Thesis (MScAgric)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Three field trials were conducted to investigate the effects of mulching on the chemical and biological aspects of the soil as it is reflected by tree performance and fruit quality in ‘Cripps’ Pink’ orchards. In the two trials at Lourensford Estate, where only the soil type differed between sandy silt loam (sandy) and heavy silt loam (heavy), mulches where used as an additive to the soil surface together with a standard, commercial, inorganic fertilization program. Four different mulch types: compost, wood chips, vermi-compost and a geotextile fabric, were compared to a bare surface control in a randomized complete block design. At the heavy silt loam site (site 1), the wood chips treatment was the most effective in regulating diurnal soil temperatures in the top 10 cm of soil (2009/10), whereas all mulches regulated average diurnal soil temperature similarly and more effectively than the control at the sandy silt loam site (site 2). After two seasons of treatment at site 1, the vermi-compost treatment significantly increased soil phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), zink (Zn) and boron (B) significantly compared to the control. The wood chips treatment increased Na, K and Ca and compost only increased soil K significantly compared to the control. For site 2, only wood chips (Na and K) and vermi-compost (Na, K and Mg) showed significant increases in soil nutrient elements compared to the control. Yield efficiency was significantly increased by the wood chips (both seasons) and vermicompost (only 2009/10) treatments compared to the control in site 1. In site 2, none of the treatments differed significantly in yield efficiency compared to the control treatment. The number of roots and fine feeder roots were increased (not sign) by the wood chips and geotextile treatments compared to the control. In site 1, all treatments improved the number of roots compared to the control treatment, in contrast with site 2, where the number of roots of the control, compost and vermi-compost treatments was more similar. Fruit quality showed significant differences between the wood chips and vermi-compost treatments compared to the geotextile and control treatments for malic acid, at site 1, at harvest in 2009. This did not differ significantly from the compost treatment. Leaf mineral analysis only showed significant differences at site 2, in 2010, with significantly increased for the following minerals and treatments: Mn (compost and geotextile treatments versus other treatments), Fe (control treatment compared to all treatments except compost), Zn (compost compared to all other treatments) and B (control and compost versus vermicompost, wood chips and geotextile). Fruit mineral analyses showed no differences between treatments at harvest 2009 for either site and 2010, for site 1. At site 2, the Ca percentage of fruit from the wood chips treatment was significantly higher than that of all treatments, except the geotextile treatment. Only in the 2010 analysis at site 2, the mycorrhizal colonization was significantly influenced, where all the mulching treatments showed an increase compared to the control. However, the same trend was observed at site 1. At site 1and 2, the compost, wood chips and vermi-compost treatments in general showed a decreasing trend in percentage plant parasitic and increasing trend in percentage free living nematodes from 2009 to 2010. In general, the geotextile and control treatments showed an increasing trend in the percentage plant parasitic and decrease in percentage free living nematodes. However, this was not the case at 0 – 15 cm soil depth for site 1. In the third trial, at Elgin Experimental Farm (Elgin), bare surface chemical control was compared to mulching in the tree row (mulch) and mulching together with regular application of compost tea (mulch + compost tea). All treatments were combined with different inter row management practices to compose a total of eight different treatments. In the tree row, the control treatment received standard rates of inorganic fertilizer, which was compared to the mulched only treatment. Both the percentage of soil carbon and cation exchange capacity was significantly increased by all the mulch treatments compared to the control. Furthermore, all the mulches increased various soil minerals significantly, however of which only P was significantly increased in both the leaves and fruit. The rate of soil microbial activity and mycorrhizal root colonization was significantly increased by mulching treatments, but resulted in a significantly lower yield efficiency compared to the inorganic control treatment. This can be ascribed partly to the microbial activity of the compost mulch during spring, although it was not quantified per se and to the increase in tree vigour at the end of the trial. The slow rate of N mineralization was reflected indirectly by the significantly lower fruit N for the mulched treatments and the lower rate of microbial activity during spring at this site. With regards to the addition of the compost tea, no significant contributions were evident in terms of tree performance, soil minerals or microbial activity over a period of seven years, compared to the application of mulch only. Compared to the trial at Lourensford Estate, with no significant differences in fruit mineral composition between treatments after two years, fruit mineral analyses of the Elgin trial showed significant differences between treatments after six (2009) and seven (2010) seasons for P for some treatments. Only in 2010 more treatments showed significant differences for N, Mn, Fe and Zn as well. Regarding fruit quality, in agreement with the results at Lourensford Estate, differences were not persistent across all seasons for treatments. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Veldproewe is geloods om die effek van verskillende deklae op grond chemiese en – biologiese aspekte en die effek daarvan op boom prestasie en vrugkwaliteit in ‘Cripps’ Pink’ appelboorde te ondersoek. In die eerste twee proewe te Lourensford Landgoed, waar slegs die grondtipe verskil het tussen die sanderige slik leem (ligter) en swaarder slik leem (swaar) gronde, is deklae toegedien saam met ‘n standard bemestingsprogram en mikro-besproeiingstelsel. Vier deklaagtipes: kompos, houtspaanders, vermi-kompos en geotekstiel material, is vergelyk met die onbedekte, skoon bewerkte, kontrole in ‘n total ewekansige blokontwerp. By die swaar grondtipe (perseel 1), was die houtspaanderbehandling die effektiefste om die daaglikse skommelings in grondtemperatuur te reguleer in die boonste 10 cm, teenoor die sanderige perseel (2), waar al die deklae die daaglikse grondtemperatuur meer effektief as die kontrole behandeling gereguleer het. By perseel 1, het die vermi-behandeling ‘n betekenisvolle toename getoon teenoor die kontrole behandeling in grond fosfaat (P), kalium (K), kalsium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), natriuim (Na), mangaan (Mn), sink (Zn) en boor (B). Alhoewel dit nog nie tans gekwantifiseer kan word nie, is ‘n gedeelte van die toename heel moontlik te wyte aan die samestelling van die deklaag. Die houtspaander- en komposbehandelings het ‘n betekenisvolle verskil in toename tot gevolg gehad in grond K en Na in vergelyking met die kontrole. In die geval kan die toename van die komposbehandeling aan die invloed van die sampestelling van die deklaag toegeskryf word, maar nie in die geval van die houtspaanderbehandeling nie. Die geotekstielbehandeling het, soos verwag, nie betekenisvolle verskille ten opsigte van die kontrole getoon nie, aangesien die samestelling van die geotekstielmateriaal nie voedingstowwe tot die grond kan toevoeg nie. By perseel 2, het beide die houtspaander- en geotekstielbehandelings betekenisvolle toenames in grond elemente (K, Mg) getoon teenoor die kontrole behandeling. Die ander elemente het nie noemenswaardige verskille teenoor die kontrole getoon nie. Weer eens kan die toename in die vermi-kompos toegeskryf word aan die samestelling van die deklaag, maar nie in geval van die houtspaanders nie, wat ‘n moontlike rol van ander faktore soos temperatuur en grondvog in die opname en beskikbaarheid van voedingselemente toon. Op 30 cm diepte in perseel 1, het die vermi-kompos behandeling betekenisvolle hoër Na, K, Mg en P getoon as die kontrole. Die houtspaanderbehandeling het betekenisvolle hoër Na, K en Ca getoon as die kontrole. Geen een van die ander behandelings het enige betekenisvolle veranderinge ten opsigte van voedingselemente getoon nie. Vir perseel 2 by die gronddiepte, het die houtspaanderbehandeling betekenisvolle toenames in grond Na en K getoon teenoor die kontrole. Geen van die ander behandelings het enige betekenisvolle veranderinge ten opsigte van voedingselemente getoon nie. By hierdie dieper gronddieptes is ‘n soortgelyke verandering in elemente waargeneem as by die vlakker gronddieptes vir perseel 1, in geval van P en K. Mg en Na het volgehoue verandering vir die vermi-komposbehandeling in die dieper gronddieptes getoon vir die makro-elemente, maar nog nie in geval van mikroelemente nie. In perseel 2 – het toenames in K en Mg in die vermi-komposbehandeling ook voortgeduur en die veranderinge vir beide persele mag toegeskryf word aan die samestelling van die deklae per se. Dit blyk dat die veranderinge in die komposbehandeling nie so konstant voorgekom het in die materiaal wat in die proewe toegedien is nie. Nietemin kan die kompos- en vermi-komposbehandelings ook ander grond faktore beïnvloed en die bydra van die minerale elemente afkomstig uit die samestelling van die deklaag moet eers bereken word alvorens afleidings gemaak word. By beide persele het die komposbehandeling die opbrengseffektiwiteit verminder in vergelyking met die kontrole behandeling. Die opbrengseffektiwiteit is betekenisvol verhoog in die houtspaanderbehandeling (beide seisoene) en vermi-komposbehandeling (net 2009/10) in vergelyking met die kontrole in perseel 1. In perseel 2 het teen behandeling betekenisvol in opbrengseffektiwiteit verskil ten opsigte van die kontrole nie. Die aantal wortels en fyn, voedingswortels het ‘n dramatiese (nie-betekenisvolle) toename getoon by die houtspaander- en geotekstielbehandelings. In perseel 1 het alle behandelings die aantal wortels verhoog ten opsigte van die kontrole in kontras met perseel 2, waar die aantal wortels in die kontrole, kompos- en vermi-komposbehandelings ongeveer dieselfde was. Stamwaterpotensiaal het onveranderd gebly ongeag van die behandeling, wat moontlik beïnvloed is deur die hoë besproeiingskedulering siklus. Geen verskille tussen behandelings of persele is gevind nie. Alhoewel dit net in die tweede seisoen (2010) gemeet is, was daar geen betekenisvolle verskille in gemiddelde loot groei van eenjaarlote tussen die behandelings of persele nie. Vrugkwaliteit het betekenisvolle verskille getoon in appelsuur (malic acid) in die houtspaander- en vermi-komposbehandelings teenooor die geotekstie- en kontrole behandelings in perseel 1, by oes 2009. Laasgenoemde het nie betekenisvol van die kontrol behandeling verskil nie. Hierdie verskille het nie na opberging voortgeduur nie. