Abstract Textile sludge is a waste from the effluent treatment of textile laundries and its incorporation into alternative materials has been proposed as a possibility for its disposal. A systematic search was carried out in literature from this perspective, aiming to observe concentrations of waste material and its preparation, matrices used, technological performance and immobilization of textile waste. The matrices used were mortars, concretes and ceramic bricks, in general, deleterious effects were observed on mechanical characteristics of the materials produced. In concrete and mortars, the fineness had an impact on increase in water demand, which increased mixtures porosity; and organic matter and heavy metals, in cement hydration. Recent studies therefore proposed waste material pre-treatment as a favorable alternative. Increases in porosity also occurred in ceramic bricks, however, due to high organic matter content. Regarding waste immobilization, cementitious materials showed satisfactory performance; ceramic bricks, on the other hand, obtained some results outside the normative limits. Therefore, it is necessary to expand discussions regarding the pre-treatment carried out on textile sludge, as well as its impacts on mechanical and environmental performance.

Resumo Olodo têxtil é um resíduo do tratamento do efluente das lavanderias têxteis e sua incorporação em materiais alternativos tem sido proposta como possibilidade para sua destinação. Foi realizada uma busca sistemática na literatura nesta perspectiva, visando observar as concentrações de material residual e seu preparo, as matrizes utilizadas, o desempenho tecnológico e imobilização do resíduo têxtil. As matrizes empregadas foram argamassas, concretos e tijolos cerâmicos, sendo observados, de maneira geral, efeitos deletérios nas características mecânicas dos materiais produzidos. Em concretos e argamassas, a finura impactou no aumento da demanda de água, o que elevou a porosidade das misturas; e a matéria orgânica e metais pesados, na hidratação do cimento. Estudos recentes propuseram, então, o pré-tratamento do material residual como uma alternativa favorável. Incrementos na porosidade também ocorreram nos tijolos cerâmicos, porém, devido ao elevado teor de matéria orgânica. Quanto a imobilização do resíduo, os materiais cimentícios apresentaram desempenho satisfatório; já os tijolos cerâmicos, obtiveram alguns resultados fora dos limites normativos. Portanto, é necessário ampliar as discussões quanto ao pré-tratamento realizado no lodo têxtil, bem como seus impactos no desempenho mecânico e ambiental.

Abstract Faced with the challenges posed by the need for fertilizers to maintain agricultural production, a biological process of atmospheric nitrogen fixation occurs naturally, which is carried out by a group of symbiotic bacteria that form a very close association with plants of the legume group, among which is the sweet clover (Melilotus spp.). From an ecological point of view, this plant has an essential function due to its good ability to associate with native nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Sinorhizobium. A fundamental aspect is that this plant species can grow normally in alkaline soils, which doubles its importance since, on the one hand, it fixes nitrogen, and on the other hand, it can be incorporated as green manure. With this, the physicochemical properties of the soil are improved, and the levels of organic matter, which is in extremely poor condition in arid zone areas, are increased. Additionally, this species can withstand low temperatures and grow satisfactorily in winter. This paper presents a synthesis of the genus Melilotus and its symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti and its importance as a potential natural soil improver.

Resumen Ante los retos por la necesidad de fertilizantes para mantener la producción agrícola, ocurre naturalmente un proceso biológico de fijación de nitrógeno atmosférico por parte de un grupo de bacterias simbióticas que forman una asociación muy estrecha con plantas del grupo de las leguminosas, entre las que se encuentran las alfalfillas o tréboles silvestres (Melilotus spp.). Desde el punto de vista ecológico esta planta tiene una función muy importante por la buena capacidad de asociarse a bacterias nativas del suelo fijadoras de nitrógeno del género Sinorhizobium. Un aspecto fundamental es que esta especie vegetal puede crecer normalmente en suelos alcalinos, lo que le convierte aún más como doble importante, ya que, por un lado, fija nitrógeno y por el otro puede incorporarse como abono verde. Con ello, se mejoran las propiedades físico-químicas del suelo y, se incrementan los niveles de materia orgánica, condición que es muy pobre en las áreas de zonas áridas. Adicionalmente, esta especie puede resistir bajas temperaturas y crecer satisfactoriamente en invierno. Este documento presenta una síntesis del género Melilotus y su simbionte Sinorhizobium meliloti, así como su importancia como posible mejorador natural del suelo.

