ABSTRACT Biochar can promote crop production and soil quality. However, its characteristics depend on the waste used in its production and its effects may vary according to the species being cultivated and the management adopted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of biochar from animal waste on soil quality and the agronomic characteristics of the cowpea. An experiment was set up to test three types of biochar (bovine-BB, swine-SB and poultry-BP), with added fertiliser (BBF, SBF and BPF) and two control treatments, including the addition of calcium magnesium oxide (CT) and calcium magnesium oxide with fertiliser (CTF), giving a total of eight treatments with four replications. There was a respective increase of up to 102.94%, 1048%, 1560% and 360.22% in stem diameter, number of pods, number of grains per pod and stem dry matter from adding the biochar. The poultry biochar increased each of the above parameters even with no added fertiliser. There was no difference in basal soil respiration or β-glucosidase enzyme activity, whereas organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial carbon and soil labile carbon were greater with biochar. BBF gave the highest TOC content (24.40 g kg-1), while BP and BPF increased TN by around 61%. The application of biochar + fertiliser contributed to an average reduction of 56% in the soil metabolic quotient. Poultry biochar favoured both the agronomic characteristics of the cowpea and soil quality, while bovine biochar showed more marked results with the addition of fertiliser. However adopted bovineBB, bovineBB BB, BB (bovine-BB swineSB swine SB poultryBP, poultryBP , poultry-BP) BBF, (BBF CT (CT CTF, CTF (CTF) replications 10294 102 94 102.94% 1048 1048% 1560 36022 360 22 360.22 diameter pods βglucosidase β glucosidase activity TOC, (TOC) TN, (TN) 24.40 2440 24 40 (24.4 kg1, kg1 kg 1 kg-1) 61 61% 56 quotient poultry-BP (CTF 1029 10 9 102.94 104 156 3602 36 2 360.2 (TOC (TN 24.4 244 4 (24. kg-1 6 5 102.9 15 3 360. 24. (24 kg- 102. (2 (

Summary: The soil seed bank is key to plant succession. However, agricultural activities have had a great impact on the vegetation and its composition. The aim was to determine the soil seed bank in different grazing agroecosystems in the central part of Veracruz state, Mexico. Richness, abundance, diversity, equity, dominance and similarity of the species were quantified and compared among four agroecosystems (silvopastoral, pasture-trees, traditional grazing, and Acahual or secondary vegetation) in Veracruz, Mexico during the year 2017. Samples were collected. of soil at two depths (0-5, > 5-10 cm). A statistical difference was found in the seed bank (P < 0.05) in silvopastoral at both depths, 0-5 (H’ = 2.13) and 5-10 (H’ = 1.86). Equity and dominance were higher for this agroecosystem (0.86) and for Acahual (0.58) with statistical differences (P < 0.05). No statistical differences were found at sites between depths (P > 0.05). Similarity was greater than 50% at all sites and increased with soil depth. The evidence suggests that the greatest diversity of the seed bank was in silvopastoral from 0 to 5 cm deep. The seed bank has potential for the restoration of vegetation, mainly herbaceous, and can promote the development of shrubs and trees, despite the management of cattle ranching sites.

Resumen: El banco de semillas del suelo es clave para la sucesión vegetal. Sin embargo, las actividades agrícolas han tenido un gran impacto en la vegetación y su composición. El objetivo fue determinar el banco de semillas del suelo en diferentes agroecosistemas de pastoreo en la parte central del estado de Veracruz, México. Se cuantificó y comparó la riqueza, abundancia, diversidad, equidad, dominancia y similitud de las especies entre cuatro agroecosistemas (silvopastoril, pastos-árboles, pastoreo tradicional, y Acahual o vegetación secundaria) en Veracruz, México durante el año 2017. Se recolectaron muestras de suelo a dos profundidades (0-5, > 5-10 cm). Se encontró diferencia estadística del banco de semillas (P < 0.05) en silvopastoril en ambas profundidades, 0-5 (H’= 2.13) y 5-10 (H´ = 1.86). La equidad y la dominancia fueron mayores para este agroecosistema (0.86) y para Acahual (0.58) con diferencias estadísticas (P < 0.05). No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas en sitios entre profundidades (P > 0.05). La similitud fue mayor al 50% en todos los sitios y aumentó con la profundidad del suelo. La evidencia sugiere que la mayor diversidad del banco de semillas estuvo en silvopastoril de 0 a 5 cm de profundidad. El banco de semillas tiene potencial para la restauración de la vegetación, principalmente herbácea y puede promover el desarrollo de arbustos y árboles, a pesar del manejo de sitios para la ganadería.

