Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of filter cake biochar on the chemical and microbiological attributes of a dystrophic red-yellow latosol cultivated with macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata), araçá (Psidium firmum) and cajuzinho do cerrado (Anacardium humile), species native to the Cerrado. Thus, the responses of soil attributes were evaluated 120 days after transplanting the seedlings using four doses of biochar (1%, 2%, 4% and 8% v/v) and two control treatments (one with soil correction and fertilization and the other with no fertilization). The attributes evaluated were pH, contents of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, CTC, total and microbial organic carbon and nitrogen, and C:N ratio. For the soils cultivated with the three Cerrado species, the 1% dose of biochar and mineral fertilization were the treatments that best conditioned the soil during the cultivation period and promoted a better response of the chemical and microbiological attributes of the soil.

ABSTRACT. Biochar is a carbon-rich material produced during organic waste pyrolysis. In this context, two experiments were performed to evaluate the effect of biochar produced from rice husks and cattle manure on soil fertility and common bean production, as well as to identify the optimal dose of cattle manure biochar to be applied. The first experiment (Experiment I) was conducted according to a completely randomized design (factorial scheme 2 × 2 × 2 + 1) with six replicates: two types of biochar (cattle manure biochar and rice husk biochar), with and without acidity correction [addition of calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate (PA) in a proportion of 4:1 (Ca:Mg) to raise the soil base saturation to 60%], with or without the addition of 120 mg dm-3 of phosphorus (P) as ammonium phosphate, and a control treatment (without biochar, acidity correction, and P). Based on the results of Experiment I, a second experiment was conducted according to a completely randomized design, with five treatments (doses of biochar from cattle manure) and four replications. Rice husk biochar, as a conditioner of soil chemical properties, had less prominent effects than cattle manure biochar. Cattle manure biochar functioned as a corrective for soil acidity and a source of nutrients (mainly phosphorus). The dose corresponding to 5.46% of the soil volume led to the maximum grain production by common bean plants.

RESUMO: Nos últimos anos, tem aumentado o interesse crescente pelo uso de resíduos orgânicos na agricultura. Dessa forma, objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o biochar e a casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) nas propriedades químicas do solo e na produção e nutrição de plantas de feijoeiro. O experimento foi realizado em vasos com solo (4 dm3 ~ 5,44 kg), em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4 x 3 + 2, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram quatro doses de biochar (0,0, 2,5, 5,0, 7,5 e 10,0 % v/v), três tamanhos de partículas diferentes (G1, <0,5 mm; G2, 0,5-1,0 mm e G3, 1,0-2,0 mm) e dois tratamentos controle, um sem e outro com adição de corretivo da acidez do solo. O biochar de casca do pequi atuou como corretivo da acidez do solo e como fonte de potássio para as plantas. Entretanto, em doses mais elevadas de biochar, houve uma diminuição na produção das plantas de feijão devido aos desequilíbrios nutricionais.

ABSTRACT: In recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of organic waste in agriculture. In this way, was aimed with this study to evaluate the biochar from pequi shell (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) on the soil chemical properties and on the production and nutrition of common bean plants. The experiment was carried out in pots with soil (4 dm3 ~ 5,44 kg), in a completely randomized experimental design, 4 x 3 + 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. The treatments were four doses of biochar (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 % v/v), three different particle size (G1, <0.5 mm; G2, 0.5-1,0 mm and G3, 1.0-2.0 mm) and two control treatments, one without and another with addition of soil corrective acidity. The biochar from pequi shell acted as a corrective of soil acidity and as a source of potassium for the plants. However, in higher doses of biochar there was a decrease in bean plants production due to nutritional imbalances.

