em decorrência da construção da Usina Hidrelétrica de Ilha Solteira, por retirada de espessa camada de solo original (área de empréstimo), há mais de 30 anos. A área está localizada no município de Selvíria, MS, tendo sido utilizados, na construção da barragem, caminhões ¿fora-de-estrada¿ e máquinas pesadas que promoveram elevada compactação do subsolo remanescente e conseqüente decréscimo da sua capacidade produtiva, refletida pela vegetação arbustiva empobrecida que aí se instalou, sem a capacidade de cobrir toda a superfície do terreno. Por tratar-se de gleba inserida na Fazenda de Ensino e Pesquisa da Unesp do Campus de Ilha Solteira, sua recuperação se afigura fundamental, para inserir-se às demais, produtivas. No processo de recuperação foi empregado lodo de lagoas aeradas, obtido junto à Estação de Tratamento de Esgoto de Araçatuba, tendo sido aplicado em superfície e incorporado a uma profundidade de 0,10 m. O delineamento estatístico foi o de blocos casualizados com 4 tratamentos e 4 repetições cada, totalizando 16 parcelas com dimensões de 10,0 x 12,0 metros, sendo definidas as seguintes doses de lodo de esgoto: 0, 30, 60 Mg ha-1 em base seca, além de fertilizante mineral, com dosagem estabelecida a partir de análise preliminar do solo e da necessidade da cultura. Foi plantado o Eucalipto citriodora em sulco, com aproximadamente 0,30m de profundidade e semeado capim Brachiária decumbens a lanço, trinta dias após a incorporação do lodo. O espaçamento do eucalipto foi de 1,5 x 2,0 m, totalizando 40 plantas por parcela e 640 plantas no experimento. O experimento foi instalado no início de 2002, e os parâmetros do solo e da cultura avaliados aos 180 e 360 dias após a aplicação do lodo e plantio do eucalipto. Para determinar a qualidade do solo (sua recuperação) foram estudados os seguintes parâmetros físicos, químicos e biológicos do solo: densidade, porosidade, capacidade de troca catiônica, atividade respiratória, carbono na massa microbiana. Avaliou-se também o desenvolvimento da cultura do eucalipto aos 180 e 360 dias após a incorporação do lodo de esgoto. Pode se afirmar que, nesse período, o manejo empregado promoveu incremento na qualidade do solo, a julgar pelo aumento significativo de fósforo, potássio, magnésio, matéria orgânica e CTC. O lodo de esgoto promoveu redução no valor da densidade do solo, com aumento da macroporosidade e da porosidade total na camada superficial. Entretanto, a microporosidade não se mostrou afetada pelo tratamento com o resíduo, provavelmente em decorrência do curto período de observação, devendo continuar a ser objeto de investigações na área experimental. O lodo de esgoto promoveu aumento na atividade microbiana, confirmando tratar-se de um adequado indicativo de qualidade ao monitoramento da área em recuperação, mesmo para um curto período de observação. Entretanto, os níveis de carbono na biomassa microbiana não se mostraram afetados pelo tratamento com o resíduo, o que deverá ocorrer com o transcorrer do tempo, requerendo observações posteriores. O desenvolvimento das plantas de eucalipto foi outro parâmetro que respondeu muito prontamente ao manejo aplicado / Abstract: The effect of the sewage sludge mud was evaluated in the recovery of an underground degraded due to the retreat of thick layer of original soil (loan area) more than 30 years ago, for occasion of the construction of the Ilha Solteira Hydroelectric Power Plant. The area is located in the municipal district of Selvíria, MS State, having been used in the construction of the dam, trucks "out-of-road" and heavy machines which promoted high compactation of the remaining underground and consequent decrease of its fertility which is visualized by the poorness of the underbrush vegetation that has been settled, without the capacity to cover the whole land surface. The recovery of this area is much more important because it stays in the Experimental Farm of the Unesp, Ilha Solteira campus, and it must to be incorporated in the Farm productive area. In the recovery process it was used aerobic sewage sludge, obtained in the Araçatuba Sewage Treatment Station close to, having been applied in surface and incorporated to a depth of 0,10 m. The statistical design utilized was the randomized blocks with 4 treatments and 4 repetitions each, totalizing 16 plots with dimensions of 10,0 x 12,0 meters, being defined the following doses of sewer mud: 0, 30, 60 Mg ha-1 in dry basis, besides mineral fertilizer, with doses established since previous soil analysis of the soil and of the culture requisitions. The Eucalyptus citriodora was planted with approximately 0,30 m of depth and sowed Brachiaria decumbens grass, thirty days after the sewuage sludge incorporation. The spacing of the eucalyptus was of 1,5 x 2,0 m, totalizing 40 plants for plot and 640 plants in the hole experiment. The experiment was installed in the beginning of 2002, and the parameters of the soil and of the culture determined to 180 and 360 days after the application of the sludge and plantation of the eucalyptus. In order to determine the soil quality (its recovery) the following physical, chemical and biological parameters were studied: soil: density, porosity, cationic change capacity (CTC), breathing activity and carbon level in the microbial mass. It was also evaluated the development of the eucalyptus culture at 180 and 360 days after the sewage sludge incorporation