ABSTRACT Understanding organic carbon and predominant humic fractions in the soil allows contributes to soil quality management. Conventional fractionation techniques require time, excessive sampling, and high maintenance costs. In this study, predictive models for organic carbon in humic substances (HS) were evaluated using hyperspectral data as an alternative to chemical fractionation and quantification by wet digestion. Twenty-nine samples of Neossolos Flúvicos (Fluvents) - A1, and 36 samples of Cambissolos (Inceptisols) - A2 were used. The samples were also analyzed jointly, creating a third sample group - A1&A2. Untransformed spectral reflectance factors were obtained using the FieldSpec Pro FR 3 hyperspectral sensor (350–2500 nm). Pre-processing techniques were employed, including Savitzky–Golay smoothing and first- and second-order derivative analysis. After selecting variables using the Backward method, which removes spectral variables that are not statistically significant for the regression. Estimation models were built by Principal Components Regression (PCR) and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). The spectral data were evaluated individually for soil classes A1 and A2, and jointly for A1&A2. The PLSR was more efficient than PCR, especially for the estimation models that used the first derivative of reflectance employing the three sample groups. For samples of A1, the best estimate was seen for humic acid (RPD = 6.09) and humin (RPD = 2.38); for A2, the best models estimated the OC in fulvic acid (RPD = 2.35) and humin (RPD = 2.51); and for the joint spectral data (A1&A2), the prediction was robust for humin only (RPD = 2.01). The most representative wavelengths were observed using the first derivative with PLSR and PCR, centred on the region between 1600 and 1800 nm. The first-derivative of reflectance calculated more-robust predictive models using PLSR than PCR. The best predictions occurred for organic carbon associated with humic acid in Neossolos Flúvicos, with fulvic acid in Cambissolos, and with humin in both soil classes.

ABSTRACT The rational exploitation of the land requires planning its agricultural use, which can be supported by the agricultural land suitability (ALS) assessment. The scheme to assess ALS proposed by Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) has been adopted in Brazil based on guiding charts for subtropical, humid tropical and semi-arid tropical climate. However, the guiding chart used for the semi-arid region has dramatically limited the ALS in drylands on which rainfed agriculture has been practiced. In this study, an adequation for the ALS assessment regarding the edaphoclimatic conditions of semi-arid region was proposed to improve the representation of agricultural areas and to allow a better planning of soil conservation practices. The ALS of the south region of Ceará State (Brazil) was assessed according to the FAO scheme and its initial adaptation to the Brazilian conditions; subsequently, this assessment was obtained by two adequations. Adequation I disregarded the limiting factor of water availability, while adequation II, besides disregarding the factor of water availability, established new limits for the classes of effective soil depth. The adequations resulted in an increase of 177.19 % in the areas with regular suitability for crops to the detriment of areas with restricted suitability for crops and areas with suitability only for pasture or grazing lands. The adequations increased the agricultural suitability in 41.26 % of the area of the mapping units, and 16.77 % of them were due to the modifications related to the effective soil depth, while the other 26.35 % were due to the changes related to water availability. The results related to water availability were equivalent to those observed through the dynamic analysis of land-use and cover associated with the rainfall, which demonstrated an increase in the areas for rainfed agriculture and a reduction in fallow and pasture areas in the years with rainfall within the climatic normality. The areas considered suitable for crop production with the adequation of the scheme may be included in soil conservation programs.

ABSTRACT Hydrogels have potential as soil conditioners due to their high capacity to retain water and mitigate soil salinity. However, investigations under saline conditions are necessary because there are losses in both water absorption and salinity mitigation depending on the composition of hydrogel and ions involved in salinity. In this work, we studied a commercial hydrogel in two experiments. The first experiment was conducted in the laboratory to evaluate the absorption by the hydrogel of water with electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 dS m–1, promoted by NaCl. The second experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme (with and without hydrogel × EC of the first experiment). Although salinity reduced water absorption by hydrogel by 84 %, the polymer applied in a sandy soil under saline conditions reduced water losses by 58 %. However, hydrogel did not increase the final soil moisture (~ 0.10 g g–1). The polymer reduced Na+ concentration in leachate from 1,499 to 1,219 mg L–1 at the highest salinity level (4.5 dS m–1), but it increased Na+ soil availability by 0.1 mg kg–1 in comparison with polymer absence. Hydrogel application increased Na+ content in plants from 9 to 13 mg kg–1 at the highest salinity, while K+ content was 10 to 16 mg kg–1 lower than that observed without a polymer. Hydrogel 0.07 % (w/w) reduced maize biomass, indicating damage by monovalent ions, compromising the polymer potential under salinity.

