An essential step in producing "drinking" water is to precipitate the suspended and dissolved colloids through the addition of flocculents such as lime, ferric chloride, aluminium sulphate and/or poly-electrolytes. The by-product of this process is termed water treatment sludge (WTS) and contains mainly silt, clay and some organic matter. Previously this material was disposed of in landfill but more recently, alternative methods for its disposal are being evaluated. A potential disposal option is land treatment. In this system of waste disposal the inherent properties of the soil are used to assimilate the waste. Although the effect of the land disposal of WTS on soil chemical quality is gaining increasing research attention, few studies have investigated the effects on soil physical quality. This study was originally commissioned by a local water utility to evaluate the effects of the land disposal of sludge produced at their works, on soil quality. At this plant organic polymers are used to both flocculate the material and to thicken the sludge in the water recovery process. Fresh sludge has a consistence approaching that of slurry but dries to angular shaped aggregates of extremely high strength. Nevertheless, sludge aggregates comprise a network of micro-pores and channels and are therefore porous. Because of these properties, the potential use of WTS as a soil conditioner was considered.. Since lime, gypsum and polyacrylamide are wellrecognised soil conditioners, these were included as reference treatments in the study. Two field trials (Brookdale and Ukulinga) and laboratory experiments were designed to investigate the influence of WTS on soil in terms of water retention, hydraulic conductivity, evaporation, aeration, aggregation and strength. Seven rates of WTS are represented at the . Brookdale trial but research efforts were concentrated on the 0, 80, 320 and 1280 Mg ha' treatments. WTS was also applied as a mulch (without incorporation into the soil) at the 320, 640 and 1280 Mg ha" level. Gypsum was applied at rates of 5 and 10 Mg ha", lime at 2 and 10 Mg ha' and anionic polyacrylamide at 15 and 30 kg ha'. At the Ukulinga trial, WTS was mixed with the upper 0.2 m of the soil at rates of 0, 80, 320 and 1280 Mgha'. Only the high rates of gypsum, lime and anionic polyacrylamide being tested at the Brookdale trial are represented at the Ukulinga trial. All treatments in this study were maintained fallow. The laboratory study features an additional two soils to those from the field experiments, chosen to produce a range in clay contents. WTS influenced several soil physical properties. Soil bulk density decreased following the addition of sludge to soil. This caused an increase in porosity (particularly macro-porosity) and therefore water retained at saturation, but only of statistical significance at the 1280 Mg ha" level. Equally an increase in water retention at the wilting point (-1500 kPa matric potential) also occurred, owing to the high microporosity of sludge aggregates. Despite these effects very little change in both the plant available and readily available water content occurred. Neither, gypsum nor lime caused any significant change in water retention. Aslight improvement was noted on the polyacrylamide treatment at the Brookdale site but this effect did not persist for very long after the trial was established. Although in situ field measurements were influenced strongly by natural spatial variability, WTScaused a marked increase in the saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). The reasons for this relate to the higher porosity and the inherently stable nature of the sludge aggregates, which imparts a more open structure to the soil and reduces the extent of pore blockage. This finding was corroborated in a laboratory study in which strong positive correlations between sludge content and Ks was found. The water retention curve and saturated hydraulic conductivity was used to predict the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity function (Kw)using the RETe computer model of van Genuchten et al., 1991. The results showed a decrease in Kw on the sludgeamended treatments the extent of which increased with sludge content. This finding was tested in an evaporation study conducted under controlled environmental conditions. More water was conserved on the sludge-amended treatments than the control, because of its lower Kw. The application of the sludge as a mulch was more effective in conserving water than incorporating the sludge with soil. The air-filled porosity at field capacity (-10 kPa matric potential) of the sludge-amended soil remained within a favourable aeration range of 10-15%, which suggests that aeration should not be a limiting factor for plant growth. Air-permeability nevertheless improved substantially. Attempts at using the size distribution of dry soil aggregates to evaluate the influence of the sludge on aggregation proved unsuccessful. Saturated soil paste extracts for selected soil depths beneath the mulch layers at the Brookdale trial, nevertheless, showed significant increases in Ca2+ and Mt+ concentrations, which is encouraging from a soil stability perspective. Due to the inherently strongly aggregated nature of this soil, no meaningful change in aggregate stability, however, was measured. Significant improvements in soil stability were, nevertheless, found when fresh sludge was mixed with soil. If the sludge is not allowed to dry fully beforehand the polymer that it contains remains active and available for bonding of the soil particles together. Upon drying, these polymers become irreversibly attached to the soil substrate and win not become reactivated even upon re-wetting of the soil. This also explains why sludge aggregates found below only a few centimetres of the soil surface maintained their strongly aggregated nature. This suggests that although WTS consists of mainly silt and clay, the risk of this constituent fraction becoming released and clogging water conductive soil pores are, at present, low. Despite the high strength of the sludge aggregates the penetrometer soil . strength (PSS)within the tilled layer was non-significantly different from the control treatment. Below the tilled layer, however, the PSS on the sludge-amended treatments were lower owing mainly to wetter soil conditions. The research completed to date suggests that land treatment as an environmentally acceptable disposal option for water treatment sludge shows promise since soil conditions tend to be improved. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001

The objectives of this research were to develop and evaluate a field method for in situ measurement of soil properties using visible near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS). A probe with an independent light source for acquiring soil reflectance spectra from soil cores was developed around an existing portable field spectrometer (ASD FieldSpecPro, Boulder, CO, USA; 350-2500 nm). Initial experiments tested the ability of the acquired spectra to predict plant root density, an important property in soil carbon dynamics. Reflectance spectra were acquired from soil containing ryegrass roots (Lolium multiflorum) grown in Allophanic and Fluvial Recent soils in a glasshouse pot trial. Differences in root density were created by differential nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to calibrate spectral data (pre-processed by smoothing and transforming spectra to the first derivative) against laboratory-measured root density data (wet-sieve technique). The calibration model successfully predicted root densities (r2 = 0.85, RPD = 2.63, RMSECV = 0.47 mg cm-3) observed in the pots to a moderate level of accuracy. This soil reflectance probe was then tested using a soil coring system to acquire reflectance spectra from two soils under pasture (0-60 mm soil depths) that had contrasting root densities. The PLSR calibration models for predicting root density were more accurate when soil samples from the two soils were separated rather than grouped. A more accurate prediction was found in Allophanic soils (r2 = 0.83, RPD = 2.44, RMSECV = 1.96 mg g-1) than in Fluvial Recent soils (r2 = 0.75, RPD = 1.98, RMSECV = 5.11 mg g-1). The Vis-NIRS technique was then modified slightly to work on a soil corer that could be used