ABSTRACT Moringa oleifera (Lam.) is an oilseed rich in unsaturated fatty acids. The seed reserve composition can change according to environmental conditions of precipitation and temperature. Thus, this work aimed to characterize the M. oleifera seed and its vegetable oil from plants cultivated in different states of Northeast Brazil. Seeds and soil samples were collected in Bahia (BA), Ceará (CE), Paraíba (PB), and Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Regarding climate variables, RN and BA had the lowest (395 mm) and highest (880 mm) precipitation during the collection year, respectively. The size and mass of the seeds and almonds, and the characterization of the flour and the oil of the ‘moringa’ seeds were measured. The largest seeds and almonds were collected in BA and the smallest in RN. The highest protein and moisture contents were obtained in the seeds from CE. The seeds from RN had the highest oil content, unsaturated fatty acids, ashes, acidity, and saponification levels. Thus, RN presents the smallest seeds of M. oleifera with higher content of mineral salts (ashes), oil, and monounsaturated fatty acids.

RESUMO Moringa oleifera (Lam.) é uma oleaginosa rica em ácidos graxos insaturados. A composição de reserva da semente pode mudar de acordo com as condições ambientais de precipitação e temperatura. Assim, objetivou-se com este trabalho caracterizar sementes e o óleo vegetal de M. oleifera cultivado em diferentes estados do Nordeste do Brasil. As sementes e amostras de solo foram coletadas na Bahia (BA), Ceará (CE), Paraíba (PB) e Rio Grande do Norte (RN). Em relação às variáveis climáticas, RN e BA apresentaram a menor (395 mm) e a maior (880 mm) precipitação durante o ano de coleta. As sementes e amêndoas foram medidas e realizada a caracterização da farinha e do óleo de moringa. As maiores sementes e amêndoas foram coletadas na BA e as menores no RN. O maior teor de proteínas e umidade foram obtidos nas sementes do CE. As sementes do RN apresentaram o maior teor de óleo, níveis de acidez e saponificação e a maior quantidade de ácidos graxos insaturados. Assim, o RN possui as menores sementes de M. oleifera com maior teor de sais minerais, óleo e ácidos graxos monoinsaturados.

ABSTRACT Public squares are important spaces in the cities and stand out for providing improvements in the quality of urban life. Thus, this study aimed to carry out the floristic survey of public squares in the city of Areia, Paraíba state, Brazil, and analyze the similarity between their flora. The species classification was performed by consulting experts and through comparative morphology. The floristic similarity was calculated using the Jaccard index. Twenty-nine species distributed in 26 genera and 20 families were recorded. Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze had the highest relative frequency (8.52%). Sixty-three percent of the species are exotic and 28% contain toxic substances. There was a significant similarity (1) only between Tenente Juvenal Espíndola and Simeão Patrício squares. The data evidence the need for better planning of floristic composition of the squares in the city of Areia, as well as for a tree planting manual.

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the decomposition dynamics of aboveground phytomass and its release of nutrients in mixtures of cover crops as well as the impact on the soil tillage system is fundamental for the sustainable management of agroecosystems. This work aimed to evaluate whether soil tillage and the choice of cover crops cultivated in the interrows can be technological strategies to increase dry biomass production, increase the capacity to add carbon, and improve macronutrient cycling in a mango ( Mangifera indica L.) orchard in a semi-arid environment. The field experiment (sixth year) consisted of two soil tillage systems (NT-no tillage and CT-conventional tillage) combined with three plant mixtures (PM1-75 % leguminous + 25 % grasses and oilseed species, PM2-25 % leguminous + 75 % grasses and oilseed species, and SV - spontaneous vegetation). Phytomass production and nutrient accumulation were not affected by the soil tillage system, but PM1 had the highest phytomass production and accumulations of C, N, and K, and it was significantly superior to SV. Regardless of the type of plant mixture, cultivated or spontaneous, soil tillage increased the rates of phytomass decomposition and nutrient release evaluated for 315 days after the cover plant management. The PM1 had the highest rates of decomposition and release of P and K, followed by PM2 and SV. There was no difference between the mixtures for the release of N, Ca, and Mg. The use of a mixture of cover crops, regardless of the predominance of leguminous or non-leguminous species, and a no-tillage system were technological strategies that could be adopted to favor the addition of soil carbon and nutrient cycling in fruit agroecosystems in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Spontaneous vegetation, due to its capacity to accumulate nutrients and the recalcitrant characteristics of its phytomass, has the potential to cycle nutrients and keep the soil covered. In addition, spontaneous vegetation should be better investigated because it is a low-cost strategy in agroecosystem designs.

