ABSTRACT The coffee sector is estimated to have a retail market value in excess of USD 83 billion, and over 125 million jobs have been created in the global coffee chain. The coffee specialty market has recently increased significantly, generating opportunities to certify coffee beans produced by sustainable practices. This avoids practices potentially harmful to the environment. Agroforestry, organic farming, intercropping, and soil conservation strategies are examples of sustainable alternatives in the production of coffee. In this review, we focus on practices for the sustainable management of coffee plantations that can help farmers fight problems caused by global warming. More specifically, we address soil organic matter and microbiota, the use of Urochloa grass as intercrop in coffee plantations, shading systems (including agroforestry), and organic coffee production. We concluded that from the agronomic viewpoint, we already have production techniques that can replace traditional ones with significant advantages accruing to the quality of coffee orchard ecosystems. Nevertheless, we need scientific research efforts to deal with the existing gaps and the engagement of the whole coffee chain as a means of guaranteeing an adequate profit to those smallholders who adopt and maintain sustainable practice and are capable of bringing several positive changes to the coffee crop, including the use of microbia-based commercial products and new organic sources of nutrients to complement chemical fertilizers and improve coffee quality.

ABSTRACT. Intensive weed management is one of the most common practices in coffee cultivation areas. Consequently, some problems, such as soil degradation and the selection of herbicide resistant weed, have increased over time, but, if properly managed, weeds at coffee planting inter-rows can offer benefits of erosion control, nutrient recycling and crop sustainability. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of different weed management strategies on the productivity and coffee grain size, i.e., quality. The experiment is installed onto a resprouting Coffea arabica L. site, four years after it was established. Treatments are implanted at planting inter-row Urochloa ruziziensis, Pueraria phaseoloides, and spontaneous vegetation maintained by mowing, herbicides, and weeding. To measure dry matter accumulation, samples are taken with a 0.25 m2 square template at plots maintained by mowing and herbicide application. To evaluate the yield and granulometry, coffee fruits are harvested, processed and classified in a set of 14 sieves (grouped in flat or “moca” shapes). The methods of controlling herbicide and weeding show significance in relation to grain production, with the production of grains having a higher market value standing out, when compared with the other treatments. The accumulation of dry matter above soil, in treatments with herbicides and spontaneous vegetation positively influenced the early coffee productivity (2018), and with U. ruziziensis and spontaneous vegetation, positively influenced the productivity of late harvest (2019). The accumulation of dry matter on the soil tends to be positively linked to coffee productivity, especially in periods when there is a shortage of rain in the region under study; however, it cannot be stated that this influence relationship (causality) has a direct positive effect between dry matter mass production and productivity of future coffee plantations.

ABSTRACT Intercropping is a cultivation system that aims to achieve high productivity per unit area and promote the sustainability of the production system. The objective of this work is to evaluate the agronomic viability and economic profietability of intercropping taro with okra plants. The research was conducted in an experimental field between October 2011 and June 2012. In total, nine treatments from four intercrops of taro with okra plants were evaluated: okra was planted at two time points, 0 days and 30 days after the taro planting, and two arrangements of okra plants, one plant at 30 cm and two plants at 60 cm. We used a randomized block experimental design with four replications and determined the indexes of SPAD, LAI, K, and the productivity and economic indexes. The intercropping systems were agronomically viable by presenting a Land Use Efficiency (LUE) value above 1. When okra was intercropped at the same time as taro, the best results for Profitability Index (PI), economic yield, and Rate of Return (RR) were achieved. The treatment with one okra plant at 30 cm, intercropped at 0 DAP (Days After Planting) taro presented the best results for RR and PI.

RESUMEN El cultivo intercalado es una práctica agrícola que tiene el propósito de lograr una alta productividad por unidad de área y promover la sostenibilidad del sistema de producción. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la viabilidad agronómica y la rentabilidad económica del cultivo intercalado de taro o malanga (Colocasia esculenta) con plantas de okra (Abelmoschus esculentus). El ensayo se realizó en un campo experimental entre octubre de 2011 y junio de 2012. En total se evaluaron nue^ve tratamientos de cuatro cultivos intercalados de malanga con plantas de okra. Se sembró okra en dos períodos, 0 días y 30 días después de la siembra de taro, y a dos ubicaciones de plantas de okra, una planta a 30 cm y dos plantas a 60 cm. Se utilizó un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con cuatro repeticiones y se determinaron los índices de SPAD, IAF, K, y los índices de productividad y económicos. Todos los sistemas de intercalado fueron agronómicamente viables y presentaron un valor de eficiencia en el uso del suelo (ES) por encima de 1. Cuando la okra se intercaló en el mismo momento que el taro, se lograron los mejores resultados para índice de rentabilidad (IR), rendimiento económico y tasa de retorno (TR). El tratamiento con una planta de okra cada 30 cm, sembrado al 0 día posterior al plantío, mostró los mayores valores de TR y IR.

