ABSTRACT In semi-arid regions, where seasonal drought or irregular rainfall distribution are common occurrences, agricultural management techniques or strategies, such as the use of bone meal and/or hydrogel, can mitigate adverse conditions and ensure crop production. This study aimed to evaluate the efects of bone meal doses (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1,000 g pit−1), in association or not with hydrogel (0 and 5 g pit−1, respectively), on the leaf nutrient content of the dwarf cashew cultivar BRS 226. The leaf nutrient contents were evaluated during two growing seasons. For being a good source of macronutrients, the bone meal increased the levels of N, P, Ca, K and Mg in the dwarf cashew leaves. The leaf contents of the micronutrients Zn, Fe and Mn decreased with increasing bone meal doses. The nutrient accumulation in the leaves of the dwarf cashew planted in pits with bone meal and hydrogel has the following order: N > K > Ca > Mg > P > Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu. The application of bone meal at levels close to 600 g pit−1, mainly with the use of hydrogel, is a viable fertilizer alternative for dwarf cashew.

RESUMO Em regiões semiáridas, onde a seca sazonal ou a distribuição irregular de chuvas são ocorrências comuns, técnicas ou estratégias de manejo agrícola, como o uso de farinha de osso e/ou hidrogel, podem mitigar condições adversas e garantir a produção agrícola. Objetivou- se avaliar os efeitos de doses de farinha de osso (0, 250, 500, 750 e 1,000 g cova−1), em associação ou não com hidrogel (0 e 5 g cova−1, respectivamente), sobre o teor de nutrientes foliares da cultivar de cajueiro-anão BRS 226. Os teores de nutrientes nas folhas foram avaliados durante duas safras. Por ser boa fonte de macronutrientes, a farinha de osso aumentou os níveis de N, P, Ca, K e Mg nas folhas do cajueiro anão. Os teores foliares dos micronutrientes Zn, Fe e Mn diminuíram com o aumento das doses de farinha de osso. O acúmulo de nutrientes nas folhas do cajueiro anão plantado em covas com farinha de osso e hidrogel tem a seguinte ordem: N > K > Ca > Mg > P > Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu. A aplicação de farinha de osso em níveis próximos a 600 g cova−1, principalmente com o uso de hidrogel, é uma alternativa viável de fertilizante para cajueiro-anão.

Resumen En la región semiárida de Brasil, las sales se encuentran en el agua utilizada en el riego. El objetivo de fue analizar la influencia de la fertilización foliar con nitrógeno como mitigador del estrés salino en plántulas de maracuyá. El diseño fue bloques al azar, con los tratamientos generados a partir de la matriz Compuesta Central de Caja, con cinco conductividades eléctricas del agua de riego (ECr) (0.50; 0.98; 2.15; 3.32; 3.80 dS m-1) y cinco dosis de fertilización nitrogenada foliar (0.0; 0.30; 1.15; 1.97; 2.30 g L-1), con cuatro repeticiones. Se evaluó el crecimiento y pigmentos fotossintéticos. La aplicación de dosis de nitrógeno atenuó el efecto de la salinidad sobre aspectos morfofisiológicos de plántulas de maracuyá. El aumento de la salinidad del agua provocó efectos negativos en las características de crecimiento y pigmentos fotosintéticos.

Abstract In the semiarid region of Brazil, salts found in water used in irrigation. The objective of was to analyze the influence of foliar fertilization with nitrogen as a mitigation of the salt stress of passion fruit seedlings. The design was randomized blocks, with the treatments generated from the Box’s Central Composite matrix, with five electrical conductivities of irrigation water (ECw) (0.50; 0.98; 2.15; 3.32; 3.80 dS m-1) and five doses of foliar nitrogen fertilization (0.0; 0.30; 1.15; 1.97; 2.30 g L-1), with four replicates. The growth and photosynthetic pigments were evaluated Application of nitrogen doses attenuated the effect of salinity on morphophysiological aspects of passion fruit seedlings. The increase in the salinity of the water caused negative effects on the characteristics the growth and photosynthetic pigments.

