En agriculture de conservation (AC), les résidus de cultures sous forme de paillis à la surface du sol associés à la suppression du travail du sol sont une composante intrinsèque des systèmes de culture. L'objectif principal de ce travail était de comprendre les effets de la nature et de la décomposition de mulch de résidus s sur les services d'approvisionnement et de régulation fournis par les sols dans les agrosystèmes en AC de régions tempérées (France) et tropicales (Madagascar et le Brésil). Des études expérimentales ont été réalisées pour obtenir des paramètres de décomposition pour une large gamme représentative de la qualité des résidus végétaux des agrosystèmes étudiés et pour tester et améliorer un modèle de décomposition des mulchs. Ensuite nous avons utilisé le modèle PASTIS_MULCH qui simule les biotransformations C et N et le transport de solutés dans les sols lors de la décomposition des mulchs.Pour la gamme de résidus de tiges testées, la rétention d'eau maximale a varié considérablement et ceci a été expliqué par les caractéristiques physiques du résidu. Avec les données obtenues par une série d'incubations de décomposition de résidus, nous avons proposé un ensemble de paramètres biologiques unique pour le module de décomposition CANTIS, simulant une large gamme de qualité des résidus de culture. L'étude expérimentale dans les colonnes de sol a montré que le mulch de maïs + dolique se décompose plus rapidement que mulch de blé + luzerne. Un régime de pluies fines et fréquentes augmente la décomposition du mulch par rapport à des pluies plus rares et plus fortes et cela est dû au maintien de l'humidité du mulch.Les simulations de scénarios avec PASTIS_MULCH ont montré que la pluie et les conditions d'évaporation classent les résidus de culture vis-à-vis de la décomposition lorsque ceux-ci sont placés en mulch à la surface des sols, tandis que les caractéristiques chimiques des résidus classent ceux-ci vis-à-vis de la décomposition lorsqu'ils sont incorporés. Aucune des situations étudiées pourrait être définie au vu des résultats de simulation comme étant adaptée à toutes les conditions pédo-climatiques et agricoles. / In conservation agriculture (CA), crop residues mulches are associated to reduction or suppression of soil tillage and are an intrinsic component of CA. The objective of this work was to understand the effects of nature and decomposition of crop residue mulches on the provisioning and regulating services of agrosystems provided by soils under temperate (France) and tropical (Madagascar and Brazil) conditions. Experimental studies were realized to get decomposition parameters for a large range of residue quality representative of the agrosystems studied and to test and improve a MULCH model. Then we used PASTIS_MULCH model which simulates the C and N biotransformations and solutes transport in soils during mulch decomposition.For a range of plant-stem residues tested, the maximal water retention varied greatly and was only explained by the physical features of the residue. With a series of decomposition incubations, we proposed a single set of biological parameters for CANTIS decomposition module, simulating a large range of crop residue quality. Experimental study in soil columns showed that maize+dolichos mulch decomposed faster than wheat+alfalfa mulch. Frequent and light rain enhanced mulch decomposition compared to infrequent and heavy rain and this was due to the mulch remaining wetter with frequent rain.The simulations of scenarios with PASTIS showed that rain and evaporation conditions ranked crop residues decomposition when placed as mulches while the residue chemical characteristics ranked crop residues decomposition when incorporated. None of the situations studied would be defined as suitable in all pedo-climatic and agricultural conditions.

No presente estudo perseguimos os seguintes objetivos: a) caracterizar o grau de degradação física e química de solos usados em cultivo agrícola por várias décadas, originalmente cobertos por Mata Atlântica (Floresta Estacional Semidecidual) em Botucatu, SP; b) avaliar as alterações biológicas destes solos ao longo de 16 meses pós-reflorestamento com diferentes modelos de associação de espécies da Mata Atlântica. As áreas experimentais estavam localizadas em duas propriedades (Fazenda Lageado e Edgardia) da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA/UNESP) em Botucatu-SP. O clima da região é do tipo tropical com inverno seco (Cwa, classif. de Köppen). Os solos das áreas experimentais são os seguintes: um Nitossolo Vermelho (NV) de textura argilosa; um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (AVA) álico, de textura areia-franca; e um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo (LVA) álico, de textura arenosa. Seis tratamentos (delineamento em blocos casualizados, com três repetições) foram usados: Testemunha; Semeadura Direta; Taungya; Consorciação; Restauração e, por fim, Fragmentos Florestais. Os atributos físicos (textura, densidade e porosidade) foram avaliados nas camadas de 0-10, 10-20 e 20-40cm, os atributos químicos (pH, MO, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, H, Al, CTC, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn) nas camadas de 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 e 20-40cm e os atributos biológicos (C da biomassa microbiana, liberação de CO2 e mineralização de N) nas camadas de 0-5 e 5-20cm. No NV, o teor de argila no solo degradado foi 57% maior do que o obtido no solo sob o Fragmento Florestal (camada 0-10cm), no AVA, 33% maior e, no LVA, 77% menor. Este efeito, no NV e AVA, foi atribuído à remoção de camadas superiores do solo, mais arenosas, pela erosão e exposição das camadas inferiores mais argilosas. No LVA, o menor teor de argila e silte no solo degradado foiatribuído à perda destas frações por eluviação ou em suspensão na enxurrada. O pH, teor de MO, de P e de Ca nos solos NV e LVA foram bem superiores nos Fragmentos Florestais relativamente aos obtidos nas áreas com solos degradados. Diferenças menos acentuadas foram observadas no AVA, como também detectadas para a composição textural, indicando que este solo está menos degradado que os demais. A CTC dos solos mostrou-se altamente correlacionada com os teores de argila e de MO. Isto destaca a importância da preservação da composição granulométrica e elevação dos teores de MO com o intuito de restaurar importantes propriedades físico-químicas do solo, como a CTC. Em áreas com cobertura florestal (Fragmentos Florestais do NV, AVA e LVA), o C da biomassa microbiana apresenta maiores valores na camada superficial e no verão. Fato atribuído a condições mais favoráveis (MO, pH, umidade, temperatura, etc) à manutenção da vida microbiana no solo. O C da biomassa microbiana e, em menor escala, a liberação de CO2 apresentaram-se como bons indicadores das alterações ocorridas após o reflorestamento com as diferentes associações de espécies. No LVA, como o solo desta área se apresenta mais degradado, em relação ao NV e ao AVA, a alta correlação e relação C microbiano/C orgânico indica que a biomassa microbiana é um importante compartimento de reserva do C orgânico do solo. Quanto aos atributos biológicos, as diferenças entre os Fragmentos