RESUMO Os solos do Cerrado Brasileiro são geralmente ácidos e com baixa disponibilidade de nutrientes, portanto, o uso de insumos alternativos para melhorar fertilidade deve ser investigado. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar o potencial dos biochars de casca de arroz (BHR) e de esterco bovino (BCM) no aumento da disponibilidade de fósforo e seus efeitos nas propriedades químicas do solo e nas plantas de feijoeiro. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x2+3, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram quatro doses de biochar (1, 2, 3 e 4% m / v), dois biochars (BRH e BCM) e três tratamentos adicionais (C1, sem calagem e sem fertilização; C2, adição de carbonato de Ca e Mg e Fertilizantes NPK e; C3, adição de silicato de Ca e Mg e fertilizantes NK). Nas maiores doses de BRH houve aumento de 2,7, 5,3 e 2,5 vezes no teor de P extraído por Mehlich 1 e quantificado por colorimentria, por Mehlich 1 e quantificado por espectroscopia e por resina de troca iônica e quantificado por espectroscopia, respectivamente. Para as doses mais altas de BCM, os aumentos no conteúdo de P foram 51,3, 289,2 e 88,4 vezes maiores que em C1, respectivamente, de acordo com os métodos descritos para o BRH. Os biochars aumentaram o pH do solo, a CEC, os teores nutrientes e o crescimento do feijoeiro em relação ao C1, especialmente o BCM. No entanto, a produção de matéria seca foi significativamente menor do que a no C2.

ABSTRACT The soils of the Brazilian Savanna are generally acidic and have low availability of nutrients, so the use of alternative inputs to improve their fertility should be investigated. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the potential of biochars from rice husk (BHR) and from bovine manure (BCM) in increasing phosphorus availability and their effects on soil chemical properties and in common beans plants. The experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design, in a 4x2+3 factorial scheme with four replicates. The treatments were four biochar doses (1, 2, 3 and 4% m/v), two biochars (BRH and BCM) and three additional treatments (C1, no liming and no fertilization; C2, addition of Ca and Mg carbonate and NPK fertilizers and; C3, addition of Ca and Mg silicate and NK fertilizers). In the highest doses of BRH there was an increase of 2.7, 5.3 and 2.5 times in the P content extracted by Mehlich 1 and quantified by colorimentria, by Mehlich 1 and quantified by spectroscopy and by ion exchange resin and quantified by spectroscopy, respectively. For the highest doses of BCM, the increases in P content were 51.3, 289.2 and 88.4 times greater than in C1, respectively, according to the methods described for BRH. The biochars increased soil pH, CEC, nutrient content and the growth of bean plants compared to C1, especially BCM. However, the production of dry matter was significantly lower than that obtained in C2.

RESUMO: O processo de pirólise da biomassa pode ser uma alternativa para o uso agrícola de lodo de esgoto. Este trabalho objetivou avaliar o uso de biochar produzido a partir da mistura de lodo de esgoto e bagaço de cana (BB, 1:1 relação lodo de esgoto e e bagaço de cana) na produção e nutrição de beterraba (Beta vulgaris L.). Conduziu-se um experimento em casa de vegetação com cinco dose de BB: 0, 2,5, 5, 7,5 e 10% v/v, e dois tratamentos adicionais, biochar de lodo de esgoto (BS, 5% v/v) e tratamento convencional (CV) com calagem e fertilizantes minerais. Após 45 dias de incubação dos solos tratados, cultivou-se as plantas por 55 dias. O biochar produzido a partir de lodo de esgoto e bagaço de cana-de-açúcar é uma tecnologia alternativa para reduzir o potencial de contaminação do lodo de esgoto e incorporar formas mais estáveis de carbono ao solo. Embora o biochar tenha aumentado à fertilidade do solo, as raízes finas e a eficiência de absorção de nutrientes pelas plantas de beterraba, a produção de matéria seca total foi significativamente menor que a obtida no tratamento convencional.

ABSTRACT: The biomass pyrolysis process may be an alternative for the agricultural use of sewage sludge. This study aimed to evaluate the use of of biochars from mixture of sewage sludge and sugarcane bagasse (BB, 1:1 relationship sewage sludge and sugarcane bagasse) on sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) production and nutrition. A greenhouse experiment was conducted with five application rates of BB: 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10% (v/v), and two additional treatments, biochar from sewage sludge (BS, application rate 5% (v/v)) and conventional treatment (CV) that received lime and mineral fertilizer. The treated soils were incubated for 45 days, after which, seedlings were cultivated for 55 days. Biochar produce from sewage sludge and sugarcane bagasse is an alternative technology to reduce the potential for contamination of sewage sludge and to incorporate more stable carbon forms in the soil. Although, biochar has increased soil fertility, fine roots and nutrient uptake efficiency by sugar beet plants, total dry matter yield was significantly lower than that obtained in conventional treatment.

