ABSTRACT: Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) may be harmlessly intercropped with Urochloa species during the off-season in the Brazilian Cerrado. At the end of the sorghum cycle, forages can be used for straw production for soybean (Glycine max L.) as the summer crop. This study aimed to evaluate sorghum cultivated during the off-season, intercropped with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. ‘Marandu’ (Hochst. ex A. Rich). R. D. Webster) and Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and Evrard) Crins) in two row spacings (0.5 and 0.7 m) for their effect on plant growth, dry mass production, sorghum yield and soybean grain yield. The experiment was a randomized block design: a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, with three levels of intercropping (palisade grass, Congo grass or sole cropping) and two levels of row spacing (0.5 or 0.7 m) with four replicates. Several physiological growth indexes were estimated from 10 to 60 days after emergence (DAE), including dry matter production and sorghum agronomic performance. Sorghum accumulated 0.22 g of dry matter d−1 at 10 to 60 DAE, and was not affected by intercropping. The dry mass gain of forages (0.04 g d−1 on average) was not affected by sorghum either. Higher sorghum grain yield (2,922 kg ha−1) was observed under the 0.5-m row spacing when compared to the 0.7-m spacing. The results indicate that palisade or Congo grass may be used as companion crops for sorghum with no grain yield loss, be it to improve soybean grain yield, soil cover or integrated crop systems, aiming at sustainable intensification.

Abstract Brazil is considered a megadiverse country, but the soil fauna is still very poorly known. The aim of this study was to report, for the first time, the abundance and genus composition of terrestrial enchytraeids (Enchytraeidae, Oligochaeta) in Savanna Tall Woodland (Cerradão) and a pasture in Cerrado Biome and in Upper Montane Atlantic Forest and a grassland in Atlantic Forest Biome. The enchytraeid density in Pasture and Cerradao was 2,036 and 18,844 (204 and 2,094, on average) individuals per square meter, respectively. At the Atlantic forest and Grassland, density was 9,666 and 12,242 individuals per square meter (1,075 and 1,471 on average). About genus composition for the studied areas, Enchytraeus and Hemienchytraeus were found in the four ecosystems evaluated, while Tupidrilus and Fridericia were found only in Cerradão and Atlantic Forest, respectively. Achaeta was absent in Upper Montane Atlantic Forest, but dominant in pasture, while Guaranidrilus was absent in Pasture, but predominant in the other ecosystems.

RESUMO As Savanas tropicais cobrem uma área de aproximadamente 1,9 bilhões de hectares ao redor do mundo e estão sujeitas a incêndios regulares a cada 1-4 anos. Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da queima de madeira proveniente do desmatamento do Cerrado na variabilidade espacial das propriedades químicas do solo, em campo. Os dados foram analisados utilizando-se métodos geoestatísticos. Os semivariogramas para pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg e K foram calculados de acordo com modelos esféricos, enquanto o fósforo apresentou efeito pepita puro. Os semivariogramas cruzados mostraram correlações entre pH(H2O) e pH(CaCl2) com outras variáveis com dependência espacial (Ca e Mg trocáveis e K disponível). Os mapas de variabilidade das concentrações de pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg e K também apresentaram padrões semelhantes de variabilidade espacial, indicando que a queima da vegetação após o desmatamento causou arranjo espacial bem definido. Mesmo após 20 anos de uso com agricultura, a distribuição espacial de pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg e K disponível foi afetada pela queima da madeira que ocorreu após enleiramento, durante o desmatamento inicial.

ABSTRACT Tropical Savannas cover an area of approximately 1.9 billion hectares around the word and are subject to regular fires every 1 to 4 years. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of burning windrow wood from Cerrado (Brazilian Savanna) deforestation on the spatial variability of soil chemical properties, in the field. The data were analysed by using geostatistical methods. The semivariograms for pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg and K were calculated according to spherical models, whereas the phosphorus showed a nugget effect. The cross semi-variograms showed correlations between pH(H2O) and pH(CaCl2) with other variables with spatial dependence (exchangeable Ca and Mg and available K). The spatial variability maps for the pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg and K concentrations also showed similar patterns of spatial variability, indicating that burning the vegetation after deforestation caused a well-defined spatial arrangement. Even after 20 years of use with agriculture, the spatial distribution of pH(H2O), pH(CaCl2), Ca, Mg and available K was affected by the wood windrow burning that took place during the initial deforestation.