RESUMO No semiárido brasileiro o déficit hídrico é um dos principais fatores que compromete o crescimento e o rendimento produtivo das culturas, inclusive do maracujazeiro- amarelo, devido à limitação da assimilação de carbono pela atividade fotossintética dos vegetais. Diante disso, faz-se necessário o manejo do solo com tecnologias que possam reduzir a perda de água no solo e que amenize os efeitos do déficit hídrico às plantas de maracujazeiro-amarelo cultivadas em condições de semiaridez. Objetivou-se avaliar a aplicação no solo de doses de hidrogel e mulching sob os aspectos fisiológicos do cultivo de maracujazeiro-amarelo irrigado. O experimento foi desenvolvido em delineamento em blocos casualizados, no esquema fatorial 5 × 2, referente às cinco doses de hidrogel (0,0, 0,5, 1,0, 1,5 e 2,0 g dm−3 de solo) no solo sem e com cobertura vegetal oriunda braquiária (Brachiaria decumbens L.). As variáveis analisadas foram índices de clorofila, fluorescências (inicial, máxima e variável) e trocas gasosas. O índice de clorofila total foi elevado com a aplicação de 1,5 g dm−3 e uso de mulching, ao se aplicar doses de 2,0 g dm−3 de hidrogel a taxa fotossintética das plantas de maracujazeiro-amarelo aumentou, já a taxa de transpiração das plantas foi incrementada com o uso de cobertura vegetal e doses de hidrogel, como consequência houve redução na eficiência do uso da água.

ABSTRACT In the Brazilian semi-arid region, water deficit is one of the main factors that compromise the growth and productive yield of crops, including yellow passion fruit, due to the limitation of carbon assimilation by the photosynthetic activity of plants. Therefore, it is necessary to manage the soil with technologies that can reduce the loss of water in the soil and mitigate the effects of water deficit on yellow passion fruit plants cultivated under semi-arid conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of hydrogel doses and mulching to the soil on the physiological aspects of irrigated yellow passion fruit cultivation. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, referring to five doses of hydrogel (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g dm−3 of soil) in soil without and with mulching from signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens L.). The variables analyzed were chlorophyll indices, fluorescence (initial, maximum and variable) and gas exchange. The total chlorophyll index was increased with the application of 1.5 g dm−3 of hydrogel and the use of mulching; when applying hydrogel doses of 2.0 g dm−3 the photosynthetic rate of yellow passion fruit plants increased, whereas their transpiration rate increased with the use of mulching and doses of hydrogel; as a consequence, there was a reduction in water use efficiency.

RESUMO A luz solar influencia diretamente no desenvolvimento das espécies florestais, afetando os atributos de crescimento e fisiologia das plantas. Dentre essas espécies, Erythroxylum pauferrense Plowman é considerada uma espécie rara, pois sua distribuição é restrita apenas ao estado da Paraíba. Diante disso, são necessários estudos que busquem avaliar a adaptação, desenvolvimento e propagação da espécie em diferentes condições ambientais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os aspectos morfofisiológicos de mudas de Erythroxylum pauferrense submetidas a diferentes níveis de sombreamento. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (0, 30, 50, 70 e 90% de sombreamento) e oito repetições. Foram avaliadas as características de crescimento, atributos morfofuncionais, trocas gasosas, fluorescência da clorofila (Chl) a e teor de Chl. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância seguida de análise de regressão polinomial. Os resultados mostraram que as plantas cultivadas sob 30 a 50% de sombreamento apresentaram maior altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, taxa de crescimento absoluto para altura da planta, massa seca da folha, massa seca do caule, massa seca total, índice de qualidade de Dickson, área foliar e índice de área foliar, bem como a taxa de assimilação líquida de CO2, condutância estomática, transpiração, eficiência instantânea do uso da água e conteúdo de Chl a, b e a+b. Portanto, níveis de 30 a 50% de sombreamento são os mais recomendados para a produção de mudas de Erythroxylum pauferrense. Recomenda-se o uso de Erythroxylum pauferrense para reflorestar o sub-bosque em áreas perturbadas nos Brejos de Altitude e a produção em larga escala de mudas em níveis de 30 a 50% de sombreamento.