ABSTRACT The litter in tropical ecosystems is one of the compartments responsible for the transference of nutrients to the soil, having great importance for the conservation and maintenance of biodiversity. Thus, this study aimed to quantify the contribution and stock of litter and the leaf decomposition rate of Gardneriana byrsonima A. Juss (murici) in two areas of Caatinga, semiarid region of Alagoas State. Litter production was measured monthly from March of 2012 to February of 2013. The litter decomposition rate and the remaining leaf mass of the murici were also calculated and analyzed for its material chemically. The leaf decomposition was measured in litter bags and the material was chemically analyzed. In the area of Olho D'Água Casado, the litter produced was over Delmiro Gouveia. The leaf fraction contributed to the higher percentage in the litter training in both areas. The leaf material showed slow decomposition to high levels of lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and high C:N ratio.

Resumen: La disponibilidad de nutrientes orgánicos y minerales en suelos cultivados con hortalizas es esencial para una producciónsatisfactoria y económicamente viable, incluyendo la de sandía (Citrullus lanatus). El objetivo de este ensayo fue evaluar lainfluencia del agregado de estiércol al suelo con y sin potasio en la producción de sandía (cv. Crimson Sweet) en Paraíba,Brasil. Los tratamientos se dispusieron en un diseño de bloques al azar, con cuatro repeticiones, con un arreglo factorial 2 x5 + 1, en relación con la ausencia y presencia de potasio, cinco dosis de estiércol de ganado (0; 360; 1080; 1800 y 2510 g porhoyo de plantación) en el suelo con fertilización nitrogenada, y un testigo (sin estiércol y sin agregado de fertilizantesminerales). Se evaluó el número de frutos por planta, el peso promedio de frutos por planta y el rendimiento. Las plantasrespondieron positivamente a la aplicación de estiércol al suelo, pero los resultados fueron más altos en los tratamientos encombinación con fertilización con potasio. En los tratamientos con suministro de potasio en el suelo los niveles de materiaorgánica con mayor productividad fueron de alrededor de 1124 g por hoyo de plantación. El suministro de la mitad de la dosispreviamente recomendada de potasio fue suficiente para elevar la productividad de sandía en la región.

Summary: Organic-mineral nutrient availability in soils cultivated with vegetables is essential for a satisfactory and economically viableproduction, including the watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of the additionof livestock manure to the soil with and without potassium on watermelon (cv. Crimson Sweet) production in Paraiba, Brazil.The treatments were arranged in a design of randomized blocks, with four replications, with a factorial arrangement 2 × 5 + 1,in relation to the absence and presence of potassium, five levels of livestock manure (0, 360; 1.080; 1800 and 2510 g hole-1) inthe soil with nitrogen fertilization, and a control treatment (without cattle manure or mineral fertilizers). The number of fruits perplant, the average weight of the fruits per plant, and the yield were evaluated. The plants responded positively to the applicationof livestock manure to the soil, but the results were higher in combination with potassium fertilization. Productivity increased intreatments in which potassium was supplied to the soil in addition to a maximum of 1124 g hole-1 of cattle manure. Half of thepreviously recommended level of potassium supply was enough to raise the productivity of watermelon in the region.

