O presente estudo trata da investigação sobre o uso de um produto inovador, classificado como substâncias húmicas, as quais têm sido estudadas como aditivo alternativo na dieta de bovinos de corte. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso de substâncias húmicas como aditivo na dieta de bovinos Nelore e sua influência no metabolismo ruminal e na síntese de proteína microbiana. Utilizou-se 8 machos canulados e castrados, alocados em baias individuais, com peso vivo de 549 kg (± 45 kg). Os animais foram divididos aleatoriamente em delineamento quadrado latino 4x4 replicado, recebendo tratamentos com níveis crescentes de substâncias húmicas na MS da dieta (0%, 0,45%, 0,9% e 1,35%). Avaliou-se o consumo de matéria seca, pH ruminal, ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, nitrogênio amoniacal, contagem de protozoários, síntese de proteína microbiana e níveis de ureia plasmática no sangue. Não houve efeito (p > 0,05) entre os tratamentos para o consumo de matéria seca, pH ruminal, nitrogênio amoniacal, população de protozoários e níveis de ureia plasmática no sangue. Quanto aos ácidos graxos de cadeia curta, ocorreu efeito linear decrescente nas concentrações de isobutírico e valérico e não houve efeito de tratamento para ácido acético, propiônico, butírico e isovalérico. Obteve-se efeito quadrático na excreção urinária de alantoína, purinas microbianas absorvidas e nos compostos nitrogenados microbianos. A adição de substâncias húmicas até o nível de 1,35% na matéria seca não influenciou os parâmetros ruminais dos animais recebendo uma dieta com 50% de concentrado. Estudos adicionais sobre o uso do produto em maior quantidade na dieta, com maior proporção de concentrados, influência de raças, idade e categoria animal podem contribuir para elucidar os efeitos desse produto como aditivo alimentar. / The present study explore the use of an innovative product, classified as humic substance, which has been studied as an alternative additive for beef cattle diet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the use of humic substances as an additive in the diet of Nellore cattle and their influence on ruminal metabolism. Eight cannulated and castrated males were used in individual pens with a live weight of 549 kg (± 45 kg). The animals were randomly allotted into a replicated 4x4 latin square design, receiving treatments with increasing levels of humic substances in the diet (0%, 0.45%, 0.9% e 1.35%). The dry matter intake, ruminal pH, short chain fatty acids, ammoniacal nitrogen, protozoan count, microbial protein synthesis and blood urea levels were evaluated. There was no effect (p> 0.05) between treatments for dry matter intake, ruminal pH, ammoniacal nitrogen, protozoan population and plasma urea levels in the blood. As for short chain fatty acids, there was no treatment effect for acetic, propionic, butyric and isovaleric acid, but it was observed linear decreasing effects on isobutyric and valeric concentrations. There was a quadratic effect on urinary excretion of allantoin, absorbed microbial purines and microbial nitrogen compounds. The addition of humic substances up to the level of 1.35% in DM did not influence the ruminal parameters of the animals receiving diet with 50% of concentrate. Additional studies on the product use considering more challenging ration, with a greater concentrated:forage ratios, animal age and other variations can contribute to clarify the effects of this product as additive.

Reclamation success is highly dependent upon final soil quality of stockpiled soils, such as those found Cold Lake Oil Sands Region. Stockpiled soils, however, are generally poor in quality. Soils were amended with, biochar (BC), humalite (HU), a sub-bituminous coal; and peat (PT), as well as 50:50 blends of biochar:humalite (BCH) and biochar:peat (BCP). These amendments were applied at rates of 0, 6.55, 13.1 and 26.2 g C kg-1 each. Biochar, PT, and BCP applied at the rate of 26.2 g C kg-1 were found to reduce N2O emissions by 34, 54, and 70%, respectively, relative to the control. Within the bioassay, BC and PT amendment resulted in a 38 and 40% increase in dry matter yield (DMY) respectively. Finally, amendment typically resulted in significant net decreases in Olsen P values, while nitrate and ammonium concentrations were high in PT amended soils. In general, PT had the best overall performance. / October 2015