It can be affirmed that in the period, the handling utilized promoted increment in the soil quality, considering the significant increase of phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, organic matter and CTC levels. The sewage sludge promoted reduction in the value of the density of the soil with increase of the macro porosity and of the total porosity in the superficial stratum. However, the micro porosity wasn¿t affected by the treatment with the residue, probably due to the short observation period, should continue to be object of investigations in the experimental area. The sewage sludge increased the microbial activity, confirming to be an appropriate quality indicative of monitoring of the area in recovery, even for a short observation period. However, the biomass microbial carbon levels weren¿t affected by the treatment with the residue, what should happen with elapsing of the time, requesting posterior observations. The eucalyptus plants development was other parameter that answered very quickly to the applied handling / Doutorado / Agua e Solo / Doutor em Engenharia Agrícola

Orientadores: Carlos Roberto Espindola, Marlene Cristina Alves / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociências / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-07T05:40:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Carvalho_JoseaneCarinaBorgesde_M.pdf: 4092551 bytes, checksum: 7db0785f360c7cf4341ce58b1534c898 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / Resumo: Este estudo trata do processo de degradação da estrutura do solo sob diferentes condições de uso, a partir da análise da estabilidade dos agregados e análise microbiológica, aliados a análises de rotina, como a distribuição granulométrica e complexo sortivo, carbono e pH, além da densidade e porosidade do solo. Os diferentes usos dos solos estudados foram: substrato degradado, substrato degradado com aplicação de lodo, solo com pastagem, substrato com vegetação regenerada (capoeira) e solo sob cerrado. Os tratamentos que sofreram degradação estão inseridos em uma grande ¿área de empréstimo¿, no município de Selvíria (MS), onde está instalada a Fazenda de Ensino e Pesquisa da UNESP do Campus de Ilha Solteira/SP, ao lado da Usina Hidrelétrica de Ilha Solteira. Todos os tratamentos sem lodo revelaram baixa fertilidade dos solos, em função dos teores de bases, matéria orgânica e CTC, além de processos de compactação mecânica, com altos valores de densidade associados. O emprego do lodo de esgoto no substrato degradado imprimiu mudanças consideráveis nos solos. A análise de agregados mostrou altos percentuais de componentes estruturais nas classes de menores tamanhos, muito adensados, em consonância com a porosidade e a densidade. A aplicação de lodo de esgoto provocou melhora no substrato degradado, com aumento do percentual de agregados nas classes de tamanho maiores, aliado à diminuição da densidade. Os solos com pastagem e cerrado, em ambientes menos impactados, apresentaram maior estabilidade dos agregados nas classes de tamanhos maiores, em decorrência da ação de suas vegetações, promovendo constantes aportes de material orgânico. A biomassa microbiana e a contagem de bactérias atestaram que os tratamentos foram fortemente influenciados pela quantia e qualidade de material orgânico fornecido, constituindo exemplo sensível a melhoria das condições do substrato degradado, por exemplo, a biomassa microbiana, dentre os solos degradados, ou com lodo aplicado, ultrapassando, nesse quesito, a qualidade do solo degradado que já regenerou uma capoeira. Outro exemplo dessa eficiência foi observado na pastagem, em que as gramíneas proporcionaram valores mais pronunciados na contagem das bactérias do que no solo sob cerrado, confirmado também na estabilidade dos seus agregados, ressaltando a importância da rizosfera das gramíneas para o fornecimento de exsudatos como fonte de energia e nutrientes para a comunidade bacteriana. Assim, a condição dos agregados associada à constituição microbiológica mostraram-se nitidamente dependentes das práticas de manejo dos solos envolvidos, com resultados muito benéficos trazidos pela aplicação de material orgânico, no caso, o lodo de esgoto / Abstract: The aim of this study was the evaluation of the degradation processes of soil structure under different cropping systems, with aggregate stability analysis and microbial biomass activities allied to soil routine analysis, like granulometric evaluation and sorption complexes, carbon, pH, density and soil porosity. Different cropping systems evaluated in study area were: degraded substrate, sludge added in degraded substrate, pasture soil, regenerated plants soils (underbrush) and scrubland. Treatments that suffered degradation are inserted in a wide-range ¿lending area¿, in Selvíria municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul state, where is established Unesp's Fazenda de Ensino e Pesquisa - Ilha Solteira Campus, besides Ilha Solteira powerplan. In different studied cropping systems, all treatments without the use of sewage sludge showed low fertility, characterized by low base supplies, organic matter and CEC. The use of sewage sludge in the degraded substrate showed considerable changes in soils. Aggregated stability analysis were efficient in changing detection by cropping systems in soil structures. High aggregate percentages were detected in