Abstract Introduction. Cocoa cultivation in tropical areas is a commercially viable agroecological alternative that allows for productive diversification and sustainable soil management through the use of organic fertilization. Objective. To evaluate the development of four cocoa varieties (INIFAP 4, INIFAP 8, INIFAP 9, and Almendra Blanca) under the climatic conditions of the Úrsulo Galván region, Veracruz, Mexico. Materials and methods. An experiment was conducted between winter (December 2021) and summer (June 2022), using a completely randomized design with four treatments and ten replications. Conventional agronomic management was employed, with the addition of 10 kg of compost per tree, followed by 3 kg of vermicompost. At four months into the study, 50 g of urea, 50 g of ammonium diphosphate, and 50 g of potassium chloride were incorporated. The study included analysis of variance and Tukey’s tests (α 0.05). Results. Statistical equality was found for height, diameter, and number of branches. The cocoa’s response to temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, and wind showed that these factors influenced the expression of its productive potential, as well as its morphology and yield, without adapting to the climatic conditions under study. Conclusion. The development of the studied varieties was homogeneous based on the climatic conditions of the Ursulo Galvan region, with the Almendra Blanca variety standing out.

Resumen Introducción. El cultivo del cacao en las zonas tropicales es una alternativa comercial de interés agroecológico, que permite la diversificación productiva y el manejo sustentable de los suelos al emplear abonado orgánico. Objetivo. Evaluar el desarrollo de cuatro variedades de cacao (INIFAP 4, INIFAP 8, INIFAP 9 y Almendra Blanca) en las condiciones climatológicas de la región de Úrsulo Galván, Veracruz, México. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un experimento, entre invierno (diciembre 2021) y verano (junio 2022), bajo un diseño completamente al azar, distribuido en cuatro tratamientos y diez repeticiones. El manejo agronómico fue convencional, se agregaron 10 kg de composta por árbol, seguidos de 3 kg de vermicompost. A los cuatro meses del estudio se incorporaron 50 g de urea, 50 g de difosfato de amonio y 50 g de cloruro de potasio. El estudio incluyó análisis de varianza y pruebas de Tukey (α 0,05). Resultados. Se encontró igualdad estadística para altura, diámetro y número de ramas. La respuesta del cacao a temperatura, precipitación, humedad relativa y viento, demostró que afectaron la expresión de su potencial productivo, así como su morfología y rendimiento, no adaptándose a las condiciones climáticas en estudio. Conclusión. El desarrollo de las variedades en estudio fue homogéneo, con base en las condiciones climatológicas de la región Úrsulo Galván, destacándose la variedad Almendra Blanca.

Abstract Introduction. Corn is one of the oldest known food grains. With climate change and frequent and severe droughts, the water available in the soil will be considerably reduced. Water deficit affects maize crop development to varying degrees, and sensitivity to this stress varies at different development stages. Objective. To identify the phenological stages most sensitive to water deficit in maize. Materials and methods. The experiment was conducted during two growing seasons in 2020 and 2021 in El Ejido, Los Santos province, Panama, under semi-controlled conditions in the greenhouse facilities of the Instituto Coronel Segundo de Villarreal. The commercial corn hybrid ADV-9293 was used and agronomic management was carried out according to the recommendations of the Institute for Agricultural Innovation of Panamá (IDIAP). Plant height, leaf length and width, stem diameter, biomass and yield components, such as number of rows per ear, number of grains per row and 100-grain mass, were determined throughout the crop cycle. Soil moisture was also determined by the gravimetric method. Water deficit at different stages was generated by drought simulation. Results. The grain yields of the control were higher than the different treatments evaluated with 12.83 t ha-1, followed by the treatment with grain filling stress with 10.31 t ha-1. Two periods were determined to be more sensitive to water deficit; these were the stages from 20 to 35 and 40 to 55 days after planting. Water deficit in the different phenological stages of the crop had a negative impact on the relative chlorophyll content. Conclusion. The pre-flowering and flowering stages were more sensitive to water deficiency in maize.

Resumen Introducción. El maíz es uno de los granos alimenticios más antiguos conocido. Con el cambio climático y las sequías severas y frecuentes, se reducirá en gran medida el agua disponible en el suelo. El déficit hídrico afecta en diversos grados el desarrollo del cultivo de maíz y la sensibilidad a este estrés varía en las diferentes etapas de desarrollo. Objetivo. Identificar las etapas fenológicas más sensibles al déficit hídrico en el cultivo de maíz. Materiales y métodos. El experimento se realizó durante dos ciclos en los años 2020 y 2021 en El Ejido, Provincia de Los Santos, Panamá. Se desarrolló bajo condiciones semicontroladas en la casa de cultivo del Instituto Coronel Segundo de Villarreal. Se utilizó el híbrido de maíz comercial ADV-9293. El manejo agronómico se realizó según las recomendaciones del Instituto de Innovación Agropecuaria de Panamá (IDIAP). Durante todo el ciclo del cultivo, se determinaron las variables altura de planta, largo y ancho de hojas, diámetro del tallo, biomasa y los componentes del rendimiento como número de hileras por mazorca, número de granos por hilera y peso de cien granos. También, se determinó la humedad del suelo por el método gravimétrico. El déficit hídrico en distintas etapas se generó a través de la simulación de sequía. Resultados. El rendimiento de grano del testigo superó los diferentes tratamientos evaluados con 12,83 t ha-1, seguido por el tratamiento con estrés en el llenado de grano con 10,31 t ha-1. Se determinaron dos períodos más sensibles al déficit hídrico; los cuales son las etapas comprendidas desde los 20 a 35 y 40 a 55 dds. El déficit hídrico, durante las diferentes etapas fenológicas del cultivo, tuvo un impacto negativo en el contenido relativo de clorofilas. Conclusión. Las etapas de prefloración y floración resultaron más sensibles a la deficiencia hídrica en el cultivo del maíz.