ABSTRACT Sunlight directly influences on the development of forest species by affecting the attributes of plant growth and physiology. Among these species, Erythroxylum pauferrense Plowman is considered a rare species, as its distribution is restricted only to the state of Paraíba. Therefore, studies are needed that seek to evaluate the adaptation, development and propagation of the species under different environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate morphophysiological aspects of Erythroxylum pauferrense seedlings submitted to different levels of shading. The experiment was carried out under greenhouse condition in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0, 30, 50, 70, and 90% shading) and eight replicates. Growth characteristics, morphofunctional attributes, gas exchange, chlorophyll (Chl) a fluorescence, and Chl content were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by polynomial regression analysis. Results showed that plants grown under 30 to 50% shading showed higher plant height, stem diameter, absolute growth rate for plant height, leaf dry mass, stem dry mass, total dry mass, Dickson’s quality index, leaf area, and leaf area index, as well as net assimilation rate of CO2, stomatal conductance, transpiration, instantaneous water use efficiency, and Chl a, b, and a+b contents. Therefore, levels from 30 to 50% shading are the most recommended for the production of Erythroxylum pauferrense seedlings. We recommend using Erythroxylum pauferrense to reforest the understory in disturbed areas in Brejos de Altitude and large-scale production of seedlings under intermediate levels of shading.

RESUMO Os solos do semiárido brasileiro estão sob um constante processo de degradação e estratégias sustentáveis de produção agropecuária devem ser adotadas de forma a mitigar este problema. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o comportamento físico-hídrico do solo quatro anos após a implantação de sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta no semiárido Brasileiro. O experimento foi instalado no município de Alagoinha, PB, em um Planossolo Háplico de textura franco-arenosa. Foram avaliados cinco sistemas de integração em delineamento de blocos ao acaso (DBC) com quatro repetições: i) Ipê roxo (Tabebuia impetiginosa) + Urochloa decumbens (iPF1); ii) Gliricídia (Gliricidia sepium) + Urochloa decumbens (iPF2); iii) Sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) + Urochloa decumbens (iPF3); iv) Milho (Zea mays) + Urochloa decumbens (iLP); v) Urochloa decumbens (Pastagem). Os dados submetidos a análise de variância e teste de Tukey (p<0,05) demonstraram que a integração Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta, após o período de quatro anos, ainda não promoveu melhoria física significativa dos atributos físicos do Planossolo em estudo, porém, o índice S apresentou valores satisfatórios. Em relação a condição antecedente a implantação dos sistemas, verifica-se uma alteração positiva na estrutura, refletindo na redução da densidade do solo e aumento da porosidade total.

ABSTRACT The soils of the Brazilian semi-arid are under a constant process of degradation and sustainable agricultural production strategies must be adopted in order to alleviate this problem. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the physical-water behavior of an Albaqualfs four years after the implantation of crop-livestock-forest integration systems in the Brazilian semiarid. The experiment was installed in the county of Alagoinha, PB, in an Albaqualfs with a sandy-loam texture. Five integration systems in randomized block design (DBC) with four replications were evaluated: i) Purple Ipe (Tabebuia impetiginosa) + Brachiaria decumbens (iPF1); ii) Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) + Urochloa decumbens (iPF2); iii) Sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) + Urochloa decumbens (iPF3); iv) Maize (Zea mays) + Urochloa decumbens (iLP); v) Urochloa decumbens (pasture). The data submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test (p<0.05) demonstrated that the crop-livestock-forest integrated system, after the period of four years, has not yet promoted significant physical improvement of the attributes of the Albaqualfs under study, however, an attribute such as the S index, presented satisfactory values. Regarding the condition prior to the implantation of the systems, there is a positive change in the structure, reflecting in the reduction of the bulk density of the soil and an increase in the total porosity.

Abstract Thus, the objective of the research was to evaluate the initial growth and development of seedlings under Platymiscium floribundum at different levels of luminosity. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 4 x 10 factorial scheme (four levels of shade: full sun, 50%, 65% and 80% with ten replications per treatment. The height, number of leaves was evaluated monthly. At the end of the experiment at 180 days, leaf dry matter, stems, roots, and dry matter. In addition, measurements were made of the variables related to gas exchange and plant anatomy of leaves. The results obtained were observed higher growth and developed satisfactorily at full sun), without presenting morphological changes. For the gas exchange did not differ statistically. It is concluded that the initial growth of P. floribundum seedlings was superior in the light level in full sun, providing favorable conditions for their development.