Abstract The aim of the present study was to assess the agronomic performance and chemical composition of soil cultivated with palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) subjected to growing doses of liquid blood waste. The experiment followed the completely randomized blocks design with six treatments and four repetitions. The following doses of processed liquid blood waste were applied to test palisade grass’ yield: 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 m3 ha-1. In addition, it was used in conjunction with chemical fertilization at a rate of 50 kg ha-1 of P2O5 and 100 kg ha-1 of N (this treatment was not managed with liquid blood residue). Palisade grass forage yield was influenced by the fertilization strategy (P<0.001) - the highest values observed for this variable were recorded under blood waste doses of 450 m3 ha-1 and 600 m3 ha-1. The 0.0 - 0.20 m soil layer affect the organic matter fraction. On the other hand, phosphorus (P) content presented differences between fertilization strategies; thus, it was possible observing that the waste dose of 450 m3 ha-1 accounted for the highest availability of nutrients. The application of blood liquid waste as alternative source of organic fertilizers can be feasible, because it promotes significant increase in forage mass.

Resumen El objetivo fue evaluar el comportamiento agronómico y la composición química de suelos cultivados con pasto insurgente (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu) sometido a dosis crecientes de residuos sanguíneos líquidos. El experimento siguió el diseño de bloques completamente al azar con seis tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones. Las siguientes dosis de residuos sanguíneos líquidos procesados se aplicaron para analizar el rendimiento del pasto insurgente: 0, 150, 300, 450 y 600 m3 ha-1. Además, se utilizó en conjunto con la fertilización química a razón de 50 kg ha-1 de P2O5 y 100 kg ha-1 de N (este tratamiento no se manejó con residuos sanguíneos líquidos). El rendimiento de forraje de pasto insurgente estuvo influenciado por la estrategia de fertilización (P<0.001) - los valores más altos observados para esta variable se registraron bajo dosis de residuos sanguíneos de 450 m3 ha-1 y 600 m3 ha-1. La capa de suelo de 0.0 a 0.20 m afecta a la fracción de materia orgánica. Por otro lado, el contenido de fósforo (P) presentó diferencias entre las estrategias de fertilización; así, fue posible observar que la dosis de residuos de 450 m3 ha-1 resultó en la mayor disponibilidad de nutrientes. La aplicación de residuos sanguíneos líquidos como fuente alternativa de fertilizantes orgánicos puede ser factible, ya que promueve un aumento significativo de la masa forrajera.

Sommario Questo articolo si concentra sul ruolo della moda come sistema transculturale in grado di esprimere tensioni, ibridazioni, traduzioni, tra i linguaggi del corpo, nel contesto della condizione di iperconnessione propria dell’epoca contemporanea. Il concetto di fashionscapes, coniato sul modello dei flussi culturali globali articolati in -scapes di Appadurai, esprime un’idea di moda che oggi dà vita a paesaggi, prospettive, territori, reali e immaginari, fatti di materia fisica e materia segnica, di corpi organici e dati digitali. Il saggio analizzerà le trasformazioni introdotte nel mondo della moda dalla pandemia di Coronavirus, con particolare riferimento al ruolo dei media digitali.

Resumen Este artículo se centra en el papel de la moda como un sistema transcultural capaz de expresar tensiones, hibridaciones, traducciones, entre los lenguajes del cuerpo, en el contexto de la condición hiperconectada de la era contemporánea. El concepto de fashionscapes, acuñado sobre el modelo de flujos culturales globales articulados en Appadurai -scapes, expresa una idea de moda que hoy da vida a paisajes, perspectivas, territorios, reales e imaginarios, hechos de materia física y materia de signos, de cuerpos orgánicos y datos digitales. El ensayo analizará las transformaciones introducidas en el mundo de la moda por la pandemia del Coronavirus, con especial referencia al papel de los medios digitales.