degraded treatment in small size classes, very thick, as seen on porosity and density analysis, with substantial improvements in degradated substrate with sludge, which shows high aggregated percentage in large size classes, allied to lower densities. Pasture and scrubland soils in less impacted environments, showed more aggregated stability on the large size classes, due to its vegetation action, promoting constant furnishing of organic material. Microbial biomass activities showed, by microbial determination and bacterial counts, that treatments were strongly dependent by quality and quantities of available organic matter, this is an sensible example of an upgrade of a degraded substrate. For example, microbial biomass in the substrate degradated, soil with sludge was better, in this point, on the quality of degradated soil and underbrush soil. Other efficiency example was observed by grass species, which proportionate more acceptable values compared to stunted vegetation soils regarding bacterial counting, that reflects in soil aggregate stabilities in this treatment, confirmed the grass rizosphere importance in supplying the energy and nutrient sources to microbial biomass. Therefore, the aggregated condition associated to the microbiological constitution showed up clearly dependent on the cropping systems of the involved soils, with results very positives brought by the application of organic material, sewage sludge, in this case / Mestrado / Análise Ambiental e Dinâmica Territorial / Mestre em Geografia

Management-induced degradation of soil chemical and microbial quality is one of the most pressing concerns and a considerable threat to the sustainability of agroecosystems. However, information on this important issue is limited and largely based on short-term studies. A long-term experiment initiated in 1939 at the University of Pretoria provided a unique opportunity to assess the direct and residual effects of manure and inorganic fertilizers on soil chemical properties, microbial components and maize yield in rotation with field pea. Long-term addition of manure resulted in increased total organic C (TOC), total N and available P levels in the soil. Seasonally, these nutrients exhibited variations that appeared to be related to influences of crop rotation. Soil N content in an adjacent native site remained relatively constant but tended to increase in the control and manured plots. Soil microbial biomass C, N and P and microbial populations were affected by previous manure application as well as by crop rotation. Microbial biomass and numbers were generally higher in the manured plots. Manure application also had substantial residual effects and resulted in maize grain yields higher than in the control. Long-term NPK application resulted in decreased TOC and basic cation contents, and lowering of soil pH. The decrease in TOC was greater in single fertilizer treatments whereas basic cation contents and pH declined more in the balanced fertilizer treatments. Soil microbial biomass and numbers were influenced by, and exhibited qualitative changes in response to, long-term fertilization. Crop rotation also exerted effects on chemical and microbial properties of the soil. Maize grain yield showed significant increases in response to balanced fertilizer treatments. Response of maize to simple fertilizer applications was not beneficial in terms of yield returns. These results suggest that judicious use of inorganic fertilizers may, in the long-term, maintain soil quality and productive capacity. A comparison of the effects of residual manure and NPK fertilizers on the content of selected nutrients, microbial properties, C and N inputs, tissue nutrient concentration and crop yield showed differences due to treatments. TOC, total N and available P levels were increased due to residual manure alone or in combination with NPK fertilizers. C and N inputs and tissue P concentration were also generally higher in manured than in the NPK treatment. However, the higher increase in nutrient contents of manured plots was not reflected in microbial properties of the soil. Despite lower nutrient levels, the NPK treatment resulted in relatively greater increases in microbial properties of the soil. The differential responses were largely due to differences in quality and decomposability of organic material. Organic material in the NPK treatment appeared to have a higher decomposition and turnover rate than in other treatments, suggesting that C limitation in soils of low C but good nutrient supply may be compensated by high turnover rates of the available organic materials. The beneficial effect of residual manure on microbial properties and crop yield was decreased by application of supplemental N fertilizer but remained unaffected by application of supplemental K fertilizer. The depressive effect of excess soil P levels on soil microbial properties and crop yield was exacerbated by supplemental N fertilizer and mitigated by supplemental manure and K fertilizer applied to residual P. The decrease in available P levels due to supplemental K application implies that this may serve as a viable alternative to ameliorate soils with excess P levels. / Thesis (PhD (Plant Production and Soil Science))--University of Pretoria, 2003. / Plant Production and Soil Science / unrestricted