RESUMO: A produção de biochar a partir de resíduos orgânicos pode ser uma estratégia agronômica interessante como fonte de nutrientes para as plantas, diminuindo assim, a pressão sobre os recursos naturais. Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de biocarvões, produzidos de materiais filtrantes descartados, no crescimento e produção de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), conduziram-se simultaneamente três experimentos em casa de vegetação. Cada um dos experimentos foi representado pela aplicação de um biochar, os quais foram produzidos a partir de resíduos orgânicos de casca de arroz, serragem e restos de silagem de sorgo, utilizados como material filtrante para o biofertilizante suíno; e os tratamentos avaliados consistiram na adição de cinco níveis de biocarvão, isto é, 0, 2,5%, 5% 7,5% e 10% v/v. Nos três experimentos a aplicação de biochar aumentou a massa seca da raiz, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca de grãos, número de vagens e número de grãos. Esses resultados indicam que os biochars contribuíram significativamente para o crescimento e produção do feijoeiro.

ABSTRACT: Production of biochar from organic wastes promises to be an interesting source of plant nutrients, thus reducing pressure on natural resources. To assess the effect of biochar prepared from wastes filtration materials on the growth and production of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), three simultaneous greenhouse experiments were conducted with three different biochar from organic wastes (rice husk, sawdust, and sorghum silage) using as filtration material for swine biofertilizer. In each experiment the treatments consisted of the addition of five different biochar concentrations (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% v/v), arranged in a completely random design, with four repetitions. Application of biochar increased the root dry mass, shoot dry mass, grain dry mass, number of pods and number of grains. These results indicated that biochar contributed significantly to the growth and production of common bean plants.

ABSTRACT: The production of biochar from organic residues promises to be an interesting strategy for the management of organic waste. To assess the effect of biochar on soil properties and the production and nutrition of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), three simultaneous experiments were conducted in a greenhouse with different biochar from organic residues (rice husk, sawdust, and sorghum silage) used as filtration material for swine biofertilizer. In each experiment the treatments consisted of five different biochar concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 L m−3), arranged in a completely randomized design, with four repetitions. In the experiments, the use of biochar increased soil pH, cation exchange capacity, nutrient availability in the soil, and nutrient accumulation in grains. The biochar concentrations corresponding to the maximum production of grain dry matter of bean plants were 100, 68, and 71 L m−3 for biochar from rice husk filter (BRHF), biochar from sawdust filter (BSF), and biochar from sorghum silage filter (BSSF), respectively.

RESUMO Associada ao uso de irrigação, a adubação com biofertilizante favorece a absorção de nutrientes pelas plantas e as propriedades químicas dos solos, porém tais efeitos são pouco estudados no cultivo de Tithonia diversifolia em regiões semiáridas. Avaliaram-se os efeitos de doses de biofertilizante bovino e da irrigação no acúmulo foliar de nutrientes em plantas de Tithonia diversifolia e nos atributos químicos do solo. O estudo foi conduzido entre 3 de dezembro de 2014 e 28 de novembro de 2015 e distribuído em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, consistindo de cinco doses de biofertilizante bovino (0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 m3 ha-1), combinado com e sem irrigação. O delineamento estatístico do experimento foi em blocos casualizados com três repetições. A irrigação promoveu aumento no acúmulo de N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu e B em folhas de Tithonia diversifolia no primeiro corte; entretanto, a alta concentração de bicarbonato na água de irrigação e a presença de chuvas durante o segundo cultivo aumentaram o acúmulo de Cu nas folhas de Tithonia diversifolia em sequeiro quando comparado às plantas irrigadas. O aumento das doses de biofertilizante contribuiu para o incremento da saturação por base e do teor de matéria orgânica, P e K no solo.