Abstract Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Mill.) is an unconventional vegetable found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and consumed, mainly by the rural population who lives in this biome. The present study investigated the nutritional value and contribution potential this species to the recommendations of daily nutrient intake for adults. Moisture and ash content were determined by gravimetry after oven drying and muffle incineration, respectively. Proteins were determined by the micro-Kjeldhal method; lipids by gravimetric lipids using soxhlet extractor; Total dietary fiber (TDF) by non-enzymatic gravimetry; Carotenoids and vitamin C by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with Diodes Array Detector; Vitamin E by HPLC and fluorescence detection; and minerals by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Ora-pro-nóbis presented concentrations of TDF (3.73 g 100 g-1), ash (0.96 g 100 g-1), lipids (1.45 g 100 g-1), protein (1.27 g 100 g-1), carotenoids (3.15 mg 100 g-1), total vitamin E (438.68 µg 100 g-1), Ca (427.08 mg 100 g-1), Mg (88.84 mg 100 g-1), Mn (3.46 mg 100 g-1), Fe (13.89 mg 100 g-1) and K (689.41 mg 100 g-1). The species was considered a source of TDF, a good source of Mg, Cu and K, and an excellent source of vitamin A, Ca, Mn, Fe and Se.

Abstract Coffee crop in Brazil is typically grown as a monoculture. However, we hypothesized that agroforestry system is favorable association for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), affecting its community structure and potentially impacting crop productivity and agroecosystem health. This study evaluated how the microclimate, soil depth, macauba field spacing and distance between coffee plants and palms affect the structure of the AMF community. The structure of the AMF community was influenced by the soil depth, microclimate features, soil moisture, maximum air temperature, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The distance at which coffee-macauba influences ecological diversity indices of AMF, and higher diversity are related to the proximity between plants. AMF diversity (Richness and Shannon) in the agroforestry system exceeded that observed in the full-sun coffee in the 0-20 soil depth layer. Our results showed that the microclimate, soil depth, plant density, and distance between coffee from macauba affected the AMF community structure.

Resumen Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto residual de la biomasa de la asociación taro-sunn hemp sobre el desempeño de los sucesivos cultivos de brócoli, maíz verde y guisantes, se realizó un experimento, con 11 tratamientos, correspondiente al corte de Crotalaria juncea (55, 70, 85, 100, 115, 130, 145, 160, 190 y 220 días después de la siembra - DAS) más un tratamiento control (Colocasia esculenta). Se recolectaron muestras de suelo y se realizó un análisis químico antes del establecimiento del cultivo. Se evaluaron las características de las plantas y la productividad de brócoli, maíz verde y vainas de guisantes. No hubo cambios importantes en la composición química del suelo. Se observaron mayores valores de materia fresca de inflorescencia y rendimiento de brócoli en los tratamientos en los que se produjeron cortes de Crotalaria juncea 145 DAS. El efecto residual de los esquejes de Crotalaria juncea proporcionó plantas de maíz más altas y una mayor materia fresca de espigas con paja y productividad de mazorcas comerciales, en comparación con el control. No hubo efecto residual sobre las características evaluadas para el guisante. El efecto residual de Crotalaria juncea cosechada en un consorcio con Colocasia esculenta aumenta el rendimiento de brócoli cuando se corta 145 DAS y se cultiva maíz en sucesión.

Abstract Aiming to assess the residual effect of the biomass of the taro-sunn hemp consortium on the performance of the successive crops of broccoli, green corn and peas, an experiment, with 11 treatments, corresponding to the cutting of Crotalaria júncea in the taro-sunn hemp consortium (55, 70, 85, 100, 115, 130, 145, 160, 190 and 220 days after sowing - DAS) plus a control treatment (Colocasia esculenta), was performed. Soil samples were collected and chemical analysis was performed before crop establishment. Plant characteristics and productivity of broccoli, green corn and pea pods were assessed. There were no major changes in soil chemical composition. Higher values of inflorescence fresh matter and broccoli yield were observed in the treatments in which cuts of Crotalaria júncea occurred 145 DAS. The residual effect of Crotalaria júncea cuttings provided higher corn plants and a greater fresh matter of spikes with straw and productivity of commercial ears, compared to the control. There was no residual effect on the characteristics evaluated for pea. The residual effect of Crotalaria júncea cropped in a consortium with Colocasia esculenta increases broccoli yield when cut from 145 DAS and corn cropped in succession.