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in vrugkwaliteit het voorgekom by perseel 2, tydens oes, of na opberging nie. Gedurende oes 2010, asook na opberging, is geen verskille in vrugkwaliteite van enige persele opgemerk nie. Behandelingsverskille in blaar-analises is waargeneem tussen vermi-kompos- en die ander behandelings, met uitsondering van die geotekstielbehandeling in Februarie 2009, perseel 1. Geen ander betekenisvolle verskille vir enige element het voorgekom tussen behandelings in perseel 2 nie. Gedurende 2010 is geen betekenisvolle verskille tussen behandelings ten opsigte van blaar-analises gevind vir perseel 1 nie. Betekenisvolle verskille in blaar- en vrugmineraal-analises was in perseel 2 teenwoordig as volg: Mn (kompos- en geotekstielbehandelings teenoor al die ander behandelings), Fe (kontrolebehandeling teenoor alle ander behandelings behalwe die komposbehandeling), Zn (komposbehandeling teenoor al die ander behandelings) en B (kontrole en komposbehandelings teenoor vermi-, houtspaander- en geotekstielbehandelings (gedurende 2010. Die vrugmineraal-analises het geen verskille getoon tussen behandelings by oes 2009 vir enige perseel, of 2010 vir perseel, 1 nie. By perseel 2 was die Ca persentasie in die vrug in die houtspaanderbehandeling betekenisvol hoër as die van die ander behandelings, uitgesonder die geotekstielbehandeling. By perseel 1, het al die behandelings die persentasie mycorrhiza-kolonisasie verhoog in vergelyking met die kontrole, alhoewel dit nie betekenisvol was nie. By perseel 2 was daar wel ‘n betekenisvolle toename in die persentasie mycorrhiza-kolonisasie by al die deklaagbehandelings in vergelyking met skoonbewerking van die kontrole behandeling. Die persentasie plant-parasitiese nematodes was baie variëerend met gronddiepte by beide persele. Die houtspaander- en vermi-komposbehandelings in perseel 1 het ‘n afwaartse tendens getoon in die persentasie plant-parasitiese en toename in persentasie vry-lewende nematode vanaf 2009 na 2010, in die 0-15 cm diepte. In teenstelling, het die geotekstiel- en komposbehandeling ‘n toenemende tendens getoon in die persentasie plant-parasitiese en klein afname in persentasie vrylewende nematodes vanaf 2009 tot 2010. Geen betekenisvolle verskille in nematode getalle is waargeneem in gronddiepte 15 -30 cm grond in die perseel nie. In perseel 2 is geen betekenisvolle verskille in aantal nematodes gevind gedurende die twee seisoene tussen behandelings of binne persele op 0-15 cm gronddiepte nie. Nietemin het die houtspaander-, kompos- en vermi-komposbehandelings die persentasie plant-parasitiese verlaag en die van die vry-lewende nematode verhoog vanaf 2009 tot 2010, in vergelyking met die kontrole in die 15-30 cm gronddiepte. Slegs die houtspaanderbehandeling het betekenisvolle verskille getoon teenoor die kontrole. Die geotekstiel- het dieselfde tendens as die kontrole behandeling getoon, met ‘n toename in persentasie parasities- en afname in persentasie vry-lewende nematode. Die kontrole en geotekstielbehandelings het nie betekenisvol van mekaar verskil nie. Die aantal erdwurms en meso-fauna was baie laag tydens die eerste twee jaar by beide die persele en data is daarom nie statisties verwerk nie. By die derde proef, is ‘n skoonbewerkte oppervlak, wat chemiese beheer (kontrole) behels het, vergelyk met deklaagbehandelings in die boomry (deklaag) en behandelings waar kompostee saam met die deklaag toegedien was in die boomry (deklaag + kompostee). Al die behandelings is gekombineer met verkillende tussenry behandelings wat ‘n totaal van agt verskillende behandelings behels het. Hierdie verslag konsentreer slegs op die behandelings in die boomry, waar die kontrole behandelings wat ‘n standaard bememestings program ontvang het, vergelyk word met die deklaag behandelings, wat geen alternatiewe bemesting ontvang het nie en as organise alternatiewe beskou word in ‘n ‘Cripps’ Pink’ appelboord. Klem in die verslag is gelê op die hoof effekte van die behandelings op vrugkwaliteit. Beide die persentasie grondkoolstof en die katioonuitruilkapasiteit het ‘n betekenisvolle toename getoon by al die deklaagbehandelings in vergelyking met die kontrole behandeling. Terselfdetyd, het al die deklaagbehandelings ook verskeie grondminerale betekenisvol verhoog, waarvan slegs P betekenisvol in beide die blare en vrugte verhoog is. Die tempo van grondmikrobe aktiwiteit en micorrhiza-kolonisasie van die wortels is betekenisvol verhoog deur die deklaagbehandelings, maar het gerealiseer in ‘n betekenisvolle laer opbrengseffektiwiteit in vergelyking met die anorganiese, kontrole behandeling. Dit kan onder andere toegeskryf word aan die mikrobe aktiwiteit van die komposdeklaag gedurende die lente – alhoewel dit nie per se in die studie gekwantifiseer is nie, sook die toename in vegetatiewe groeikrag aan die einde van die proeftydperk. Dit is wel indirek gereflekteer deur die betekenisvolle, laer vrug N van die deklaagbehandelings en die laer tempo van mikrobe aktiwiteit gedurende die lente by die deklaagbehandelings op die perseel. Wat die toedienning van kompostee betref, het dit geen betekenisvolle bydra gelewer in terme van gewasprestasie, grondminerale of microbe-aktiwiteit oor ‘n tydperk van sewe jaar in vergelyking met die behandelings waar die deklaag geen kompostee ontvang het nie. In vergelyking met die proef by Lourensford Landgoed, met geen betekenisvolle verskille in vrug mineral-analises tussen die behandelings oor ‘n tydperk van twee jaar nie, het die proef te Elgin wel betekenisvolle verskille tussen behandelings na 6 (2009) en 7 (2010) jaar getoon in geval van P, vir sekere behandelings (4,7,8 versus 1,2,6). Slegs in 2010 het meer behandelings betekenisvolle verskille getoon vir N, Mn, Fe en Zn. Rakende vrugkwaliteit - in ooreenstemming met resultate van 2009 vir perseel 1 te Lourensford Landgoed - het beide seisoene betekenisvolle verskille ten opsigte van appelsuur getoon in Elgin. Die verskille het egter nie konstant in al die behandelings voorgekom nie. Stysel afbraak, totaal oplosbare stowwe en fermheid het ook betekenisvolle verskille tussen behandelings getoon in Elgin – maar dit was nie konsekwent oor behandelings of seisoene nie en het ook nie voorgekom in die Lourensford Landgoed persele nie.