Resumo Foram caracterizados morfologicamente umbus de quatro municípios paraibanos a fim de identificar genótipos promissores para consumo in natura e emprego agroindustrial. Foram utilizados 400 frutos de matrizes de São Vicente do Seridó; Queimadas; Boqueirão e Cabaceiras e 40 frutos comerciais de duas feiras de Campina Grande-PB. A unidade experimental foi constituída por 10 frutos. Foram analisados nos frutos: massa total (MTF); comprimento (CF); diâmetro (DF); matéria fresca (MMF), rendimento (RF) e presença de pelos. Nos endocarpos, foram avaliados massa (ME); o comprimento (CE), o diâmetro (DE) e a largura (LE). Foi adotado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, e os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, com as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, assim como a análise de componentes principais. Os frutos de Queimadas e São Vicente do Seridó apresentaram melhores caracteres morfológicos quanto à massa, ao comprimento, ao diâmetro, à matéria fresca e ao rendimento dos frutos, sendo mais promissores para comercialização agroindustrial. Já os frutos provenientes de Boqueirão apresentaram maior massa de endocarpo. A maioria dos frutos apresentou pelos nas cascas, exceto os comerciais. Foram formados quatro grupos de municípios, sendo os frutos provenientes de Queimadas os que apresentaram maior tamanho, enquanto os frutos provenientes de São Vicente do Seridó e de Soledade apresentaram maior rendimento.

Abstract Umbu fruits from four municipalities of Paraíba were morphologically characterized in order to identify promising genotypes for fresh consumption and agro-industrial use. We used 400 fruits from parent plants located in São Vicente do Seridó, Queimadas, Boqueirão, and Cabaceiras and 40 commercial fruits from two open fairs in Campina Grande, PB. The experimental unit consisted of ten fruits. The fruits were analyzed for total mass (MTF), length (LC), diameter (DF), fresh matter (MMF), yield (RF), and presence of hairs. In the endocarps, mass (ME), length (CE), diameter (DE), and width (LE) were the evaluated parameters. A completely randomized design was adopted, the data were subjected to variance analysis, and the means were compared by the Tukey test and principal component analysis. The fruits from Queimadas and São Vicente do Seridó showed the best morphological characters with regard to mass, length, diameter, fresh matter, and fruit yield, and were the most promising for agro-industrial commercialization. The fruits from Boqueirão showed the highest endocarp mass. Most fruits showed hairs on the peel, except the commercial ones. Four groups of municipalities were formed, with the fruits from Queimadas showing the largest size, while the fruits from São Vicente de Seridó and Soledade showed the highest yield.

SUMMARY: Ecophysiological studies are highly important to seek understanding of the plant-environment relationship. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of environmental factors on physiological aspects in young plants of Erythroxylum pauferrense throughout the day. A completely randomized design with 10 treatments and 4 replicates was used. Treatments were at different evaluation times throughout the day (8:00 h-17:00 h) with a 60-minute interval between them. The physiological variables evaluated were: photosynthesis rate, internal CO2 concentration, transpiration, stomatal conductance, vapor pressure deficit, instantaneous water use efficiency, intrinsic water use efficiency, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency and leaf temperature. Internal and external temperature, relative humidity of the internal and external air of the greenhouse and photosynthetically active radiation were measured as climatic variables. The climatic variables presented correlations with the physiological parameters, with a strong association between photosynthetically active radiation and internal and external temperature of the greenhouse with the rate of photosynthesis, vapor pressure deficit, leaf temperature, transpiration, intrinsic efficiency of the use of water, stomatal conductance and instant water use efficiency. The influence of climatic factors on the physiological aspects in plants of E. pauferrense can be observed. The most suitable period of the day for conducting the physiological evaluations in species is between 11:00 h and 13:00 h.