RESUMO Na cultura do gergelim, o rendimento médio de grãos situa-se em torno de 650 kg ha-1, sendo, porém, de 1.500 kg ha-1 o seu potencial produtivo, com adequado programa de adubação e com disponibilidade de água. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi verificar a resposta de dois cultivares de gergelim às adubações orgânica e mineral e seus efeitos na produtividade, no crescimento final da biomassa e em alguns componentes de produção. Foi realizado um experimento, a campo, com os cultivares BRS Seda e CNPA G4, adubados com cinco fontes orgânicas, mais duas testemunhas relativas, adubadas com sulfato de amônio, em quatro repetições, totalizando 48 parcelas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com 12 tratamentos, em esquema fatorial (5 x 2) + 2. Submeteram-se os resultados à análise de variância, ao teste de Tukey e às análises de componentes principais e de agrupamento. Nas adubações com as fontes orgânicas, considerou-se a equivalência de 80 kg de N/ha. Avaliaram-se altura de planta, cápsulas por planta, diâmetro do caule, biomassa seca, sementes por cápsula, produção de sementes por planta, produtividade, entre outras. A produtividade foi afetada pelas fontes de adubação, enquanto os cultivares diferiram quanto a massa de mil sementes. Em relação às variáveis produtividade e biomassa seca, não houve diferença estatística entre os cultivares. Os cultivares de gergelim responderam de forma semelhante à adubação orgânica, em grande parte das variáveis verificadas.

ABSTRACT In sesame crop, the average grain yield is around 650 kg ha-1, but its production potential is 1500 kg ha-1 with an appropriate fertilization program and water availability. The objective of this research was to verify the response of two sesame cultivars to organic and mineral fertilizers and their effects on productivity, final growth of biomass and some yield components of sesame. A field experiment was conducted with the BRS Seda and CNPA G4 cultivars, fertilized with five organic sources, plus two relative controls, fertilized with ammonium sulfate, in four replications, totaling 48 plots. The experimental design was a randomized block, with 12 treatments in a factorial scheme (5 x 2) + 2. The results were submitted to analysis of variance, Tukey test, and analysis of principal components and clustering. In fertilizations with organic sources, the equivalence of 80Kg of N/ha was considered. The following characteristics were evaluated: plant height, capsules per plant, stem diameter, dry biomass, seeds per capsule, seed yield per plant, productivity, among others. The nutrient sources were statistically significant for productivity, while the cultivars present significant effects for mass of a thousand seeds. In relation to productivity variables and dry biomass, there was no statistical difference among cultivars. Sesame cultivars responded similarly to organic fertilization in large part from verified variables.

Resumo: A linguagem simples e envolvente dos versos de cordéis pode propiciar maior interação entre saber acadêmico e saber popular. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo apresenta resultados de uma experiência de produção de literatura de cordel por alunos dos cursos de Medicina Veterinária e Engenharia Florestal localizados na região do semiárido da Paraíba, com o objetivo de discutir os problemas e danos que o fogo indiscriminado pode causar, mostrando algumas técnicas fundamentais e recomendações básicas para a realização da queima controlada. A maneira direta de mostrar os benefícios e malefícios das queimadas para o ambiente em forma de cordel é, potencialmente, um importante veículo para os estudantes e o próprio homem do campo assimilarem os conhecimentos e construírem o saber. Concluiu-se que a literatura de cordel, tal como a produzida na experiência relatada, pode se constituir em um interessante material didático na área de educação ambiental, a ser utilizado em escolas de ciências agrárias e, de modo mais amplo, junto a populações rurais, com o intuito de contribuir para a melhoria da aprendizagem, de forma dinâmica e criativa.

Abstract: The simple and engaging language of cordel verses may provide greater interaction between academic knowledge and popular knowledge. In this regard, this study presents the results of an experience of cordel literature produced by students of the courses of Forest Engineering and Veterinary Medicine, located in the semiarid region of Paraíba. In order to discuss the problems and damage that indiscriminate fire can cause, some fundamental techniques and basic recommendations on how to conduct a controlled burn are presented. The direct way of showing the benefits and harms of the burns to the environment in cordel literature can be an important vehicle for students and for the countrymen themselves in the assimilation and building of knowledge. We conclude that cordel literature, such as the one produced in the reported experience, can be an interesting teaching material in the field of environmental education, besides, it can be used in Agricultural Sciences schools and, more broadly, with rural populations, by contributing to the improvement of learning in a dynamic and creative way.