Florestais e os demais tratamentos continuam a existir nas três áreas e camadas, devendo ser gradativo o retorno desses atributos à condição pré-existente; ademais, o tempo de retorno sofrerá influência das condições edafoclimáticas da área e da associação de espécies presentes. / This study seeks to: a) characterize the degree of physical and chemical degradation of the soils used in agricultural cultivation for several decades, originally covered by the Atlantic Forest (Seasonal Semideciduous Forest) in Botucatu, SP; b) evaluate the biological changes of these soils along a 16-month post-reforestation with different models of species association of the Atlantic Forest. The experimental areas were located in two properties (Fazenda Lageado and Edgardia) of the Agronomic Sciences College (FCA/UNESP) in Botucatu-SP. The climate in that region is the tropical type with dry winter (Cwa, Köppen class.). The soils of the experimental areas are: clayey Red Nitosol (NV), loamy alic Red-Yellow Argisol (AVA), and sandy alic Red-Yellow Latosol (LVA). Six treatments (randomized block design with three replications) were used: Test; Direct Seeding; Taungya; Consortium; Restoration and finally Forestal Fragments. The physical attributes (texture, density and porosity) were evaluated in layers of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-40cm; the chemical attributes (pH, MO, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, H, Al, CTC, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in layers of 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40cm and the biological attributes (Microbial biomass C, CO2 release and N mineralization) in layers of 0-5 and 5-20cm. The clay content in the degraded soil in NV was 57% higher than that obtained in soil under Forest Fragment (0-10cm layer), 33% higher in AVA, and 77% lower in LVA. This effect in NV and AVA was accredited to the removal of the soil top layers, which are sandier due to the erosion and exposition of the lower layers that are more clayey. In LVA the lowest clay and silt content in the degraded soil was accredited to the loss of these fractions by eluviation or flood suspension. The pH, MO, P and Ca contents in NV and LVA soils were much higher in Forestal iv Fragments regarding those reached in degraded soil areas. The less marking differences were observed in AVA and also detected for the textural composition, thus indicating that this soil is less degraded than the other ones. The CTC of the soils was highly correlated with the clay and MO contents. That highlights the importance of preserving the granulometric composition and elevation of the MO contents in order to restore important physical-chemical soil properties, such as the CTC. In primary forest areas (NV, AVA and LVA Forestal Fragments), the microbial biomass C presents higher values at the top layer and in the summer, a fact accredited to more favorable conditions (MO, pH, moisture, temperature, etc) for the maintenance of the microbial life in the soil. The microbial biomass C and, in a lesser scale, the CO2 release were good indicators of the changes occurred after the reforestation with the different species associations. In the LVA, since the soil of this area is more degraded in relationship to NV and AVA, the high correlation and microbial C/organic C relationship indicate that the microbial biomass is an important reserve compartment of the soil organic C. As to the biological attributes, the differences between the Forestal Fragments and the remaining treatments still exist in the three areas and layers, and the return to the pre-existing attributes is likely to be gradual; moreover, the time of return should undergo influences of the pedoclimatic conditions of the area and of the association of the present species.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de biossólido sobre as taxas de mineralização e de lixiviação de N, as modificações de fertilidade do solo, a nutrição e o crescimento de povoamentos de Eucalyptus grandis plantados em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo Distrófico não-degradado (sob cultivo mínimo) e outro degradado. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Salto de Pirapora, SP. A área experimental foi constituída de quatro blocos e nove tratamentos; em três tratamentos, a camada superficial do solo (0-20cm) foi removida (solo degradado). Os tratamentos na área com solo não-degradado, cultivado no sistema de cultivo mínimo, foram: (1) Controle, (2) Fertilização mineral, (3) 10 t ha-1, (4) 20 e (5) 40 t ha-1 de biossólido (base seca), todos com suplementação de P e K, e (6) 10 t ha-1 de biossólido, sem suplementação de P e K; na área com solo degradado, os tratamentos foram: (7) Controle, (8) 20 e (9) 40 t ha-1 de biossólido, todos com suplementação de P e K. Nos tratamentos 1, 4 e 8 foram monitoradas as taxas de mineralização e de lixiviação de N no solo. No solo não-degradado, nos primeiros sete meses pós-aplicação do biossólido (PAB), houve aumento das taxas de mineralização de N, do pH, da concentração de P resina, e diminuição das concentrações de K, Ca e Mg trocáveis. Aos doze meses PAB, as concentrações de P-resina aumentaram, e as de matéria orgânica e N total diminuíram. As concentrações foliares de N aumentaram aos três meses, de N e P aos sete meses, e as de K diminuíram aos doze meses PAB. No solo degradado que recebeu 20 t ha-1 de biossólido, as quantidades de N mineralizadas, em sete meses, foram semelhantes às obtidas no não-degradado sem biossólido, e as taxas de lixiviação de N foram maiores do que no solo não-degradado com a mesma dose. Nesta época, no solo degradado, o biossólido aumentou concentrações de P-resina, Ca, Mg e S, o pH somente na camada 0-3 cm e, aos doze meses, aumentou as concentrações de C, N totais, de matéria orgânica, de P-resina, de Ca trocável, e diminuiu e aumentou, respectivamente, as concentrações de S nas camadas 0-3 e 3-30 cm do solo. Houve aumento das concentrações foliares de N, aos três meses, de N, P, Mg e S aos sete meses, e de Ca aos doze meses PAB. O biossólido aumentou as taxas de crescimento do E. grandis, aos sete meses PAB, nas duas condições de solo e, aos doze e aos vinte e dois meses PAB, nos tratamentos em solo degradado. No tratamento em solo degradado que recebeu 40 t ha-1 de biossólido, as árvores tiveram crescimento semelhante ao dos tratamentos em solo não-degradado. Nas duas condições de solo, as variâncias entre tratamentos relativas ao crescimento das árvores foram explicadas principalmente pela maior absorção de N pelas plantas. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of biosolid application on the mineralization and leaching rates of N, the changes of soil fertility, nutrition and growth of Eucalyptus grandis cultivated in a non-degraded (under minimum tillage) and in a degraded Red-Yellow Latosol (Oxissol). It was carried out in Salto do Pirapora district, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental area included four blocks and nine treatments; in three of them, the topsoil (0-20cm) was removed (degraded soil). Treatments in the non-degraded soil area, cultivated under minimum-tillage system, were: (1) Control, (2) Mineral fertilization, (3) 10 t ha-1, (4) 20 and (5) 40 t ha-1 of biosolid, all supplemented with P and K and (6) 10 t ha-1 of biosolid with no P and K supplementation; in the degraded soil area, the treatments were: (7) Control, (8) 20 and (9) 40 t ha-1 of biosolid, all supplemented with P and K. Mineralization and leaching rates of N in the soil were monitored in treatments 1, 4 and 8. In non-degraded soils, on the first seven months after biosolid application (ABA), increasing of N mineralization rates, pH, concentration of the soil P-resin, and decreasing concentrations of exchangeable K, Ca and Mg were observed. Twelve months ABA, P-resin concentrations increased, and organic matter and total N decreased. N concentration in foliage increased at three months, N and P at seven months and K decreased at twelve months FBA. The amounts of mineralized N in the degraded soil with biosolid (20 t ha-1), at seven months, were similar to those achieved in the Control under non-degraded soil; N leaching was higher in degraded than those in non-degraded soil with the same amount of biosolid. In that age, in degraded soil, the biosolid increased the concentrations of P-resin, Ca, Mg and S and pH, only at 0-3 cm layer and, at twelve months, increased the total C and N, organic matter, P-resin, exchangeable Ca, and S concentrations decreased in 0-3 and increased in 3-30 cm layers. N, P, Mg and S concentrations in foliage increased at seven months and Ca at twelve months ABA. The biosolid increased the growth rates of E. grandis at seven months ABA in both soil conditions, and at twelve and twenty-two months ABA in degraded soil. In degraded soil treatment that received 40 t ha-1 of biosolid, the growth of trees was similar to those of non-degraded soil treatments. In both soil conditions, the variances between treatments regarding tree growth were explained mainly by higher plants N uptake.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de biossólido sobre as taxas de mineralização e de lixiviação de N, as modificações de fertilidade do solo, a nutrição e o crescimento de povoamentos de Eucalyptus grandis plantados em um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo Distrófico não-degradado (sob cultivo mínimo) e outro degradado. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Salto de Pirapora, SP. A área experimental foi constituída de quatro blocos e nove tratamentos; em três tratamentos, a camada superficial do solo (0-20cm) foi removida (solo degradado). Os tratamentos na área com solo não-degradado, cultivado no sistema de cultivo mínimo, foram: (1) Controle, (2) Fertilização mineral, (3) 10 t ha-1, (4) 20 e (5) 40 t ha-1 de biossólido (base seca), todos com suplementação de P e K, e (6) 10 t ha-1 de biossólido, sem suplementação de P e K; na área com solo degradado, os tratamentos foram: (7) Controle, (8) 20 e (9) 40 t ha-1 de biossólido, todos com suplementação de P e K. Nos tratamentos 1, 4 e 8 foram monitoradas as taxas de mineralização e de lixiviação de N no solo. No solo não-degradado, nos primeiros sete meses pós-aplicação do biossólido (PAB), houve aumento das taxas de mineralização de N, do pH, da concentração de P resina, e diminuição das concentrações de K, Ca e Mg trocáveis. Aos doze meses PAB, as concentrações de P-resina aumentaram, e as de matéria orgânica e N total diminuíram. As concentrações foliares de N aumentaram aos três meses, de N e P aos sete meses, e as de K diminuíram aos doze meses PAB. No solo degradado que recebeu 20 t ha-1 de biossólido, as quantidades de N mineralizadas, em sete meses, foram semelhantes às obtidas no não-degradado sem biossólido, e as taxas de lixiviação de N foram maiores do que no solo não-degradado com a mesma dose. Nesta época, no solo degradado, o biossólido aumentou concentrações de P-resina, Ca, Mg e S, o pH somente na camada 0-3 cm e, aos doze meses, aumentou as concentrações de C, N totais, de matéria orgânica, de P-resina, de Ca trocável, e diminuiu e aumentou, respectivamente, as concentrações de S nas camadas 0-3 e 3-30 cm do solo. Houve aumento das concentrações foliares de N, aos três meses, de N, P, Mg e S aos sete meses, e de Ca aos doze meses PAB. O biossólido aumentou as taxas de crescimento do E. grandis, aos sete meses PAB, nas duas condições de solo e, aos doze e aos vinte e dois meses PAB, nos tratamentos em solo degradado. No tratamento em solo degradado que recebeu 40 t ha-1 de biossólido, as árvores tiveram crescimento semelhante ao dos tratamentos em solo não-degradado. Nas duas condições de solo, as variâncias entre tratamentos relativas ao crescimento das árvores foram explicadas principalmente pela maior absorção de N pelas plantas. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of biosolid application on the mineralization and leaching rates of N, the changes of soil fertility, nutrition and growth of Eucalyptus grandis cultivated in a non-degraded (under minimum tillage) and in a degraded Red-Yellow Latosol (Oxissol). It was carried out in Salto do Pirapora district, São Paulo State, Brazil. The experimental area included four blocks and nine treatments; in three of them, the topsoil (0-20cm) was removed (degraded soil). Treatments in the non-degraded soil area, cultivated under minimum-tillage system, were: (1) Control, (2) Mineral fertilization, (3) 10 t ha-1, (4) 20 and (5) 40 t ha-1 of biosolid, all supplemented with P and K and (6) 10 t ha-1 of biosolid with no P and K supplementation; in the degraded soil area, the treatments were: (7) Control, (8) 20 and (9) 40 t ha-1 of biosolid, all supplemented with P and K. Mineralization and leaching rates of N in the soil were monitored in treatments 1, 4 and 8. In non-degraded soils, on the first seven months after biosolid application (ABA), increasing of N mineralization rates, pH, concentration of the soil P-resin, and decreasing concentrations of exchangeable K, Ca and Mg were observed. Twelve months ABA, P-resin concentrations increased, and organic matter and total N decreased. N concentration in foliage increased at three months, N and P at seven months and K decreased at twelve months FBA. The amounts of mineralized N in the degraded soil with biosolid (20 t ha-1), at seven months, were similar to those achieved in the Control under non-degraded soil; N leaching was higher in degraded than those in non-degraded soil with the same amount of biosolid. In that age, in degraded soil, the biosolid increased the concentrations of P-resin, Ca, Mg and S and pH, only at 0-3 cm layer and, at twelve months, increased the total C and N, organic matter, P-resin, exchangeable Ca, and S concentrations decreased in 0-3 and increased in 3-30 cm layers. N, P, Mg and S concentrations in foliage increased at seven months and Ca at twelve months ABA. The biosolid increased the growth rates of E. grandis at seven months ABA in both soil conditions, and at twelve and twenty-two months ABA in degraded soil. In degraded soil treatment that received 40 t ha-1 of biosolid, the growth of trees was similar to those of non-degraded soil treatments. In both soil conditions, the variances between treatments regarding tree growth were explained mainly by higher plants N uptake.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Sveriges lantbruksuniv., 2009. / Härtill 4 uppsatser.