RESUMEN: Los estudios ecofisiológicos son de gran importancia para buscar la comprensión de la relación planta-ambiente. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la influencia de los factores ambientales en los aspectos fisiológicos en plantas jóvenes de Erythroxylum pauferrense a lo largo del día. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con 10 tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones. Los tratamientos fueron diferentes tiempos de evaluación a lo largo del día (8:00 h-17: 00 h) con un intervalo de 60 minutos entre ellos. Las variables fisiológicas evaluadas fueron: tasa de fotosíntesis, concentración interna de CO2, transpiración, conductancia estomática, déficit de presión de vapor, eficiencia de uso de agua instantánea, eficiencia de uso de agua intrínseca, eficiencia de carboxilación instantánea y temperatura foliar. Para las variables climáticas se midió: temperatura interna y externa, humedad relativa del aire interno y externo del invernadero y la radiación fotosintéticamente activa. Las variables climáticas presentaron correlaciones con los parámetros fisiológicos, con una mayor asociación entre la radiación fotosintéticamente activa y la temperatura interna y externa del invernadero con la tasa de fotosíntesis, déficit de presión de vapor, temperatura de la hoja, transpiración, eficiencia intrínseca del uso del agua, conductancia estomática y eficiencia de uso instantáneo del agua. Se puede observar la influencia de los factores climáticos en los aspectos fisiológicos en plantas de E. pauferrense. El período del día más adecuado para realizar las evaluaciones fisiológicas en especies es entre las 11:00 h y las 13:00 h.

RESUMO A elevada taxa de evaporação e a limitação de água, em quantidade e qualidade, requerem a busca de estratégias que viabilizem a sustentabilidade da atividade agrícola no mundo. O experimento foi desenvolvido para avaliar os efeitos da salinidade da água, da proteção lateral das covas e doses de cálcio nos componentes de produção do maracujazeiro-amarelo cv. BRS GA1. Os tratamentos foram arranjados em parcela subdividida no esquema 2 x (2 x 5) correspondente a salinidade da água (0,3 e 4,0 dS m-1), parcela principal, e as subparcelas às combinações entre proteção lateral das covas (sem e com) e doses de cálcio (0, 30, 60, 90 e 120 kg ha-1). Foram avaliados o número de ramos produtivos, índices de amadurecimento precoce e de cultivo concentrado, número de frutos por planta, massa média de frutos e produtividade. O aumento da condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação retarda a colheita e reduz o número de frutos por planta, a massa dos frutos e a produtividade do maracujazeiro. A proteção lateral das covas não exerceu efeitos positivos no cultivo de maracujazeiro irrigado com água salina. A dose de 60 kg ha-1 de cálcio em Neossolo Regolítico com baixo teor deste macronutriente atenua os efeitos da irrigação com água salina, aumentando a produtividade do maracujazeiro-amarelo.

ABSTRACT The high rate of evaporation and the limitation of water, in quantity and quality, require the search for strategies that enable the sustainability of agriculture in the world. The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of water salinity, lateral protection of the pits and calcium doses on the production components of passion fruit cv. BRS GA1. The treatments were arranged in a 2 x (2 x 5) split plot, corresponding to water salinity (0.3 and 4.0 dS m-1) in the main plot, and combinations between lateral protection of the pits (without and with) and calcium doses (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1) in the subplots. Number of productive branches, indices of early ripening and concentrated cropping, calculated from the weekly yields, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight and yield were evaluated. The increase in electrical conductivity of irrigation water delays harvest and reduces the number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and yield of passion fruit. The lateral protection of the pits did not have a positive effect on the cultivation of passion fruit irrigated with saline water. Calcium dose of 60 kg ha-1 in the Entisol with low content of this macronutrient attenuates the effects of irrigation with saline water, increasing the yield of yellow passion fruit.

Resumo A determinação da área foliar é de fundamental importância em estudos ecofisiológicos que buscam entender a relação planta-ambiente. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa determinar uma equação alométrica que permita estimar a área foliar de Mesosphaerum suaveolens a partir de medidas lineares do limbo foliar (comprimento e/ou largura). Coletaram-se 900 limbos foliares aleatórios de diferentes formas e tamanhos, em uma área de Caatinga antropizada, localizada no município de Santa Luzia, estado da Paraíba, nordeste do Brasil. Para a construção das equações alométricas utilizaram-se os seguintes modelos de regressão: linear, linear sem intercepto, quadrático, cúbico, potência e exponencial. O modelo linear sem intercepto utilizando o produto entre comprimento e largura (C.L) foi o mais indicado para estimar a área foliar de M. suaveolens, com maior coeficiente de determinação (R2) e índice de concordância de Willmott (d), menor erro absoluto médio (MAE), critério de informação de Akaike (AIC) e raiz do quadrado médio do erro (RQME), e índice BIAS mais próximo de zero (R2 = 0,9971; d = 0,9989; MAE = 0,422; AIC = 2094,69; RQME = 0,770; BIAS = -0,0105). A área foliar de M. suaveolens pode ser estimada satisfatoriamente pela equação AF = 0,6787*(C.L).