ABSTRACT The effects of foliar application of Mo and use of N from cover crops (Crotalaria juncea L. and Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC) on the performance of common beans were investigated in this study. Field experiments were carried out in a succession planting system (cover crops - common beans), and nitrate reductase activities were evaluated in the laboratory. The production of cover crops was done in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme installed in random blocks with four replications. The two cover crops sunn hemp and jack bean composed the first factor and the molibdenum doses (0, 40, 80, and 120 g ha-1) the second. These doses were applied as foliar fertilization using sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4) as Mo source. For bean cultivation, an unfertilized control treatment was evaluated.. Sunn hemp showed a linear positive response to Mo application in terms of shoot dry matter and N accumulation, while jack bean showed a quadratic negative response for shoot dry matter; for N accumulation, there was no adjustment of the regression models. Nitrate reductase activity in the common beans was up to three times higher at the Mo dose of 0 g ha-1 when compared to the treatments with Mo application to both cover crops. Cover crops or Mo doses had no significant effect on bean productivity.

Abstract Erechtites valerianifolia (Wolf) DC is an unconventional vegetable found in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Is consumed in high proportions by the population living in this biome. The objective of this study was to investigate the general chemical composition, occurrence and content of carotenoids, vitamins (C and E) and minerals in this vegetable. By the micro-Kjeldhal method it was determined proteins. It was determined total dietary fiber (TDF) by non-enzymatic gravimetric method. Carotenoids and vitamins were determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) it was determined minerals. E. valerianifolia presented concentrations of TDF (3.7 g 100 g-1), ash (0.9 g 100-1), lipids (1.4 g 100-1), carbohydrates (2.9 g 100-1), proteins (1.3 g 100-1), caloric density (29.2 kcal 100-1), Vit. A (373.9 µg 100-1 RAE), K (561.2 mg 100-1), Ca (79.5 mg 100-1) and Fe (21.6 mg 100-1). It is considered that this vegetable is source of Ca, good source of fiber and K, and an excellent source of pro-vitamin A, Mn, Se, Fe, Mo and Cu, which may reduce food and nutritional insecurity in the population, mainly in the region where this species is found.

ABSTRACT Compost, bokashi and efficient microorganisms (EM) are viable alternatives for the nutrition of agricultural crops produced of organic form. Its application affects the first crop and subsequent crops. The objective was to evaluate the effect of compost, bokashi and EM on the growth, production of fresh matter and dry matter in two consecutive broccoli crops. In the first broccoli crop were applied: 191 ha-1 of compost (C19), 191 ha-1 compost + EM 2% (C19+EM2), 15 t ha-1 compost + 2 t ha-1 of bokashi (15C+B2), EM 2% (EM2), 10 t ha-1 of bokashi (B10) and control without fertilization (CWF). In the second crop broccoli the residual effect was evaluated, without additional fertilization. Similar canopy area was observed between treatments in the first and second broccoli crop. Greater amount of dry matter was obtained with C19, C19+EM2 and B10 in comparison with CWF. In the first broccoli crop the treatment with highest amounts of dry matter was C19+EM2. The residual effect of treatments was greater with B10 because promoted higher stem fresh matter compared to EM2 and CWF. The organic fertilization did not affect the growth of plants in the first and second broccoli crop. Exclusive fertilization of compost and bokashi, applied alone or together, promote greater fresh matter than unfertilized plants in the first broccoli crop. EM potentiates the effect of the compost, since its joint application stimulates more fresh matter and dry matter than unfertilized plants in the first crop. In soils with medium or high fertility, compost applied alone or in conjunction with bokashi or EM only has a short-term effect, as they did not promote residual effect in the second broccoli crop.