Abstract Introduction. The soil and climatic conditions of Ecuador are ideal for rice cultivation, yields are higher than the world average, but agronomic management leads to an increase of cadmium in the soil, which can reach the grain by translocation, which affects its safety. Objetive. To evaluate the absorption of cadmium through the omission of macronutrients technique in six soils of Ecuador and its effect on the vegetative development of rice crops. Materials and methods. The trial was carried out at the Pichilingue Tropical Experimental Station of the National Institute of Agricultural Research, Ecuador, during 2018. Nine treatments were studied: 1) Without fertilization and without Cd (control 1), 2) without fertilization and with Cd (Control 2), 3) Complete fertilization and six omission treatments of one nutrient at a time, a completely randomized block design of experiments, divided plots and three repetitions was used. The variables evaluated were those related to the production of dry matter in the root and aerial part. For the comparison between means, the Tukey test was used (p<0.05). Results. Nutrients omissions (N and P) led to reduced Cd absorption, which decreased dry matter production, particularly in very acidic or alkaline soils such as in Sucumbíos (pH 4) and Guayas (pH 7, 9), respectively. Conclusions. The absorption of cadmium in rice plants was reduced to a greater extent with the omission of the macronutrients N and P, mainly in the soils of Sucumbíos, Los Ríos, El Oro and Manabí, the nutrient omission technique also affecting the production of dry matter and yields, also observing that a pH below 5 or higher than 7.9 affects the absorption of cadmium in the soils studied.

Resumen Introducción. Las condiciones edafoclimáticas del Ecuador son ideales para el cultivo del arroz, los rendimientos son mayores al promedio mundial, pero su manejo agronómico conlleva a un aumento de cadmio en el suelo, que puede llegar al grano por translocación, lo cual afectan su inocuidad. Objetivo. Evaluar la absorción de cadmio mediante la técnica de omisión de macronutrientes en seis suelos del Ecuador y su efecto sobre el desarrollo vegetativo del cultivo de arroz. Materiales y métodos. El ensayo se realizó en la Estación Experimental Tropical Pichilingue del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Ecuador, durante el año 2018. Se estudiaron nueve tratamientos 1) Sin fertilización y sin Cd (testigo 1), 2) sin fertilización y con Cd (Testigo 2), 3) Fertilización completa y seis tratamientos de omisión de un nutriente a la vez, se usó un diseño de experimentos de bloques completamente al azar, parcelas divididas y tres repeticiones. Las variables evaluadas fueron las relacionadas a la producción de materia seca en raíz y parte aérea. Para la comparación entre medias, se utilizó la prueba de Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados. Las omisiones de los nutrientes (N y P) llevaron a la reducción de la absorción del Cd, que disminuyó la producción de materia seca, en particular en los suelos muy ácidos o alcalinos como en Sucumbíos (pH 4) y Guayas (pH 7,9), respectivamente. Conclusiones. La absorción de cadmio en plantas de arroz se redujo en mayor medida con la omisión de los macronutrientes N y P, principalmente en los suelos de Sucumbíos, Los Ríos, El Oro y Manabí, afectando también la omisión de nutrientes a la producción de materia seca y los rendimientos, observándose además que un pH por debajo de 5 o superior a 7,9 afecta la absorción de cadmio en los suelos estudiados

Abstract Nowadays, organizations have the responsibility to commit themselves to actions that favor environmental conservation. The present study sought to explore an accompaniment for the management of the environmental component in the activities developed by an organization located in Armenia, Quindío-Colombia. Inter-institutional meetings were held in which a recognition, dialogue and workshop were conducted with the collaborators. A previously validated checklist was used. Subsequently, a descriptive analysis was made of the results obtained. It was found that 40 % of the components lacked actions for environmental conservation. Thus, the accompaniment showed that the collaborators committed themselves to use solid waste, save water and energy. The monitoring resulted in three strategic actions for the water, soil and energy components. The organization showed great interest in the process and an intersectoral link was established. The study proposes a baseline for the management of the environmental component of the study area; it resulted in an accompaniment and representative participation with significant progress towards the conservation of the environment within the organization.