to measure root contents from deeper soil profiles (15- 600 mm depth) in arable land (90-day-old maize crop grown in Fluvial Recent soils). PLSR calibration models were constructed to predict the full range of maize root densities (r2 = 0.83, RPD = 2.42, RMSECV = 1.21 mg cm-3) and also soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations that had been determined in the laboratory (LECO FP- 2000 CNS Analyser; Leco Corp., St Joseph, MI, USA). Further studies concentrated on improving the Vis-NIRS technique for prediction of total C and N concentrations in differing soil types within different soil orders in the field. The soil coring method used in the maize studies was evaluated in permanent and recent pastoral soils (Pumice, Allophanic and Tephric Recent in the Taupo-Rotorua Volcanic Zone, North Island) with a wide range of soil organic matter contents resulting from different times (1-5 years) since conversion from forest soils. Without any sample preparation, other than the soil surface left after coring, it was possible to predict soil C and N concentrations with moderate success (C prediction r2 = 0.75, RMSEP = 1.23%, RPD = 1.97; N prediction r2 = 0.80, RMSEP = 0.10%, RPD = 2.15) using a technique of acquiring soil reflectance spectra from the horizontal cross-section of a soil core (H method). The soil probe was then modified to acquire spectra from the curved vertical wall of a soil core (V method), allowing the spectrometer’s field of view to increase to record the reflectance features of the whole soil sample taken for laboratory analysis. Improved predictions of soil C and N concentrations were achieved with the V method of spectral acquisition (C prediction r2 = 0.97, RMSECV = 0.21%, RPD = 5.80; N prediction r2 = 0.96, RMSECV = 0.02%, RPD = 5.17) compared to the H method (C prediction r2 = 0.95, RMSECV = 0.27%, RPD = 4.45; N prediction r2 = 0.94, RMSECV = 0.03%, RPD = 4.25). The V method was tested for temporal robustness by assessing its ability to predict soil C and N concentrations of Fluvial Recent soils under permanent pasture in different seasons. When principal component analysis (PCA) was used to ensure that the spectral dimensions (which were responsive to water content) of the data set used for developing the PLSR calibration model embraced those of the “unknown” soil samples, it was possible to predict soil C and N concentrations in “unknown” samples of widely different water contents (in May and November), with a high level of accuracy (C prediction r2 = 0.97, RMSEP = 0.36%, RPD = 3.43; N prediction r2 = 0.95, RMSEP = 0.03%, RPD = 3.44). This study indicates that Vis-NIRS has considerable potential for rapid in situ assessment of soil C, N and root density. The results demonstrate that field root densities in pastoral and arable soil can be predicted independently from total soil C, which will allow researchers to predict C sequestration from root production. The recommended “V” technique can be used to assess spatial and temporal variability of soil carbon and nitrogen within soil profiles and across the landscape. It can also be used to assess the rate of C sequestration and organic matter synthesis via root density prediction. It reduces the time, labour and cost of conventional soil analysis and root density measurement.

The objectives of this research were to develop and evaluate a field method for in situ measurement of soil properties using visible near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS). A probe with an independent light source for acquiring soil reflectance spectra from soil cores was developed around an existing portable field spectrometer (ASD FieldSpecPro, Boulder, CO, USA; 350-2500 nm). Initial experiments tested the ability of the acquired spectra to predict plant root density, an important property in soil carbon dynamics. Reflectance spectra were acquired from soil containing ryegrass roots (Lolium multiflorum) grown in Allophanic and Fluvial Recent soils in a glasshouse pot trial. Differences in root density were created by differential nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to calibrate spectral data (pre-processed by smoothing and transforming spectra to the first derivative) against laboratory-measured root density data (wet-sieve technique). The calibration model successfully predicted root densities (r2 = 0.85, RPD = 2.63, RMSECV = 0.47 mg cm-3) observed in the pots to a moderate level of accuracy. This soil reflectance probe was then tested using a soil coring system to acquire reflectance spectra from two soils under pasture (0-60 mm soil depths) that had contrasting root densities. The PLSR calibration models for predicting root density were more accurate when soil samples from the two soils were separated rather than grouped. A more accurate prediction was found in Allophanic soils (r2 = 0.83, RPD = 2.44, RMSECV = 1.96 mg g-1) than in Fluvial Recent soils (r2 = 0.75, RPD = 1.98, RMSECV = 5.11 mg g-1). The Vis-NIRS technique was then modified slightly to work on a soil corer that could be used to measure root contents from deeper soil profiles (15- 600 mm depth) in arable land (90-day-old maize crop grown in Fluvial Recent soils). PLSR calibration models were constructed to predict the full range of maize root densities (r2 = 0.83, RPD = 2.42, RMSECV = 1.21 mg cm-3) and also soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations that had been determined in the laboratory (LECO FP- 2000 CNS Analyser; Leco Corp., St Joseph, MI, USA). Further studies concentrated on improving the Vis-NIRS technique for prediction of total C and N concentrations in differing soil types within different soil orders in the field. The soil coring method used in the maize studies was evaluated in permanent and recent pastoral soils (Pumice, Allophanic and Tephric Recent in the Taupo-Rotorua Volcanic Zone, North Island) with a wide range of soil organic matter contents resulting from different times (1-5 years) since conversion from forest soils. Without any sample preparation, other than the soil surface left after coring, it was possible to predict soil C and N concentrations with moderate success (C prediction r2 = 0.75, RMSEP = 1.23%, RPD = 1.97; N prediction r2 = 0.80, RMSEP = 0.10%, RPD = 2.15) using a technique of acquiring soil reflectance spectra from the horizontal cross-section of a soil core (H method). The soil probe was then modified to acquire spectra from the curved vertical wall of a soil core (V method), allowing the spectrometer’s field of view to increase to record the reflectance features of the whole soil sample taken for laboratory analysis. Improved predictions of soil C and N concentrations were achieved with the V method of spectral acquisition (C prediction r2 = 0.97, RMSECV = 0.21%, RPD = 5.80; N prediction r2 = 0.96, RMSECV = 0.02%, RPD = 5.17) compared to the H method (C prediction r2 = 0.95, RMSECV = 0.27%, RPD = 4.45; N prediction r2 = 0.94, RMSECV = 0.03%, RPD = 4.25). The V method was tested for temporal robustness by assessing its ability to predict soil C and N concentrations of Fluvial Recent soils under permanent pasture in different seasons. When principal component analysis (PCA) was used to ensure that the spectral dimensions (which were responsive to water content) of the data set used for developing the PLSR calibration model embraced those of the “unknown” soil samples, it was possible to predict soil C and N concentrations in “unknown” samples of widely different water contents (in May and November), with a high level of accuracy (C prediction r2 = 0.97, RMSEP = 0.36%, RPD = 3.43; N prediction r2 = 0.95, RMSEP = 0.03%, RPD = 3.44). This study indicates that Vis-NIRS has considerable potential for rapid in situ assessment of soil C, N and root density. The results demonstrate that field root densities in pastoral and arable soil can be predicted independently from total soil C, which will allow researchers to predict C sequestration from root production. The recommended “V” technique can be used to assess spatial and temporal variability of soil carbon and nitrogen within soil profiles and across the landscape. It can also be used to assess the rate of C sequestration and organic matter synthesis via root density prediction. It reduces the time, labour and cost of conventional soil analysis and root density measurement.