Abstract This article focuses on the role of fashion as a cross-cultural system capable of expressing tensions, hybridizations, translations, between the languages of the body, in the context of the hyper-connected condition of the contemporary era. The concept of fashionscapes, coined on the model of global cultural flows articulated in Appadurai -scapes, expresses an idea of fashion that today gives life to landscapes, perspectives, territories, real and imaginary, made of physical matter and sign matter, of organic bodies and digital data. The essay will analyze the transformations introduced in the fashion world by the Coronavirus pandemic, with particular reference to the role of digital media.

Resumo Neste artigo enfoca o papel da moda como sistema transcultural capaz de expressar tensões, híbridos, traduções, entre as linguagens do corpo, no contexto da condição hiperconectada da era contemporânea. O conceito de “paisagens da moda”, cunhado no modelo dos fluxos culturais globais articulados nas paisagens Appadurai, expressa uma ideia de moda que hoje dá vida a paisagens, perspectivas, territórios, reais e imaginários, feitos de matéria física e matéria de signos, de corpos orgânicos e dados digitais. O ensaio analisará as transformações introduzidas no mundo da moda pela pandemia do Coronavirus, com particular referência ao papel das mídias digitais.

Abstract Conjugated linoleic acid is considered a functional food since its consumption improves people’s health. This compound is found in the milk of ruminant animals and is synthesized in the rumen and mammary gland using linoleic and α-linolenic acids as substrates, which are widely found in forage plants. Nevertheless, there is little information regarding the content of fatty acids in forages, particularly of native species. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of native forage shrubs that are consumed by goats under extensive grazing in northern Mexico in 2019. For this, forage shrubs consumed by goats were collected. The selected forages were determined: dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, total lipids, and fatty acid profile. The forage shrubs consumed by the goats in the rangeland were huizache [Vachellia farnesiana (L.) Wild.], mesquite [Prosopis laevigata (Humb & Bonpl) Wild], gobernadora [Larrea tridentata (Moç. & Seseé DC)] and chaparro prieto [Vachellia constricta (Bentham Siegler & Ebinger Waif)]. Of these, mesquite (CP 148 g kg-1 DM) and chaparro prieto (CP 147 g kg-1 DM) had the best crude protein contents; likewise, mesquite had a high concentration in linoleic (14.21 g 100 g-1 total fatty acids) and α-linolenic (36.22 g 100 g-1 total fatty acids) fatty acids, so these forage shrubs can be considered in the diet of goats that aim to increase the concentration of conjugated linoleic acid in milk or meat of grazing goats.

Resumen El ácido linoleico conjugado es considerado un alimento funcional ya que su consumo mejora la salud de las personas. Este compuesto se encuentra en leche de animales rumiantes y es sintetizado en el rumen y glándula mamaria utilizando como sustratos a los ácidos linoleico y α-linolenico, los cuales se encuentran en forma amplia en plantas forrajeras. Sin embargo, existe poca información respecto al contenido de ácidos grasos en forrajes, en particular, de especies nativas. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la composición química y perfil de ácidos grasos de arbustos forrajeros nativos que son consumidos por cabras bajo pastoreo extensivo en el norte de México, en 2019. Para ello, se realizó una colecta de arbustos forrajeros consumidos por cabras. A los forrajes seleccionados se le determino: materia seca, materia orgánica, proteína cruda, fibra detergente neutro, fibra detergente ácido, lípidos totales y perfil de ácidos grasos. Los arbustos forrajeros consumidos por las cabras en el agostadero fueron: huizache (Vachellia farnesiana (L.) Wild.), mezquite (Prosopis laevigata (Humb & Bonpl) Wild), gobernadora (Larrea tridentata (Moç. & Seseé DC) y chaparro prieto (Vachellia constricta (Bentham Siegler & Ebinger Waif). De estos, mezquite (PC 148 g kg-1 de MS) y chaparro prieto (PC 147 g kg-1 de MS) tuvieron los mejores contenidos de proteína cruda, asimismo, mezquite tuvo una alta concentración en los ácidos grasos linoleico (14.21 g 100 g-1 ácidos grasos totales) y α-linolenico (36.22 g 100 g-1 ácidos grasos totales), por lo que estos arbustos forrajeros pueden ser considerados en dieta de las cabras que tengan el objetivo de incrementar la concentración de ácido linoleico conjugado en leche o carne de cabras en pastoreo.