A baixa disponibilidade de boro (B) no solo é um dos fatores que mais limita a produção do girassol, planta oleaginosa caracterizada por ampla adaptabilidade climática. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar a influência de doses de boro, aplicadas em distintas classes de solos, no desenvolvimento do girassol cultivar Hélio 863. As amostras foram coletadas na camada de 0-20 cm dos solos: Argissolo Acinzentado (PAC); Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (PVA); Neossolo Litólico (RL); Argissolo Vermelho eutrófico (PVe); Neossolo Flúvico (RY) e Vertissolo Háplico (VX). O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 6 x 4 (solos x doses), com quatro repetições. A unidade experimental foi representada por uma planta por vaso. Os solos apresentaram efeito significativo (p < 0,01) sobre todos os parâmetros de crescimento estudados. As plantas de girassol cultivadas nos solos RY, VX, PAC e RL apresentaram a maior área foliar, os maiores capítulos, o maior teor de boro foliar e maior número de folhas e altura de plantas, respectivamente. A adubação com boro não influenciou a produção de fitomassa seca do girassol cv. Hélio 863.

The low availability of boron (B) in the soil is one of the limiting factors for the production of sunflower, which is an oleaginous plant characterized by broad climatic adaptability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of boron rates applied in different soil classes on the development of sunflower cultivar Helium 863. The samples were collected in the layer 0-20 cm of the soil classes Gray Argisol - GL, Red Yellow Argisol -RYA, Litholic Neosol -LN, Eutrophic Red Argisol - ERA, Fluvic Neosol -FN and Haplic Vertisol - HV. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block 4 x 6 factorial (soils x doses) design, with four replications. The experimental unit was represented by one plant per pot. The soils showed significant effect (p <0.01) for all growth parameters studied. The sunflower plants grown in the soils FN, HV, GL and LN showed the highest leaf area, the largest inflorescence diameter, the highest levels of foliar boron, largest number of leaves and highest plant height, respectively. Fertilization with boron did not influence the production of dry matter of sunflower cv. Helium 863.

Objetivando avaliar a decomposição da serapilheira e a atividade microbiana em área de Caatinga preservada, conduziu-se um experimento na Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural Fazenda Tamanduá, em Santa Terezinha, Estado da Paraíba. A taxa de decomposição foi determinada com o uso de sacolas de náilon, contendo 30 g de serapilheira, que foram dispostas na superfície do solo em setembro de 2003, sendo retiradas 20 sacolas mensalmente até setembro de 2005. O material coletado foi seco em estufa e pesado para avaliar a perda de peso em relação ao peso inicial. A atividade microbiana foi estimada mensalmente pela quantificação do dióxido de carbono (CO2) liberado no processo de respiração edáfica, a partir da superfície do solo, e capturado por solução de KOH. A perda de peso da serapilheira, após um ano, foi de 41,19% e, após dois anos, foi de 48,37%, evidenciando uma decomposição mais acelerada no primeiro ano. A análise dos dados mostrou a influência da estação do ano na decomposição de serapilheira e da temperatura na atividade microbiana.

In order to evaluate the decomposition of litter and microbial activity in an area of preserved Caatinga, an experiment was conducted in the Natural Heritage Private Reserve Tamanduá Farm in Santa Terezinha county, State of Paraiba. The decomposition rate was determined by using litter bags containing 30 g of litter, which were arranged on the soil surface in September 2003 and 20 bags were taken each month until September 2005. The collected material was oven dried and weighed to assess weight loss compared to initial weight. Microbial activity was estimated monthly by the quantification of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the edaphic breathing process from the soil surface, and captured by KOH solution. Weight loss of litter after one year was 41.19% and, after two years, was 48.37%, indicating a faster decomposition in the first year. Data analysis showed the influence of season on litter decomposition and temperature on microbial activity.

A atividade biológica do solo é responsável por inúmeras transformações físicas e químicas dos resíduos orgânicos que são depositados, mantendo, assim, a sustentabilidade do ambiente. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a distribuição da comunidade microbiana e da mesofauna edáfica no semi-árido da Paraíba. Para determinação da população de microrganismos, foram coletadas amostras de solo na profundidade de 0-15 cm. A contagem total de fungos e de bactérias foi realizada em meios de cultura específicos. A extração da mesofauna foi feita pelo método de Berlese-Tullgren modificado. Oscilações no conteúdo de água do solo e na temperatura promoveram variações na população microbiana. A população de fungos foi superior à de bactérias nos dois anos de observação, provavelmente devido ao pH do solo da área de estudo, que é ligeiramente ácido. O índice de diversidade de Shannon (H) e o de Pielou (e) variaram de acordo com a época de coleta. Os grupos mais freqüentes da mesofauna do solo foram Diptera (42,5 %), Acarinae (40,3 %) e Collembola (8,8 %), indicando que esses organismos possuem papel importante na ciclagem de nutrientes em área de Caatinga.