RESUMO Nematoides são importantes patógenos em bananeiras, e a inexistência de genotipos com resistência é o maior desafio dos programas de melhoramento genético da cultura. Pouco se conhece sobre o comportamento de bananeiras triploides e tetraploides desenvolvidas pela Embrapa quanto ao parasitismo por fitonematoides em campo. Áreas experimentais naturalmente infestadas da Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura em cinco estados brasileiros (Embrapa Acre - Acre, Embrapa Semiárido - Pernambuco, Embrapa Cerrados -Distrito Federal, Palmital - São Paulo e Epagri - Santa Catarina) foram avaliadas quanto a distribuição e níveis populacionais de fitonematoides em cultivares comerciais e genótipos triploides e tetraploides em fase final de melhoramento. Os nematoides das galhas (Meloidogyne spp.) foram os mais frequentes em raízes (40 - 100%) e solo (85,71 - 100%), com número detectável de juvenis (J2) variando entre genótipos (4 - 148 J2.250g-1 raízes e 1 - 110 J2.100 cm-3solo). Quatro fenótipos de esterase foram caracterizados: M. incognita (Est I1 = Rm: 1,0), M. javanica (Est J3 = Rm:1,0; 1,25 e 1,40 e Est J2 = Rm: 1,0 e 1,40) e M. arenaria (Est A2 = Rm:1,20 e 1,35), com predominância de M. javanica (Est J3). Meloidogyne javanica e M. incognita foram predominantes, entretanto infestações mistas entre as espécies foram encontradas. A ocorrência de Meloidogyne spp. foi: M. javanica (68,26%), M. incognita (64,73%) e M. arenaria (16,81%). Helicotylenchus multicinctus e Rotylenchulus reniformis foi o segundo grupo mais frequente. Radopholus similis, Scutellonema sp., Criconemoides sp. e Helicotylenchus sp. se apresentaram em baixa frequência e nível populacional nas bananeiras.

ABSTRACT Nematodes are important pathogens in banana plants, and the lack of resistant genotypes is the biggest challenge of the banana breeding programs. Little is known on the behavior of banana triploids and tetraploids developed by Embrapa regarding parasitism by plant-parasitic nematodes in field conditions. Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura experimental areas, naturally infested in five Brazilian states (Embrapa Acre - Acre, Embrapa Semiárido - Pernambuco, Embrapa Cerrados - Distrito Federal, Palmital - São Paulo and Epagri - Santa Catarina) were evaluated for the distribution and population levels of plant-parasitic nematodes in commercial cultivars and triploid and tetraploid genotypes in the final breeding stage. The root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) were the most frequent in roots (40 - 100%) and soil (85.71 - 100%), with a detectable number of juveniles (J2) varying between genotypes (4 - 148 J2.250g-1 roots, and 1 - 110 J2.100 cm-3soil). Four esterase phenotypes were characterized: M. incognita (Est I1 = Rm: 1.0), M. javanica (Est J3 = Rm: 1.0; 1.25 and 1.40 and Est J2 = Rm: 1.0 and 1.40) and M. arenaria (Est A2 = Rm: 1.20 and 1.35), M. javanica (Est J3) was predominant. Meloidogyne javanica and M. incognita were predominant, however mixed infestations between species were found. The occurrence of Meloidogyne spp. was: M. javanica (68.26%), M. incognita (64.73%) and M. arenaria (16.81%). Helicotylenchus multicinctus and Rotylenchulus reniformis was the second most frequent group. Radopholus similis, Scutellonema sp., Criconemoides sp. and Helicotylenchus sp. presented themselves in low frequency and population levels in banana plants.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de sistemas de cultivo de sorgo e plantas de cobertura anteriores ao cultivo da soja, na ocorrência de plantas daninhas durante o cultivo da soja no Cerrado brasileiro. O experimento foi realizado em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em seis sistemas de cultivo antes da soja: sorgo (Sorghum bicolor), capim-marandu (Urochloa brizantha) e capim-ruziziensis (Urochloa ruziziensis), isolados ou consorciados, além do pousio. As plantas daninhas foram avaliadas quanto a: densidade, massa de matéria seca, diversidade, valor de importância e similaridade. A maior similaridade de plantas daninhas ocorreu nos cultivos solteiros de sorgo, capim-marandu e capim-ruziziensis do que em seus cultivos consorciados. O capim-ruziziensis antes da soja favoreceu maior redução da diversidade de plantas daninhas no decorrer do tempo, quando comparado ao capim-marandu. A ausência de plantas de cobertura no pousio aumentou a infestação de plantas daninhas durante o ciclo da soja. Os sistemas consorciados de sorgo com plantas de cobertura antes do cultivo da soja influenciam a diversidade e o valor de importância das plantas daninhas.