Le phosphore (P) est un nutriment majeur qui est souvent limitant pour la croissance des plantes dans les agro-écosystèmes mais le caractère non renouvelable des réserves en roches phosphatées rend urgente la nécessité de trouver une alternative aux fertilisants phosphatés et de mieux utiliser les ressources en P du sol. Dans ce contexte, l'objectif de ma thèse était d'élucider l'implication de processus rhizosphériques déterminant la disponibilité de P du sol dans des cultures associées céréale/légumineuse, et in fine l'acquisition de P par ces associations. Nous avons fait l'hypothèse que la facilitation de l'acquisition de P dans rhizosphère de ces cultures associées était la conséquence de processus microbiens, en lien avec des changements du carbone (C), de l'azote (N) et du P de la biomasse microbienne, ou de l'abondance de certains groupes microbiens spécifiques. Ma stratégie de recherche s'est donc focalisée sur les modifications de CNP de la biomasse microbienne et des communautés de microorganismes dans la rhizosphère de cultures associées relativement aux cultures pures correspondantes. Les effets de la fertilisation en P ou N et des modifications de pH en résultant en lien avec la fixation de N2 ont aussi été étudiés, à la fois au champ et en conditions contrôlées en microcosme de type rhizobox. Le blé dur et différentes espèces de légumineuses à graines ont été cultivées seules ou associées dans deux types de sols présentant des historiques de fertilisation différents. Dans une première expérience au champ avec un sol calcaire Méditerranéen présentant une forte disponibilité en P, nous avons montré que les cultures associées céréale/légumineuse pouvaient faciliter le recyclage de P en augmentant la biomasse microbienne et en modifiant sa stoechiométrie CNP dans la rhizosphère. Dans une seconde expérience au champ dans un essai de fertilisation P de longue durée, nous avons mis en évidence qu'une culture associée céréale/légumineuse pouvait augmenter le P de la biomasse microbienne à bas niveau de disponibilité en P et modifier les groupes microbiens susceptibles d'être impliqués dans le recyclage de P du sol. Enfin, nous avons conduit une expérience en rhizobox en conditions contrôlées avec le sol de cet essai de longue durée dans laquelle nous avons manipulé la disponibilité du nitrate, en vue d'évaluer les interactions des processus mentionnés plus haut et les modifications de pH induites par les racines dans la rhizosphère. En comparant la culture associée et les cultures pures correspondantes, nous avons obtenu des différences significatives de pH, de disponibilité en P, de CNP de la biomasse microbienne et de communautés de microorganismes dans la rhizosphère. Bien que ces modifications aient concerné un groupe de bactéries productrices de phytase, les relations causales entre les effets observés n'ont pu être établies. Une meilleure connaissance de tels processus devrait dans le futur nous permettre de définir des cultures associées performantes pour l'acquisition de P. / Phosphorus (P) is a major nutrient that is often limiting plant growth in agroecosystems but phosphate rocks being a finite resource, there is an urgent need to find alternatives to P fertilizers and to better use soil P resources. In this context, the aim of my thesis was to elucidate the implication of rhizosphere processes determining the availability of soil P in cereal/legume intercropping systems, and ultimately the acquisition of P by these intercrops. We hypothesized that the facilitation of P acquisition in the rhizosphere in such intercrops was the consequence of microbially mediated processes, as evidenced by shifts of microbial biomass carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and P, or of specific microbial groups. Thus, my research strategy focused on root-induced changes of microbial biomass CNP and community in the rhizosphere of intercrops relative to the same crops grown alone. The effects of P or N fertilization and consequent pH changes as related to N2-fixation were also investigated, either in field experiments or in the controlled conditions of rhizobox microcosms. Durum wheat and different grain legume species were grown as sole crops and intercropped on two types of soils with different fertilization histories. In a first field trial in a calcareous, Mediterranean soil with high P availability, we demonstrated that cereal-legumes intercrops could be used to facilitate P cycling through increasing the microbial biomass and altering its CNP stoichiometry in the rhizosphere. In a second field experiment in a long term P fertilizer trial, we evidenced that a cereal-legume intercrop could increase the microbial biomass P at low P availability and modify microbial groups possibly involved in soil P cycling. Finally, we designed a rhizobox experiment in controlled conditions with soils of this long term trial where we manipulated nitrate availability, in order to assess the interactions of the above-mentioned processes with root-induced pH changes in the rhizosphere. When comparing intercrops and sole crops, we obtained significant differences of soil pH, P availability and microbial biomass CNP and community in the rhizosphere. Although such changes concerned phytase-producing bacteria, the causal relationships between the observed effects still need to be established. A better knowledge of such processes shall help designing more P-efficient intercropping systems in the future.