Resumo Atualmente, as organizações têm a responsabilidade de se comprometerem com acções que favoreçam a conservação do ambiente. O presente estudo procurou explorar um acompanhamento para a gestão da componente ambiental nas actividades de uma organização situada em Armenia, Quindío-Colômbia. Foram realizadas reuniões interinstitucionais em que se procedeu a um reconhecimento, diálogo e workshop com os colaboradores. Foi utilizada uma lista de controlo previamente validada. Posteriormente, procedeu-se a uma análise descritiva dos resultados obtidos. Verificou-se que 40 % dos componentes careciam de acções para a conservação do ambiente. Desta forma, o acompanhamento mostrou que os colaboradores se comprometeram a utilizar os resíduos sólidos, a poupar água e energia. O acompanhamento resultou em três acções estratégicas para as componentes água, solo e energia. A organização mostrou grande interesse no processo e foi estabelecida uma ligação intersectorial. O estudo fornece uma base de referência para a gestão da componente ambiental da área de estudo; resultou num apoio e numa participação representativa com progressos significativos para a conservação do ambiente na organização.

Resumen Actualmente, las organizaciones se encargan de comprometerse con acciones que favorezcan la conservación del medioambiente. El presente estudio explora un acompañamiento para la gestión del componente ambiental en las actividades desarrolladas de una organización ubicada en Armenia, Quindío-Colombia. Se realizaron reuniones interinstitucionales en las que se realizó un reconocimiento, diálogo y taller con los colaboradores. Se utilizó una lista de verificación previamente validada. Posteriormente, se realizó un análisis descriptivo de los resultados obtenidos. Se encontró que el 40 % de los componentes carecen de acciones para la conservación del medioambiente. De tal manera, el acompañamiento arrojó que los colaboradores se comprometieron a aprovechar los residuos sólidos, ahorrar agua y energía. El acompañamiento derivó en tres acciones estratégicas para los componentes de agua, suelo y energía. La organización demostró un gran interés en el proceso y se logró establecer un vínculo intersectorial. El estudio plantea una línea base de gestión del componente ambiental del área de estudio; derivó en un acompañamiento y participación representativa con avances significativos hacia la conservación del medioambiente dentro de la organización.

RESUMO Os sistemas de produção integrados surgiram como uma estratégia de produção sustentável na intensificação do uso da terra com impacto mínimo nas funções do ecossistema. Este estudo utilizou ferramentas de agricultura de precisão para investigar a variabilidade espacial de propriedades do solo e da vegetação em área de Integração Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta (ILPF) e área de Integração Pecuária-Floresta (IPF) em São Carlos, SP, Brasil. Consequentemente, foram avaliados: (1) as propriedades físico-químicas do solo, (2) a resistividade elétrica, e (3) os atributos da cultura do Eucalyptus urograndis que compõem a área de estudo. As amostragens foram realizadas em (1) agosto de 2021 nas profundidades de 0-0,2 e 0,2-0,4 m; (2) outubro de 2021 nas profundidades de 0-0,5, 0-1,0 e 0-2,0 m; e (3) abril de 2021 e abril de 2022. Os resultados indicaram que os valores dos parâmetros de fertilidade do solo foram adequados ao desenvolvimento da cultura e apresentaram baixa variabilidade espacial. As análises de solo indicaram baixa acidez, altos teores de matéria orgânica, teores médios de fósforo, potássio e capacidade de troca catiônica e altos teores de cálcio, magnésio e saturação por base. Entretanto, foram observados locais com maior variabilidade espacial para cálcio, refletindo variabilidade na capacidade de troca catiônica e saturação por base. A granulometria e a resistividade elétrica do solo apresentaram baixa variabilidade espacial na camada superficial. Mesmo sem diferenças nas propriedades do solo, houve diferença de 15% no maior volume de madeira no sistema IPF em comparação ao ILPF. ecossistema LavouraPecuáriaFloresta Lavoura Pecuária Floresta ILPF (ILPF PecuáriaFloresta (IPF Carlos SP Brasil Consequentemente avaliados 1 (1 físicoquímicas físico químicas 2 (2 3 (3 202 00,2 002 0 0,2 0-0, 0,20,4 0204 0,4 4 0,2-0, m 00,5, 005 0,5, 5 0-0,5 01,0 010 1,0 0-1, 02,0 020 2,0 0-2, 2022 acidez orgânica fósforo cálcio base Entretanto superficial 15 ( 20 00 00, 02 0, 0-0 0,20, 04 0,2-0 00,5 05 0,5 01 01, 10 1, 0-1 02, 2, 0-2 0- 0,20 0,2-