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of sorghum and cover plant cropping systems before soybean cultivation on the occurrence of weeds during soybean growing in the Brazilian Cerrado. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. The treatments comprised six cropping systems before soybean: sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha), and Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis) as cover plants, alone or intercropped, in addition to fallowing. Weeds were evaluated as to: density, dry matter mass, diversity, importance value, and similarity. The greatest similarity of weeds ocurred in single crops of sorghum, palisade grass, and Congo grass, in comparison with their intercroppings. Congo grass before soybean promoted a greater reduction in weed diversity overtime, when compared with palisade grass. The absence of cover crops before soybean cultivation increased weed infestation during the soybean cycle. The cropping systems with sorghum intercropped with cover crops before the soybean cultivation affect the diversity and the importance value of weed species.

RESUMO: Os organismos da macrofauna edáfica são fundamentais para a manutenção da qualidade do solo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a macrofauna edáfica sob diferentes espécies de plantas de cobertura, incluindo monocultura ou cultivo consorciado associados a dois tipos de manejo do solo no sudoeste do Piauí. O estudo foi realizado em Latossolo Amarelo (Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de Solos) no município de Bom Jesus, Piauí, distribuídos em parcelas de 30 m2. O experimento e avaliação da macrofauna edáfica foram conduzidos em um ensaio fatorial em faixas 9 × 2, com combinações entre culturas /consórcios de cobertura e manejo do solo (com ou sem preparo), com quatro repetições. Os monólitos de solo (0,25 × 0,25 m) foram retirados aleatoriamente de cada parcela, para contagem da macrofauna, nas camadas de 0‒0,1, 0,1‒0,2, e 0,2-0,3 m de profundidade, inclusive liteira de superfície. Após a identificação e contagem dos organismos, foi determinada a densidade relativa de cada táxon em cada profundidade. A abundância total da macrofauna edáfica quantificada no experimento foi de 2.408 ind.m-2, distribuídos em 6 classes, 16 ordens e 31 famílias. Os resultados da análise multivariada revelaram que espécies de gramíneas em sistemas de cultivo solteiro e plantio direto favoreceram maior densidade da macrofauna, em especial do grupo taxonômico Isoptera. A ausência de preparo também proporcionou maior riqueza de famílias, destacando-se o grupo taxonômico Coleoptera adulto em plantio direto e Hemiptera em plantio convencional.

ABSTRACT: The soil macrofauna is fundamental for the maintenance of soil quality. The aim of this study was to characterize the soil macrofauna under different species of cover crops, including monoculture or intercropping associated to two types of soil management in the southwest region of Piauí state. The study was carried out in an Oxisol (Latossolo Amarelo, according to Brazilian Soil Classification System) in the municipality of Bom Jesus, Piauí, distributed in 30 m2 plots. Testing and evaluation of the soil macrofauna were conducted in a 9 × 2 strip factorial design, with combinations between cover crops/consortia and soil management (with or without tillage), with four replications. Soil monoliths (0.25 × 0.25 m) were randomly sampled in each plot for macrofauna at 0‒0.1, 0.1‒0.2, and 0.2‒0.3 m depth, including surface litter. After identification and counting of soil organims, the relative density of each taxon in each depth was determined. The total abundance of soil macrofauna quantified under cover crops in the conventional and no-tillage system was 2,408 ind. m-2, distributed in 6 classes, 16 orders, and 31 families. The results of multivariate analysis show that grass species in sole cropping systems and no-tillage presents higher macrofauna density, in particular the taxonomic group Isoptera. No-tillage also provided higher richness of families, where Coleoptera adult were the second more abundant group in no-tillage and Hemiptera in conventional tillage.