RESUMEN Existe una variación en la profundidad del horizonte sub superficial de los Planosoles en la región semiárida, que pueden influenciar el potencial agrícola y afectar la producción de alimentos. En este estudio el objetivo general fue identificar las potencialidades y limitaciones de dos Planosoles en función de la profundidad de su horizonte sub superficial. Los perfiles adjacentes P1 y P2 fueron estudiados en Pentecoste (Ceará, Brasil). Con la finalidad de caracterizarlos fueron realizados análisis morfológicos, físicos y químicos. La densidad aparente del suelo (DA), porosidad y resistencia a la penetración (RP) fueron analizados en un diseño experimental completamente al azar con parcelas divididas y cuatro repeticiones para comparar P1 y P2 y los horizontes Ap y Btf. El horizonte Btf fue encontrado a 62 cm de profundidad en el P1 y a 18cm en el P2. Los indicadores de saturación de agua fueron evidentes en P2. El perfil P1 presentó menor dureza, mayor friabilidad, mayor acidez en profundidad (pHH2O de 4.4 a 4.7) y mayor contenido de aluminio (1.2cmolc kg-1). Ambos perfiles presentaron características eutróficas y contenidos bajos de carbono orgánico (1.5 a 8.5g kg-1) y fosforo (0.9 a 3.9mg kg-1). El porcentaje de sodio en la CIC fue de 9.1% en el P1 y 5.5% en el P2. El incremento de la retención de agua en Btf comparado con AP fue 7,3% en P2 y 2,7 en P1. Los dos perfiles mostraron incremento de la DA en el horizonte Btf, alcanzando 1.7g cm-3, mientras que la RP fue mayor en el P2 (1.5 MPa). Existen limitaciones y potencialidades comunes en ambos perfiles de suelo, pero el P1 tiene más potencialidades físicas y más limitaciones químicas que el P2.