No presente estudo perseguimos os seguintes objetivos: a) caracterizar o grau de degradação física e química de solos usados em cultivo agrícola por várias décadas, originalmente cobertos por Mata Atlântica (Floresta Estacional Semidecidual) em Botucatu, SP; b) avaliar as alterações biológicas destes solos ao longo de 16 meses pós-reflorestamento com diferentes modelos de associação de espécies da Mata Atlântica. As áreas experimentais estavam localizadas em duas propriedades (Fazenda Lageado e Edgardia) da Faculdade de Ciências Agronômicas (FCA/UNESP) em Botucatu-SP. O clima da região é do tipo tropical com inverno seco (Cwa, classif. de Köppen). Os solos das áreas experimentais são os seguintes: um Nitossolo Vermelho (NV) de textura argilosa; um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (AVA) álico, de textura areia-franca; e um Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo (LVA) álico, de textura arenosa. Seis tratamentos (delineamento em blocos casualizados, com três repetições) foram usados: Testemunha; Semeadura Direta; Taungya; Consorciação; Restauração e, por fim, Fragmentos Florestais. Os atributos físicos (textura, densidade e porosidade) foram avaliados nas camadas de 0-10, 10-20 e 20-40cm, os atributos químicos (pH, MO, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, H, Al, CTC, B, Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn) nas camadas de 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 e 20-40cm e os atributos biológicos (C da biomassa microbiana, liberação de CO2 e mineralização de N) nas camadas de 0-5 e 5-20cm. No NV, o teor de argila no solo degradado foi 57% maior do que o obtido no solo sob o Fragmento Florestal (camada 0-10cm), no AVA, 33% maior e, no LVA, 77% menor. Este efeito, no NV e AVA, foi atribuído à remoção de camadas superiores do solo, mais arenosas, pela erosão e exposição das camadas inferiores mais argilosas. No LVA, o menor teor de argila e silte no solo degradado foiatribuído à perda destas frações por eluviação ou em suspensão na enxurrada. O pH, teor de MO, de P e de Ca nos solos NV e LVA foram bem superiores nos Fragmentos Florestais relativamente aos obtidos nas áreas com solos degradados. Diferenças menos acentuadas foram observadas no AVA, como também detectadas para a composição textural, indicando que este solo está menos degradado que os demais. A CTC dos solos mostrou-se altamente correlacionada com os teores de argila e de MO. Isto destaca a importância da preservação da composição granulométrica e elevação dos teores de MO com o intuito de restaurar importantes propriedades físico-químicas do solo, como a CTC. Em áreas com cobertura florestal (Fragmentos Florestais do NV, AVA e LVA), o C da biomassa microbiana apresenta maiores valores na camada superficial e no verão. Fato atribuído a condições mais favoráveis (MO, pH, umidade, temperatura, etc) à manutenção da vida microbiana no solo. O C da biomassa microbiana e, em menor escala, a liberação de CO2 apresentaram-se como bons indicadores das alterações ocorridas após o reflorestamento com as diferentes associações de espécies. No LVA, como o solo desta área se apresenta mais degradado, em relação ao NV e ao AVA, a alta correlação e relação C microbiano/C orgânico indica que a biomassa microbiana é um importante compartimento de reserva do C orgânico do solo. Quanto aos atributos biológicos, as diferenças entre os Fragmentos Florestais e os demais tratamentos continuam a existir nas três áreas e camadas, devendo ser gradativo o retorno desses atributos à condição pré-existente; ademais, o tempo de retorno sofrerá influência das condições edafoclimáticas da área e da associação de espécies presentes. / This study seeks to: a) characterize the degree of physical and chemical degradation of the soils used in agricultural cultivation for several decades, originally covered by the Atlantic Forest (Seasonal Semideciduous Forest) in Botucatu, SP; b) evaluate the biological changes of these soils along a 16-month post-reforestation with different models of species association of the Atlantic Forest. The experimental areas were located in two properties (Fazenda Lageado and Edgardia) of the Agronomic Sciences College (FCA/UNESP) in Botucatu-SP. The climate in that region is the tropical type with dry winter (Cwa, Köppen class.). The soils of the experimental areas are: clayey Red Nitosol (NV), loamy alic Red-Yellow Argisol (AVA), and sandy alic Red-Yellow Latosol (LVA). Six treatments (randomized block design with three replications) were used: Test; Direct Seeding; Taungya; Consortium; Restoration and finally Forestal Fragments. The physical attributes (texture, density and porosity) were evaluated in layers of 0-10, 10-20 and 20-40cm; the chemical attributes (pH, MO, P, S, K, Ca, Mg, H, Al, CTC, B, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in layers of 0-5, 5-10, 10-20 and 20-40cm and the biological attributes (Microbial biomass C, CO2 release and N mineralization) in layers of 0-5 and 5-20cm. The clay content in the degraded soil in NV was 57% higher than that obtained in soil under Forest Fragment (0-10cm layer), 33% higher in AVA, and 77% lower in LVA. This effect in NV and AVA was accredited to the removal of the soil top layers, which are sandier due to the erosion and exposition of the lower layers that are more clayey. In LVA the lowest clay and silt content in the degraded soil was accredited to the loss of these fractions by eluviation or flood suspension. The pH, MO, P and Ca contents in NV and LVA soils were much higher in Forestal iv Fragments regarding those reached in degraded soil areas. The less marking differences were observed in AVA and also detected for the textural composition, thus indicating that this soil is less degraded than the other ones. The CTC of the soils was highly correlated with the clay and MO contents. That highlights the importance of preserving the granulometric composition and elevation of the