ABSTRACT Integrated production systems have emerged as a sustainable production strategy in intensifying land use with minimal impact on ecosystem functions. This study used precision agriculture tools to investigate the spatial variability of soil and vegetation properties in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) and in an integrated livestock-forestry (ILF) area of São Carlos city, SP, Brazil. Consequently, the following were assessed: (1) the soil physicochemical properties, (2) the electrical resistivity, and (3) the attributes of the Eucalyptus urograndis crop comprising the study area. Samplings were performed in (1) August 2021 at depths of 0-0.2 and 0.2-0.4 m; (2) October 2021 at depths of 0-0.5, 0-1.0, and 0-2.0 m; and (3) April 2021 and April 2022. Results indicated that the values for soil fertility parameters were suitable for crop development and presented low spatial variability. Soil analyses indicated low acidity, high levels of organic matter, average cation exchange capacity, phosphorus and potassium contents, high base saturation, and calcium and magnesium levels. However, locations with greater spatial variability for calcium were observed, reflecting cation exchange capacity and base saturation variability. Soil granulometry and electrical resistivity had a low spatial variability at the surface layer. Even without differences in the soil properties, there was a difference of 15% in the larger wood volume in the ILF then ICLF system. functions croplivestockforestry livestock forestry (ICLF livestockforestry (ILF city SP Brazil Consequently assessed 1 (1 2 (2 3 (3 202 00.2 002 0 0.2 0-0. 0.20.4 0204 0.4 4 0.2-0. m 00.5, 005 0.5, 5 0-0.5 01.0, 010 1.0, 0-1.0 02.0 020 2.0 0-2. 2022 acidity matter contents However observed layer 15 system ( 20 00 00. 02 0. 0-0 0.20. 04 0.2-0 00.5 05 0.5 01 01.0 10 1.0 0-1. 02. 2. 0-2 0- 0.20 0.2- 01. 1. 0-1

Resumen El cambio climático y la falta de manejo a los combustibles en los bosques de encino propicia condiciones favorables para la ocurrencia de incendios forestales. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue conocer la relación de variables dasométricas, pendiente del terreno (Pe), profundidad de la hojarasca (Ph) y profundidad del mantillo (Pm) sobre la carga de combustible en bosques de encino en la región Montaña de Guerrero. Las variables dasométricas diámetro medio (Dm), altura media (Am), número de árboles ha-1 (Na) y Área basal ha-1 (Ab) se evaluaron de acuerdo al diseño de muestreo del Inventario Nacional Forestal y de Suelos 2015; en cada sitio de muestreo se establecieron tres líneas de intersección planar para el muestreo de material leñoso (Ml), se recogió la hojarasca (Ho) y mantillo (Ma) en 0.09 m2. La carga total de combustibles osciló de 23.2 a 46.5 t ha-1 (p < 0.05), el Ma presentó mayor carga con el 43 %, seguido el material leñoso (Ml) y hojarasca (Ho) con el 31 y 26 %. La carga total (Ct) mostró relación con el Ma, Ho y Ml (r = 0.81 a 0.41), la Ho con Ph y Pe (r = 0.71 y -0.72). El c1h mostró relación con el Na, Ma, Pe y Dm (r = 0.72 a -0.41), el c10h evidenció correlación con el Ab, Pe y Na (r = 0.51 a 0.42). Las variables dasométricas solo explican la carga de combustible con diámetro menor o igual a 2.5 cm.

Abstract Climate change and the lack of fuel management in oak forests promote favorable conditions for the occurrence of forest fires. The objective of the present research was to know the relationship of dasometric variables, terrain slope (Pe), depth of leaf litter (Ph) and depth of mulch (Pm) on the fuel load in oak forests in the Mountain region of Guerrero. The dasometric variables mean diameter (Dm), mean height (Am), number of trees ha-1 (Na) and basal área ha-1 (Ab) were evaluated according to the sampling design of the 2015 National Forest and Soil Inventory; At each sampling site, three planar intersection lines were established for sampling woody material (Ml), leaf litter (Ho) and mulch (Ma) were collected in 0.09 m2. The total fuel load ranged from 23.2 to 46.5 t ha-1 (p < 0.05), the Ma presented the highest load with 43%, followed by woody material (Ml) and leaf litter (Ho) with 31 and 26%. The total charge (Ct) showed a relationship with Ma, Ho and Ml (r = 0.81 to 0.41), Ho with Ph and Pe (r = 0.71 and -0.72). The c1h showed a relationship with Na, Ma, Pe and Dm (r = 0.72 to -0.41), the c10h showed a correlation with Ab, Pe and Na (r = 0.51 to 0.42). The dasometric variables only explain the fuel load with a diameter less than or equal to 2.5 cm.

Irrigation is required to supplement rainfall to enhance the productivity of chickpea in South Africa (SA). However, the dependence on irrigation can be problematic for SA and other countries with limited natural water resources and variable rainfall. Even though access to irrigation water has been identified as one of the challenges faced when planting chickpea in the winter season in SA, irrigation management strategies for chickpea grown on soils differing in texture have not gained considerable research attention. Hence, this study aimed to assess the effects of irrigation levels on dry matter production of chickpea grown on two soils differing in soil texture under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was arranged as a 3 × 2 factorial in a completely randomized design, with 3 irrigation levels (25%, 50% and 75% of the water-holding capacity of soil (WHC)) and 2 soils differing in soil textural class (Loamy sand (LS) soil and sandy loam (SL) soil), replicated thrice. Irrigation level, soil texture and their interaction significantly affected shoot biomass (SBM) and total plant biomass (TBM). Generally, SBM, TBM and root biomass decreased correspondingly with the reduction in irrigation. The 25% WHC significantly reduced the SBM by up to 60% and TBM by up to 56% compared to the 50% and 75% WHC. The SBM and TBM were higher in SL soil than in LS soil. A significantly higher root/shoot ratio (0.45) in the LS soil than in the SL soil (0.16) indicated that the conditions of LS soil encouraged plants to allocate higher proportions of biomass into roots, possibly due to increased competition for soil resources. In conclusion, maintaining soil moisture at 50% WHC ensures better chickpea dry matter production in SL soil.