ABSTRACT There is a variation in the depth of subsurface horizon of Planosols in semi-arid region, which may influence the agricultural potential and affect food production. The general aim of this study was to identify potentialities and limitations of two Planosols as a function of subsurface horizon depth. The adjacent profiles P1 and P2 were studied in Pentecoste (Ceará, Brazil). Morphological, physical, and chemical analyses were done aiming at soil characterization. Soil bulk density (BD), porosity, and penetration resistance (PR) were analyzed in a completely randomized split-plot design with four replicates to compare P1 and P2 and the horizons Ap and Btf. Btf was found at 62cm depth in P1 and at 18 cm depth in P2. Indicatives of water saturation were more evident in P2. The profile P1 showed lower hardness and higher friability, as well as higher acidity in subsurface (pHH2O from 4.4 to 4.7) and higher aluminum content (1.2cmolc kg-1). Both profiles were eutrophic and showed low contents of organic carbon (1.5 to 8.5g kg-1) and phosphorus (0.9 to 3.9mg kg-1). The sodium percentage in CEC was 9.1% in P1 and 5.5% in P2. Water retention increases in Btf compared with Ap was 7.3% in P2 and 2.7% in P1. Both profiles showed increase in BD in Btf, reaching 1.7g cm-3, while PR was higher in P2 (1.5 MPa). There are potentialities and limitations common to both soil profiles, but P1 has more physical potentialities and more chemical limitations than P2.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a variação no carbono orgânico total e particulado, relação de estratificação de C, e índice de sensibilidade dessas frações da MOS sob resíduos orgânicos em aléias em um sistema agroflorestal, com e sem uso do fogo na Caatinga. Por meio de experimento em parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições, onde nas parcelas foi avaliado o fator fogo, e nas subparcelas foi avaliado o fator resíduos orgânicos nas aléias, com as variações de gliricídia isolada, gliricídia com bagana de carnaúba, gliricídia com biocomposto e gliricídia, bagana de carnaúba e biocomposto, sob três profundidades. Nas aléias com uso combinado dos resíduos da bagana de carnaúba, gliricídia e biocomposto houve maior conservação tanto do conteúdo de C orgânico particulado quanto do C associado aos minerais. Assim, o manejo agroflorestal em aléias utilizando a combinação dos três resíduos foi eficiente na conservação de uma matéria orgânica lábil e mais estável. Verificou-se também que o carbono orgânico particulado em todas as aléias foi mais sensível às modificações realizadas no manejo do solo em relação ao conteúdo total da MOS, no qual observou-se maiores índices de sensibilidade dessa fração.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the variation in total and particulate organic carbon contents, carbon vertical stratification, and sensitivity index of organic matter fractions in soils with organic residues arranged in alleys in an agroforestry system, with and without use of fire, in the Caatinga biome, in Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot arrangement with four replications, with the factor fire in the plots, and the factor organic residues in the subplots. The organic residues used consisted of Gliricidia sepium plants; G. sepium plants and carnauba processing residue; G. sepium plants and bio-compost; and G. sepium plants, carnauba processing residue, and bio-compost, which were evaluated in three soil layers. The alleys with carnauba processing residue, G. sepium plants, and bio-compost presented a better maintenance of particulate, and mineral-associated organic carbon contents. Thus, the agroforestry management in alleys using these three residues was efficient for the maintenance of labile and recalcitrant organic matter compartments. Particulate organic carbon was more sensitive to changes in soil management than total organic matter content, in all alleys, presenting higher sensitivity indexes.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar, por meio de análise multivariada de dados, quais resíduos de leguminosas arbóreas tem melhor potencial fertilizante para culturas agrícolas no semiárido nordestino brasileiro. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos, em delineamento aleatorizado em blocos, com sete tratamentos e quatro repetições. Para constituir os tratamentos utilizaram-se resíduos de sabiá, jurema-preta e gliricídia; além de duas partes da planta: folhas e folhas mais galhos. Os vasos foram preenchidos com 8,0 dm3 de solo e os resíduos foram adicionados na forma de massa verde, correspondendo a 73,0 g de massa seca por vaso. Sementes de milho foram semeadas e aos 65 dias após adição dos resíduos avaliou-se atributos químicos do solo, crescimento e teores de nutrientes das plantas. Os dados foram estudados por meio das análises de componentes principais, agrupamento, função discriminante canônica e teste de comparação de médias a partir da varável canônica 1. Resíduos de gliricídia influenciaram positivamente K e Mg do solo, bem como altura, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas e teores foliares de P, N e Mg em plantas de milho. Estes resíduos apresentaram maior dissimilaridade e separação em relação ao tratamento controle e proporcionaram médias estatisticamente superiores aos demais tratamentos. Folhas de jurema-preta influenciaram positivamente Ca, N e COT do solo, bem como teores foliares de K e Ca e matéria seca total do milho. A análise estatística multivariada permitiu identificar potenciais distintos entre resíduos de leguminosas para uso como fertilizante na cultura do milho, sendo a espécie gliricídia a que apresenta maior potencial.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate, through multivariate data analysis, which tree legume residues have the best fertilizer potential for agricultural crops in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. The experiment was conducted in pots, in a randomized block design, with seven treatments and four replicates. Treatments consisted of residues of Sabiá, Jurema Preta and Gliricidia, besides two parts of the plant: leaves and leaves + branches. The pots were filled with 8.0 dm3 of soil and the residues were added in the form of green mass, corresponding to 73.0 g of dry mass per pot. Maize seeds were sown and, at 65 days after addition of the residues, soil chemical attributes, growth and nutrient contents in the plants were evaluated. The data were studied through principal component analysis, clustering analysis, canonical discriminant function analysis and means comparison test from canonical variable 1. Gliricidia residues positively influenced soil K and Mg contents, as well as height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf contents of P, N and Mg in maize plants. These residues showed greater dissimilarity and separation compared to the control treatment and led to statistically higher means compared to the other treatments. Jurema Preta leaves positively influenced soil Ca, N and TOC, as well as leaf contents of K and Ca and total dry mass of maize. Multivariate statistical analysis made it possible to identify distinct potentials among legume residues for use as fertilizer in maize crop, and Gliricidia is the species with highest potential.