MO contents in order to restore important physical-chemical soil properties, such as the CTC. In primary forest areas (NV, AVA and LVA Forestal Fragments), the microbial biomass C presents higher values at the top layer and in the summer, a fact accredited to more favorable conditions (MO, pH, moisture, temperature, etc) for the maintenance of the microbial life in the soil. The microbial biomass C and, in a lesser scale, the CO2 release were good indicators of the changes occurred after the reforestation with the different species associations. In the LVA, since the soil of this area is more degraded in relationship to NV and AVA, the high correlation and microbial C/organic C relationship indicate that the microbial biomass is an important reserve compartment of the soil organic C. As to the biological attributes, the differences between the Forestal Fragments and the remaining treatments still exist in the three areas and layers, and the return to the pre-existing attributes is likely to be gradual; moreover, the time of return should undergo influences of the pedoclimatic conditions of the area and of the association of the present species.

A compostagem é uma solução inteligente para a destinação final de resíduos orgânicos. O presente trabalho baseou-se na hipótese de que é possível, por meio da aplicação de compostos orgânicos ao solo, alcançar patamares de produção agrícola equivalentes aos obtidos pela adubação nitrogenada mineral. O experimento foi realizado em vasos com Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu em dois solos, um de textura argilosa e outro de textura média. Objetivou-se avaliar a dose de nitrogênio (N) proveniente de composto de lixo, composto de lodo de esgoto e composto de lodo de dejetos suínos que fosse equivalente à dose de 150 mg dm-3 de N proveniente da adubação nitrogenada mineral. Para isso, as doses de composto orgânico foram determinadas com base nas frações de mineralização de N, estimadas em 30, 15 e 7%. Assim, para a obtenção de 150 mg dm-3 de N mineralizado, foram aplicadas doses de, respectivamente, 500, 1.000 e 2.143 mg dm-3 de N total, provenientes dos compostos orgânicos. Foram realizados três cortes no capim Marandu, sendo mensurados, a cada corte, o teor de clorofila, o número de folhas e de perfilhos, a área foliar, a biomassa e o teor de N total da parte aérea das plantas. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância, teste de médias e análise de regressão. Foi possível, por meio dos compostos orgânicos, obter resultados de adubação nitrogenada equivalentes, e até superiores, aos obtidos pela adubação mineral, dependendo do tipo de composto, a dose aplicada e a escala temporal. De modo geral, os tratamentos com composto de lodo de esgoto, a partir da dose 1.000 mg dm-3 de N, foram superiores ao com adubação mineral no primeiro corte, equivalentes no segundo corte, e superiores no terceiro corte do capim Marandu. A quantidade de N liberada ao sistema por meio dos compostos de lixo e de lodo de dejetos suínos chegou aos patamares dos tratamentos com adubação mineral no segundo corte, na dose 2.143 mg dm-3 e no terceiro corte, na dose 1.000 mg dm-3 de N. As frações de mineralização de N que geraram resultados mais próximos aos da adubação nitrogenada mineral foram, em média, de 15% para o composto de lodo de esgoto e de 7% para os compostos de lixo e de lodo de dejetos suínos / Composting is a smart final destination for organic residues. The present work was based in the hypothesis that it is possible to obtain similar agricultural productivity levels applying organic compounds on soil in comparison with mineral nitrogen application. The experiment was conducted in pots with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu in two soil types, with clay and sandy clay loam texture. The objective was to evaluate if estimated doses of nitrogen (N) from waste compost, sewage sludge compost and and pig manure compost, when applied on the soil, was equivalent to 150 mg dm-3 of mineral Nitrogen fertilizer. The doses of organic composts applied were based in estimations of N mineralized of 30, 15 and 7%, correspondent, respectively, to doses of 500, 1000 and 2143 mg dm-3 of total N. The grass was harvested three times, on each time the chlorophyll level, the number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, biomass and total N were measured in the aerial part of the plants. The results were submitted to variance analysis, and regression analysis. It was possible, trough the N fertilization by organic composts, to obtain similar and even superior results, in comparison to the mineral N, depending on type of compost, the applied dose and the time frame. The treatment with sewage sludge compost in the dose of 1000 mg dm-3 of N was superior to the mineral N in the first harvest, similar in the second and superior in the third harvest of the grass. The waste and pig manure composts reached similarity with the mineral fertilization in the second harvest, in the dose of 2143 mg dm-3, and in the third harvest, in the dose of 1000 mg dm-3 of N. The mineralization fractions of N found for the composts that were the most similar the mineral fertilization were, in average, of 15% for the sewage sludge compost and 7% for the waste and pig manure compost