RESUMEN Compost, bokashi y microorganismos eficientes (EM) son alternativas viables para la nutrición de los cultivos agrícolas producidos de forma orgánica. Su aplicación afecta al primer cultivo y a cultivos subsecuentes. El objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de compost, bokashi y EM en el crecimiento, producción de materia fresca y materia seca en dos cultivos de brócolis consecutivos. En el primer cultivo de brócoli se aplicó: 19 t ha-1 de compost (C19), 19 t ha-1 compost + EM 2% (C19+EM2), 15 t ha-1 compost + 2 t ha-1 de bokashi (15C+B2), EM 2% (EM2), 10 t ha-1 de bokashi (B10) y testigo sin fertilización (TSF). En el segundo cultivo de brócoli se evaluó el efecto residual de los tratamientos sin realizar ninguna fertilización adicional. Similar área de dosel se observó entre tratamientos en el primer y segundo cultivo de brócolis. Con C19, C19+EM2 y B10 se obtuvo mayor cantidad de materia seca en comparación con TSF. En el primer cultivo de brócoli, el tratamiento con mayor rendimiento fue C19+EM2. El efecto residual de los tratamientos fue mayor en B10 al promover mayor producción de materia fresca del tallo en comparación con EM y TSF. La fertilización orgánica no afectó el crecimiento de las plantas en el primer y segundo cultivo. Fertilización exclusiva de compost y bokashi, aplicado solo o en conjunto promueven mayor materia fresca que plantas no fertilizadas, en el primer cultivo. EM potencia el efecto del compost, pues su aplicación conjunta estimula mayor materia fresca y materia seca que plantas no fertilizadas, en el primer cultivo. En los suelos con fertilidad media o alta, el compost aplicado solo o en conjunto con bokashi o EM sólo tiene efecto a corto plazo, pues no promovió efecto residual en el segundo cultivo de brócoli.

RESUMO Objetivo Objetivou-se avaliar a situação de (in)segurança alimentar e nutricional em famílias de agricultores fornecedores do Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar. Métodos Estudo transversal com 27 famílias de agricultores (n=91). Avaliou-se a situação de (in)segurança alimentar e nutricional das famílias por indicadores socioeconômicos, antropométricos, bioquímico, disponibilidade alimentar e percepção da insegurança alimentar pela Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar, além do tempo de fornecimento e renda anual advinda do Programa. Resultados A insegurança alimentar medida pela escala esteve presente em 25,9% (n=7) das famílias. A insegurança alimentar se associou a fatores socioeconômicos como renda per capita, presença de criança no domicílio e número de moradores. A insegurança alimentar e nutricional pela disponibilidade calórica baixa (<2500kcal/dia) ocorreu em 11,0% (n=3) das famílias. Presença de distrofias como excesso de peso, baixo peso e baixa estatura se deu em 89,0% (n=24) das famílias. Conclusão O estudo reforça a existência de variáveis associadas à situação de insegurança alimentar. Os fatores sociais e nutricionais devem sem monitorados, trabalhados e melhorados para alcançar segurança alimentar e nutricional.

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the situation of food and nutritional (in)security in families of farmers who supply the National School Feeding Program. Methods It is a cross-sectional study with 27 families of farmers (n=91). The socioeconomic, anthropometric, biochemical, food availability and perception of food insecurity indicators of the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale, as well as the time of supply and annual income originating from the program, were evaluated. Results Food insecurity, as measured by the scale, was present in 25.9% (n=7) of the families. Food insecurity was associated with socioeconomic factors such as per capita income, the presence of children at home and the number of residents. Food and nutritional insecurity caused by a low caloric availability (<2500kcal/day) occurred in 11.0% (n=3) of the families. Presence of dystrophies such as overweight, low weight and short stature individuals occurred in 89.0% (n=24) of the families. Conclusion The study reinforces the existence of variables associated with food insecurity. Social and nutritional factors should be monitored, worked on, and improved in order to achieve food and nutritional security.

ABSTRACT The practice of green manuring is fundamental in agroecological agriculture systems for improved soil quality, nutrient cycling, organic matter input, and protection against soil erosion. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the perceptions of agroecological farmers in Southeastern Minas Gerais regarding the use of green manuring, to enable identification of the criteria guiding its selection, handling, and the limitations of its use. Fifteen agroecological farmers from the area were interviewed, in order to characterize farmers, farms, and green manure usage and management characteristics within their farms. The joint action of farmers and researchers/extensionists contribute to the introduction of green manuring practices in properties. Intercropping with the main crop system is the most common practice, along with weeding and cropping at flowering onset. Labor costs and difficulty in handling some species used in green manure were the main factors identified that limited the adoption and maintenance of this practice.