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o potencial energético da matéria-prima residual produzida na colheita ou processamento de culturas agrícolas e florestais, in natura e carbonizada. O experimento resultou em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, sendo cinco tratamentos: casca de café (Coffea arabica L.); palha de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Carioca); descartes de madeira de construção civil e de madeireira, na forma de serragem; e sabugo de milho (Zea mays L.) e três repetições. As propriedades avaliadas foram: granulometria, densidade do granel, análise elementar, análise imediata, poder calorífico e densidade energética. Ao final do estudo pôde-se concluir que a casca de café apresenta melhores propriedades para uso em combustão direta dentre os resíduos in natura estudados, enquanto que o carvão de resíduos de madeira apresentou as melhores propriedades energéticas dentre os resíduos carbonizados.

This work aimed to characterize and evaluate the potential energy production of both raw and carbonized residues from harvest and product processing of agriculture and forest crops. The experiment resulted in a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replicates. The evaluated properties were: granulometry, bulk density, elemental analysis, immediate analysis, calorific value and energy density. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared using the Tukey test at 5% significance. In conclusion, the in natura coffee bark presented the best properties for use in direct combustion, while wood residues charcoal presented better properties for energetic purposes among carbonized residues in study.

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da adição de resíduos de partes de leguminosas arbóreas no crescimento e nutrição de plantas de milho (Zea mays L.), bem como nos atributos químicos de um solo degradado, 65 dias após a aplicação dos resíduos. O experimento foi realizado em vasos, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dez tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: T1 - Sem resíduo de leguminosas, T2 - Folhas de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T3 - Galhos de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T4 - Folhas + galhos de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T5 - Folhas de Mimosa hostilis, T6 - Galhos de Mimosa hostilis, T7 - Folhas + galhos de Mimosa hostilis, T8 - Folhas de Gliricidia sepium, T9 - Galhos de Gliricidia sepium e T10 - Folhas + galhos de Gliricidia sepium. Os vasos foram preenchidos com solo de área degradada e os resíduos adicionados na forma de massa verde após a semeadura do milho. Resíduos de leguminosas arbóreas influenciaram positivamente o crescimento de plantas de milho já aos 65 dias após a aplicação e favoreceram o acúmulo de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio na parte aérea de plantas. Os adubos verdes utilizados melhoraram atributos químicos do solo logo aos 65 dias após a aplicação, com destaque para o N-nitrato (N-NO3 -), N-amônio (N-NH4 +), nitrogênio inorgânico total (N-NO3 - + N-NH4 +) e K, demonstrando que essas espécies são boas opções para recuperação de áreas degradadas no semiárido cearense.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of parts of leguminous trees on the growth and nutrition of maize (Zea mays L.), as well as on the chemical attributes of a degraded soil, 65 days after applying the residues. The experiment was conducted in pots, in a randomized block design with ten treatments and four replicates. The evaluated treatments were: T1 - No residues of leguminous trees, T2 - Leaves of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T3 - Branches of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T4 - Leaves + branches of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T5 - Leaves of Mimosa hostilis, T6 - Branches of Mimosa hostilis, T7 - Leaves + branches of Mimosa hostilis, T8 - Leaves of Gliricidia sepium, T9 - Branches of Gliricidia sepium and T10 - Leaves + branches of Gliricidia sepium. Pots were filled with soil from a degraded area and residues were added in the form of green mass after sowing the maize. Residues of leguminous trees positively influenced maize growth at 65 days after application and favored the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the shoots. Green fertilizers improved soil chemical attributes at 65 days after application, especially nitrate-N (NO3 --N), ammonium-N (NH4 +-N), total inorganic N (NO3 --N + NH4 +-N) and K, demonstrating that these species are good options for recovering degraded areas in the semi-arid region of Ceará.