ABSTRACT The fertilization with biofertilizer associated with the use of irrigation favors nutrient uptake by plants and soil chemical properties; however, these effects are little studied in Tithonia diversifolia in semiarid regions. This study evaluated the effect of doses of bovine biofertilizer and irrigation on accumulation of nutrients in the leaves of Tithonia diversifolia plants and on soil chemical attributes. The study was carried out from December 3, 2014 to November 28, 2015, and arranged in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, consisting of five doses of bovine biofertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 m3 ha-1), combined with and without irrigation. The experiment was set in a randomized block design, using three replicates. Irrigation promoted increased accumulation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cu and B in leaves of Tithonia diversifolia in the first cutting. However, the high bicarbonate concentration in the irrigation water and the occurrence of rainfall during the second crop increased the accumulation of Cu in the leaves of Tithonia diversifolia under rainfed condition, compared with irrigated plants. The increase in biofertilizer doses contributed to the increment of base saturation and the contents of organic matter, P and K in soil.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar, sob o ponto de vista energético, a cultura do milho em sistemas de manejo com baixo, médio e alto nível tecnológico, utilizando duas variedades crioulas ('Argentino' e 'BR da Várzea'), um híbrido duplo (SHS 4080) e um híbrido simples (IAC 8333). Foram utilizados cinco indicadores de eficiência: eficiência energética, energia cultural líquida, eficiência cultural, balanço energético e eficiência produtivo-energética. Sob a ótica da agricultura familiar, verificou-se maior importância social dos sistemas sob baixo e médio níveis tecnológicos, devido à maior capacidade empregadora de mão de obra rural. A energia cultural líquida e o balanço energético foram mais favoráveis para o sistema sob alto nível tecnológico, ao contrário da eficiência cultural e da eficiência produtivo-energética, as quais foram expressivamente superiores para o médio e baixo níveis tecnológicos. A variedade 'Argentino' apresentou menor eficiência produtivo-energética. Entretanto, a variedade 'BR da Várzea' apresentou potencial em gerar energia tanto quanto os híbridos. De maneira geral, a maior sustentabilidade na cultura do milho foi atingida quando se utilizou o sistema de manejo sob médio nível tecnológico.

The aim of this study was to analyze, under the energetic point of view, the cultivation of corn in three management systems (low, medium and high-tech), using two landrace varieties ('Argentino' and 'BR da Várzea'), a double hybrid cultivar (SHS 4080) and a simple hybrid (IAC 8333). Five performance indicators were used: energy efficiency, liquid cultural energy, cultural efficiency, energy balance and productive energy efficiency. From the perspective of family farming, it was verified the largest social importance of the systems under low and medium levels of technology, due to the increase employment capacity of rural labor. The liquid cultural energy and energy balance were more favorable for the system under high technological level, unlike cultural efficiency and productive energy efficiency, which were significantly higher for medium and low technological levels. The variety 'Argentino' showed lower productive energy efficiency. The variety 'BR da Várzea', on the other hand, presented the potential to generate energy as much as the hybrids. In general, the biggest sustainability in the corn crop was achieved when the management system under medium and lower levels of technology were used.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica da implantação de dois biodigestores com uso de dejetos animais em área do Assentamento de Trabalhadores Rurais no município de Itaberá - SP, no ano de 2005; um deles para o fornecimento de energia para os domicílios e outro para as atividades produtivas. Foram avaliados os benefícios referentes ao fornecimento de energia elétrica e térmica, a partir do biogás, para cinco domicílios da agrovila do assentamento e para as atividades produtivas, comparativamente aos custos de construção e operação para produção de biogás. Os resultados mostraram a viabilidade econômica da produção de gás em ambos os biodigestores. Foram gerados benefícios no valor de R$ 3.698,00 por ano e R$ 9.080,57 por ano, nos biodigestores para os domicílios e produção, respectivamente; bem como o equivalente a R$ 1.478,28 por ano referentes à produção de biofertilizante. O custo anual do processo é de R$ 1.218,50 em cada biodigestor. O prazo de recuperação do investimento é de 2,5 anos e 11 meses, para a produção de biogás nos domicílios e na produção, respectivamente. Os resultados podem ser utilizados para subsidiar políticas públicas direcionadas ao aproveitamento de biomassa para a produção de energia a baixos custos no segmento da agricultura familiar.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the economic feasibility of two biodigestion systems using animal excrements in a rural settlement, in Itaberá - SP, Brazil, in the year of 2005. One of them was constructed to supply biogas for five residences. The other one was constructed to supply biogas for production activities. The generated benefits related to the supply of electric and thermal energy were evaluated, using biogas for five residences and for production activities, in comparison to the annual costs of the biodigestion system construction and operation. The results showed economic feasibility of the biogas production in both cases. It was generated economic benefits of US$ 1,766.84 and US$ 4,338.54 per year for the residential biodigestion system and production activities biodigestion system, respectively, as well as US$ 706.20 per year for biofertilizer production. The costs were estimated in US$ 582.18 per year in each biodigestion system. The pay-back was evaluated in 2.5 years for the residential case and 11 months for the production case, respectively. These results can be used to formulate public policies directed to biomass exploitation to produce low cost energy focused on familiar agriculture.