The objectives of this research were to develop and evaluate a field method for in situ measurement of soil properties using visible near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis-NIRS). A probe with an independent light source for acquiring soil reflectance spectra from soil cores was developed around an existing portable field spectrometer (ASD FieldSpecPro, Boulder, CO, USA; 350-2500 nm). Initial experiments tested the ability of the acquired spectra to predict plant root density, an important property in soil carbon dynamics. Reflectance spectra were acquired from soil containing ryegrass roots (Lolium multiflorum) grown in Allophanic and Fluvial Recent soils in a glasshouse pot trial. Differences in root density were created by differential nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was used to calibrate spectral data (pre-processed by smoothing and transforming spectra to the first derivative) against laboratory-measured root density data (wet-sieve technique). The calibration model successfully predicted root densities (r2 = 0.85, RPD = 2.63, RMSECV = 0.47 mg cm-3) observed in the pots to a moderate level of accuracy. This soil reflectance probe was then tested using a soil coring system to acquire reflectance spectra from two soils under pasture (0-60 mm soil depths) that had contrasting root densities. The PLSR calibration models for predicting root density were more accurate when soil samples from the two soils were separated rather than grouped. A more accurate prediction was found in Allophanic soils (r2 = 0.83, RPD = 2.44, RMSECV = 1.96 mg g-1) than in Fluvial Recent soils (r2 = 0.75, RPD = 1.98, RMSECV = 5.11 mg g-1). The Vis-NIRS technique was then modified slightly to work on a soil corer that could be used to measure root contents from deeper soil profiles (15- 600 mm depth) in arable land (90-day-old maize crop grown in Fluvial Recent soils). PLSR calibration models were constructed to predict the full range of maize root densities (r2 = 0.83, RPD = 2.42, RMSECV = 1.21 mg cm-3) and also soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) concentrations that had been determined in the laboratory (LECO FP- 2000 CNS Analyser; Leco Corp., St Joseph, MI, USA). Further studies concentrated on improving the Vis-NIRS technique for prediction of total C and N concentrations in differing soil types within different soil orders in the field. The soil coring method used in the maize studies was evaluated in permanent and recent pastoral soils (Pumice, Allophanic and Tephric Recent in the Taupo-Rotorua Volcanic Zone, North Island) with a wide range of soil organic matter contents resulting from different times (1-5 years) since conversion from forest soils. Without any sample preparation, other than the soil surface left after coring, it was possible to predict soil C and N concentrations with moderate success (C prediction r2 = 0.75, RMSEP = 1.23%, RPD = 1.97; N prediction r2 = 0.80, RMSEP = 0.10%, RPD = 2.15) using a technique of acquiring soil reflectance spectra from the horizontal cross-section of a soil core (H method). The soil probe was then modified to acquire spectra from the curved vertical wall of a soil core (V method), allowing the spectrometer’s field of view to increase to record the reflectance features of the whole soil sample taken for laboratory analysis. Improved predictions of soil C and N concentrations were achieved with the V method of spectral acquisition (C prediction r2 = 0.97, RMSECV = 0.21%, RPD = 5.80; N prediction r2 = 0.96, RMSECV = 0.02%, RPD = 5.17) compared to the H method (C prediction r2 = 0.95, RMSECV = 0.27%, RPD = 4.45; N prediction r2 = 0.94, RMSECV = 0.03%, RPD = 4.25). The V method was tested for temporal robustness by assessing its ability to predict soil C and N concentrations of Fluvial Recent soils under permanent pasture in different seasons. When principal component analysis (PCA) was used to ensure that the spectral dimensions (which were responsive to water content) of the data set used for developing the PLSR calibration model embraced those of the “unknown” soil samples, it was possible to predict soil C and N concentrations in “unknown” samples of widely different water contents (in May and November), with a high level of accuracy (C prediction r2 = 0.97, RMSEP = 0.36%, RPD = 3.43; N prediction r2 = 0.95, RMSEP = 0.03%, RPD = 3.44). This study indicates that Vis-NIRS has considerable potential for rapid in situ assessment of soil C, N and root density. The results demonstrate that field root densities in pastoral and arable soil can be predicted independently from total soil C, which will allow researchers to predict C sequestration from root production. The recommended “V” technique can be used to assess spatial and temporal variability of soil carbon and nitrogen within soil profiles and across the landscape. It can also be used to assess the rate of C sequestration and organic matter synthesis via root density prediction. It reduces the time, labour and cost of conventional soil analysis and root density measurement.