Management-induced degradation of soil chemical and microbial quality is one of the most pressing concerns and a considerable threat to the sustainability of agroecosystems. However, information on this important issue is limited and largely based on short-term studies. A long-term experiment initiated in 1939 at the University of Pretoria provided a unique opportunity to assess the direct and residual effects of manure and inorganic fertilizers on soil chemical properties, microbial components and maize yield in rotation with field pea. Long-term addition of manure resulted in increased total organic C (TO C), total Nand available P levels in the soil. Seasonally, these nutrients exhibited variations that appeared to be related to influences of crop rotation. Soil N content in an adjacent native site remained relatively constant but tended to increase in the control and manured plots. Soil microbial biomass C, Nand P and microbial populations were affected by previous manure application as well as by crop rotation. Microbial biomass and numbers were generally higher in the manured plots. Manure application also had substantial residual effects and resulted in maize grain yields higher than in the control. Long-term NPK application resulted in decreased TOC and basic cation contents, and lowering of soil pH. The decrease in TOC was greater in single fertilizer treatments whereas basic cation contents and pH declined more in the balanced fertilizer treatments. Soil microbial biomass and numbers were influenced by, and exhibited qualitative changes in response to, long-term fertilization. Crop rotation also exerted effects on chemical and microbial properties of the soil. Maize grain yield showed significant increases in response to balanced fertilizer treatments. Response of maize to simple fertilizer applications was not beneficial in terms of yield returns. These results suggest that judicious use of inorganic fertilizers may, in the long-term, maintain soil quality and productive capacity. A comparison of the effects of residual manure and NPK fertilizers on the content of selected nutrients, microbial properties, C and N inputs, tissue nutrient concentration and crop yield showed differences due to treatments. TOC, total N and available P levels were increased due to residual manure alone or in combination with NPK fertilizers. C and N inputs and tissue P concentration were also generally higher in manured than in the NPK treatment. However, the higher increase in nutrient contents of manured plots was not reflected in microbial properties of the soil. Despite lower nutrient levels, the NPK treatment resulted in relatively greater increases in microbial properties of the soil. The differential responses were largely due to differences in quality and decomposability of organic material. Organic material in the NPK treatment appeared to have a higher decomposition and turnover rate than in other treatments, suggesting that C limitation in soils of low C but good nutrient supply may be compensated by high turnover rates of the available organic materials. The beneficial effect of residual manure on microbial properties and crop yield was decreased by application of supplemental N fertilizer but remained unaffected by application of supplemental K fertilizer. The depressive effect of excess soil P levels on soil microbial properties and crop yield was exacerbated by supplemental N fertilizer and mitigated by supplemental manure and K fertilizer applied to residual P. The decrease in available P levels due to supplemental K application implies that this may serve as a viable alternative to ameliorate soils with excess P levels. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Plant Production and Soil Science / unrestricted

Mudanças de uso da terra afetam a dinâmica da matéria orgânica e o acúmulo de C e N no solo e estão associadas a emissões de gases de efeito estufa (GEEs). A região Amazônica é relevante para as emissões brasileiras de GEEs oriundas das mudanças de uso da terra. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar alterações quantitativas e qualitativas nos estoques de C e N no solo em função de mudanças de uso da terra em Santarém-PA e São Luís-MA. Foram coletadas amostras de solo sob diferentes usos da terra: vegetação nativa, vegetação secundária, pastagem degradada, pastagem melhorada e agricultura anual. Adicionalmente, foram avaliadas áreas de mata queimada em Santarém-PA e de fruticultura e horticultura em São Luís-MA. Houve diferenças entre os solos de vegetação nativa nos dois locais, apesar dos estoques de C e N terem sido similares. Em Santarém, fósforo e granulometria relacionaram-se aos estoques de C e N. Em São Luís a acidez potencial ajudou a estimar o estoque de C; granulometria e capacidade total de troca de cátions estimaram o estoque de N. Os estoques de C e N na vegetação secundária foram similares aos da vegetação nativa nos dois locais e relacionaram-se com a acidez potencial do solo. Em Santarém o estoque de C (0-30 cm) na pastagem melhorada foi maior que na vegetação nativa. Em São Luís, o estoque de C foi semelhante ao da vegetação nativa. Os estoques de N tiveram comportamento similar aos estoques de C. Na pastagem melhorada de Santarém a soma de bases foi importante para estimar os estoques de C e N; em São Luís houve efeito negativo da densidade do solo. Estoques de C e N nas pastagens degradadas foram semelhantes à vegetação nativa, mas foram influenciados por parâmetros diferentes. Áreas de agricultura anual apresentaram estoques de C inferiores aos das pastagens melhoradas e da vegetação nativa e a sua manutenção relaciona-se com a redução da acidez potencial e com o aumento das bases trocáveis. A qualidade da matéria orgânica do solo foi avaliada nas amostras de São Luís. A mudança de uso da terra reduziu o C na fração orgânica (75-2000 ?m), mas os usos mais conservacionistas aumentaram o C nas formas estáveis (< 53 ?m). Vegetação secundária e pastagem recuperada apresentaram índice de manejo de C semelhantes aos da vegetação nativa. A conversão de vegetação nativa para agricultura ou pastagem reduziu o C na biomassa microbiana, mas os sistemas com grande aporte de material orgânico e com reduzida mobilização do solo apresentaram teor de C microbiano similar à vegetação nativa. Pastagem e agricultura também apresentaram os menores quocientes microbianos, indicando condição de estresse da biomassa microbiana. / Land use changes affect organic matter dynamics and the accumulation of C and N in the soil and are associated with greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs). Amazon region is relevant to Brazilian GHG emissions from land use changes. The aim of this study was to determine quantitative and qualitative changes in C and N stocks in the soil due to land use changes in Santarém (PA) and São Luís (MA). Soil samples were collected under different land uses: native vegetation, secondary vegetation, degraded pasture, improved pasture and annual agriculture. Additionally, we evaluated burnt forest areas in Santarém (PA) and fruit-growing and horticulture in São Luís MA. There were differences between the soils of native vegetation in both sites, despite the C and N stocks were similar. In Santarém, phosphorus and soil particle size were related to C and N stocks. In São Luís potential acidity was used to estimate C stock; soil particle size and total cation exchange capacity estimated N stock. C and N stocks in secondary vegetation were similar to those of native vegetation in both sites and related with the soil potential acidity. In Santarém C stock (0-30 cm) in improved pasture was greater than in native vegetation. In São Luís, C soil stock was similar to that of native vegetation. N stocks had similar behavior to C stocks. In improved pasture of Santarém sum of bases was important to estimate the C and N stocks; in São Luís there was negative effect of soil density. C and N stocks in degraded pastures were similar to native vegetation, but were influenced by different parameters. Annual agricultural areas had C stocks below those of improved pastures and native vegetation and its maintenance is related to the reduction of soil potential acidity and to the increase of soil exchangeable bases. Quality of soil organic matter was evaluated in samples of São Luís. Land use changes reduced the content of C in organic fraction (75-200 ?m), while more conservationists uses have increased the C in stable shapes (< 53 ?m). Secondary vegetation and improved pasture presented carbon management index similar to native vegetation. Conversion of native forest to agriculture or pasture reduced the C microbial biomass, but systems with large organic material input and with reduced tillage presented microbial C content similar to native vegetation. Pasture and agriculture also presented the smallest ratios of microbial biomass C to total organic C, indicating stress of microbial biomass.