ABSTRACT: This study addresses the need to understand the presence of functional microorganisms in tropical soils, providing valuable information for conservation and sustainable management. The main objective is to analyze the variability of functional microorganisms at different soil depths and their correlations with physicochemical parameters. To this end, soil samples were collected from 15 random points in a reserved forest and analyzed for physicochemical and microbiological properties at two depths (10 and 20 cm). The following functional microorganisms were quantified: viable aerobes, lactobacilli, actinomycetes, fungi, and nitrogen-fixing bacteria using specific protocols. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used to determine differences between depths, and the Pearson correlation coefficient (|ρ| ≥ 0.8) was used to analyze correlations between physicochemical parameters and microorganisms. The results suggest that the abundance of viable aerobic microorganisms, Lactobacillus, Actinomycetes, and Fungi decreases with soil depth, while nitrogen-fixing bacteria show no significant differences. The decrease in abundance is related to factors such as nutrient and oxygen availability and microenvironmental conditions. There is a strong positive correlation between the amount of viable aerobic microorganisms and Lactobacillus with phosphorus content, and a negative correlation between Actinomycetes and clay content. Actinomycetes prefer sandy soils, while Fungi thrive in soils rich in organic matter. The negative correlation between Fungi and Actinomycetes suggests competition for limited resources and possible chemical interactions, such as the production of antibiotic compounds by Actinomycetes. This study demonstrates that a detailed understanding of soil microbiota can offer new opportunities to improve agricultural practices, especially in terms of soil fertility management and environmental sustainability.

RESUMEN: Este estudio aborda la necesidad de entender la presencia microorganismos funcionales en suelos tropicales, proporcionando información valiosa para la conservación y manejo sostenible. Tiene como principal objetivo analizar la variabilidad de microorganismos funcionales en diferentes profundidades del suelo y las correlaciones con los parámetros fisicoquímicos. Para ello se recolectaron muestras de suelo de 15 puntos aleatorios en un bosque reservado y se analizaron propiedades fisicoquímicas y microbiológicas a dos profundidades (10 y 20 cm). Se cuantificaron los siguientes microorganismos funcionales: aerobios viables, lactobacilos, actinomicetos, hongos y bacterias fijadoras de nitrógeno utilizando protocolos específicos. Se empleó la prueba no paramétrica de Wilcoxon para determinar diferencias entre profundidades y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson (|ρ| ≥ 0,8) para analizar correlaciones entre parámetros fisicoquímicos y microorganismos. Los resultados sugieren que la abundancia de microorganismos aerobios viables, Lactobacillus, Actinomicetos y Fungi disminuye con la profundidad del suelo, mientras que las bacterias fijadoras de nitrógeno no muestran diferencias significativas. La disminución de la abundancia se relaciona con factores como la disponibilidad de nutrientes y oxígeno y las condiciones microambientales. Existe una correlación positiva fuerte entre la cantidad de microorganismos aerobios viables y Lactobacillus con el contenido de fósforo, y una correlación negativa entre Actinomicetos y el contenido de Arcilla. Los Actinomicetos prefieren suelos arenosos, mientras que los Fungi prosperan en suelos ricos en materia orgánica. La correlación negativa entre Fungi y Actinomicetos sugiere competencia por recursos limitados y posibles interacciones químicas, como la producción de compuestos antibióticos por parte de los Actinomicetos. Este estudio demuestra que la comprensión detallada de la microbiota del suelo puede ofrecer nuevas oportunidades para mejorar las prácticas agrícolas, especialmente en términos de gestión de la fertilidad del suelo y sostenibilidad ambiental.