A região amazônica possui extensas áreas que foram desmatadas e convertidas em sistemas de pastagens. A falta de técnicas na implantação e no manejo destes sistemas resultou em inúmeras áreas de pastagens degradadas. A condução de experimentos de campo visando a reversão deste quadro está sendo avaliada no presente estudo. A área em estudo está localizada na Fazenda Nova Vida, município de Ariquemes, Estado de Rondônia/RO. O solo da fazenda foi classificado como Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo. Os tratamentos utilizados consistiram em dois sistemas de plantio direto (arroz e soja), aplicação de herbicida no controle de invasoras, operação de gradagem e a pastagem controle. O Intervalo Hídrico Ótimo (IHO), a densidade do solo, resistência à penetração, macroporosidade, microporosidade, porosidade total e permeabilidade do solo ao ar foram determinadas. Não foi verificada diferença significativa entre os tratamentos utilizados. O solo estudado não apresentou restrições físicas ao crescimento de plantas. As variações na estrutura do solo são melhor avaliadas quando os fatores que afetam diretamente o crescimento de plantas são integrados em um único parâmetro. As propriedades físicas determinadas foram menos sensíveis que o IHO às alterações provocadas pelos sistemas de manejo. O IHO possui um grande potencial como índice de qualidade física do solo na avaliação de experimentos que visam a recuperação de pastagens degradadas, pois integra em um único parâmetro os fatores diretamente relacionados ao crescimento de plantas. / The Brazilian Amazon region has extensive areas that had been deforested and converted into pasture systems. The absence of adequate techniques in implementation and management of these pastures resulted in pasture degradation in several areas. Field experiments with objective of reverting the degradation process are being evaluated in this study. The field site was located at the Nova Vida farm, Ariquemes county, Rondonia State, Brazil. The soil at the farm was classified as “Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo” in agreement with Brazilian classification system. The treatments consisted of two no-tillage systems (rice and soybeans), weed control using herbicides, harrowing and control pasture. The Least Limiting Water Range (LLWR), soil bulk density, soil penetration resistance, macroporosity, microporosity, total porosity and soil air permeability were also evaluated. There was no significant difference between treatments under evaluation. The soil estudied did not show physical restrictions to plants growth. Soil structure variations are better evaluated when the factors that affect directly plant growth are integrated in a single parameter. The soil physical properties evaluated were less sensitive than the LLWR to alterations caused by the management systems. The LLWR has a great potential as a soil physical quality index in the evaluation of experiments designed to recover degraded pastures because it integrates in a single parameter the factors directly related to plant growth.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-23T13:23:23Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Valmir Jose Zuffo.pdf: 1368477 bytes, checksum: 44171d69a24efae303b1240c27505ebc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-04-25 / Avaliaram-se os efeitos de cinco sistemas de preparo do solo nos atributos físicos de um Argissolo Amarelo coeso de Tabuleiro, bem como no crescimento, desenvolvimento e nutrição do mamoeiro Formosa Tainung 01 irrigado. O experimento foi instalado em 21/01/2011 e conduzido a campo por 260 dias, em área anteriormente utilizada com pastagem de Brachiaria nunca corrigida ou fertilizada, irrigada por sistema de aspersão de baixa pressão. Os tratamentos, implantados em cinco repetições e em delineamento de blocos ao acaso foram: 1) grade aradora (duas vezes) + niveladora + camalhão sobre a linha confeccionado 135 após transplantio (GA c/ CAM); 2) grade aradora (duas vezes) + niveladora (GA s/ CAM); 3) subsolador florestal (SF); 4) grade aradora (duas vezes) + niveladora + escarificação com 3 hastes sobre a linha de plantio (GA + ELP); 5) grade aradora (duas vezes) + niveladora + escarificação com 3 hastes em área total (GA + EAT). Os preparos receberam sulcamento mecanizado e banquetas, confeccionadas manualmente com terra solta do sulco, que foram niveladas e fertilizadas para receber as mudas. Antes da implantação dos tratamentos a área experimental foi caracterizada quanto à resistência mecânica à penetração (RP) acompanhada pela umidade do solo, diâmetro médio ponderado (DMP), diâmetro médio geométrico (DMG), densidade do solo (Ds), macroporosidade (Ma), microporosidade (Mi), relação Ma/Mi, textura do solo e fertilidade. Após a implantação dos tratamentos foram determinadas RP, acompanhada pela umidade do solo, DMP, DMG, Ds, Ma, Mi, relação Ma/Mi e variáveis biométricas de nutrição e produção como altura de plantas, diâmetro do tronco a 0,20 m de altura, altura de inserção do primeiro fruto, sexo das plantas, teores foliares de macro e micronutrientes bem como número de frutos por planta com separação de frutos comerciais e não comerciais. O tratamento estatístico dos dados constou de cálculo do erro padrão da média para os dados de RP e para os demais dados, análise de variância e teste de Tukey a nível de 5% de probabilidade. Houve diferenças de resistência à penetração entre os tratamentos. O subsolador mostrou-se mais efetivo na diminuição da RP até 0,35 m de distância da planta no sentido transversal à linha de plantio. O escarificador resultou em menores RP do que GA ou SF, mesmo a 0,40 m de profundidade, e foi mais eficiente a maiores distâncias transversalmente à planta. Todos os preparos provocaram RP menores do que 2,5 MPa na profundidade de maior concentração de raízes do mamoeiro (0 0,25 m) fornecendo boas condições físicas até essa profundidade. Não houve diferença estatística entre os tratamentos para Ds, Ma, Mi, relação Ma/Mi, DMP e DMG a 0,20 m de profundidade e teores foliares de macro e micronutrientes aos 197 dias após transplantio. A altura de plantas em duas épocas foi menor para o SF e igual estatisticamente para os outros tratamentos. A grade aradora alterou os atributos físicos do solo em maior intensidade até 0,20 m de profundidade. A produção total de frutos e de frutos comerciais foi maior nos preparos GA c/ CAM, GA s/ CAM, GA+ELP e GA+EAT, os quais não diferiram entre si. Não houve diferenças para produtividade de frutos não comerciais. Não se justificou o uso do camalhão sobre a linha de plantio confeccionado após o transplantio. Do ponto de vista de conservação do solo, quando considerados os dados de estabilidade de agregados, os preparos foram semelhantes. A relação entre o crescimento e desenvolvimento das plantas e diferentes preparos de solo deve ser avaliada considerando o conjunto de atributos físicos e químicos do solo / The effects of five tillage systems on soil physical attributes, growth, development and nutrition of Formosa papaya Tainung 01 were evaluated on cohesive Alfisol of Coastal Tableland. The experiment was planted on january 21, 2011 and remained in field for 