Thesis (MscAgric (Horticulture))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Protea, Leucadendron and Leucospermum belong to the Proteaceae family. These three genera form an important part of the floriculture industry in South Africa and are commonly used as fresh cut flowers or dried flowers for both the local and international market. The distribution of macro and micro - nutrients was investigated in Protea ‘Cardinal’ using rooted cuttings grown from October 2001 to March 2002. The plants were divided into 1st flush leaf and stem, 2nd flush leaf and stem, basal leaf and basal stem, roots and the flower bud. These tissues were analysed to determine N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, S, Na, B and Mn concentration. Results indicated that N decreased over time in all tissues and accumulated more in leaves than in stems. P in leaves and stems increased with time, while K increased in leaf tissues and remained stable in stem tissue. Ca did not change in young leaves but was high in old leaves. Mg in leaves increased but in basal stem, 1st flush stem and roots Mg decreased over time. Fe in leaves and roots increased with time and not a less significant change occurred in stems. In most tissues, B and Na decreased with time. S increased in leaves and decreased in stems with time. Mn was relatively stable in most tissues except in basal leaves where it increased. Nutrient concentration in tissues, especially in leaves, showed no distinct pattern in the distribution of nutrients. Eleven cultivars from the three genera, namely Protea, Leucadendron and Leucospermum, were used to develop deficiency symptoms of macro - nutrients by using different nutrient compositions. The plants were grown in 20cm pots from December 2002 to September 2003. The eleven cultivars were chosen because of their high market value. Visual symptoms were recorded in two stages with a five - month interval for each stage. The first stage was recorded from December 2002 to April 2003 and the second stage was recorded from May 2003 to September 2003. Observed symptoms indicated significant differences between the control and treatments in which specific nutrients were withheld. Some cultivars exhibited some symptoms that are commonly noticed under field conditions, e.g. in the N deficiency treatment the upper leaves of Protea ‘Sylvia’ were reddish and the lower leaves were chlorotic especially at the later stage. Protea ‘Red Rex’ in the P deficiency treatment had random red tints around the leaf including the petiole, these symptoms are also commonly noticed in Protea ‘Red ‘Rex’ in field conditions. Leucadendron ‘Rosette’ also showed some uncommon symptoms of accumulating “sugar” on leaf tips in Ca deficiency treatment that was not observed in any other cultivar. In some cultivars the symptoms were systematic e.g. Leucadendron ‘Chameleon’ while in other cultivars the deficiency affected a certain leaf age e.g. Leucospermum ‘High Gold’ in the Ca deficiency treatment. The buds in 'High Gold' died prematurely in the Ca deficiency treatment. Protea ‘Cardinal’ was used to determine the optimal N and P source and concentrations for optimal growth. Protea ‘Cardinal’ was grown in a temperaturecontrolled glasshouse for seven months using silica sand as growth medium. Different levels and sources of N and P were applied. The N was applied in a complete nutrient solution as NH4 +, NO3 -, NH4 +: NO3 - (1: 1, 1: 4 and 4: 1 ratios) and Urea, at different concentration levels: 5 mM, 1 mM and 0.1 mM. P was applied at 1 mM, 0.1 mM and 0.01 mM. The plants were fertigated manually with 1L nutrient solution on every second day of the week. P at 0.01 mM and 0.1 mM resulted in optimal plant growth. The 1 mM P resulted in marginal leaf scorching or dryness. When N was applied at 5 mM plant growth was more optimal than when N was applied at 1 mM and 0.1 mM. More dry weight was accumulated at 5 mM than at 1 mM or 0.1 mM N. The dry weight of leaves, stem and roots tissues at 5 mM were higher in the NO3 - treatment.