Abstract Soil quality is essential for maintaining the sustainability of agro-ecosystems and ecosystem services provided by this natural resource. The present study aimed to assess the physical quality of soil through the characterization of the physical properties in grain production systems in the Southwest region of Piauí State, Brazil. The study was carried out in the Cerrado region of Piauí in four cities in areas of expansion of the agricultural frontier of the state: Baixa Grande do Ribeiro, Sebastião Leal, Uruçuí and Bom Jesus. Soil samples were collected in April 2012, in areas of grain production under conventional and no-tillage systems. Adjacent areas with native vegetation were also sampled as reference. Bulk density, effective saturation, hydraulic conductivity, penetration resistance, porosity and aggregation were measured. Regardless of the type of soil management used, agricultural systems degrade soil physical quality. No-tillage showed higher bulk density, penetration resistance and aggregation, with lower total porosity, macroporosity and hydraulic conductivity. The physical quality of soil in the agricultural areas of the Cerrado region of Piauí was dependent on the soil texture, while silt, clay and organic matter were determinant for soil aggregation, mechanical resistance, total porosity and microporosity.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a dinâmica de atributos microbiológicos do solo em sistemas integrados de produção, em pastagem contínua e em cerrado nativo. O estudo foi conduzido em área de transição de lavoura para pecuária. Quatro áreas com diferentes usos da terra foram avaliadas: sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta (ILPF), cultivado com renques de Eucalyptus urograndis, com espaçamento de 2x2 m entre plantas e 22 m entre renques; sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária (ILP); além de duas áreas adjacentes de cerrado nativo e pastagem contínua, usadas como referência. Para a avaliação dos atributos microbiológicos, amostras de solos foram retiradas das camadas de 0,00-0,10, 0,10-0,20 e 0,20-0,30 m, em fevereiro de 2012 e fevereiro de 2014 (estação chuvosa), e em julho de 2012 e setembro de 2013 (estação seca). No geral, o solo sob cerrado apresentou os maiores níveis de carbono da biomassa microbiana (CBM), enquanto sob ILPF apresentou os menores. A ILP aumentou o CBM e o coeficiente microbiano nas camadas mais profundas, após dois anos de estabelecimento. A respiração basal, o nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana e o CBM são os atributos microbiológicos mais adequados para diferenciar os sistemas avaliados.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the dynamics of soil microbiological attributes under integrated production systems, continuous pasture, and native cerrado. The study was conducted in a transition area from crop to livestock. Four areas with different land uses were evaluated: an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system (ICLFS), cultivated with Eucalyptus urograndis alley cropping, spaced 2x2 m between plants and 22 m between alleys; an integrated crop-livestock system (ICLS); besides two adjacent areas of native cerrado and continuous pasture, used as a reference. For the assessment of microbiological attributes, soil samples were taken in the 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, and 0.20-0.30-m layers, in February 2012 and February 2014 (rainy season), and in July 2012 and September 2013 (dry season). In general, soil under native cerrado had the highest microbial biomass carbon (MBC) levels, while under the ICLFS it had the lowest ones. The ICLS increased MBC and microbial coefficient in the deeper soil layers, after two years of establishment. Basal respiration, microbial biomass nitrogen, and MBC are the soil microbiological attributes better able to differentiate the evaluated systems.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar indicadores da qualidade do solo, obtidos de diferentes bases de dados, para comparar sistemas de manejo do solo no Cerrado. Três critérios foram utilizados para a seleção de indicadores físicos, químicos e biológicos do solo: o conjunto completo de indicadores obtido, com 36 parâmetros, entre os quais todas as propriedades físicas, químicas e biológicas foram determinadas; um subconjunto de indicadores selecionados por análise de componentes principais (20 parâmetros); e um subconjunto de indicadores com alguma frequência de uso na literatura (16 parâmetros). Esses indicadores foram obtidos a partir dos seguintes sistemas de manejo: plantio direto, preparo convencional e cerrado nativo. As amostras de solo foram coletadas a 0,0-0,1 m de profundidade, e os indicadores de qualidade do solo foram submetidos à análise de variância e suas médias foram comparadas. A incorporação do solo de cerrado nativo à agricultura diminuiu a qualidade do solo. Os indicadores mais comumente utilizados na literatura científica são suficientemente sensíveis para detectar diferenças de qualidade do solo de acordo com o uso da terra. Portanto, a seleção de um conjunto mínimo de dados representativos pode ser mais útil do que um conjunto complexo de atributos, para comparar sistemas de manejo quanto à qualidade do solo.