Resumo Este artigo busca compreender o processo de vulnerabilização de uma comunidade situada no Morro Boa Vista (MBV, Vila Velha, ES) numa perspectiva interdisciplinar, utilizando-se de questionário para levantar aspectos da percepção do risco, de entrevistas para resgatar a história da ocupação, de registros fotográficos e de análise da geologia local. Evidencia-se uma ocupação influenciada por forças políticas que impeliram a população ao local, iniciada nos anos 1960, subsequente ao êxodo rural concomitante à industrialização do Espírito Santo. Em janeiro de 2016, por ausência ou omissão do poder público, um desastre no local em função de rolamento de rochas desvelou esse processo e a condição de subcidadania dos seus moradores, evidenciando a urgência de medidas de redução de risco de desastres.

Abstract This article aims to understand the vulnerabilization process of a community located on the Boa Vista Hill (city of Vila Velha – State of Espírito Santo) from an interdisciplinary perspective. Methods included a risk perception survey, interviews to collect the history of the occupation, photographic records and local geologic assessment. The scenario shows an occupation influenced by political forces that impelled the population to occupy the area in the 1960s, after the rural exodus that occurred simultaneously to the State’s industrialization. Either by the absence or omission of the public authorities, the rockfall disaster of January 2016 exposed that process, as well as the second-class citizenship of the local population and the urge for measures to reduce the risk of disasters.

RESUMO Solos de regiões semiáridas têm sido degradados em função do sobrepastejo, reduzindo a capacidade produtiva e, em certas situações, levando ao processo de desertificação. Uma alternativa usada na recuperação de áreas degradadas é a prática do pousio, que atua pelo próprio poder de resiliência do solo, aumentando assim o aporte de matéria orgânica e melhorando os atributos físicos do solo. Com isso, objetivou-se com esse trabalho comprovar a hipótese de que o tempo de pousio de 14 anos melhora os atributos físicos e químicos do solo em áreas degradadas em processo de desertificação. O estudo foi realizado no município de Irauçuba, no Estado do Ceará. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo o primeiro fator constituído por quatro áreas e o segundo por dois tipos de manejo (sobrepastejo e pousio), com quatro repetições e uma área com vegetação nativa (referência) com características de vegetação secundária. O pousio resultou em melhorias em atributos físicos e químicos do solo quando avaliado após 14 anos da retirada dos animais, mas quando comparado ao trabalho realizado na mesma área com 7 anos de pousio, verificou-se que houve poucas alterações. O teor de carbono orgânico foi maior nas áreas em pousio do que nas áreas em sobrepastejo e a fração com maior proporção foi o carbono orgânico associado aos minerais.

ABSTRACT Soils in semi-arid regions have been degraded by overgrazing, which reduces the production capacity and, in certain situations, leads to desertification. An alternative to recover degraded areas is the fallow period, which works through the resilience of the soil itself, increasing the supply of organic matter and improving soil physical properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that 14-year grazing exclusion improves soil physical and chemical attributes in degraded areas under desertification. The study was conducted in Irauçuba, Ceará State, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme corresponding to four areas and two managements (overgrazing and fallow), with four replicates, plus an area with native vegetation (reference), with characteristics of secondary vegetation. Fallow led to improvements in soil physical and chemical attributes after 14 years; however, in comparison to the study conducted in the same area with a 7-year fallow period, there were few alterations. Organic carbon content was higher in fallow areas than in overgrazing areas, and the fraction in highest proportion was the mineral-associated organic carbon.