ABSTRACT Finding sustainable methods for utilizing biosolids, also known as municipal sewage sludge (SS), presents a pressing challenge in modern waste management practices. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of SS amendment on growth, biochemical, proximate, and heavy metal bioaccumulation parameters of berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) fodder crop under field conditions. Trifolium alexandrinum was cultivated using different rates of SS mixing (i.e., T0: 0% as control with no SS application, T1: 5%, and T2: 10%). The results obtained showed a significant (p < 0.05) increment in growth, biochemical, and proximate parameters of T. alexandrinum with an increasing SS mixing rate. The highest productivity of T. alexandrinum fodder (1.92 kg m-2 fw) was observed in the T2 treatment as compared to the control treatment. The heavy metal analysis of shoot and root parts of T. alexandrinum showed that the contents (mg kg-1) of eight elements (Cd 0.02-0.13, Co 0.04-0.08, Cu 5.94-0.05, Cr 0.43-1.68, Fe 7.08-15.93, Ni 0.89-2.90, Mn 1.62-5.38, and Zn 3.30-7.04) increased significantly (p < 0.05) with SS mixing rate. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was below 1 except for Cu and Zn exhibiting their rapid uptake by plants from SS-treated soils. However, dietary intake modeling (DIM < 1) and health risk index (HRI < 1) studies showed that the levels of heavy metals did not exceed the permissible limits in any SS treatment. Overall, SS amendment has a positive impact on the growth, biochemical, proximate, and heavy metal characteristics of T. alexandrinum. Therefore, this study suggested a strategy for low-cost soil fertilization and fodder crop production which could sustainably benefit waste recycling.

Resumo A partir de duas pesquisas realizadas em comunidades indígenas de Puno, Peru, a uma altitude superior a 3910 metros, entre 2015 e 2017, busca-se compreender as possíveis contribuições do conhecimento tradicional para a elaboração e gestão de políticas públicas relacionadas à biodiversidade e à adaptação às mudanças climáticas. As pesquisas realizadas mostram conhecimentos milenares que fornecem diretrizes estratégicas, as quais devem ser reconhecidas no âmbito das convenções nacionais e políticas públicas específicas de biodiversidade, mudanças climáticas e adaptação. A sistematização de práticas comunitárias em Puno revela conhecimentos tradicionais sobre diferentes problemas, a partir dos quais se derivam práticas milenares de adaptação ligadas a saberes e uma biocultura alimentar sustentável e saudável. As contribuições são essenciais para fornecer conteúdo de gestão de políticas públicas em nível nacional, regional e local. No entanto, as controvérsias em torno do conhecimento científico e do conhecimento tradicional persistem, gerando ceticismo em relação à possibilidade de avançar nos acordos de biodiversidade e, especialmente, nos objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável projetados para 2030.

Abstract The investigation aimed to identify the contribution of traditional knowledge in the construction and management of public policies for biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change. It was based on two studies conducted between 2015 and 2017 in two indigenous rural communities situated above 3,910 meters above sea level in the northern Puno region of Peru. The results have been synthesized to generate a proposal for strategic guidelines for high mountain agriculture with a focus on adaptation to climate change. The identified categories of traditional knowledge encompass: a) soil, b) water, c) plant health, d) measures against hailstorms, e) measures against frost, f) organization and ritual, and g) varieties and mixtures tolerant to climatic extremes. A workspace is the community itself. In the absence of public policies that take into consideration the promotion of traditional knowledge, the community establishes guidelines and actions rooted on traditional knowledge of biodiversity conservation and adaptation to climate change in plans of life aligned with the local worldview, with the aim of escalating to the district level.

Resumen A partir de dos investigaciones en comunidades originarias de Puno, Perú, a más de 3910 m.s.n.m., entre 2015 y 2017, se busca conocer los aportes potenciales del conocimiento tradicional en la construcción y gestión de las políticas públicas sobre biodiversidad y adaptación al cambio climático. Las investigaciones realizadas dan muestras de conocimientos milenarios que dan lineamientos estratégicos, los cuales deben ser reconocidos en el marco de las convenciones nacionales y políticas públicas específicas de biodiversidad, cambio climático y adaptación. La sistematización de prácticas comunitarias en Puno, dan cuenta de conocimientos tradicionales sobre diferentes problemas, a partir de estos, se derivan prácticas milenarias de adaptación ligadas a saberes y una biocultura alimentaria sostenible y saludable. Los aportes son fundamentales para dar contenidos de gestión de las políticas públicas a nivel nacional, regional y local; no obstante, las controversias sobre el conocimiento científico y el conocimiento tradicional persiste, llenando de escepticismo la posibilidad de avanzar en los convenios de biodiversidad y, en particular, en los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible proyectados al 2030.