Abstract The objective of this work was to assess soil quality indicators obtained with different datasets to compare soil management systems in the Brazilian Cerrado. Three criteria were used to select soil physical, chemical, and biological indicators: the full set of indicators obtained, with 36 parameters, for which all the physical, chemical, and biological soil properties were determined; a subset of indicators selected by principal component analysis (20 parameters); and a subset of indicators with some frequency of use in the literature (16 parameters). These indicators were obtained from the following management systems: no-tillage, conventional tillage, and native cerrado vegetation. Soil samples were collected at 0.0-0.1-m soil depth, and soil quality indicators were subjected to analysis of variance and their means were compared. The incorporation of soil native cerrado into agriculture decreased soil quality. The most commonly used indicators in the scientific literature are sensitive enough to detect differences in soil quality according to land use. Therefore, the selection of a minimum set of representative data can be more useful than a complex set of properties to compare management systems as to their soil quality.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar a macrofauna edáfica em sistemas de produção de grãos sob plantio direto e convencional no Sudoeste do Piauí, na região de Matopiba. Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas de 0,0-0,1, 0,1-0,2 e 0,2-0,3 m, com serrapilheira, em áreas cultivadas predominantemente com milho e soja, sob preparo convencional e plantio direto, em solos com diferentes texturas. Remanescentes de vegetação nativa adjacentes foram amostrados como referência. A macrofauna edáfica nos diferentes sistemas de uso do solo foi identificada até o nível de famílias, as quais foram agrupadas de acordo com suas funções ecológicas. Os grupos mais abundantes nas áreas amostradas foram Isoptera, Hymenoptera e Coleoptera, este com o maior número de famílias. A análise de componentes principais revelou que os grupos funcionais geófago/bioturbador, fitófago/praga e predador/parasita estão associados a solos de textura argilo-siltosa; enquanto o grupo detritívoro/decompositor, a solos mais arenosos. Os sistemas de manejo do solo alteram a estrutura da comunidade de macroinvertebrados edáficos em relação à condição natural de Cerrado. O plantio direto proporciona maior abundância e riqueza de espécies que o preparo convencional, e minimiza o impacto de sistemas agrícolas sobre a biodiversidade da macrofauna edáfica.