RESUMEN El uso del abono verde es fundamental en sistemas agroecológicos para aumentar la materia orgánica, mejorar la estructura del suelo, una mayor disponibilidad de nutrientes y la protección contra la erosión del suelo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la percepción de productores agroecológicos del sureste de Minas Gerais sobre el uso del abono verde, para identificar los criterios que guían su selección, manejo y las limitaciones de su utilización. Se entrevistó a 15 agricultores que usan estas prácticas para caracterizarlos y describir el manejo que hacen del sistema. La acción conjunta de agricultores e investigadores/extensionistas contribuye a la introducción y manejo del abono verde en los sistemas productivos. Los cultivos intercalados con abono verde y su deshierbe al inicio de la floración son la práctica más común. El aumento del costo de mano de obra y la dificultad en el manejo de algunas especies utilizadas en el abono verde fueron los principales factores que limitaron la adopción de esta práctica.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do cobre na composição química dos grãos de café e na qualidade da bebida, bem como relacionar ambas aos teores foliares de Cu do cafeeiro (Coffea arabica). Cultivaram-se cafeeiros em sistema hidropônico com 0,2, 0,4, 0,8, 1,6 e 3,2 μmol L-1 de Cu até a produção de frutos. Avaliou-se a produção do café, e, após secagem dos grãos maduros, determinaram-se: a concentração foliar de cobre; a acidez total titulável; o índice de coloração; a condutividade elétrica; o K lixiviado; a atividade da polifenoloxidase (PPO); as concentrações de cafeína, trigonelina, ácidos orgânicos, fenóis totais, ácidos clorogênicos (3-CQA, 4-CQA e 5CQA), sacarose, glicose, arabinose, manose e galactose; e a qualidade sensorial dos grãos torrados. O Cu aumentou a produção de grãos, a atividade de PPO e as concentrações de ácidos orgânicos, 3-CQA, sacarose e arabinose. A acidez total titulável, os fenóis totais e o 4-CQA e o 5-CQA foram reduzidos com o incremento das doses de Cu. Os teores foliares relacionados aos valores máximos e mínimos dos atributos de qualidade desejáveis e indesejáveis variaram de 5,6 a 11,4 mg kg -1 de Cu, respectivamente. O cobre afeta a produção e a composição química dos grãos de café, e os atributos relacionados à qualidade são maximizados com baixas concentrações foliares do nutriente.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of copper on the chemical composition of coffee beans and on the quality of the beverage, relating both of them to the Cu leaf contents in coffee (Coffea arabica) plants. Coffee plants were grown in a hydroponic system containing 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, and 3.2 μmol L-1 Cu until fruit setting. Coffee bean production was evaluated, and, after the cherries were dried, the following characteristics were determined: leaf Cu content; total titratable acidity; color index; electrical conductivity; leached K; polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity; concentrations of caffeine, trigonelline, organic acids, total phenols, chlorogenic acids (3-CQA, 4-CQA, and 5-CQA), sucrose, glucose, arabinose, mannose, and galactose; and sensory quality of roasted beans. Cu increased bean yield, PPO activity, and the concentrations of organic acids, 3-CQA, sucrose, and arabinose. Total titratable acidity, total phenols, 4-CQA, and 5-CQA were reduced with increasing Cu doses. Leaf contents related to the maximum and minimum values of desirable and undesirable quality attributes ranged from 5.6 to 11.4 mg kg-1 Cu, respectively. Copper affects the production and chemical composition of coffee beans, and the attributes related to quality are maximized in plants with low leaf contents of the nutrient.

RESUMO Apesar de utilizada como adubo verde, uma das dificuldades do cultivo da Crotalaria juncea é a baixa disponibilidade de sementes de qualidade no mercado. A colheita no momento certo contribui para a obtenção de sementes de melhor qualidade. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar a armazenabilidade e caracterizar as alterações físicas e fisiológicas das sementes colhidas em diferentes épocas. O delineamento estatístico utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro épocas de colheita e dois tempos de armazenamento (0 e 8 meses). As colheitas foram realizadas quando as plantas atingiram 40, 60, 80 e 100% de vagens secas. As seguintes características foram avaliadas: tempo para secagem, grau de umidade, acúmulo de matéria seca, pureza física, rendimento, teste de uniformidade, coloração do tegumento, germinação, primeira contagem do teste de germinação, porcentagem de sementes duras (impermeáveis à água), índice de velocidade e porcentagem de emergência de plântulas. Os dados referentes aos estádios de maturação foram submetidos à análise de regressão. O efeito do armazenamento, dentro de cada época, foi estudado pela análise de variância conjunta dos resultados e pelo teste de Tukey (p≤0,05). A determinação do ponto de colheita baseada na porcentagem de vagens secas é eficiente. A maturidade fisiológica das sementes é atingida quando as plantas apresentam aproximadamente 86,1% de vagens secas, devendo a colheita de sementes de Crotalaria juncea ser realizada no ponto em que as plantas apresentarem entre 80 e 100% de vagens secas. O armazenamento, por oito meses, reduz a dormência em até 75,4%.