Resumen (Introducción): La capacidad productiva de una plantación forestal depende principalmente de las características fisicoquímicas del suelo, así como del manejo silvicultural necesario para un óptimo desarrollo de los árboles. (Objetivo): El objetivo de esta investigación fue la evaluación del efecto de la fertilización sobre plantaciones forestales clonales de Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm., de tres años, en el Pacífico Norte y Sur de Costa Rica. (Metodología): El estudio se realizó en 2 ensayos experimentales del Instituto de Investigación y Servicios Forestales ubicados en La Esperanza, Cóbano (ensayo 1) y en Rancho Quemado, Bahía Drake (ensayo 2). Se establecieron 5 bloques completos, al azar, con 4 tratamientos de fertilización con el abono 19-4-19-2-0,1(B)-1,8(S)-,1(Zn). Se realizó un análisis de varianza y comparación de medias de los incrementos medios anuales del DAP, la altura y el volumen total de los árboles utilizando la prueba de Tukey. (Resultados): Los resultados muestran que el sitio con mayor fertilidad natural presenta aumento en el crecimiento de los árboles; sin embargo, no existen diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre todos los tratamientos aplicados. El sitio de menor fertilidad natural se ubica en Bahía Drake y presentó diferencias estadísticamente significativas en algunos tratamientos en términos de volumen total. (Conclusiones): La fertilización continua tienen un impacto positivo en el crecimiento dasométrico en plantaciones de G. arborea que presenten bajos contenidos de calcio (< 4.5 cmol L-1), valores bajos en capacidad de intercambio catiónico efectiva (< 7.8 cmol L-1) y alta saturación de acidez (> 19.4 %).

Abstract (Introduction): The productive capacity of a forest plantation depends mainly on the physicochemical characteristics of the soil, as well as the necessary silvicultural management for optimal tree development. (Objective): The objective of this research was the evaluation of the effect of fertilization on clonal forest plantations of Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm. 3 years old, in the North and South Pacific of Costa Rica. (Methodology): The study was carried out in 2 experimental trials of the Forestry Research and Services Institute located in La Esperanza, Cóbano (trial 1) and in Rancho Quemado, Drake Bay (trial 2). Five complete blocks were established at random with four fertilization treatments with the fertilizer 19-4-19-2-0.1(B)-1.8(S)-.1(Zn). An analysis of variance and comparison of means of the mean annual increments of DBH, height and total volume of the trees was carried out, using the Tukey test. (Results): The results show that the site with the highest natural fertility presents a greater growth of the trees, however, there are no statistically significant differences between all the treatments applied. The site with the lowest natural fertility is located in Bahía Drake and it did present statistically significant differences in some treatments in terms of total volume. (Conclusions): Continuous fertilization have a positive impact on the dasometric growth in G. arborea plantations that present low calcium contents (< 4.5 cmol L-1), low values of effective cation exchange capacity (<7.8 cmol L-1) and high acidity saturation (> 19.4 %).

Research on wastewater treatment processes in Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality (South Africa) has revealed that substandard wastewater management in this region contributes to terrestrial and aquatic pollution. Because this pollution poses a threat to the environment, there is a pressing need to reduce the environmental impact of poorly managed sewage sludge in the region. Biochar has been regarded as a cost-effective way of reducing chemical toxicity in terrestrial environments. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of biochar in the remediation of the toxicity of sewage sludge using the earthworm Eisenia fetida. Sewage sludge was collected from a local wastewater treatment plant and E. fetida were exposed to 0, 25, 50, and 100% non-amended and 10% biochar-amended sludge. After 28 days, survival, biomass and reproduction were assessed. Separately, in clean artificial soil, E. fetida was exposed to 5, 10 and 15% biochar amendment for 96 hours to determine if biochar amendment alone could be harmful to E. fetida. The results showed no significant differences in all parameters between the worms exposed to non-amended sludge and 10% biochar-amended sludge. Assessment of acetylcholinesterase and catalase activities in the earthworms that were exposed to biochar via clean soil revealed that 10% and 15% biochar amendment rates caused the worms to experience significant levels of neurotoxic and oxidative stress (p < 0.05). These findings reveal that biochar alone is likely to have adverse effects on soil organisms, and amendment rates higher or equal to 10% are not suitable to alleviate the toxic effects of sewage sludge. SIGNIFICANCE: This study can be used as a reference in the usage of biochar as a toxicity remediator. Different biochar rates (> 10%) can have different effects on soil-dwelling organisms. Policymakers can use this study when constructing laws regarding the disposal of sewage sludge by wastewater treatment plants.