The ecological significance of coarse woody debris (CWD) is usually highlighted in forests where CWD constitutes much of an ecosystem's carbon (C) source and stores. However, a unique addition of CWD is occurring in semi-deserts for which there is no ecological analog. To stem catastrophic wildfires and create firebreaks, whole Juniperus osteosperma (Torr.) and Pinus edulis (Engelm.) trees are being mechanically shredded into CWD fragments and deposited on soils previously exposed to decades of tree-induced changes that encourage "tree islands of fertility." To investigate consequences of CWD on C and nitrogen (N) cycling, we evaluated microbial metabolic activity and N transformation rates in Juniperus and Pinus surface and subsurface soils that were either shredded or left untreated. We sampled three categories of tree cover on over 40 tree cover encroachment sites. Tree cover categories (LOW = 0-15%, MID ≥ 15-45%, HIGH ≥ 45%) were used to indicate tree island development at time of treatment. In conjunction with our microbial measurements, we evaluated the frequency of three exotic grasses, and thirty-five native perennial grasses to identify links between belowground and aboveground processes. The addition of CWD increased microbial biomass by almost two-fold and increased microbial efficiency, measured as the microbial quotient, at LOW Juniperus cover. C mineralization was enhanced by CWD only in Pinus soils at the edge of tree canopies. The addition of CWD had little impact on microbial activity in subsurface soils. CWD enhanced the availability of dissolved organic C (DOC) and phosphorus (P) but tended to decrease the overall quality of labile DOC, measured as the ratio of soil microbial biomass to DOC. This suggested that the increase in DOC alone or other environmental factors novel to CWD additions lead to the increase in biomass and efficiency. P concentrations were consistently higher following CWD additions for all encroachment levels. The CWD additions decreased N mineralization and nitrification in Juniperus and Pinus soils at LOW and MID tree cover but only in surface soils, suggesting that less inorganic N was available to establishing or residual plants. The frequency of native perennial grasses, especially Elymus elymoides (Raf.), was at least 65% higher under CWD additions for all categories of tree cover, while the frequencies of exotic annual and perennial grasses were not impacted by CWD. The frequency of all perennial grasses ranged from 10-27%. Our results suggest that CWD enhanced microbial activity even when the quality of C substrates declined requiring microbes to immobilize more N. The reduction in inorganic N may promote the establishment and growth of native perennial grasses. Ultimately, the addition of CWD improved soil conditions for microbes in tree islands of fertility.

The Southern Appalachian hardwood forests contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Understanding processes that affect nutrient availability in these forests is essential for sound forest management. Three interconnected research projects regarding soil resource heterogeneity were designed to increase our understanding of this ecosystem. The objective of these projects were as follows: 1) to examine and quantify the role of decaying stumps in regards to total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools and fine-root dynamics, 2) compare and contrast the use of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) vs. a soil auger for estimating soil depth and site quality and 3) to evaluate how eastern red-backed salamanders (Plethodon cinereus) affect N-availability. For the stump study, results show that decomposing stumps occupy approximately 1.2% of the total soil volume and constitute 4% and 10% of total soil N and C pools. Significant differences in N (p = 0.0114), C (p = 0.0172), microbial biomass C (p = 0.0004), potentially mineralizable N (p = 0.0042), and extractable NH4+ (p = 0.0312) concentrations were observed when compared to mineral soil horizons. In particular, potentially mineralizable N was 2.5 times greater in stump soil than the A-horizon (103 vs. 39 mg kg-1), 2.7 times greater for extractable NH4+ (16 vs. 6 mg kg-1) and almost 4 times greater for MBC (1528 vs. 397 mg kg-1). These measured properties suggest higher N-availability, organic matter turnover and N uptake in stump soil versus the bulk soil. 19% of the total fine root length and 14% of fine root surface area also occurred in the stump soil. The increased fine root length suggests higher concentrations of labile nutrient in the stumps since roots often proliferate in areas with higher nutrient availability. Significant differences occurred in N and C concentrations between all four decay classes and the A-horizon, which validated the use of this system and the need to calculate weighted averages based on the frequency and soil volume influenced by each decay class. In the GPR Study, depth estimations were shallower using a soil auger compared to estimates obtained using GPR across all plots (p = 0.0002; Figure 3.4). On a soil volume basis, this was equivalent to about 3500 m3 of soil per hectare unaccounted for using traditional methods. In regards to using soil depth as a predictor for site quality, no significant relationships were observed with soil depth estimations obtained from the auger (Table 3.3). On the other hand, depth measurements from GPR explained significant amounts of variation across all sites and by physiographic region. Across all sites, soil depth estimates from GPR explained 45.5% of the residual variation (p = 0.001; Table 3.3). When the data were stratified by physiographic region, a higher amount of variation was explained by the regression equations; 85% for the Cumberland Plateau (p = 0.009), 86.7% for the Allegheny Plateau (0.007) and 66.7% for the Ridge and Valley (p = 0.013), respectively (Table 4.2). Results from this study demonstrate how inaccurate current methods can be for estimating soil depth rocky forests soils. Furthermore, depth estimations from GPR can be used to increase the accuracy of site quality in the southern Appalachians. In the salamander study, no significant salamander density treatment or treatment by time effects were observed over the entire study period (p < 0.05). However, when the data were separated by individual sampling periods a few significant treatment by time interactions occurred: 1) during August 2006 for available NH4+ under the forest floor (i.e. horizontal cation membranes; p = 0.001), 2) August and 3) September 2006 for available NH4+ in the A-horizon (p = 0.026), and 4) May 2007 for available NO3- under the forest floor (p = 0.011). As a result of these trends, an index of cumulative N-availability (i.e. NH4+ and NO3-) under the forest floor and in the A-horizon was examined through the entire study period. Cumulative N-availability under the forest floor was consistently higher in the low- and medium-density salamander treatments compared to the high-density treatment. For cumulative N-availability in the A-horizon, a gradient of high to low N-availability existed as salamander density increased. Factors such as a prolonged drought in 2007 may have affected our ability to accurately assess the effects of salamanders on N-availability. We concluded that higher salamander densities do not increase N-availability. Implementing methodologies that accurately account for soil nutrient pools such as stump soil, physical properties such as depth and fauna such as salamanders, increase our understanding of factors that regulate site productivity in these ecosystems. As a result, landscape-level and stand-level management decisions can be conducted more effectively. / Ph. D.