Resumo A pitaia vermelha (Hylocereus costaricensis) é uma promissora espécie, com elevado potencial de cultivo devido às qualidades organolépticas e funcionais de seus frutos. Entretanto, a salinidade da água de irrigação pode afetar o rendimento produtivo da cultura. Diante disso, materiais ricos em substâncias orgânicas podem minimizar os danos provocados pelo excesso de sais no solo e/ou na água. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência de fontes de matéria orgânica como atenuante do estresse salino na produção e respostas bioquímicas de mudas de pitaia vermelha. O delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 4 × 5, com cinco fontes de matéria orgânica (húmus, esterco ovino, biofertilizante, composto orgânico e areia + solo) e quatro salinidade (0.6, 2.6, 4.6 e 6.6 dS m-1), com quatro repetições e duas plantas por vaso foi utilizado. O comprimento da parte aérea, comprimento da raiz, diâmetro do cladódio, número de cladódios, número de brotos, volume da raiz, massa seca da parte aérea, massa seca da raiz e massa seca total, razão da massa seca da raiz e da parte aérea, clorofila a, b e total, aminoácidos e os açúcares solúveis foram avaliados aos 120 dias após o início da aplicação dos tratamentos. A pitaia vermelha é moderadamente tolerante a salinidade. O composto orgânico e estrume ovino atenuam os efeitos nocivos da salinidade nas mudas de pitaia vermelha. Sob condições de estresse salino, as plantas aumentam os níveis de aminoácidos e açúcares totais.

Abstract Red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) is a promising species, with high cultivation potential due to the organoleptic and functional qualities of its fruits. However, irrigation water salinity can affect the crop yield. Therefore, materials rich in organic substances can minimize the damage caused by excess salts in soil and/or water. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of organic matter sources as attenuators of salt stress on the production and biochemical responses of red pitaya seedlings. A completely randomized design in 4 × 5 factorial scheme, with five sources of organic matter (humus, sheep manure, biofertilizer, organic compost and sand + soil) and four salinities (0.6, 2.6, 4.6 and 6.6 dS m-1) with four replicates and two plants per plot was used. The shoot length, root length, cladode diameter, number of cladodes, number of sprotus, root volume, shoot dry mass, root dry mass and total dry mass, root and shoot dry mass ratio, chlorophyll a, b and total, amino acids and soluble sugars were evaluated at 120 days after the treatments began to be applied. Red pitaya is moderately tolerant to salinity (ECw from 4.0 to 6.0 dS m-1). Organic compost and sheep manure attenuate the harmful effects of salinity on red pitaya seedlings. Under salt stress conditions, red pitaya plants increase their levels of proline, amino acids and total sugars.

Abstract Sorption and desorption tests were carried out for competitive and non-competitive systems with isotherms to verify the presence of Cd and Pb in soils. The soils investigated were: (i) with natural content of organic matter and (ii) with residual content of organic matter. Hydrated nitrate salts of Cd and Pb diluted in 0.01 M calcium nitrate solution in six concentrations were used for the Cd solutions and, for the solutions of Pb, five concentrations. For multi-element solutions, mixtures of the simple Cd and Pb solutions in a 1:1 ratio were used. The results of the first stage tests (i) showed good adjustments of the experimental data to the isotherms of Langmuir, Freundlich and Linear, which did not occur for the tests in stage (ii). According to the tests (i), the organic matter was the soil attribute of dominant influence in the sorting mechanisms. The parameters Qo and Kd were adequate to evaluate the adsorption of the studied metals, especially Cd. In step (ii), there was a significant increase in metal retention, especially for element Pb in the samples of Haplic Cambisol (AM) and Red-Yellow Latosol1 (RO), justified by the combined action of (1) increasing the surface area of the mineral fraction, previously covered by organic matter; and (2) increase in soil pH. The Cd element was more bioavailable in relation to the Pb. This was confirmed by the high desorption values observed for Cd. The samples of Haplic Cambisol and Red-Yellow Latosol demonstrated greater capacity to retain Cd and Pb.