ABSTRACT Understanding soil, plant attributes, and carrot crop dynamics is vital for optimizing site-specific management practices and enhancing crop yield and soil quality. This study aimed to ascertain the dependence and spatial variability between irrigated carrot yield and soil physical attributes in a clayey Oxisol. The research took place during the 2021 growing season in a commercial carrot production area in Campos Altos, MG, Brazil. One hundred sampling points were established within the irrigated area, distributed across a square expanse of 40,000 m², positioned at the centers of 20 × 20 m grids. The study revealed high yield in the irrigated carrot crop (99.74 t ha-1) with moderate variability. Soil attributes displayed a range of heterogeneity, ranging from low to extremely high, contingent on the variable assessed, as determined by the coefficient of variation. Among the variables exhibiting spatial dependence, particle density exhibited a minimum range of 40 m, which is recommended for further studies on irrigated carrot cultivation in a clayey Oxisol. Total soil water availability demonstrated a positive spatial correlation and proved to be the recommended variable for estimating the spatial variability of carrot crop yield. sitespecific site specific quality Oxisol 202 Altos MG Brazil 40000 000 40,00 m² 2 grids 99.74 9974 99 74 (99.7 ha1 ha 1 ha-1 heterogeneity assessed variation 4 4000 00 40,0 99.7 997 9 7 (99. ha- 400 0 40, 99. (99 (9 (

RESUMO Compreender o solo, os atributos das plantas e a dinâmica das culturas de cenoura é vital para otimizar praticas de manejo a sitio especifico e melhorar o rendimento das culturas e a qualidade do solo. Este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a dependência e a variabilidade espacial entre a produtividade da cenoura irrigada e os atributos físicos do solo em um Latossolo Argiloso. A pesquisa ocorreu durante a safra 2021 em uma área comercial de produção de cenoura em Campos Altos, MG, Brasil. Foram estabelecidos cem pontos amostrais dentro da área irrigada, distribuídos em uma área quadrada de 40.000 m², posicionados nos centros de grades de 20 x 20 m. O estudo revelou alta produtividade na cultura da cenoura irrigada (99,74 t ha-1) com variabilidade moderada. Os atributos do solo apresentaram uma gama de heterogeneidade, variando de baixa a extremamente alta, dependendo da variável avaliada, determinada pelo coeficiente de variação. Dentre as variáveis que apresentam dependência espacial, a densidade de partículas apresentou alcance mínimo de 40 m, o que é recomendado para futuros estudos de cultivo de cenoura irrigada em Latossolo Argiloso. A disponibilidade total de água no solo demonstrou correlação espacial positiva e mostrou-se a variável recomendada para estimar a variabilidade espacial da produtividade da cultura da cenoura. Argiloso 202 Altos MG Brasil 40000 000 40.00 m² m 2 99,74 9974 99 74 (99,7 ha1 ha 1 ha-1 moderada heterogeneidade avaliada variação 4 mostrouse mostrou se 4000 00 40.0 99,7 997 9 7 (99, ha- 400 0 40. 99, (99 (9 (

Resumen: La investigación tuvo como objetivo analizar el manejo de praderas nativas como una estrategia de adaptación al cambio climático en el altiplano central, municipio de Patacamaya, Bolivia. Para ello, se analizó el manejo del ganado tradicional en períodos de alta vulnerabilidad, observando la relación entre el estrés hídrico y el uso de especies forrajeras. La investigación fue descriptiva y relacional con 6 especies, 3 comunidades (Alto Patacamaya, Chiaraque y Patarani), y un total de 216 muestras tomadas entre julio 2015 y noviembre 2016. Se midieron el contenido gravimétrico de agua del suelo y el potencial hídrico al alba de la hoja, y se aplicó una caracterización fitoecológica. Los resultados obtenidos indican que el manejo estratégico tradicional temporal muestra una relación entre el tipo de manejo de las áreas de pastoreo y el tipo de forraje consumido. Como estrategia, los productores arrean su ganado a zonas cubiertas por forraje nativo o a zonas donde es posible adquirir forraje en ferias cercanas. Las especies más pastoreada en invierno fueron Festuca orthophylla y Stipa ichu con potenciales hídricos de -3,5 MPa y -4,1 MPa, respectivamente, en Chiaraque.

Abstract: The research aimed to analyze the management of native prairies as an adaptation strategy to climate change in the central highlands, Patacamaya district, Bolivia. For this, traditional livestock management was analyzed in periods of high vulnerability, observing the relationship between water stress and the use of forage grass species. The study was descriptive and relational, with 6 grass species, 3 communities (Alto Patacamaya, Chiaraque, and Patarani), and a total of 216 samples taken between July 2015 and November 2016. Gravimetric soil water content and leaf water potential at dawn were measured, and a phyto-ecological characterization was carried out. The results obtained indicate that traditional strategic management shows a relationship between the type of prairie management and the type of forage consumed. As a strategy, farmers lead their livestock to land areas covered with native grass species or areas where forage can be purchased locally. Festuca orthophylla and Stipa ichu were the most widely consumed grass species in winter, reaching water potential values of -3.5 and -4.1 MPa, respectively, in Chiaraque.