As energy use increases globally the environmental burdens increase alike. Many accusations have been made that carbon dioxide is a culprit of climate change. The University of Kentucky and Duke Energy Power have partnered to test carbon capture technology in a large scale project. To this end, the objective of this thesis is to investigate potential water media sources and nutrient sources at different volume scales for algae cultivation to help create a more environmentally viable and economically feasible solution. This work will conduct a life cycle assessment of water media sources and the effects of the inputs and outputs needed for each medium. The up-scaling objective of the research is to identify which parameters vary as a result of up-scaling and how to maintain a culture at the large scale that is standardized to the lab scale culture.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:35:45Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2008-01-22Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:26:50Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 prior_m_dr_botfca.pdf: 609810 bytes, checksum: 6b9456e563b46b7994e59d010c70f78f (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / A região Oeste do Paraná é grande produtora de suínos, devido a isso, tem-se tornado um problema sério o grande número de dejetos líquidos gerados por essa atividade, além de ser considerada como causadora de degradação ambiental. O uso da água residuária de suinocultura (ARS) vem sendo aplicado ao solo como forma de adubação em várias culturas, o que melhora as condições do solo devido ao fornecimento de nutrientes, além de economizar custos com fertilização e água potável. Entretanto, a utilização da ARS na agricultura pode causar problemas, quando realizada de forma inadequada, devido à falta de informações sobre a taxa de aplicação adequada. Neste contexto, este trabalho teve por objetivo quantificar elementos e variáveis no solo e lixiviado quanto aos parâmetro físicos e químicos, bem como avaliar o comportamento da cultura em função da aplicação de água residuária de suinocultura (ARS) em um Latossolo Vermelho Distroférrico típico cultivado com milho. O experimento foi conduzido em ambiente protegido, onde foram construídos 24 lisímetros de drenagem, que receberam água residuária de suinocultura (ARS), sendo aplicadas cinco taxas de ARS (0; 112,5; 225; 337,5 e 450 m3 ha-1 no ciclo), combinadas com duas adubações de solo (50 e 75%), em três repetições por tratamento, sendo distribuídas em cinco aplicações durante o ciclo da cultura. Fez-se irrigações de acordo com a precipitação média ocorrida no período, quinzenalmente, resultando em seis coletas do material lixiviado, que foi analisado quanto ao N total, NO3 -, NO- 2, pH, CE, Ca, Mg, Na, K e P. Durante o ciclo da cultura do milho foram coletadas cinco amostras de solo de cada uma das parcelas analisadas quanto ao N total, N orgânico, N inorgânico, NH4 +, NO3 -, Na, pH, CE, MO, P, Ca, Mg, K, V%, CTC, P, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn. Para o comportamento da cultura foi avaliado o diâmetro... / West of Paraná is a big producer of swine, due to that, it has been turning a serious problem the great volume of liquid dejections generated by this activity, besides it is considered as responsible of environmental degradation. The use of the swine wastewater (ARS) has been applied to the soil as a manuring form in several cultures, that improves the conditions of the soil due to the supply of nutrients, besides saving costs with fertilization and drinking water. However, the use of ARS in the agriculture can cause problems, once the application is made in an inadequate way, due to the lack of information about the appropriate rate of application. In this context, this work had for objective to evaluate the effects caused in the soil and leached as for the parameters physicists and chemical, as well as to evaluate the behavior of the culture in function of the swine wastewater application (ARS) in a Typical Dystroferric Red Latosol cultivated with corn. The experiment was driven in protected atmosphere, where 24 drainage lisimiters were built, that received swine wastewater (ARS), where it was applied five rates of ARS (0; 112,5; 225; 337,5 and 450 m3 ha-1 in the cycle), combined with two soil manurings (50 and 75%), in three repetitions for treatment, where it was distributed in five applications during the cycle of the culture. It was made irrigations in agreement with the medium precipitation happened in the period, biweekly, resulting in six collections of the leached material, that it was analyzed as for total N, NO3, NO2, pH, CE, Ca, Mg, Na, K and P.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect on performance and ingestive behavior of herbal extract additive as an alternative for monensine on feedlot cull cows diet. Twenty four cull cows, Charolais (CH) vs. Nellore (NE) crossbred, being each treatment composed by eight animals, between then one CH; one NE; one ¾ CH e ¼ NE; one ¾ NE e ¼ CH; two 11/16 CH e 5/16 NE and two 11/16 NE e 5/16 CH, with initial age and live weight of 7 years and 423 kg, respectively, were used. The roughage:concentrate ratio was of 62:38, constituted by sorghum silage and concentrate composed by wheat bran, corn, limestone and sodic chlorate. The experimental diets were: EVE basic diet + 5 mg of herbal extract additive; MON - basic diet + 300 mg of monensin and CON control group, without additive. The herbal extract used was Rumex® and monensin was obtained with Rumensin®. The quantity of additive used was the higher one recommended by manufacturers. Feedlot period was of 64 days. The complete randomized experimental design was used, wit a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement (3 diets and 2 racial predominance) and the averages