ABSTRACT Although used as green manure, one of the challenges the cultivation of Crotalaria juncea is the low availability of quality seeds in the market. The harvest at the right time contributes to the achievement of better quality seeds. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the storability and characterize the physical and physiological changes of the seeds harvested at different times. The statistical design was completely randomized with three replications. Treatments consisted of four harvest seasons and two storage periods (0 to 8 months). The samples were collected when the plants reached 40, 60, 80 and 100% of dried pods. The following characteristics were evaluated: time for drying, moisture content, dry matter accumulation, physical purity, yield, uniformity testing, seed coat coloring, germination, germination first count test, percentage of hard seeds, speed index and percentage of seedling emergence. Data from ripening stages were submitted to regression analysis. The effect of storage within each time it was analyzed by the joint analysis of variance of the results and the Tukey test (p≤0.05). The determination of the sampling point based on the percentage of dried beans is efficiently. The physiological maturity of the seeds is achieved when the plants have about 86.1% of dry beans, with the Crotalaria juncea seeds harvesting is performed at the point where the plants have between 80 and 100% of dried pods. The storage for eight months reduces dormancy up to 75.4%.

RESUMO A consorciação com leguminosas é uma prática que permite proteger a cultura e no longo prazo promover melhoria das condições físicas e químicas do solo. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o consórcio taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) com crotalaria (Crotalaria juncea L.) com o corte da crotalaria em 10 épocas durante o ciclo. O experimento foi conduzido a campo entre 23/09/2010 a 04/06/2011. Consistiu de 11 tratamentos referentes a 10 épocas de corte da crotalaria (55, 70, 85, 100, 115, 130, 145, 160, 190 e 220 dias após a semeadura - DAS), mais o taro solteiro (controle). Durante o ciclo, foi avaliada a altura de planta e incidência da queima de folhas do taro. No momento do corte da crotalaria foram calculados a altura de planta, massas de matéria fresca e seca e teor de nutrientes da biomassa. Durante a colheita do taro, foi avaliada a produtividade de rizomas mãe e das classes de rizomas filhos. As plantas de taro sombreadas pela crotalaria apresentaram menor incidência de queima das folhas. O corte da crotalaria a partir dos 145 DAS afetou a produtividade de rizomas comerciais e total e índices agroeconômicos. O corte da crotalaria até 130 DAS proporcionou melhor desempenho do taro, sem comprometer a produtividade e indicadores econômicos, com as maiores quantidades de N e K observadas na biomassa cortada aos 115 DAS.

ABSTRACT Intercropping using legumes is one of the ways to protect the main crop, and in long term improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil. The aim of this work was to evaluate the intercropping of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott (taro) and the tropical legume Crotalaria juncea L. (sunn hemp), cutting sunn hemp at ten periods during the cycle. The experiment was carried out under field conditions between 09/23/2010 and 06/04/2011. It consisted of 11 treatments related to the 10 cutting times of sunn hemp (55, 70, 85,100, 115, 130, 145, 160, 190, and 220 days after sowing - DAS) plus a control of taro with no sunn hemp. During the cycle, taro was evaluated for plant height and incidence of leaf burn. At the time of cutting the sunn hemp, the plant height, fresh and dry matter masses, and nutrient content of the biomass were calculated. During taro harvest, we evaluated the productivity of the mother rhizomes and classified the cormels. Taro plants shaded by sunn hemp showed a lower incidence of leaf burn. The sunn hemp cut from 145 DAS onwards affected the yield of comercial rhizomes and total and agroeconomic indexes. Sunn hemp cut up to 130 DAS provided better performance of taro, without compromising productivity and economic indicators, with the highest amounts of N and K observed in the biomass cut at 115 DAS.