ABSTRACT The method of applying fertiliser to the soil affects grain productivity. The aim of this study was to determine the dynamics of phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in the arable layer of the soil during the third year of agricultural production, as a function of the method of application. The study took place in the district of Diamantino, Mato Grosso, in an area of soybean-maize succession under minimum tillage. Five treatments were tested in a randomised block design: no phosphorus or potassium (P0-K0); broadcast phosphorus and in-furrow potassium (Pb-Kf); in-furrow phosphorus and potassium (Pf-Kf); in-furrow phosphorus and broadcast potassium (Pf-Kb); broadcast phosphorus and potassium (Pb-Kb). When the soybeans reached physiological maturity, soil samples were collected from the 0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.15 and 0.15-0.20 m layers for analysis of the pH, and P, K, S and organic matter content. The soil attributes were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey’s test at 5%, and the nutrient dynamics in the soil profile were analysed by regression. The in-furrow application of phosphorus (Pf-Kb and Pf-Kf) improved P availability in the 0-0.05 m layer by 69.12% and 46.54% compared to the Pb-Kb treatment, by 73.93% and 50.71% compared to the Pb-Kf treatment, and by 136.77% and 105.16% compared to the P0-K0 treatment. The in-furrow application of phosphate fertiliser proved to be more effective in terms of phosphorus availability in the soil. The residual effect of broadcasting phosphate fertiliser on phosphorus availability in the soil can be seen from the third year of production onwards.

RESUMO Dentre os ajustes fitotécnicos necessários, a correta recomendação da população de plantas de cada cultivar de soja é de suma importância para o sucesso na produção desta cultura. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a distribuição e autocorrelação espacial da população de plantas de soja de acordo com a variabilidade espacial de atributos físicos e químicos de um Latossolo na região do Cerrado brasileiro. Os atributos estudados foram: população de plantas, produtividade de grãos de soja, condutividade elétrica aparente do solo, teor de matéria orgânica do solo, capacidade de troca catiônica, potencial hidrogeniônico e teor de argila no solo. A população de plantas variou inversamente em função da condutividade elétrica aparente do solo. As áreas com os maiores valores de condutividade elétrica aparente do solo, teor de matéria orgânica do solo, capacidade de troca catiônica e teor de argila apresentaram as menores populações de plantas. A produtividade da soja não foi influenciada pelo aumento ou diminuição da população de plantas, por isso é economicamente viável plantar com menor densidade de plantas para melhorar a margem de lucro do agricultor. necessários cultura Assim brasileiro foram solo agricultor

ABSTRACT Among the necessary phytotechnical adjustments, the correct recommendation of the plant population of each soybean cultivar is of paramount importance for success in crop production. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the distribution and spatial autocorrelation of the soybean plant population according to the spatial variability of the physical and chemical attributes of Oxisol in the Brazilian Cerrado region. The attributes studied were plant population, soybean grain yield, apparent soil electrical conductivity, soil organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, hydrogenionic potential, and clay content in the soil. The plant population varied inversely as a function of apparent soil electrical conductivity. The areas with the highest values of apparent soil electrical conductivity, soil organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, and clay content had the lowest plant populations. Soybean yield was not influenced by increase or decrease in the plant population. Thus, it is economically viable to plant with lower plant density to improve the farmer’s profit margin. adjustments production Thus region conductivity capacity potential populations farmers farmer s margin