were compared by t test with 5% and 10% of probability. No interaction between diet and racial predominance was observed and additives inclusion didn t affect animal s performance and food intake. Animals with Charolais racial predominance (CRP) obtained higher weight gain (P<.05) and dry mater intake (P<.10) and better feed conversion (P<.10) then Nellore racial predominance (NRP) animals. The EVE diet proportioned higher (P<.05) rumination time, number of ruminal chews per bolus, rumination time per bolus. / O presente estudo objetivou avaliar o uso de aditivos a base de extratos vegetais como alternativa à monensina sódica na dieta de vacas de descarte terminadas em confinamento, através do desempenho e comportamento ingestivo. Foram utilizados 24 animais cruzas Charolês (CH) x Nelore (NE), sendo cada tratamento composto por oito animais dentre eles: um CH; um NE; um ¾ CH e ¼ NE; um ¾ NE e ¼ CH; dois 11/16 CH e 5/16 NE e dois 11/16 NE e 5/16 CH, com idade e peso vivo inicial de sete anos e 423 kg, respectivamente. A relação volumoso:concentrado da dieta foi de 62:38, composta de silagem de sorgo e concentrado constituído de farelo de trigo, milho, calcário calcítico e cloreto de sódio. As dietas experimentais foram: EVE dieta básica + 5 mg do aditivo a base de extrato vegetal; MON dieta básica + 300 mg de monensina sódica; CON sem aditivo. O aditivo natural utilizado foi o Rumex® e a monensina sódica foi obtida através do produto comercial Rumensin®. A quantidade de aditivo utilizada no experimento foi a máxima recomendada pelos fabricantes. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 3 x 2 (3 dietas e 2 predominâncias) e as médias comparadas pelo teste t ao nível de 5% e 10% de probabilidade. Não houve interação, e o uso dos aditivos não influenciou (P>0,05) no desempenho e o consumo dos animais. Os animais com predominância racial (PCH) apresentaram maior (P<0,05) ganho de peso vivo diário e maior (P<0,10) consumo de matéria seca e melhor (P<0,10) conversão alimentar que os animais de predominância (PNE). A dieta EVE proporcionou maior (P<0,05) tempo de ruminação, de mastigação por bolo e número de mastigadas por bolo.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:32:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-02-17Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:27:53Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 goncalves_jc_dr_botfmvz.pdf: 385502 bytes, checksum: f252f5f8c1f09237dda0f395ffd9cb72 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os níveis de inclusão de silagem de grãos úmidos de sorgo (SGUS) em substituição ao milho seco da ração sobre o desempenho, rendimento de carcaça, cortes e gordura abdominal, além de avaliação econômica da criação alternativa, no período de 1 a 49 dias de idade. Também foi avaliada a digestibilidade das rações aos 21 dias de idade. O trabalho foi conduzido no Laboratório de Nutrição de Aves da FMVZ, UNESP - Campus de Botucatu e para as análises de desempenho e rendimento de carcaça foram distribuídos no galpão, 600 pintos machos (Cobb), com um dia de idade, vacinados no incubatório contra Gumboro, Marek e Bouba aviária em um delineamento em blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50% de inclusão SGUS em substituição ao milho seco da ração), com quatro repetições de 25 aves cada, totalizando 100 aves por tratamento. Em relação a digestibilidade, foram alojados na câmara climatizada termoneutra, 72 pintainhos em 24 gaiolas, sendo 3 aves/gaiola, totalizando 12 aves/tratamento. Os tratamentos experimentais e manejo foram os mesmos adotados para o galpão. A inclusão de silagem nas rações foi feita considerando-se o teor de umidade do milho e da silagem, mantendo a mesma proporção de matéria seca de milho nas mesmas, com o fator de correção 1,220. A SGUS pode substituir em até 50% o milho seco das rações de frangos de corte alternativos criados até 49 dias de idade, sem alterar desempenho, rendimento de carcaça, cortes e gordura abdominal, bem como a digestibilidade de nutrientes aos 21 dias de idade. Entretanto, o maior retorno econômico e melhor fator de produção foi obtido com 10% de substituição. / The objective of this study was to evaluate levels of inclusion of high moisture sorghum grains silage (HMSS) in substitution of dry corn in diet on performance, carcass yield, cuts and abdominal fat, and also economic analysis of alternative system at 1 to 49 d of age. The digestibility of diets was determined at 21 d of age. The experiment was carried out at the Poultry Nutrition Laboratory of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil and to performance and carcass yield analysis were used 600 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb), installed in a broiler house, vaccinated against Gumboro, Marekis and Bouba Aviária disease in a randomized blocks, with six treatments based on the inclusion of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of HMSS in substitution of dry corn, four replicates/treatment of 25 chicks each, totalizing 100 chickens per treatment. With regard to digestibility were housed to the termoneutral acclimatized chamber 72 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb) in 24 cages, 3 chicks/cage, 12 chicks/treatment. The experimental treatments and management had been the same adopted for the broiler house. The inclusion of silage in the rations was performed considering the corn and silage humidity amount, keeping the same proportion of dry matter of corn with the correction factor 1,220. HMSS can be included up to 50% in substitution of dry corn in the diet of alternative broiler chickens with 49 d of age, without modifying performance, carcass yield, cuts and abdominal fat, as well as the digestibility at the age of 21 d. However, better economic return and production factor had gotten with 10% of substitution.