Ecosystems currently face widespread biodiversity losses and other environmental disturbances, such as climate warming, related to increased anthropogenic activities. Within this context, scientists consider the effects of such changes on the biodiversity, and hence on the activity, of soil microorganisms. Indeed, soil microorganisms mediate a wide range of soil processes. Currently, knowledge on soil microbial diversity is still limited, partially due to technical limitations. The advent of molecular-based analyses now allows studying the soil microbial diversity. These advances in the study of soil microbial communities have lead to a growing evidence of the critical role played by the microbial community in ecosystem functioning. This relationship is supposed to be relevant for narrow processes, regulated by a restricted group of microorganisms, such as the nitrification process. This PhD thesis aimed at studying ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) community structure and richness as an integrated part of soil functioning. This research aimed at investigating the effect of aboveground plant diversity on ammonia oxidizing bacteria diversity and function in forest and grassland soils with focus on the influence of (a) functional group identity of grassland plants (legumes, grasses, forbs), (b) grassland plant species richness and (c) tree species, on AOB diversity and function. Another objective of this research was to study the effect of a 3°C increase in air temperature on AOB diversity and function. The link between AOB diversity and function (potential nitrification) is also investigated. For grassland ecosystems, a microcosm experiment was realized. An experimental platform containing 288 assembled grassland communities was established in Wilrijk (Belgium). Grassland species were grown in 12 sunlit, climate controlled chambers. Each chamber contained 24 communities of variable species richness (S) (9 S=1, 9 S=3 and 6 S=9).The grassland species belonged to three functional groups: three species of each grasses (Dactylis glomerata L., Festuca arundinacea SCHREB., Lolium perenne L.), forbs (non-N-fixing dicots; Bellis perennis L., Rumex acetosa L., Plantagolanceolata L.), and legumes (N-fixing dicots; Trifolium repens L., Medicago sativa L., Lotus corniculatus L.). Half of these chambers were exposed to ambient temperature and the other half were exposed to (ambient +3°C) temperature. One ambient and one (ambient+3°C) chambers were destructively harvested 4, 16 and 28 months after the start of the experiment. The influence of plant functional group identity on the nitrification process and on AOB community structure and richness (AOB diversity) was assessed in soils collected from the first two destructive amplings (chapter 2). The effect of plant species richness on AOB diversity and function was considered for soils sampled after 16 and 28 months (chapter 3). AOB function was determined by potential nitrification. AOB community structure and richness were assessed by polymerase chain reaction followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequencing of excised DGGE bands. I found that functional group identity can affect AOB community structure. In particular, the presence of legumes, both in monoculture or in mixture with forbs and grasses, lead to AOB community composition changes towards AOB clusters tolerating higher ammonium concentrations. This change in AOB community structure was only linked to increased potential nitrification under monocultures of legumes, when ammonium was supposed to be not limiting. This study revealed that physiological attributes of AOB and resource availability may be important factors in controlling the nitrification process. This research showed that the impact of plant species richness on the nitrification process could be mediated by the interactions between plants and AOB, through competition for substrate. A 3°C increase in air temperature did not affect AOB community structure, richness or function. In forest ecosystems, we studied the effect of tree species in forest sites located in Belgian and in the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg covered each by several deciduous or coniferous tree species (Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus petraea (Mattuschka) Lieblein, Picea abies (L.) Karst, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco). We investigated the influence of these tree species on microbial processes (chapter 5) related to C and N cycling, particularly with emphasize on the nitrification process and on the diversity of AOB (chapter 6). The results showed that the effect of tree species on net N mineralization was likely to be mediated through their effect on soil microbial biomass, reflecting their influence on organic matter content and carbon availability. Influence of tree species on nitrification (potential and relative) might be related to the presence of ground vegetation through its influence on soil ammonium and labile C availability. AOB community structure was more site-specific than tree specific. However, within sites, AOB community structure under broadleaved trees differed from the one under coniferous trees. The effect on tree species on AOB was likely to be driven by the influence of tree species on net N mineralization, which regulates the substrate availability for AOB. The results also demonstrated that the relationship between AOB diversity and function might be related both to AOB abundance and AOB community structure and richness. This thesis showed no clear relationship between AOB community structure or richness and AOB function. However, we revealed that aboveground grassland plant richness, grassland plant functional groups and tree species influence AOB community structure and richness. Actuellement, les écosystèmes sont soumis à dimportantes pressions anthropiques et environnementales, pouvant aboutir à des pertes massives de biodiversité. Les scientifiques sinterrogent sur limpact de ces perturbations sur la diversité et, par conséquent, sur lactivité des microorganismes du sol. En effet, ceux-ci régulent de nombreux processus du sol. Actuellement, de nombreuses lacunes subsistent dans la connaissance de la diversité microbienne du sol. Celles-ci peuvent être partiellement attribuées aux difficultés méthodologiques associées à l'étude des micro-organismes du sol. Lavènement des techniques moléculaires nous permet de combler ces lacunes. Les avancées réalisées dans l'étude des communautés microbiennes du sol ont mis en évidence le rôle crucial joué par les communautés