Abstract The objective of this work was to characterize the edaphic macrofauna in agricultural grain production systems under no-tillage and conventional tillage, in the Shoutheastern state of Piauí, in the Matopiba region, Brazil. Soil samples were taken from the 0.0-0.1, 0.1-0.2, and 0.2-0.3-m layers, with litter, in areas predominantly cropped with corn and soybean, under conventional and no-tillage systems, in soils with different textures. Fragments of native vegetation in adjacent areas were used as a reference. The edaphic macrofauna in the different land uses was identified down to family level, and the families were grouped according to their ecological functions. The most abundant groups in the sampled areas were Isoptera, Hymenoptera, and Coleoptera, the latter with the highest number of families. Principal component analysis revealed that the functional groups geophages/bioturbators, phytophages/pests, and predators/parasites were associated with clayey-silty soils, and detritivores/decomposers with sandy soils. Soil management systems change the community structure of edaphic macroinvertebrates in comparison with the natural Cerrado condition. No-tillage system promotes greater abundance and species richness than conventional tillage, and minimizes the impact of agricultural systems on edaphic macrofauna biodiversity.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de duas leguminosas (Crotalaria juncea e Mucuna pruriens), usadas como plantas de cobertura, e de vegetação espontânea, como tratamento-controle, sobre as emissões de NOx, N2O e CO2 de um Latossolo Vermelho cultivado com milho, em sistemas convencional e de plantio direto, na região do Cerrado, no Brasil Central. As variações dos fluxos de CO2 no solo foram explicadas principalmente pela umidade do solo e, nas leguminosas, sob sistema convencional, pela concentração de N-NH4+. Parcelas com leguminosas em sistema plantio direto mostraram maiores emissões anuais de CO2, NOx e N2O do que a vegetação espontânea. Os resultados mostram que o uso de leguminosas como plantas de cobertura favorece as emissões de N-NOx + N-N2O e C-CO2. Entretanto, ao se considerar o potencial de mitigação de emissões de CO2 e de óxidos de nitrogênio oriundas do solo, é importante avaliar as variações nos estoques de carbono e nitrogênio no solo.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two legumes (Crotalaria juncea and Mucuna pruriens), as cover crops, and of natural fallow, as a control treatment, on the emissions of NOx, N2O, and CO2 from an Oxisol cultivated with corn, under conventional and no-tillage systems, in the Cerrado region, in Central Brazil. Variations of CO2 fluxes in the soil were explained mainly by soil humidity and, in the legumes, under conventional system, by soil NH4+-N concentration. Plots with legumes under no-tillage system had higher annual emissions of CO2, NOx, and N2O than natural fallow. Results show that the use of legumes as cover crops favors the emissions of NOx-N + N2O-N and CO2-C. However, when considering the potential for mitigation of CO2 and nitrogen oxide emissions from the soil, it is important to evaluate changes in soil carbon and nitrogen stocks.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o emprego da espectroscopia de infravermelho próximo (NIRS) para a predição de formas de P, C e N, em solos desenvolvidos de basalto, com uso de modelos multivariados e de amostras com diferentes granulometrias. Amostras de Latossolos e Nitossolos provenientes de áreas de cultivo, pastagem e vegetação nativa foram coletadas nas camadas de 0,0-0,20 e de 0,60-0,80 m, e analisadas quanto aos teores de P disponível, P remanescente, C orgânico, C total e N total. Os espectros na região entre 1.100 e 2.500 nm foram obtidos de amostras com granulometria menor do que 2,0 e 0,2 mm. Modelos multivariados de predição foram construídos e validados a partir dos resultados obtidos pelos métodos de referência e dos espectros. O peneiramento das amostras em malha de 0,2 mm melhorou a relação entre os comprimentos de onda no NIRS e os teores de C orgânico, C total e N total no solo, o que permitiu a obtenção de melhores modelos de calibração e predição para esses atributos. Independentemente do tamanho das partículas, os modelos não apresentam robustez, acurácia e precisão adequadas de predição para o P extraível e o P remanescente.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict P, C, and N forms in soils developed from basalt, using multivariate models and soil samples with different granulometries. Samples from Oxisols and Alfisols from croplands, pasture, and native vegetation areas were collected at the 0.0-0.20 and 0.60-0.80-m soil layers, and analyzed for contents of available P, remaining P, organic C, total C, and total N. Spectra in the region between 1,100 and 2,500 nm were obtained on samples with granulometry smaller than 2.0 and 0.2 mm. Multivariate prediction models were constructed and validated from the results obtained by the reference methods and spectra. Sample screenings through 0.2 mm mesh improved the relationship between wavelengths in NIRS and the contents of organic C, total C, and total N in the soil, which allowed better calibration and prediction models for these attributes. Irrespectively of particle sizes, the models did not show appropriate robustness, accuracy, and precision for extractable P and remaining P.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the spectra in the Vis-NIR range and the soil P concentrations obtained from the PM and Prem extraction methods as well as the effects of these relationships on the construction of models predicting P concentration in Oxisols. Soil samples' spectra and their PM and Prem extraction solutions were determined for the Vis-NIR region between 400 and 2500 nm. Mineralogy and/or organic matter content act as primary attributes allowing correlation of these soil phosphorus fractions with the spectra, mainly at wavelengths between 450-550, 900-1100 nm, near 1400 nm and between 2200-2300 nm. However, the regression models generated were not suitable for quantitative phosphate analysis. Solubilization of organic matter and reactions during the PM extraction process hindered correlations between the spectra and these P soil fractions. For Prem,, the presence of Ca in the extractant and preferential adsorption by gibbsite and iron oxides, particularly goethite, obscured correlations with the spectra.