260 days, in an area previously used with Brachiaria never corrected nor fertilized before and irrigated by low pressure sprinkler system. Treatments were applied in five replicates and statistical design of random blocks were: 1) heavy disc harrow (twice) + offset disc harrow + ridge on row planting made 135 days after transplanting (GA c/ CAM); 2) heavy disc harrow (twice) + offset disc harrow (GA s/ CAM); 3) forester subsoiler (SF); 4) heavy disc harrow (twice) + offset disc harrow + chisel plow on row planting (GA+ELP); 5) heavy disc harrow (twice) + offset disc harrow + chisel plow on total area (GA+EAT). All tillage systems received mechanized furrower and a bench made with loose soil and fertilizers and over which the seedlings were planted. As a characterization of experimental area before application of treatments, were determined penetration resistance (RP) followed by soil moisture, mean weight diameter (DMP), geometric mean diameter (DMG), bulk density (Ds), macroporosity (Ma), microporosity (Mi), Ma/Mi ratio, soil texture and fertility. After application of treatments were determined RP, accompanied by soil moisture, DMP, DMG, Ds, Ma, Mi and Ma/Mi ratio and biometric variables of nutrition and production as plant height, stem diameter at 0,20 m height, height of insertion of the first fruit, plant sex, foliar contents of macro and micronutrients as well as number of fruits per plant with separation of commercial and non-commercial ones. Statistical treatment of data included calculation of mean standard error for RP and analysis of variance for all other data accompanied by the Tukey test for comparison of means at 5% level of probability. There were differences in penetration resistance between treatments. Subsoiler showed to be more effective in the decrease of RP up to 0,35 m away from the plant in the direction transverse to the rows. Chisel plow produced smaller RP than GA or SF, even at 0,40 m depth and was more effective at greater distances from the plant. All tillage systems produced RP smaller than 2.5 MPa at a depth with the greater concentration of papaya roots (0 0.25 m) and provided good physical conditions up to this depth. There was no statistical difference between treatments for Ds, Ma, Mi, Ma/Mi ratio, DMP e DMG at 0.20 m depth and foliar contents of macro and micronutrients at 197 days after transplanting. Height of plants in two stages were lower for the SF and statistically equal to the other treatments. Heavy disc harrow altered soil physical attributes at a higher intensity up to 0.20 m depht. Total fruit yield and commercial fruit yield was higher in GA c/ CAM, GA s/ CAM, GA+ELP and GA+EAT, which did not differ. There were no differences for non-commercial fruit yield. There was no justification for the building of the ridge on the planting row after instalation of the orchard. From the standpoint of conservation of soil, when considering the stability of aggregates data, all tillage systems were similar. The relationship between growth and development performance of plants and tillage systems should be evaluated considering whole physical and chemical properties of soil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The study of soil quality biological indicators in areas classified as forest production units is important to understand the ecological processes that occur in these systems. Monitoring the soil fauna in modified environments, when management practices involve chemical products in the environment, is an instrument that allows to evaluate not only the soil quality but also the proper functioning in a production system, since the soil fauna acts in decomposition and nutrient cycling, as well as in soil physical, chemical and biological properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the herbicide application in a black wattle area (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.). Thus, the study was divided in three chapters. The first chapter aimed to evaluate the meso and macrophauna under different kinds and intensities of herbicides on the ground using the principal component analysis (PCA). The study was developed at Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Fepagro-Unidade Florestas) in Santa Maria/RS. The treatments were allocated as Randomized Blocks Design, with four repetitions per treatment, totalizing 64 experimental units, where two sampling plots were installed per unit using the meso and macrophauna capture PROVID method. The used herbicides were Glyphosate (4.0 l ha-1), Imazapyr (3.0 l ha-1), Oxyfluorfen (4.0 l ha-1) and Pendimethalin (3.0 l ha-1) besides hand cleaning and control without herbicide. The collects were done in the four seasons of the year (winter, spring, summer and autumn). From the calculated faunistic indexes, the taxonomic group average richness varied from 5.2 in the winter to 9.3 in the summer. The Shannon (H) diversity index was similar among all kinds and intensities of applied herbicides. This index (H) was different only between the seasons, varying from 0.58 in the spring to 1.21 in the summer. The PCA between the response and predictor variables clearly separated the component formation (taxonomic groups), significantly influenced by the kind of herbicides and application intensity. However, in PCA with additional predictor variable for the four most representative taxonomic groups (Araneae, Orthoptera, Collembola e Hymenoptera), it was observed that organism density in the group constituted by Collembola is strongly associated with the precipitation in the spring, whereas ants, Orthoptera, and spiders have their density better explained by the variable temperature. Different herbicides, as well as the intensity of the application on the ground caused no negative effects upon the biological parameters evaluated in the study, being the diversity and the density of meso and macrophauna conditioned only to the seasonal variations along the year. The study approached in the second chapter aimed to evaluate the influence of different kinds and intensities of herbicide application upon the soil physical properties, like density, macro, micro and total porosity, and aggregates average diameter (AAG). The experimental plot was the same described in chapter one. Two collections were done (before planting and after all herbicides application). Two soil samplings were collected in planting and interplanting seedling rows. The obtained results in the second collection showed that there is no significant difference between the evaluated parameters. For soil density, the highest values were found in treatments without herbicide (1.38 Mg m-3 in hand cleaning and 1.32 Mg m-3 in control). For macro, micro and total porosity the values were similar among them, for all kinds of tested herbicides, as well as for AAG. There was no herbicide direct influence upon the soil physical properties, since the weed competition was partially controlled, mainly in inter row seedlings planting, that might have contributed to maintain the soil physical structure in this area. In planting row, there was a fast soil particle reaccommodation because of the seedling roots. The third chapter aimed to evaluate the