RESUMO Hidrogéis (compostos de poliacrilamida) têm sido recomendados na agricultura e na área florestal como condicionadores de solo, pois conseguem absorver água e aumentar seu estoque no solo. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a dose mais adequada de hidrogel para estabelecimento de mudas de Enterolobium contortisilliquum (Vell.) Morong em dois níveis de luminosidade. Mudas de Enterolobium contortisilliquum (Vell.) Morong foram plantadas em vasos, com delineamento em parcelas subdivididas, compreendendo dois níveis de luminosidade nas parcelas - pleno sol e 50% de luminosidade, e dez doses de hidrogel nas subparcelas: 0,0; 2,0; 2,5; 3,0; 3,5; 4,0; 4,5; 5,0; 5.5 and 6,0 g L-1. Aos 72 dias após o transplantio das mudas para os vasos, a altura e o diâmetro das plantas foram determinados, bem como a relação entre altura e diâmetro, comprimento e diâmetro das raízes, massa seca de parte aérea e raízes e a relação da massa de parte aérea e raízes. As menores relações entre altura e diâmetro do colo (8,50 e 8,68) ocorreram para mudas a pleno sol com as doses 0 e 2 g L-1 de hidrogel, respectivamente. Para mudas sombreadas a menor relação (8,14) ocorreu na dose 3,0 g L-1, mas com menor coeficiente de determinação (R2 = 0,68). A massa seca de parte aérea aumentou a partir das doses 2 g L-1 a pleno sol e 3.5 g L-1 em condições sombreadas. As doses de hidrogel que proporcionaram melhor desenvolvimento inicial das mudas da espécie avaliada foram 2 g L-1 a pleno sol e 3.5 g L-1 em ambiente sombreado. Mesmo tendo sido constatada resposta da espécie às doses de hidrogel, os benefícios do polímero não ficaram evidentes nas condições em que foi realizado o presente estudo.

ABSTRACT Hydrogels (polyacrylamide compounds) are recommended in agriculture and forestry as soil conditioners because they are able to absorb water and increase its stocks in the soil. The aim of this study was to determine the most suitable dose of hydrogel to establish seedlings of Enterolobium contortisilliquum (Vell.) Morong under two levels of luminosity. Seedlings of Enterolobium contortisilliquum (Vell.) Morong were planted in pots, following a design of subdivided plots, consisting of two levels of luminosity in the plots: full sun and 50% luminosity, and 10 doses of hydrogel in the sub-plots: 0.0, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 g L-1. Seventy-two days after the seedlings were transplanted to the pots, plant height and diameter were determined, together with the height to diameter ratio, root length and diameter, shoot and root dry weight, and the shoot to root ratio. The lowest ratios between height and stem diameter (8.50 and 8.68) occurred in the seedlings in full sun at the doses of 0 and 2 g hydrogel L-1 respectively. For shaded seedlings the lowest ratio (8.14) occurred at the dose of 3.0 g L-1, but with a lower coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.68). Shoot dry weight increased with the dose of 2 g L-1 in full sun, and 3.5 g L-1 under shaded conditions. The doses of hydrogel giving the best initial development in seedlings under evaluation were 2 g L-1 in full sun and 3.5 g L-1 in the shaded environment. Although a response by the species to the doses of hydrogel was found, the benefits of the polymer were not evident under the conditions of the present study.

RESUMO Neste estudo foram analisados os atributos do solo relacionados com variações na produção de frutos da castanheira bem como o estado nutricional da espécie. As árvores foram selecionadas em parcela permanente (Caracaraí, RR) e divididas em quatro classes de produção: alta, média, baixa e muito baixa. Em novembro de 2009, amostras de solo e folhas foram coletadas para se avaliar a fertilidade do solo, o número de esporos de fungos micorrízicos arbusculares e o estado nutricional das árvores. Árvores com maior produção de frutos ocorreram associadas a maior teor de Al trocável na camada de 0-20 cm do solo, bem como a menor valor de pH e saturação por bases. A variável discriminante resultante deste estudo não foi considerada como responsável por interferir no potencial produtivo da castanheira-do-brasil, mas serviu como indicativo de que árvores mais produtivas contribuem na remoção de bases trocáveis, favorecendo a acidificação do solo.