Magistrantūros studijų baigiamajame darbe pateikiami dirvožemio organinės anglies, humuso, C/N santykio, mikroorganizmų biomasės anglies, dirvožemio kvėpavimo tyrimų duomenys, įvertinant skirtingus žemės dirbimo būdus skirtingais dirvožemio gylio sluoksniais. Lyginami 2009 ir 2013 metų atliktų tyrimų duomenys. Darbo objektas – giliau karbonatingas giliau glėjiškas rudžemis, kuriame 2009 ir 2013 metais buvo žirnių (Pisum sativum L.) pasėlis, kur tirta skirtingo žemės dirbimo įtaka dirvožemio organinės anglies ir mikroorganizmų biomasės anglies sankaupoms. Darbo metodai: eksperimentai įrengti keturiais pakartojimais. Pradinių laukelių plotas – 126 m2, apskaitinių – 84 m2. Variantai pakartojimų blokuose išdėstyti rendomizuotai. Dirvožemio kvėpavimas ir mikroorganizmų biomasės sankaupos įvertintos 2009 ir 2013 m. birželio mėn. žirnių pasėliuose. Dirvožemio organinės anglies ir mikroorganizmų biomasės sankaupoms vertinti viršutinio ariamojo Ap (0-10 cm) horizonto jungtiniai ėminiai 3 pakartojimais buvo surinkti su 2-4 cm skersmens dirvožemio grąžtu. Eksperimento variantai: tradicinis žemės dirbimas, supaprastintas žemės dirbimas, tiesioginė sėja, ekologinė žemdirbystės sistema, kur taikytas tradicinis žemės dirbimas. Darbo rezultatai. Skirtingi žemės dirbimo būdai ir ekologinės žemdirbystės sistema, taikant tradicinį žemės dirbimo būdą, turėjo įtakos dirvožemio organinės anglies, humuso, C/N santykio, kvėpavimo ir mikroorganizmų biomasės anglies sankaupoms. Didžiausios org. C... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The master work presents the results on soil organic carbon, humus, C/N ration, microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration in soil with different soil tillage systems in two soil depths (0-10; 10-20 cm). Results were obtained in 2009 and 2013 and presented. Object of the research – The Endocalcari-Endohypogleyic Cambisol, where in 2009 and 2013 pea crops (Pisum sativum L.) have been growing. Soil tillage impact on soil organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon pools has been investigated. Method of the research – experiments was installed in four replications. Research area – 126 m2, research plot – 84 m2. Variants in blocks were rendomized. Soil respiration and microbial biomass pools were investigated in 2009 and 2013 in June in pea crops. Experiment variants were as followed: conventional tillage, reduced tillage, no tillage and ecological soil management with conventional tillage. Research results. Different soil tillage systems and ecological soil management system with conventional tillage had impact on soil organic carbon, humus, C/N ration, soil respiration and microbial biomass carbon pools. The highest org. C, humus, microbial biomass carbon concentrations and soil respiration intensity have been found in ecological soil management system. The fertilization with siderate crop may effect it mainly. The lower soil tillage intensity influenced the increase in org. C, humus concentration in 0-10 cm soil depth. In other hand, also along with lower tillage intensity... [to full text]