influence of herbicide application upon the symbiotic association between Rhizobium and the root systems from black-wattle seedlings, cultivated in plastic vessels under controlled environmental conditions in greenhouse. The study was established in Randomized Blocks Design, with four repetitions and ten plants per treatment, which were constituted by the same herbicides and doses mentioned in chapter one, besides a treatment without herbicide (control). The results in this study showed significant differences between the treatments and the variable dried biomass from rhizobic nodules in the black-wattle seedlings root system. All the herbicides used in vessels substrates induced the nodules formation, highlighting the herbicide Oxifluorfen (0.532 g plant-1), that showed a nodules biomass gain of 128.3% related to the control (0.233 g plant-1). Except for Glyphosate, the correlations between nodules biomass and the variables height, above ground biomass, and root biomass were all positive and significant. This way, the use of herbicide in the evaluated microenvironment caused no negative influence upon the physical and biological components (field), as well as on the microbiological component evaluated (greenhouse). / O estudo de indicadores biológicos da qualidade do solo em áreas consideradas como unidades de produção florestal é importante para o entendimento dos processos ecológicos que ocorrem nesses sistemas. Monitorar a fauna do solo em ambientes modificados pelo homem, sobretudo quando as práticas de manejo envolvem produtos químicos no ambiente, é um instrumento que permite avaliar não só a qualidade do solo, como também o próprio funcionamento de um sistema de produção, já que a fauna do solo atua na decomposição e ciclagem de nutrientes e, também, nos processos e propriedades físicas, químicas e biológicas do solo. O objetivo geral deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de herbicidas em uma área de plantio de acácia-negra (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.). Para tal, o trabalho foi dividido em três capítulos. No primeiro capítulo, o objetivo foi avaliar o comportamento da meso e macrofauna epiedáfica sob a influência de diferentes tipos e intensidades de aplicação de herbicidas sobre o solo, por meio da análise de componentes principais (ACP). O estudo foi desenvolvido na Fundação Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária (Fepagro-Unidade Florestas), no município de Santa Maria/RS. Os tratamentos foram dispostos no delineamento blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições por tratamento, totalizando 64 unidades experimentais, nas quais foram instalados dois pontos de coleta por unidade través do método PROVID de captura da meso e macrofauna epiedáfica. Os herbicidas utilizados foram Glyphosate (4,0 l ha-1), Imazapyr (3,0 l ha-1), Oxyfluorfen (4,0 l ha-1) e Pendimethalin (3,0 l ha-1), além de roçada manual e testemunha sem herbicida. As coletas foram relaizadas nas quatro estações do ano (inverno, primavera, verão e outono). Dos índices faunísticos calculados, a riqueza média de grupos taxonômicos variou entre 5,2 no inverno e 9,3 no verão. O índice de diversidade de Shannon (H) foi semelhante entre todos os tipos e intensidades de aplicação dos herbicidas testados. Este índice (H) diferenciou-se somente entre as estações do ano, variando entre 0,58 (primavera) e 1,21 (verão). A ACP entre as variáveis resposta e as variáveis explicativas não separou claramente a formação de componentes (grupos taxonômicos) influenciados significativamente pelo tipo e intensidade de aplicação dos herbicidas. Contudo, na ACP com variáveis suplementares explicativas para os quatro grupos taxonômicos mais representativos (Araneae, Orthoptera, Collembola e Hymenoptera), observou-se que a densidade de organismos no grupo constituído por colêmbolos é fortemente associada com à precipitação e na época da primavera, enquanto que formigas, ortópteros e aranhas têm sua densidade melhor explicada pela variável temperatura. Os diferentes herbicidas, bem como a intensidade de aplicação destes sobre o solo não exerceram efeitos negativos sobre os parâmetros biológicos avaliados no estudo, estando a diversidade e a densidade da meso e macrofauna epiedáfica condicionada apenas às variações estacionais ao longo do ano. O estudo abordado no segundo capítulo teve por objetivo avaliar, também, a influência de diferentes tipos e intensidades de aplicação de herbicidas sobre atributos físicos do solo, como densidade; macro, micro e porosidade total do solo; e diâmetro médio de agregados do solo (DMG). A base experimental de campo neste estudo foi a mesma do estudo desenvolvido no capítulo um. Foram realizadas duas coletas (antes do plantio das mudas e após todas as aplicações dos herbicidas). Duas amostras de solo foram coletadas na linha e duas na entrelinha de plantio das mudas. Os resultados obtidos na segunda coleta mostraram não haver diferença significativa entre os parâmetros avaliados. Para densidade do solo, os maiores valores foram constatados nos tratamentos sem aplicação de herbicidas (1,38 Mg m-3 na condição de roçada manual e 1,32 Mg m-3 na testemunha). Para macro, micro e porosidade total do solo os valores foram semelhantes entre si, para todos os tipos de herbicidas testados, assim como para o DMG dos agregados do solo. Não houve influência direta dos herbicidas sobre os atributos físicos do solo, uma vez que a matocompetição existente na área de estudo foi parcialmente controlada, principalmente na entrelinha de plantio das mudas, o que pode ter contribuído para a manutenção da estrutura física do solo neste local. Na linha de plantio, houve uma rápida reacomodação das partículas do solo por ação das raízes das mudas. O terceiro capítulo aborda o estudo que teve por objetivo avaliar a influência da aplicação de herbicidas sobre a associação simbiótica entre bactérias do gênero Rhizobium e o sistema radicular de mudas de acácia-negra, cultivadas em vasos plásticos, sob condições ambientais controladas em casa de vegetação. O estudo foi estabelecido no delineamento blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e dez plantas por tratamento, que estiveram constituídos pelos mesmos herbicidas e dosagens mencionadas no capítulo um, além de um tratamento com ausência de herbicida (testemunha). Os resultados neste estudo mostraram diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos para a variável biomassa seca de nódulos rizóbicos no sistema radicular de mudas de acácia-negra. Todos os herbicidas aplicados ao substrato dos vasos induziram à formação de nódulos rizóbicos, com destaque para o herbicida Oxyfluorfen (0,532 g planta-1), que apresentou um ganho em biomassa de nódulos de 128,3% com relação à testemunha (0,233 g planta -1). Exceto para Glyphosate, as correlações entre a biomassa de nódulos e as variáveis: altura, biomassa da parte aérea e biomassa radicular, foram todas positivas e significativas. Desse modo, a aplicação de herbicidas no microambiente avaliado neste estudo não exerceu influência negativa sobre os componentes físicos e biológicos (campo), assim como sobre o componente microbiológico avaliado (casa de vegetação).