ABSTRACT In this study we analyzed the soil attributes related with variation in the fruit production of Brazil nut trees, as well as the nutritional status of the species. Trees were selected in permanent plot (Caracaraí - RR) and divided in four production classes: High, Medium, Low and Very low. In November 2009, soil and leaves samples were taken to evaluate soil fertility, soil colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and trees nutritional status. Trees with higher fruits production occurred associated with higher exchangeable Al in soil depth of 0-20 cm, as well as to smaller pH and bases saturation values. The discriminant variable resulting of the present study was not assumed as responsible for interfering with the productive potential of Brazil nut trees; however, it indicates most productive trees contributing with exchangeable basis removal, favoring soil acidification.

ABSTRACT This study aimed at evaluating whether 10 years of fallow was sufficient to restore a degraded hillslope in the semi-arid Caatinga biome, Brazil. For this purpose, runoff, erosion, loss of nutrients and organic carbon were measured on two comparable hillslopes: one was left fallow and the other degraded caused by overgrazing. Fallow management reduced runoff (36%), soil loss (65%) and organic carbon loss (81%) in comparison with the degraded hillslope. However, the fallow did not significantly reduce nutrient loss. Animal grazing has been shown to influence the nutrient cycle in the soil. The loss of organic carbon shows significant correlation with the loss of other nutrients, and may be used to estimate nutrient loss. Results show that a decade of fallow did not promote significant changes in the loss of nutrients, but was enough to reduce runoff, erosion and loss of organic carbon.

RESUMO No nordeste brasileiro, a bananicultura é praticada em locais onde há solos de profundidade variável. A dinâmica da água em solos mais profundos pode alterar minerais herdados diretamente da rocha e aumentar a disponibilidade de nutrientes. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar o teor de nutrientes em Cambissolos raso e profundo, bem como o estado nutricional e a produtividade de bananeiras cultivadas nesses solos. Para a fertilidade do solo, foi utilizado o delineamento em parcelas subdivididas com dois tratamentos nas parcelas principais (solos raso e profundo) e seis tratamentos nas subparcelas (profundidades de coleta: 0 – 10, 10 – 20, 20 – 30, 30 – 40, 40 – 50 e 50 – 60 cm). Para avaliar o estado nutricional e a produtividade da cultura, foram considerados dois fatores de tratamento (solos raso e profundo) e 30 repetições. Foram determinadas as concentrações de macro e micronutrientes no solo e no tecido vegetal, outros atributos químicos do solo para avaliação da fertilidade e a produção de frutos. O solo profundo apresentou maiores valores de fósforo (P), potássio (K), sódio (Na), cobre (Cu), ferro (Fe), manganês (Mn), acidez potencial (H + Al), matéria orgânica (MO) e porcentagem de sódio trocável (PST). Teores de MO, valores de soma de bases (SB), saturação por bases (V%), Fe e Mn foram maiores na superfície dos solos. O estado nutricional das bananeiras foi favorecido no solo profundo, principalmente quanto às concentrações de nitrogênio (N), P, K, boro (B), Cu e Mn. Isso levou ao maior peso de cachos e à maior produtividade no solo mais profundo.

ABSTRACT In the Brazilian Northeastern region, banana cropping occurs in sites where there are soils presenting variable depths. The water dynamics in deeper soils may change minerals directly inherited from rock and increase nutrients availability. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the nutrient contents in shallow and deep Cambisols, as well as the nutritional status and yield of banana plants cropped in these soils. In order to study soil fertility, it was used the split plot design with two treatments in the main plots (shallow and deep soils) and six treatments in the subplots (soil sampling depths: 0 – 10, 10 – 20, 20 – 30, 30 – 40, 40 – 50 and 50 – 60 cm). In order to evaluate the nutritional status and crop yield, two treatment factors were assumed (shallow and deep soils) and 30 replicates. The concentrations of macro and micronutrients in both soil and plant tissue were determined, as well as other chemical attributes of soil for fertility evaluation, and fruit yield. The deep soil presented higher values of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), potential acidity (H + Al), organic matter (OM) and exchangeable sodium percentage (PST). Organic matter, sum of bases (SB), bases saturation (V%), Fe, and Mn were higher in the soil surface. The nutritional status of banana plants was favored in the deep soil, mainly regarding contents of nitrogen (N), P, K, boron (B), Cu, and Mn. It resulted in higher weight of bunches and higher yield in the deeper soil.