Resumo O objetivo do artigo é avaliar e comparar a situação de segurança alimentar domiciliar por três diferentes métodos, em área rural de uma cidade brasileira: disponibilidade de energia alimentar em casa; estado nutricional; e percepção de insegurança alimentar. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado com 79 famílias residentes em 19 comunidades rurais de um município de Minas Gerais, totalizando 272 moradores. Durante as visitas familiares, o estado nutricional foi analisado por antropometria, a percepção de insegurança alimentar pela Escala de Insegurança Alimentar (Ebia) e a disponibilidade de energia alimentar no domicílio por 30 dias. Os resultados mostraram que, das 79 famílias de agricultores familiares, 12,7% foram consideradas inseguras para a disponibilidade de energia alimentar, 24,0% devido à presença de baixo peso em casa e 49,5% por Ebia. Houve baixa correlação entre os métodos, com diferenças entre eles (Kendall W 0,162 p <0,001). A insegurança alimentar esteve associada à presença de pelo menos um indivíduo com idade inferior a 18 anos no domicílio. A segurança alimentar classificada de acordo com a Ebia foi associada a um aumento no número de pessoas que vivem no domicílio, na produção de vegetais e frutas. Concluiu-se que nenhum indicador isolado pode cobrir várias dimensões da segurança alimentar, a qual envolve uma abordagem ampla e multifacetada; portanto, sua avaliação completa requer diferentes métodos de classificação.

Abstract Aim:To evaluate and compare household food security situations in the rural area of a Brazilian city by three different methods: Availability of food energy at home, nutritional status and Perception of food insecurity. Methods: Cross-sectional study of 79 families living in 19 rural communities in a small city in Minas Gerais, Brazil, including a total of 272 residents. Families were selected by drawing lots, respecting the proportionality of families per community. The inclusion criteria included living in rural areas, inhabiting a selected household, and using food products available for consumption, by purchase and production. During family visits, nutritional status was analyzed by anthropometry, the perception of food insecurity by Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA) and availability of food energy at household for 30 days. Results: Of the 79 families of family farmers, 12.7% were considered to be unsafe for availability of food energy at household, 24.0% due to the presence of low weight at the household and 49.5% by EBIA. There was a low correlation among the methods, with differences between them (Kendall W 0.162 p <0.001). Food insecurity was associated to the presence of at least one individual aged less than 18 years old in the household. Food security classified according to EBIA was associated with an increase in the number of people living in the household, the production of vegetables and fruits. Conclusions: No single indicator can cover several dimensions of food security. Food Security involves a broad and multifaceted approach; therefore, its thorough evaluation requires different classification methods.

Resumen Objetivo: evaluar y comparar la situación de seguridad alimentaria domiciliaria en el área rural de una ciudad brasileña mediante tres métodos diferentes: disponibilidad de energía alimentaria en el domicilio, estado nutricional y percepción de inseguridad alimentaria. Métodos: estudio transversal realizado con 79 familias residentes en 19 comunidades rurales de un municipio de Minas Gerais, que abarca un total de 272 habitantes. Las familias fueron seleccionadas por sorteo y se respetó la proporcionalidad por comunidad. Los criterios de inclusión fueron residir en áreas rurales, vivir en un domicilio seleccionado y usar alimentos disponibles para el consumo. Durante las visitas familiares, el estado nutricional fue analizado por antropometría, la inseguridad alimentaria percibida por la escala de inseguridad alimentaria (EBIA) y la disponibilidad de energía alimentaria en casa por treinta días. Resultados: de las 79 familias de agricultores familiares, el 12,7% se consideró con inseguridad de disponibilidad de energía alimentaria, del cual el 24% tenía presencia de bajo peso en el domicilio y el 49,5% en EBIA. Hubo una baja correlación entre los métodos, con diferencias entre ellos (Kendall W 0,162 p <0,001). La inseguridad alimentaria estuvo asociada a la presencia de por lo menos un individuo con menos de 18 años en casa. La seguridad alimentaria clasificada de acuerdo con EBIA estaba asociada a un aumento en el número de personas que vivían en casa, en la producción de hortalizas y frutas. Conclusiones: ningún indicador aislado puede cubrir varias dimensiones de la seguridad alimentaria. La seguridad alimentaria implica un enfoque amplio y multifacético, por lo que su evaluación completa requiere diferentes métodos de clasificación.