Despite occupying a prominent place in the southern flora, the region belonging to the State Park Espinilho inserted within Steppe Savanna Park domains still is poorly investigated by science. Vegetation characteristics such as dense herbaceous extract and the presence of isolated trees configure it as favorable to livestock activity. Taking advantage of this fact, the aimed of the present study was to analyze the floristic and edaphic changes imposed by grazing. For this we select two areas, one under grazing and other excluded from this activity for five years, both areas contain a sample unit of 2ha subdivided into 200 plots of 100m² subunits. An inventory of the woody and regenerating extract was conducted in 100 of these sampling units and the data of other variables were collected in 50 subunits. The dissertation was divided in two chapters with the objective of analyzing the similarity, the structural and floristic changes in regenerating and woody vegetation (Chapter I) and evaluate changes in physical properties of the soil and total aerial herbaceous biomass between areas, as well as investigating possible correlations between these variables and the abundance of the main species present in regeneration (Prosopis affinis Spreng. and Vachellia caven (Molina) Seigler & Ebinger (Chapter II). Through studies on structural and phytosociological attributes we can see remarkable differences between areas mainly on the diameter structure of vegetation and floristic composition of natural regeneration and being Vachellia caven the specie better adapted to grazing than Prosopis affinis. As a result expressed by Jaccard index, the similarity between areas is average (75%). Regarding the physical variables of soil and total aboveground herbaceous we found significant differences between areas evidenced by Student's T-tests. The Spearman correlation test show positive correlation between Vachellia caven and soil conditions on grazed area and negatively correlated to total aboveground biomass of herbaceous extract which proves its better adaptation to grazing and intolerance to more levels of soil shading. Based on exploratory ordination analyses (PCoA) we can infer that there is a big difference between the two study areas that were shaped by remarkable changes in soil physical components, herbaceous vegetation and abundance of Prosopis affinis and Vachellia caven occurring just over five years of exclusion. / Apesar de ocupar lugar de destaque na flora sulina, a região pertencente ao Parque Estadual do Espinilho, inserido dentro dos domínios fitogeográficos da Savana Estépica Parque, ainda é pouco investigada pela ciência. Características da vegetação, tais como denso estrato herbáceo e a presença de árvores isoladas, configuram-na como propícia à atividade pecuarista. Valendo-se desse fato, o presente estudo objetivou analisar alterações florísticas e edáficas, impostas pelo pastoreio. Para tanto, foram selecionadas duas área de estudo, uma sob pastoreio e outra excluída dessa atividade a cinco anos, ambas contendo uma unidade amostral de 2 ha, subdividida em 200 subunidades amostrais de 100 m². Foi realizado inventário do estrato arbóreo e regenerante em 100 dessas subunidades amostrais e coleta de dados das demais variáveis em 50 subunidades. A dissertação foi dividida em dois capítulos com objetivos específicos de analisar a similaridade, alterações estruturais e florísticas na vegetação arbórea e regenerante (Capítulo I), avaliar alterações em propriedades físicas do solo e biomassa aérea total do estrato herbáceo entre as áreas, bem como investigar possíveis correlações entre essas variáveis e a abundância das principais espécies presentes na regeneração (Prosopis affinis Spreng. e Vachellia caven (Molina) Seigler & Ebinger) (Capítulo II). Por meio de estudos referentes a atributos fitossociológicos e estruturais, pode-se perceber notáveis diferenças entre as áreas, principalmente quanto à estrutura diamétrica da vegetação e composição florística da regeneração natural, sendo Vachellia caven a espécie melhor adaptada ao pastejo, ao contrário de Prosopis affinis. O resultado para similaridade entre as áreas, conforme expresso pelo índice de Jaccard, é de média similaridade (75%). Em relação às variáveis físicas do solo e biomassa aérea total do estrato herbáceo constataram-se diferenças significativas entre áreas, evidenciadas por meio de testes-T de Student. Os testes de correlação, realizados pelo método de Spearman, mostram que Vachellia caven correlaciona-se positivamente com condições de solo conferidas à área com pastoreio e negativamente com a biomassa aérea total do estrato herbáceo, o que comprova sua melhor adaptação ao pastoreio e intolerância aos maiores níveis de sombreamento do solo. É possível ainda inferir mediante análises exploratórias de ordenação (PCoA) que há uma total distinção entre as duas áreas de estudo, configurada pelas notáveis alterações ocorrentes ao longo de apenas cinco anos de exclusão nos componentes físicos do solo, estrato herbáceo e abundância de Prosopis affinis e Vachellia caven.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-12-08T16:44:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PGPV07MA011.pdf: 625199 bytes, checksum: 0056f2b6539816ae105f66ab5d8fd0da (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007-02-22 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The demand for healthy and non-contaminated foods has increased between the consumers that become more and more exigent in terms of quality. The organic products appear as an option for the requirements of these consumers. However, research involving the organic production of fruits is still incipient. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the weed control by ground covers, its action on the weeds in the line of the apple trees in an organic orchard, the response in terms of apple tree vegetative development, and soil chemical and physical properties. The experiment is located at Embrapa/CNPUV, in Vacaria, RS, Southern Brazil. The orchard was planted in 2003, with cv. Galaxy on Marubakaido rootstock and M9 filter, in a Brown Latosol. The treatments were as follows: manual hoeing control, black plastic film, black plastic shade screen, new pinus sawdust, pinus needle mulch, Andropogon sp mulch, annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum), black oat (Avena strigosa), black oat + common vetch (Vicia sativa), black oat + fodder radish (Raphanus sativus), annual ryegrass + white clover (Trifolium repens) + native plant cover, weed mowing; control without weed management. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with three replications. The weed incidence and the growth of apple tree were evaluated. Soil chemical and physical properties were analyzed in the layer 0-5 and 5-10 cm depth. Pinus needle mulch, black plastic, manual weed control, and new pinus sawdust were more effective to reduced the weed incidence, controlling more than 90%. The use of soil cover affected the height and the diameter of the trees, and black plastic and pinus needle mulch were the better covers concerning apple development. Soil chemical properties under these managements were adequate for apple tree growth, showing differences only between the orchard condition in relation to the natural forest. Soil physical properties were not affected by the different ground covers and showed its good quality, maintained in adequate conditions to plant growth / A demanda por alimentos saudáveis e livres de contaminantes tem aumentado entre os consumidores que se tornam cada vez mais exigente em termos de qualidade alimentar. Os produtos orgânicos surgem como uma opção para a exigência destes consumidores. No entanto, pesquisas envolvendo a produção orgânica de frutos ainda são incipientes. Assim sendo, este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o controle de plantas espontâneas por coberturas de solo, sua ação sobre as plantas espontâneas presentes na linha da cultura da macieira em pomar orgânico, a resposta da macieira em termos de crescimento e os atributos químicos e físicos do solo. O experimento foi conduzido na Embrapa Uva e Vinho, em Vacaria-RS. O pomar foi implantado no ano de 2003, com a cultivar Galaxy, porta-enxerto Marubakaido e filtro M9, em baixa densidade, condução líder central, em um Latossolo Bruno. Utilizou-se 13 tratamentos, que foram: capina manual, cobertura com plástico preto, sombrite, serragem nova, acícula de pinus, palha de capim rabo-de-burro (Andropogon sp.), azevém (Lolium multiflorum L.), aveia (Avena strigosa L.), aveia + ervilhaca (Avena strigosa L. + Vicia sativa L.), aveia + nabo (Avena strigosa L. + Raphanus sativus L.), azevém + trevo branco + espécies nativas, roçada na linha, e sem controle na linha. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. Foi avaliado a incidência das plantas espontâneas e o crescimento da macieira (altura e diâmetro do caule de plantas). Os atributos químicos e físicos do solo foram analisados nas camadas 0 a 5 e 5 a 10 cm de profundidade. A acícula de pinus, o plástico preto, a capina na linha e a serragem foram os tratamentos que mais reduziram a incidência das plantas espontâneas, controlando em mais de 90 %. O uso de coberturas do solo afetou a altura e o diâmetro do caule das macieiras, sendo que o plástico preto e a acícula de pinus foram as coberturas que proporcionaram maiores valores para estas variáveis. Os atributos químicos do solo, nos diferentes manejos de coberturas do solo, se mostraram adequados para o crescimento das macieiras, mostrando diferença mais expressiva apenas nos tratamentos em relação à mata. As condições físicas do solo não foram afetadas pelas diferentes coberturas do solo a ponto de interferir na qualidade do mesmo, já que esta foi preservada devido ao manejo adequado que lhe foi dado

A importância da água na agricultura para o sucesso das lavouras é inquestionável. Nos tempos atuais, a irrigação tornou-se ferramenta estratégica para o sucesso das produções. Dentre outros benefícios, está a possibilidade de plantio de entre safras, o que possibilita melhorar o aproveitamento da área agrícola. Uma maior produtividade também pode ser alcançada por meio do uso artificial de condução de água às lavouras. No entanto, deve-se buscar o equilíbrio entre os interesses da produção com os critérios socioambientais. Outrossim, a disponibilização de água em excesso pode acarretar prejuízos, causando a proliferação de fungos e bactérias, e do possível apodrecimento das raízes. Desta forma, a irrigação de lavouras deve demandar controles eficientes do conteúdo de água no solo, primando pelo uso racional e ecologicamente sustentável dos recursos naturais envolvidos. É sabido que existem diversos sensores de umidade do solo que são capazes de obter o teor de água no solo, e que podem auxiliar no controle do uso da água. No entanto, os altos custos dos sensores de qualidade continuam sendo uma barreira para a implantação em lavouras de pequenos produtores, devido aos seus frágeis poderes aquisitivos. Motivado por isso, este trabalho buscou desenvolver um protótipo de sensor que possibilitasse a aferição da umidade do solo, sendo que a premissa principal seria o baixo custo. Para isso foi necessário realizar a calibração do protótipo, a partir de leituras simultâneas entre o mesmo e o equipamento de referência, o sensor profissional Watermark modelo 200SS-5. De forma acessória, o protótipo foi projetado para comunicar-se com plataformas externas, afim de possibilitar a integração e o monitoramento em tempo real. Os dados foram transmitidos para o banco de dados por intermédio da tecnologia wireless do microcontrolador ESP8266-12E (placa NodeMCU). Duas plataformas foram utilizadas, a ThingSpeak, bem como outra desenvolvida por este autor para o específico fim de integração com o protótipo. O custo para o desenvolvimento do protótipo correspondeu a 4,2% do valor correspondente ao sensor Watermark, possuindo características adicionais em comparação ao equipamento de referência, como a comunicação com meios externos e a fácil integração com sistemas de irrigação automatizada. / The importance of water in agriculture for the success of crops is unquestionable. In the present times, irrigation has become a strategic tool for the success of productions. Among other benefits is the possibility of planting between harvests, which makes it possible to improve the utilization of the agricultural area. Higher productivity can also be achieved through the artificial use of water to the crops. However, a balance must be struck between the interests of production and the socio-environmental criteria. Also, the availability of water in excess can lead to damages, causing the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, and the possible rotting of the roots. In this way, irrigation of crops should demand efficient controls of soil water content, emphasizing the rational and ecologically sustainable use of the natural resources involved. It is known that there are several soil moisture sensors that are able to obtain the water content in the soil, and that can aid in the control of water use. However, the high costs of quality sensors continue to be a barrier to the implantation in crops of small producers, due to their fragile purchasing power. Motivated by this, this work sought to develop a prototype sensor that would allow the measurement of soil moisture, and the main premise would be the low cost. For this, it was necessary to carry out the calibration of the prototype, from simultaneous readings between the same and the reference equipment, the professional sensor Watermark model 200SS-5. Of accessory form, the prototype was designed to communicate with external platforms, possibiliting the integration and real-time monitoring. For the database the data were transmitted through the wireless technology of the ESP8266-12E microcontroller (NodeMCU board). Two platforms were used, the ThingSpeak, as well a another developed by this author for the specific purpose of integration with the prototype. The cost for the prototype development corresponded to 4.2% of the value corresponding to the Watermark sensor, having additional characteristics compared to the reference equipment, the such as communication with external means and the easy integration with automated irrigation systems.