Procurando maior eficiência no estudo de raízes, sistemas computacionais têm sido desenvolvidos para analisar imagens digitais. O ImageJ e o Safira são sistemas de domínio público que podem ser utilizados na análise de raízes lavadas. Porém, supõe-se que há diferenças nos atributos radiculares determinados por meio do ImageJ e Safira. Este estudo foi realizado para comparar valores de comprimento e área superficial de raízes, obtidos com os dois sistemas, com os valores alcançados por meio do método de referência. Amostras de raízes foram coletadas em bananal em áreas de Cambissolo Háplico carbonático típico (CXk), mais raso, e de Cambissolo Háplico Ta eutrófico típico (CXve), mais profundo, em seis camadas e cinco repetições. As raízes foram escaneadas e os sistemas ImageJ e Safira foram utilizados para determinar comprimento e área superficial radicular. Utilizando o método da interseção modificado por Tennant como referência, valores de comprimento e área obtidos pelos sistemas foram analisados a partir do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e comparados pelo intervalo de confiança e pelo teste t. Ambos os sistemas apresentaram coeficiente de correlação positivo com o método de referência para medidas de comprimento e área superficial em CXk e CXve. O coeficiente de correlação variou de 0,54 a 0,80, com menor valor observado para o ImageJ na determinação da área superficial de amostras coletadas no CXve. O IC (95 %) revelou que as medidas de comprimento radicular com o Safira não diferiram do método de referência no CXk (-77,3 a 244,0 mm). Quanto à área superficial, o Safira não diferiu do método de referência, tanto para amostras coletadas em CXk (-530,6 a 565,8 mm²) como nas provenientes de CXve (-423,1 a 612,1 mm²). Já as medidas feitas com o ImageJ diferiram do método de referência, com valores subestimados de comprimento e área superficial radicular em amostras coletadas em CXk e CXve. Os dois sistemas permitem identificar aumento ou diminuição no comprimento e na área superficial de raízes lavadas. Porém, o Safira resulta em valores de comprimento e de área superficial radicular mais próximos aos obtidos com o método de referência.

In the search for high efficiency in root studies, computational systems have been developed to analyze digital images. ImageJ and Safira are public-domain systems that may be used for image analysis of washed roots. However, differences in root properties measured using ImageJ and Safira are supposed. This study compared values of root length and surface area obtained with public-domain systems with values obtained by a reference method. Root samples were collected in a banana plantation in an area of a shallower Typic Carbonatic Haplic Cambisol (CXk), and an area of a deeper Typic Haplic Ta Eutrophic Cambisol (CXve), at six depths in five replications. Root images were digitized and the systems ImageJ and Safira used to determine root length and surface area. The line-intersect method modified by Tennant was used as reference; values of root length and surface area measured with the different systems were analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient and compared by the confidence interval and t-test. Both systems ImageJ and Safira had positive correlation coefficients with the reference method for root length and surface area data in CXk and CXve. The correlation coefficient ranged from 0.54 to 0.80, with lowest value observed for ImageJ in the measurement of surface area of roots sampled in CXve. The IC (95 %) revealed that root length measurements with Safira did not differ from that with the reference method in CXk (-77.3 to 244.0 mm). Regarding surface area measurements, Safira did not differ from the reference method for samples collected in CXk (-530.6 to 565.8 mm²) as well as in CXve (-4231 to 612.1 mm²). However, measurements with ImageJ were different from those obtained by the reference method, underestimating length and surface area in samples collected in CXk and CXve. Both ImageJ and Safira allow an identification of increases or decreases in root length and surface area. However, Safira results for root length and surface area are closer to the results obtained with the reference method.