The biological soil activity is responsible for several physical and chemical transformations of deposited organic residues, therefore maintaining the environmental sustainability. The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of the soil microbial community and mesofauna in a dry forest (Caatinga) in the semi-arid region of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. To determine the microorganism population soil samples from the 0-15 cm soil layer were evaluated. Total counts of fungi and bacteria were evaluated in specific culture media. The Berleusse-Tüllgren modified method was used to extract the soil mesofauna. Oscillations in the soil water content and high temperatures promoted variations in the microbial population. The fungi population was larger than that of bacteria in both years of the study period, probably due to the slightly acidic soil pH. Shannon's index (H) and Pielou's index (e) also varied according to the season of the year. The most important mesofauna groups are Díptera (42.5 %), Acarinae (40.3 %) and Collembola (8.8 %). These groups play an important role in nutrient cycling in dry forest sites.

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a velocidade de decomposição de estercos dispostos em diferentes profundidades. Utilizaram-se estercos asinino, bovino, caprino e ovino, que foram secos em estufa a ± 65 ºC, acondicionando-se 20 g de cada um em sacolas de náilon, sendo dispostos superficialmente e enterrados a 10,0 cm de profundidade. Mensalmente, coletou-se uma sacola/parcela, sendo o material limpo, seco em estufa e pesado para determinar a percentagem de perda em relação ao peso inicial, avaliando-se, assim, a decomposição. A decomposição foi lenta nos trinta dias iniciais, ficando nas sacolas de náilon mais ou menos 95 % do peso inicial dos estercos. Evidencia-se que a taxa de decomposição dos estercos foi fortemente influenciada pela pluviosidade ocorrida no período experimental. O esterco asinino foi mais resistente à decomposição, sendo a velocidade de decomposição mais acentuada nos estercos dispostos em 10,0 cm de profundidade.

This study aimed to evaluate the speed of manure decomposition at different depths. Donkey, cow, goat, and sheep manure was used after stove drying at ± 65 °C. 20 g of each manure was wrapped in nylon bags and applied superficially or buried at 10.0 cm depth. Monthly, a nylon bag/plot was collected. The material was cleaned to evaluate decomposition, oven-dried and weighed to determine the loss percentage in relation to the initial weight. Decomposition was slow in the first thirty days when ± 95 % of the manures remained in the nylon bags. The manure decomposition rate was strongly influenced by rain in the experimental period. It was observed that donkey manure was more resistant to decomposition and the decomposition speed was higher in the manures applied 10.0 cm deep.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar o ambiente de Teixeira, PB, analisando-se os impactos ambientais observados na cidade. A metodologia constou de visitas a todas as ruas, momento em que foram registrados os problemas ambientais. Em seguida, definiram-se os percentuais de cada parâmetro averiguado e priorizados pela metodologia de "Pareto". As análises dos dados indicaram, em ordem decrescente de ocorrências, os problemas ambientais, que foram: terrenos baldios; esgotos a céu aberto; entulho; lixo doméstico em terrenos baldios, lixos diversos (exceto os domésticos); lixo doméstico na rua; ruas e calçadas servindo de depósito para material de construção; e edificações deterioradas.

The objective of this study was to characterize the environmental impacts observed in Teixeira, PB. All urban streets, paths and alleys of this small town in MidSouth Paraíba were visited and the environmental problems were recorded. The percentage of each parameter studied was estimated by the Pareto's methodology. Data analyses revealed, in decreasing order of incidence, the following environmental problems: waste grounds, open air sewers, construction waste, domestic and other discarded materials thrown away in waste grounds, domestic waste on the street, construction waste left on streets and sidewalks, and deteriorated buildings.