Abstract The determination of leaf area is of fundamental importance in ecophysiological studies that seek to understand the plant-environment relationship. The objective of this research was to determine an allometric equation to estimate the leaf area of Mesosphaerum suaveolens from linear measures of leaf blade (length and/or width). There were collected 900 random leaf limbs of different shapes and sizes, in an anthropic area of caatinga, located in the municipality of Santa Luzia, state of Paraíba, Northeast of Brazil. For the construction of the allometric equations the following regression models were used: linear, linear without intercept, quadratic, cubic, power, and exponential. The linear model without intercept using the product between length and width (C.L) was the most recommended to estimate the leaf area of M. suaveolens, with greater coefficient of determination (R2) and Willmott concordance index (d), lesser mean absolute error (MAE), Akaike information criterion (AIC) and root-mean-square error (RQME), and the closer the BIAS ratio is to zero (R2 = 0.9971; d = 0.9989; MAE = 0.422; AIC = 2094.69; RQME = 0.770; BIAS = -0.0105). The leaf area of M. suaveolens can be estimated satisfactorily by equation AF = 0.6787*(C.L).

Abstract Estimating leaf area is essential to evaluate vegetal growth. Our study sought to obtain statistical models to allow the leaf area estimation of Palicourea racemosa, considering its length (L) and width (W). For such purpose, we collected 200 leaves of this species in the State Park Mata do Pau-Ferro, in the municipality of Areia, Paraíba, Northeast of Brazil. The regression models used were: linear, linear without intercept, power and exponential. The choice of the best equation was based on the values of the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), Akaike information criterion (AIC), Willmott concordance index (d) and BIAS ratio. All linear and power models may be used to measure the P. racemosa leaf area; however, the power model LA = 0 . 609 * ( L . W ) 0 . 995 is the most recommended to estimate this species’ leaf area.

ABSTRACT The Seridó Desertification Region is a result of inadequate management of the native Caatinga vegetation, which generated degraded areas with little or no capacity for plant production. The area has experienced a succession of different land uses, but little is known about the impact of these changes. The present study tested the hypothesis that the intense degradation of the Caatinga drastically decreased vegetal biomass production, which favored direct soil exposure and resulted in a lower abundance and diversity of species and groups of vegetation as well as microorganisms. This study aimed to quantify some of the main physical, chemical, and microbiological properties of Alfisol ( Luvissolo Crômico órtico lítico ) and Entisol ( Neossolo Litólico eutrófico típico ) under different plant covers in the Seridó Desertification Region, in the municipality of Parelhas, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), Brazil. Three different areas were studied: an area of preserved Caatinga, a recovery area with jurema [ Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir.], and a degraded area. Soil samples were collected from the 0.00-0.10 m soil layer and later characterized in terms of their physical and chemical properties. The microbiological characteristics analyzed were microbial activity (microbial biomass carbon and microbial respiration) and glomalin. The soil under the Caatinga vegetation exhibited better properties than the other analyzed soils. Aggregate stability was the physical property with the highest potential for differentiating between areas. Glomalin, which is associated with the presence of mycorrhizae, and which, in turn, is related to the uptake of P, which is often deficient in these soils, was the most discriminating microbiological variable according to an analysis of canonical variables. The total of Ca2+ and Mg2+ was the most discriminating chemical properties, and played a positive role in soil aggregation, especially Ca2+.

RESUMO O uso do esterco avícola na produção de mudas é crescente. Porém, estudos com o efeito de diferentes granulometrias de esterco sobre o crescimento de plantas ainda são escassos. Objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento de Moringa oleifera Lam. adubada com doses de cama de frango (0 g dm-3; 40 g dm-3; 80 g dm-3; e 120 g dm-3) com diferentes granulometrias (1 mm e 4 mm), com quatro repetições. Avaliaram-se a altura de planta; diâmetro da raiz e do caule; massa da matéria seca da folha, do caule, da parte aérea e da raiz; relação massa da matéria seca da parte aérea/raiz; e o índice de qualidade de Dickson. A granulometria não influenciou nas variáveis estudadas, exceto para altura de planta. O diâmetro da raiz diminuiu com o aumento nas doses de cama de frango. O acúmulo de massa da matéria seca da parte aérea e da raiz sofreram incremento com o aumento das doses de cama de frango até 120 g dm-3. Verificou-se aumento linear do índice de qualidade de Dickson, em função dos dias e doses de cama de frango. Recomenda-se a dose de 80 g dm-3 de cama de frango para a adubação de plantas de M. oleifera, independentemente da granulometria utilizada.