Several methods exist for determining soil organic carbon, and each one has its own advantages and limitations. Consequently, a comparison of the experimental results obtained when these methods are employed is hampered, causing problems in the comparison of carbon stocks in soils. This study aimed at evaluating the analytical procedures used in the determination of carbon and their relationships with soil mineralogy and texture. Wet combustion methods, including Walkley-Black, Mebius and Colorimetric determination as well as dry combustion methods, such as Elemental and Gravimetric Analysis were used. Quantitative textural and mineralogical (kaolinite, goethite and gibbsite) analyses were also carried out. The wet digestion methods underestimated the concentration of organic carbon, while the gravimetric method overestimated. Soil mineralogy interfered with the determination of carbon, with emphasis on the gravimetric method that was greatly influenced by gibbsite.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes plantas de cobertura sobre a fertilidade do solo, particularmente sobre os estoques de carbono e nitrogênio de um Latossolo Vermelho sob preparo convencional e Sistema Plantio Direto. Considerou-se a hipótese de que o Sistema Plantio Direto associado à utilização de plantas de cobertura promove uma manutenção ou incremento nos estoques de carbono e nitrogênio e melhora a fertilidade do solo. Não houve diferença significativa entre os estoques de carbono e nitrogênio entre os sistemas de preparo do solo, porém, o Sistema Plantio Direto apresentou maiores concentrações de bases trocáveis, maiores valores de CTC e saturação por bases na camada superficial do solo, principalmente na presença de Canavalia brasiliensis em sucessão ao milho. Os estoques de carbono e nitrogênio na camada de 0-40 cm diferiram significativamente na comparação entre plantas de cobertura e as espécies Mucuna pruriens e Canavalia brasiliensis foram as que apresentaram maiores valores de estoques de carbono e nitrogênio entre as espécies avaliadas. O uso do Sistema Plantio Direto resultou em acúmulo de matéria orgânica na camada 0-5 cm e promoveu melhoria na fertilidade do solo. A utilização das plantas de cobertura Canavalia brasiliensis ou Mucuna pruriens no Sistema Plantio Direto em sucessão ao milho é uma alternativa para o sequestro de carbono e melhoria da qualidade do solo no Cerrado.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cover crops on the soil's chemical fertility, in particular its carbon and nitrogen content, in a Typic Acrustox under conventional and no-tillage corn systems. We hypothesized that the no-tillage system associates with cover crops maintains or increases soil carbon and nitrogen stocks and enhance soil fertility. The no-tillage system did not present higher carbon and nitrogen stocks than conventional tillage, but resulted in higher concentrations of exchangeable bases, higher CEC, and higher base saturation in the surface soil layer, mainly under use of Canavalia brasiliensis. Carbon and nitrogen stocks (up to 40 cm depth) differ significantly between the different cover crop species. The use of Mucuna pruriens and Canavalia brasiliensis allows maintain or increase soil C and N stocks. The no-tillage system results in higher accumulation of soil organic matter (0-5 cm), and appears very likely to enhance soil fertility. The use of Canavalia brasiliensis and Mucuna pruriens in succession to corn promotes carbon sequestration and can be used to enhance soil quality in Cerrado agroecosystems.