For widespread use of biochar in agriculture and horticulture, it must be ensured that application will neither adversely affect soil and plants, nor exceed legislated contaminant concentrations. The most relevant groups of contaminants in biochar are potentially toxic elements (PTEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOC). In this thesis, the concentrations of these groups of contaminants were analysed in 90 different biochars produced by slow pyrolysis. Subsequently, the concentrations were compared to legislation/guideline threshold values and linked to production conditions. The risk these contaminants pose to plant growth was also assessed, to give recommendations on production of safe biochar. PTEs can neither be formed nor destroyed, which means their presence in biochar is predominantly determined by feedstock type. However, significant levels of Cr, Fe and Ni were introduced into biochar from the furnace steel, whilst PTEs with low boiling points, such as As, Cd and Zn, partially evaporated during pyrolysis. PTEs were not responsible for phytotoxic effects observed for PTE-rich biochars despite biochar’s exceedance of available and total PTE threshold values for soil and soil amendments. Although initial tests were promising, the risk that PTE-rich biochars as amendment for soil and growing media pose, needs further investigation. The PAH concentration in biochar was markedly reduced by increasing carrier gas flow rate, and the type of feedstock also influenced the PAH content. However, there was no clear dependence of pyrolysis temperature on PAH concentrations, which was attributed to PAHs being increasingly formed and evaporated at higher pyrolysis temperatures. Ultimately, condensation of pyrolysis vapours and deposition on biochar was identified as the main risk for biochar contamination with PAHs, as this resulted in elevated concentrations of high-risk, higher molecular weight PAHs. Weaknesses in the pyrolysis unit design, such as cold zones, resulted in elevated concentrations of VOCs, as well as PAHs, in biochar. Comparing concentrations and phytotoxic potential of both compound groups, it was concluded that observed toxic effects were much more likely caused by VOCs in biochars containing both contaminants. Overall, formation of VOCs and PAHs cannot be prevented, but their presence in biochar resulting from retention and deposition can be minimised.

Os sedimentos aquáticos podem fornecer importantes subsídios na avaliação dos ecossistemas aquáticos lênticos, uma vez que grande parte dos nutrientes se encontra no estado sólido. A ocorrência de uma floração de cianobactérias tóxicas originada no Blang, segundo de três reservatórios em cascata do Sistema Salto de Hidrelétricas, localizado no município de São Francisco de Paula (RS), motivou a investigação das possíveis fontes de nutrientes, especialmente de fósforo (P) que foi identificado como limitante para a eutrofização. Foram investigadas fontes de origens difusas (solos, águas e sedimentos dos tributários) e pontuais (uso urbano e a carga interna representada pelo sedimento do leito dos reservatórios). Os resultados mostraram características oligotróficas nas fontes externas e a presença de P disponível em excesso no sedimento do leito, indicando que a carga interna poderia ser uma fonte significativa de nutrientes. A possibilidade de circulação da água hipolimnética foi investigada através de números adimensionais e características físicas do corpo de água, demonstrando que dificilmente ocorreria, uma vez que somente eventos climáticos extremos poderiam provocar a inversão da massa líquida. Excluídas as fontes externas, os resultados sugerem que a fertilização do reservatório Blang tenha sido causada pela abertura da comporta de fundo do reservatório Divisa, localizado imediatamente à montante, durante uma estiagem. O segundo objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a importância dos agregados de partículas e da seleção granulométrica para a análise química de nutrientes em sedimentos aquáticos. Resultados obtidos em sedimentos de ambientes lóticos e lênticos (Sistema Salto, RS), demonstraram que os agregados maiores (465 - 63 μm) concentram nitrogênio nos ambientes lênticos, por isso a análise deve ser realizada, preferencialmente, na fração ≤ 465 μm em sedimentos de ambientes lênticos e na fração ≤ 63 μm dos ambientes lóticos. O último objetivo deste estudo foi testar os efeitos da oxidação sobre a capacidade e a velocidade da sorção de fosfato em sedimentos aquáticos orgânicos, identificando as melhores condições para retenção. Foram utilizados sedimentos aquáticos siliciclásticos de origens distintas, principalmente no que se refere ao clima e à origem do conteúdo orgânico, alóctone e autóctone, representados pelos tipos Dy (Reservatório Divisa, RS) e Sapropel (Reservatório de Tapacurá, São Lourenço da Mata, PE) respectivamente. O experimento foi realizado em suspensões de sedimentos mantidos sob níveis de potencial redox compreendidos entre - 200 mV e + 400 mV. Resultados demonstram que a sorção de fosfato é maior no sedimento tipo Dy em condições reduzidas e no Sapropel em condições oxidadas. / Water-borne sediments can provide important information for evaluating lentic aquatic ecosystems because a large proportion of their nutrients are found in the solid phase. A toxic algal bloom in the Blang Reservoir, the second of three in the Salto System chain of hydroelectric dams located in Sao Francisco de Paula in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, motivated the investigation of possible nutrient sources, especially phosphorus, which was identified as the limiting nutrient for eutrophization. Non-point sources, including soil, water and sediment carried by tributaries, and point sources, including urban areas and the internal load from the reservoir bottom, were examined. Results showed oligotrophic characteristics in the external sources and excess P availability in bottom sediments, indicating that the internal load may be a significant source of nutrients. The possible circulation of hypolimnic water was investigated using adimensional numbers and physical characteristics of the body of water, demonstrating that this is unlikely to occur, since only extreme climatic events could cause inversion of the liquid mass. By excluding external sources, results suggest that the fertilization of the Blang Reservoir was most likely caused by the opening of the floodgates from the Divisa Reservoir immediately upstream during a drought period. The second goal of this study was to evaluate the importance of particle aggregates and particle size selection for chemical analyses of nutrients and water-borne sediments. Results from sediments in lentic and lotic environments from the Salto System show that the larger aggregates (465 - 63 μm) concentrate nitrogen under lentic conditions and that, therefore, analyses should be performed on the fraction smaller than 465 μm in lentic environments and in the fraction ≤ 63 μm in lotic environments. The final objective of this study was to test the effects of oxidation on the phosphate sorption capacity and rate in organic aquatic sediments, identifying the best conditions for retention. Silicate aquatic sediments from different origins in terms of climate and source of organic content (allochtonous or autochtonous) were used, and were represented by the types Dy (Divisa Reservoir, RS) and Sapropel (Tapacurá Reservoir, São Lourenço da Mata, PE), respectively. The experiment was carried out in suspended sediment maintained under levels of redox potential between –200mV and +400mV. Results demonstrated that phosphate sorption is greatest in sediment type Dy under reduced conditions and in Sapropel under oxidized conditions.