ABSTRACT There is an increasing use of poultry litter in seedling production. However, studies regarding the effect of different particle-size litter on plant growth are still scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the growth of Moringa oleifera Lam. fertilized with poultry litter doses (0 g dm-3, 40 g dm-3, 80 g dm-3 and 120 g dm-3) with distinct particle sizes (1 mm and 4 mm), with four replications. The following variables were evaluated: plant height; root and stem diameter; leaf, stem, shoot and root dry matter mass; shoot/root dry matter mass ratio; and the Dickson quality index. There was no influence of the particle size on the studied variables, except for plant height. The root diameter decreased with the increase of the poultry litter doses. The accumulation of dry matter mass from the shoot and root increased with the increase of poultry litter doses up to 120 g dm-3. A linear increase of the Dickson quality index, relatively to days and poultry litter doses, was observed. It is recommended to apply 80 g dm-3 of poultry litter to fertilize M. oleifera plants, independently of the granulometry used.

A umbu-cajazeira é uma das frutíferas nativas mais exploradas na região semiárida brasileira, já que seus frutos são bastante procurados. Neste sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o tratamento de planta matriz com zinco e enraizamento de estacas de umbu-cajazeira. O experimento foi conduzido sob delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com nove tratamentos, com níveis pré-determinados pela matriz “Composto Central de Box” referente às doses de zinco (0; 5,8; 30; 34,2 e 40 mg L-1) e combinações com as doses de AIB (0; 872,35; 3000; 5127,65 e 6000 mg L-1), e quatro repetições. O tratamento de plantas matrizes com zinco não afetou o percentual de estacas brotadas, número, comprimento e diâmetro de brotações, o enraizamento e a produção de massa seca de estacas de umbu-cajazeira; O ácido indolbutírico promove o enraizamento de estacas de umbu-cajazeira, sendo que, a concentração máxima de 6000 mg L-1 de AIB proporciona os maiores percentuais de enraizamento adventício, com 43,75% de estacas enraizadas.

The umbu-cajazeira is one of the most exploited native fruits in the Brazilian semi-arid region, since its fruits are highly sought after. In this sense, the objective was to evaluate the treatment of stock plants with zinc and rooting of umbu-cajazeira cuttings. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replications. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, with nine treatments, with levels determined by the matrix "Central Box Compound" for the doses of zinc (0; 5.8; 30; 34.2 and 40 mg L-1) and combinations with AIB doses (0; 872,35; 3.000; 5.127,65 and 6000 mg L-1), and four replicates. Treatment of stock plants with zinc did not affect the percentage of cuttings sprouts, number, length and diameter of shoots, rooting and dry mass production of umbu-cajazeira cuttings; Indolbutyric acid directly influences the rooting of umbu-cajazeira cuttings, and the maximum concentration of 6000 mg L-1 of IBA provides the highest percentages of adventitious rooting, with 43.75% of rooted cuttings.

ABSTRACT Erythroxylum simonisis an understory species found in Northeast Brazil. Due to its shaded habitat,E. simonisis subjected to seasonal oscillations of the environment, to which it must respond ecophysiologically. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of seasonality on the ecophysiology ofE. simonis in a fragment of Seasonal Semideciduous Forest. Leaf area index, visible sky fraction and photosynthetically active radiation were measured for 10 individuals during the dry and rainy seasons. Soil moisture, temperature and monthly precipitation were measured, as well as photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, internal CO2concentration, transpiration, instantaneous water use efficiency, instantaneous carboxylation efficiency and chlorophyll content. Ecophysiological variables were correlated with environmental variables, with a greater association of rainfall and soil moisture with stomatal conductance, transpiration and photosynthetic rate, indicating that water availability has an effect on the ecophysiology ofE. simonis. With the exception of instantaneous carboxylation efficiency, gas exchange exhibited significant differences among the months studied, with the highest values being for months with greater water availability, thus showing that the ecophysiology of the species responds to seasonal changes throughout the year.