microbiennes dans le fonctionnement des écosystèmes. De plus, il semblerait que les processus régulés par un groupe restreint dorganismes, tel le processus de nitrification, soient plus sensibles à toute altération de la communauté. Lobjectif de cette thèse était détudier la structure de la communauté ainsi que la richesse (nombre de bandes DGGE) des bactéries oxydant lammoniac (AOB) comme une partie intégrante du fonctionnement des sols. Notre étude se focalisait sur linfluence de (a) différents groupes fonctionnels de plantes (graminées, légumineuses, dicotylédones), (b) communautés de plantes présentant une richesse spécifique croissante et (c) différentes essences forestières, sur la diversité (structure de la communauté et richesse des AOB) et la fonction des AOB. Cette recherche étudiait également limpact dune augmentation de température de 3°C sur ces paramètres. Létablissement dun lien éventuel entre la diversité et la fonction (nitrification potentielle) des AOB a aussi été envisagé. Concernant les écosystèmes prairiaux, nous avons réalisé une étude en microcosmes. Une plateforme expérimentale comprenant 288 communautés artificielles de plantes a été établie à Wilrijk (Belgique). Cette plateforme consistait en 12 chambres, dont une moitié était à température ambiante et la seconde était à température ambiante augmentée de 3°C. Chaque chambre contient 24 communautés de plantes de richesse spécifique variable (9 S=1, 9 S=3 et 6 S=9). Les communautés de plantes sont créées avec 9 espèces de plantes appartenant à trois groupes fonctionnels : 3 espèces de graminées (Dactylis glomerata L., Festuca arundinacea SCHREB., Lolium perenne L.), de légumineuses (dicotylédones fixatrices dazote ;Trifolim repens L., Medicago sativa L., Lotus corniculatus L.), et de dicotylédones non fixatrices dazote (Bellis perennis L., Rumex acetosa L., Plantago lanceolata L.). Les sols issus dune chambre à température ambiante et dune chambre à température ambiante augmentée de 3°C ont été échantillonnés, respectivement, 4, 16 et 28 mois après le début de lexpérimentation. Linfluence des groupes fonctionnels de plantes sur le processus de nitrification ainsi que sur la structure de la communauté et la richesse des AOB a été mesuré sur les sols issus des deux premiers échantillonnages (chapitre 2). Nous avons mesuré leffet de la richesse croissante en plantes sur la diversité et lactivité des AOB sur les sols échantillonnés après 16 et 28 mois dexpérimentation (chapitre 3). La structure de la communauté ainsi que la richesse des AOB ont été évaluées à laide dune amplification spécifique par réaction de polymérisation en chaîne (PCR) de lADN génomique extrait du sol suivie par une séparation par électrophorèse sur gel dacrylamide en présence dun gradient dénaturant (DGGE). Nous avons identifié les différentes AOB présentes par séquençage des bandes DGGE excisées. Nos résultats ont montré que les différents groupes fonctionnels peuvent affecter la structure de la communauté des AOB. En particulier, la présence de légumineuses, aussi bien en monoculture quen mélange avec des graminées ou des dicotylédones non fixatrices dazote, provoque des changements au sein de la structure de la communauté des AOB, favorisant la présence de clusters tolérants des concentrations en ammonium plus élevées. Ces changements de la structure de la communauté des AOB sont liés à des augmentations de la production potentielle de nitrates (nitrification potentielle) quand lammonium est supposé être non limitant. Cette étude révèle que la physiologie des AOB ainsi que la disponibilité en substrat peuvent être des facteurs majeurs intervenant dans le contrôle du processus de nitrification. Cette recherche montre que linfluence de la richesse spécifique des plantes sur la nitrification pourrait dépendre des interactions entre les plantes et les AOB via la compétition pour le substrat. Une augmentation de la température de lair de 3°C na pas influencé les richesse, structure de la communauté ou les fonctions des AOB. Pour les écosystèmes forestiers, nous aborderons leffet de différentes essences forestières (Picea abies (L.) KARST, Fagus sylvatica L., Quercus petraea LIEBLEIN ; Pseudotsuga menziezii (MIRB.) FRANCO) dans différents peuplements au Grand Duché du Luxembourg et en Belgique. Nous avons étudié l'influence de ces essences forestières sur les processus microbiens (chapitre 5) liés aux cycles du carbone et de lazote, en particulier leur effet sur le processus de nitrification et la diversité des AOB (chapitre 6). Notre étude révèle que linfluence des essences forestières sur la minéralisation nette de lazote pourrait être attribuable à leur effet sur la biomasse microbienne, reflétant ainsi leur effet sur la teneur en matière organique et la disponibilité en carbone. Limpact des essences forestières sur la nitrification (à la fois sur la nitrification relative et sur la nitrification potentielle) serait conditionné par la présence de végétation au sol, en raison de linfluence de celle-ci sur la disponibilité en ammonium et en carbone labile. Nous avons observé que la structure de la communauté des AOB était plus spécifique aux sites quaux essences forestières. Cependant, au sein dun site, elle différait sous feuillus et sous conifères. Les essences forestières influenceraient la structure de la communauté des AOB au travers de limpact quelles ont sur la minéralisation nette de lazote qui régule, quant à elle, la disponibilité en ammonium. Cette recherche démontre que le lien observé entre la diversité et la fonction dépendrait la fois de labondance, de la structure de la communauté et de la richesse des AOB. Cette thèse na révélé aucune relation claire entre la structure de la communauté ou la richesse des AOB et leur fonction. Par contre, nous avons observé que la richesse spécifique et les groupes fonctionnels de plantes prairiales et les essences forestières affectent la structure de la communauté et la richesse des AOB.