The aim of the thesis was evaluation of various metabolic characteristics in the fruit flies Drosophila melanogaster with deficiency of adipokinetic hormone (AKH) production, and with adenosine receptor dysfunction. The experiments were done with a goal to evaluate involment of AKH and adenosine into control of the metabolic pathways. For that measuring of basic nutrients, level of Drome-AKH, mortality and some others characteristics in the fruit flies during starvation were performed. Results revealed the effect of AKH on metabolism of storage nutrients, however, the role of adenosine was unclear.

Submitted by Ana Hilda Fonseca (anahilda@ufba.br) on 2016-08-31T15:36:56Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE MARIA HELENA 3.pdf: 900598 bytes, checksum: 13f867842503f33a473667dd68ac18e7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Vanessa Reis (vanessa.jamile@ufba.br) on 2016-09-02T16:21:12Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE MARIA HELENA 3.pdf: 900598 bytes, checksum: 13f867842503f33a473667dd68ac18e7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-02T16:21:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE MARIA HELENA 3.pdf: 900598 bytes, checksum: 13f867842503f33a473667dd68ac18e7 (MD5) / O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a composição físico-química, avaliar e comparar o conteúdo de minerais no leite e verificar os fatores que influenciam entre a cadeia produtiva e de beneficiamento. Foram avaliados quatro procedimentos para o preparo das amostras (1) digestão ácida com a mistura 3 mL de H2S04+2,0 mL de HN03 +5,0 mL H202, com aquecimento em bloco digestor; (2) digestão ácida com a mistura 3 mL de H2S04+2,0 mL de HN03 +5,0 mL H202, com aquecimento da placa aquecedora; (3) adição da enzima renina ao leite; (4) incubação em estufa regulada para 35ºC. Através dos resultados obtidos, foi recomendado o procedimento (1) e a composição mineral das amostras de leite bovino foi determinada por espectrometria de emissão óptica com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP OES). A exatidão do método foi avaliada utilizando-se uma amostra de material de referência certificado de leite bovino em pó (SRM NIST 8435) e os valores obtidos concordaram com os valores certificados, a um nível de 95% de confiança aplicando-se o teste t – Student. Os resultados demonstraram variação da concentração dos nutrientes a depender da técnica de beneficiamento, estágio de lactação e sanidade animal. Também foi observado que a concentração de Cr, na cadeia produtiva de Feira de Santana, estava acima do nível recomendado pela legislação (ANVISA – Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), o que pode ser creditado aos materiais dos equipamentos usados para a obtenção do leite / The objective of this work was to determine the composition physicist-chemistry, to evaluate and to compare the mineral content in milk and to verify the factors that influence between the productive chain and of improvement of had been evaluated four procedures for the preparation of the samples (1) acid digestion with mixture of (3 mL H2S04 +2,0 HN03 and 5 mL H202 ), with heating in digestor block; (2) acid digestion with mixture of (3 mL H2S04 +2,0 HN03 and 5 mL H202 ), with heating of the hot plate; (3) addition of the rennet enzyme to milk; (4) incubation in greenhouse regulated for 35ºC. Through the gotten results, the procedure was recommended (1) and the mineral composition of the bovine milk samples was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP OES) Accuracy was tested using one standards reference materials SRM NIST 8435 (whole milk powder), and the values are in agreement with certified ones at 95% confident level, using t-Student test. The results had demonstrated variation of the concentration of the nutrients to depend on the technique of improvement, period of training of lactation and animal health. Also it was observed that the concentration of Cr, in the productive chain of Feira of Santana, was above of the level recommended for the legislation (ANVISA - National Agency of Sanitary Monitoring), what it can be credited to the materials of the used equipment for the attainment of milk.