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate intake, digestibility and performance in dairy heifers fed diets containing increasing levels of babassu cake (0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg-1 dry matter - DM) as a substitute for sugarcane treated with calcium oxide. Twenty-four heifers with an initial mean weight of 190.8 + 40.8 kg were used, distributed in a completely randomised design. The dry matter intake (DMI), neutral detergent fibre intake (NDFI) and acid detergent fibre intake (ADFI), as %BW and g BW-0.75 , showed an increasing linear response. The organic matter intake (OMI) showed a linear increase of 40 g day-1, 0.017%BW and 0.66 g BW-0.75 for each 10 g kg-1 increase in babassu cake in the diet. The apparent digestibility of the dry matter (ADDM) and organic matter (ADOM) showed a quadratic response (P < 0.05), with a minimum of 493 g kg-1 DM for 150 g kg-1 DM and 526.5 g kg-1 DM for 320 g kg-1 DM as a substitute for the sugarcane, respectively. The final mean weight was not altered, presenting a value of 299.7 + 45.5 kg. Daily weight gain (DWG) showed a quadratic response, with the highest value at a substitution level of 190 g kg-1 DM. The feed conversion rate of the DM was not affected by the addition of babassu cake, with an average of 4.6 + 0.74 kg DM kg-1 in weight gain. Babassu cake can substitute hydrolysed sugarcane in heifer diets up to 300 g kg-1 DM, with the greatest weight gain seen at a substitution level of 190 g kg-1 DM.

ABSTRACT The physical and microbiological characteristics of the soil are indicators considered in the assessment of the conditions of anthropized areas and are tools to identify levels of degradation, define the best crops, and thus, propose actions that help the producer to choose the appropriate soil management. In this regard, the aim of this work was to analyze the physical and microbiological properties of the soil in different agricultural production systems and in a preserved area. The research was carried out at a property located in the municipality of Campo Novo do Parecis - MT, Cerrado`s Biome. For the physical analysis, samples at depths of 0-0.10 m, 0.10-0.20 m and 0.20-0.30 m in five locations were collected randomly, within each production system and in the forest fragment. To evaluate the microbial activity of the soil, soil samples were collected at the 0-0.10 m layer also in five locations. All uses showed changes in physical characteristics, when compared to natural conditions. In the microbiological analysis, the integrated systems did not present significant differences in relation to the organic matter and the basal respiration of the soil when compared with the conventional systems and the forest fragment. The carbon of the microbial biomass of the soil and the metabolic quotient showed a difference between the systems of use and the preserved area.

ABSTRACT Inadequate management of pasture soils in the Amazon has resulted in a predominance of degraded pastures. Considering the natural characteristics of this region can favor more appropriate strategies for sustainability, the objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in the chemical and physical attributes of pasture and forest soils in the Southern Amazon and to identify the most sensitive attributes of their fertility. Additionally, this study suggests appropriate management practices for sustainable pastures. Soil samples from the 0 to 0.20 m layer were analyzed to determine pH, exchangeable bases (calcium, magnesium, and potassium), exchangeable aluminum, potential acidity, phosphorus, organic carbon, bulk density, and texture. Pasture soils had a higher pH, calcium content, and bulk density than forest soils. However, the pasture soils had lower phosphorus and organic matter content. The soil organic carbon stocks were also lower in pasture soils, with levels 0.8 to 12 Mg ha-1 lower than in forest soils. The fertility attributes most sensitive to soil management in these pastures were phosphorus, pH, organic carbon, and bulk density. The lack of nutrients and soil and water conservation practices have contributed to the degradation of these pastures. Therefore, the recommended management for these pastures should aim to improve the organic matter content, reduce compaction, and replenish and cycle nutrients.

RESUMO O manejo inadequado de solos de pastagens na Amazônia resulta em predomínio de pastagens degradadas. Considerando as características naturais dessa região pode favorecer estratégias mais adequadas para sua sustentabilidade, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as diferenças de atributos químicos e físicos de solos de pastagens e florestas no sul da Amazônia e identificar os atributos mais sensíveis de sua fertilidade. Além disso, sugerir práticas de manejo mais adequadas para essas pastagens em direção à sustentabilidade. Amostras de solo da camada de 0 a 0,20 m foram analisadas para determinação de pH, bases trocáveis (cálcio, magnésio e potássio), alumínio trocável, acidez potencial, fósforo, carbono orgânico, densidade aparente e textura. Os solos de pastagem tiveram maior pH, cálcio e densidade aparente do que os solos de floresta. No entanto, os solos de pastagem apresentaram menores teores de fósforo e matéria orgânica. Os estoques de carbono orgânico do solo também foram menores nas pastagens, com teores de 0,8 a 12 Mg ha-1 inferiores aos solos da floresta. Os atributos de fertilidade mais sensíveis ao manejo do solo nessas pastagens foram fósforo, pH, carbono orgânico e densidade aparente. A carência de nutrientes e de práticas de conservação do solo e da água têm contribuído para o estado de degradação dessas pastagens. Portanto, o manejo recomendado para essas pastagens deve visar a melhoria da matéria orgânica, redução da compactação, além da reposição e ciclagem de nutrientes.