A compostagem é uma solução inteligente para a destinação final de resíduos orgânicos. O presente trabalho baseou-se na hipótese de que é possível, por meio da aplicação de compostos orgânicos ao solo, alcançar patamares de produção agrícola equivalentes aos obtidos pela adubação nitrogenada mineral. O experimento foi realizado em vasos com Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu em dois solos, um de textura argilosa e outro de textura média. Objetivou-se avaliar a dose de nitrogênio (N) proveniente de composto de lixo, composto de lodo de esgoto e composto de lodo de dejetos suínos que fosse equivalente à dose de 150 mg dm-3 de N proveniente da adubação nitrogenada mineral. Para isso, as doses de composto orgânico foram determinadas com base nas frações de mineralização de N, estimadas em 30, 15 e 7%. Assim, para a obtenção de 150 mg dm-3 de N mineralizado, foram aplicadas doses de, respectivamente, 500, 1.000 e 2.143 mg dm-3 de N total, provenientes dos compostos orgânicos. Foram realizados três cortes no capim Marandu, sendo mensurados, a cada corte, o teor de clorofila, o número de folhas e de perfilhos, a área foliar, a biomassa e o teor de N total da parte aérea das plantas. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância, teste de médias e análise de regressão. Foi possível, por meio dos compostos orgânicos, obter resultados de adubação nitrogenada equivalentes, e até superiores, aos obtidos pela adubação mineral, dependendo do tipo de composto, a dose aplicada e a escala temporal. De modo geral, os tratamentos com composto de lodo de esgoto, a partir da dose 1.000 mg dm-3 de N, foram superiores ao com adubação mineral no primeiro corte, equivalentes no segundo corte, e superiores no terceiro corte do capim Marandu. A quantidade de N liberada ao sistema por meio dos compostos de lixo e de lodo de dejetos suínos chegou aos patamares dos tratamentos com adubação mineral no segundo corte, na dose 2.143 mg dm-3 e no terceiro corte, na dose 1.000 mg dm-3 de N. As frações de mineralização de N que geraram resultados mais próximos aos da adubação nitrogenada mineral foram, em média, de 15% para o composto de lodo de esgoto e de 7% para os compostos de lixo e de lodo de dejetos suínos / Composting is a smart final destination for organic residues. The present work was based in the hypothesis that it is possible to obtain similar agricultural productivity levels applying organic compounds on soil in comparison with mineral nitrogen application. The experiment was conducted in pots with Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu in two soil types, with clay and sandy clay loam texture. The objective was to evaluate if estimated doses of nitrogen (N) from waste compost, sewage sludge compost and and pig manure compost, when applied on the soil, was equivalent to 150 mg dm-3 of mineral Nitrogen fertilizer. The doses of organic composts applied were based in estimations of N mineralized of 30, 15 and 7%, correspondent, respectively, to doses of 500, 1000 and 2143 mg dm-3 of total N. The grass was harvested three times, on each time the chlorophyll level, the number of leaves, number of branches, leaf area, biomass and total N were measured in the aerial part of the plants. The results were submitted to variance analysis, and regression analysis. It was possible, trough the N fertilization by organic composts, to obtain similar and even superior results, in comparison to the mineral N, depending on type of compost, the applied dose and the time frame. The treatment with sewage sludge compost in the dose of 1000 mg dm-3 of N was superior to the mineral N in the first harvest, similar in the second and superior in the third harvest of the grass. The waste and pig manure composts reached similarity with the mineral fertilization in the second harvest, in the dose of 2143 mg dm-3, and in the third harvest, in the dose of 1000 mg dm-3 of N. The mineralization fractions of N found for the composts that were the most similar the mineral fertilization were, in average, of 15% for the sewage sludge compost and 7% for the waste and pig manure compost

In der vorliegenden Studie wurden zwei Fragestellungen bearbeitet, die beide das Ziel verfolgen, die Stickstoff(N)-Ausnutzungseffizienz in landwirtschaftlichen Systemen zu steigern: 1) Hat die langjährige organische Düngung einen Einfluss auf den Abbau kürzlich applizierter organischer Dünger? Die Hypothese war, dass relevante Effekte nur bei schwer abbaubaren organischen Düngern auftreten während bei leicht abbaubaren organischen Düngern die Düngungshistorie keine Rolle spielt. 2) Können die hohen N-Bilanzüberschüsse im intensiven Freilandgemüsebau durch den Einsatz von Winterzwischenfrüchten (ZF) deutlich reduziert werden? Die Hypothese war, dass ZF die Bilanzüberschüsse der betrachteten zweijährigen Fruchtfolgen um mindestens 30 kg N / ha reduzieren. Die erste Hypothese wurde überprüft, indem der Abbau organischer Dünger in Böden, die sich in ihrer organischen Düngungshistorie unterschieden, gemessen wurde. Es wurden ein Topfversuch im Gewächshaus sowie ein Inkubationsversuch im Labor durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse deuteten darauf hin, dass es Effekte der Historie auf den Abbau von Stallmist und Kiefernrinde gab, während es keine Effekte bei leicht abbaubarem Kohlmaterial gab. Daher wurde die Hypothese angenommen. Allerdings ergaben die beobachteten Effekte kein konsistentes Bild in Hinblick auf die Richtung der Effekte auf die Kohlenstoff(C)- und N-Mineralisierung und Effekte auf die Netto-N-Mineralisation waren generell sehr klein. Zur Überprüfung der zweiten Hypothese wurden an drei Standorten in Deutschland Feldversuche mit Gemüsefruchtfolgen und unterschiedlichen ZF durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse ergaben, dass trotz der die mittleren Bilanzüberschüsse der Kontrollen (ohne ZF) von 217 kg N / ha die ZF die N-Bilanz im Mittel um nur 13 kg N / ha reduzierten. Daher wurde die Hypothese abgelehnt. Die Ergebnisse zeigten weiterhin, dass der verlustfreie Transfer der von der ZF aufgenommenen N-Menge an die Folgefrucht ein kritischer Schritt bei dieser Technik ist. / The current study dealt with two questions that target potential options to increase the nitrogen (N) use efficiency of agricultural systems: 1) Does long-term organic fertilization affect the decomposition of recently added organic fertilizers? The hypothesis was that effects only occur for recalcitrant organic fertilizers while for readily decomposable organic fertilizers, the fertilization history does not play a role. 2) Can the N balance surpluses in intensive field vegetable production systems be substantially reduced by cultivation of winter catch crops (CC)? The hypothesis was that the N balance surpluses of the investigated two-year crop rotations can be reduced by more than 30 kg N / ha. The first hypothesis was tested by applying organic fertilizers to soils that only differed in organic fertilization history. A greenhouse pot experiment and a laboratory incubation experiment were conducted. The results indicated that fertilization history had effects on the decomposition of farmyard manure and pine bark, not however on the decomposition of readily decomposable cabbage material. Hence, the hypothesis was accepted in that fertilization history effects depended on the type of fertilizer. However, fertilization history effects showed no consistent trend with respect to increase or decrease in carbon (C) and N mineralization and the effects on net N mineralization were minor in magnitude. The second hypothesis was tested by performing field experiments at three sites in Germany. Vegetable crop rotations were set up, testing different types of CC. The results suggested that in spite of high N surpluses in the control treatments (no CC) of 217 kg N / ha, CC reduced the N balance surplus on average by only 13 kg N / ha. Hence, the hypothesis was rejected. The findings further indicated that the transfer of N taken up by the CC to the succeeding crop is a critical step when adopting this technique.