ABSTRACT Agroecological management is considered a model of sustainable agriculture that offers social, environmental and economic benefits. The hypotheses of this study were that agroecological production systems can promote changes in the physical fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) associated with aggregates of different origins, and that the greater diversity of plant species in the production system may favour an increase in the carbon concentration of these aggregates. The aim of this study was to a) determine the mass of the free light fraction (FLF), intra-aggregate light fraction (ILF) and light organic matter fraction (LOM) of biogenic and physiogenic soil aggregates; and b) quantify the organic carbon content of the three light SOM fractions and the residual particulate SOM fraction. Five production systems were evaluated: AgF - Agroforestry system; CSun - Coffee grown in full sun; CSha - Coffee grown in shade; FLE - Flemingia grown in alleys; and NT - No-tillage. The aggregates were separated, identified and classified according to their origin or formation pathway into biogenic (formed by biological processes) or physiogenic aggregates (resulting from chemical and physical actions). From these, the mass and carbon content of the FLF, ILF, LOM and residual particulate fractions were quantified. The greater diversity of plant species found in the AgF system has not yet favoured an increase in the carbon content of the aggregates. The longer set-up time and the management practices of the CSun system has led to an increase in the carbon content of the organic fractions of the aggregates (3.44-1.63 g kg-1 for C-LOM; 1.93-1.13 g kg-1 for C-FLF). The lowest overall mean values for LOM and ILF were found mainly in the aggregates of the NT system (1.22-1.67 and 1.55-2.20 g kg-1, respectively), being associated with the shorter time and greater mobilisation of the arable layer. Biogenic aggregation afforded the highest overall mean values for LOM, and increased the mass of the light fractions (15.5%-27.8% for FLF; 23.4%-8.0% for ILF) and the carbon in the C-LOM, C-FLF and residual particulate fractions (42.3%, 12.9%, and 35.0%, respectively) in the surface layer, suggesting an improvement in soil quality.

ABSTRACT Favorable soil conditions are essential to the proper growth and production of any crop worldwide. Only 9 % of the Ecuadorian Amazon Region (EAR) territory is suitable for agriculture and/or livestock farming, due to limitations imposed by physio-edaphoclimatic factors. This study evaluated the soil potential suitability for coffee, cocoa and tropical pastures to determine optimal, moderate and marginal areas in three provinces in the EAR (Orellana, Sucumbios and Pastaza) under different agroecological conditions. On-site field work was carried out to analyze the soil profile to determine the mineral composition. Eight environmental variables were evaluated through the integration of GIS-based modeling to determine the agroecological zoning of the crops. The results showed that the main determining factors for optimal areas of soil suitability within the three provinces included soil depth (30 cm), organic matter content (5.3 %), concentration of macronutrients (2,700 mg kg–1), and slope (< 10 %), whereas annual temperature (18-26 °C), annual precipitation (1200-3000 mm), altitude (0-500 m), and pH (4.38) were included for moderate and marginal areas. Depending on the crop and the province, soil suitability was classified into two or three classes (optimal, moderate, and marginal areas), relying on the agroecological conditions specific to each crop. This study highlights that all crops showed mostly optimal soil suitability for proper development under the agroecological conditions analyzed, which contributes to the provision of valuable information to decision-makers about key limiting factors, land-use planning and mapping soil suitability when considering the best location for a specific crop.