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: Plant growth, higher yield and fruit quality are positive ef fects due to the absorption of silicon (Si) and chlorine (Cl), which contributes to mitigating stress due to biotic or abiotic factors and recovering plant growth. The objective of this research was to know what the ef fect of Si or Cl does on morphometric variables, production quality and yield of the cucumber crop. A complete randomized block design was applied, four repetitions and ten treatments in seedlings: six doses of 20, 30 and 50 mg L-1 of Si or Cl, three doses with the volume:volume (v:v) ratio of 20 :20, 30:30 and 50:50 mg L-1 Si:Cl, plus the control. In plants transplanted in soil, already with five true leaves, there were nine treatments: six doses of 20, 30 and 50 mg L-1 of Si or Cl, two with the v:v ratio of 20:20 and 30:30 mg L-1 Si:Cl, and the witness. In pickle cucumber seedlings, the high dose of Cl was more ef fective in increasing leaf greenness and stem length; leaf size was greater in seedlings with the high dose of Si; while low doses of Cl or Si caused greater dry weight of roots. In the ˈModanˈ cultivar, the greenness did not change, the stem length was greater with the intermediate dose of Si, while the size of leaves was better expressed in plants with the lowest dose of Si. So perhaps the greater number of roots, the chlorophyll content and the leaf area influenced the higher yield to be expressed where Si or Cl was fertilized, as well as the firmness, TSS and °Brix of the fruits to improve.

Resumen: El crecimiento de plantas, mayor rendimiento y calidad de frutos, son efectos positivos debido a la absorción de silicio (Si) y cloro (Cl), que contribuye a mitigar el estrés por factores bióticos o abióticos y recuperar el crecimiento de las plantas. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue conocer el efecto que producen las dosis de Si o Cl en variables morfométricas, calidad de producción y rendimiento del cultivo de pepino. Se aplicó un diseño de bloques completos al azar, cuatro repeticiones y diez tratamientos en plántulas: seis dosis de 20, 30 y 50 mg L-1 de Si o Cl, tres dosis con la relación volumen:volumen (v:v) de 20:20, 30:30 y 50:50 mg L-1 Si:Cl, más el testigo. En plantas trasplantadas en suelo, ya con cinco hojas verdaderas, los tratamientos fueron nueve: seis dosis de 20, 30 y 50 mg L-1 de Si o Cl, dos con la relación v:v de 20:20 y 30:30 mg L-1 Si:Cl, y el testigo. En plántulas de pepino ˈpickleˈ, la dosis alta de Cl fue más eficaz para incrementar el verdor de hojas y longitud del tallo; el tamaño de hojas fue superior en plántulas con la dosis alta de Si; mientras que las bajas dosis de Cl o Si ocasionaron mayor peso seco de raíces. En el cultivar ˈModanˈ el verdor no varió, la longitud del tallo fue superior con la dosis intermedia de Si, mientras que el tamaño de hojas se expresó mejor en plantas con la menor dosis de Si. Así que quizás la mayor cantidad de raíces, el contenido de clorofila y el área foliar influyeron para que el rendimiento más alto se expresara donde se fertilizó con Si o Cl, así como para que mejoraran la firmeza, SST y °Brix de los frutos.

Summary: The state of Chiapas presents degradation processes of dif ferent kinds, as a consequence of the current established agricultural model. It is estimated that, in the near future, the surface of the state of Chiapas will present more than 55% degradation, generating changes in the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, af fecting the quality of life of human beings, mainly due to scarcity of food. The objective of this research was to evaluate the quality of the soils in three municipalities of the central depression of Chiapas, Mexico. The analysis were interpreted taking NOM-021-SEMARNAT-2000 as a reference and were classified according to the world reference base (WRB), version 2014. For the evaluation of soil quality, the sustainable use of land subindex (SUSS). 144 soil samples corresponding to 21 profiles were analyzed. Of the 21 profiles studied, 17 present poor soil qualities, two a sensitive quality, one acceptable quality and one with good quality. Only two soil groups presented good fertility and are classified as Vertisols and Phaeozems, which present good quality and capacity to maintain sustainable agricultural production in this region.

Resumen: El estado de Chiapas presenta procesos de degradación de diferente índole, como consecuencia del actual modelo agrícola establecido. Se estima que, en el futuro cercano, la superficie del estado de Chiapas presente más de 55% de degradación, generando modificaciones en las propiedades físicas, químicas y biológicas del suelo; afectando la calidad de vida de los seres humanos, principalmente por escasez de alimentos. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar la calidad de los suelos en tres municipios de la depresión central de Chiapas, México. Los análisis se interpretaron tomando como referencia la NOM-021-SEMARNAT-2000 y se clasificaron de acuerdo con la world reference base (WRB), versión 2014, para la evaluación de calidad del suelo se utilizó el subíndice de uso sustentable del suelo (SUSS). Se analizaron 144 muestras de suelo correspondientes a 21 perfiles. De los 21 perfiles estudiados, 17 presentan calidad de suelo pobre, dos calidades sensibles, uno calidad aceptable y uno con calidad buena. Solo dos Grupos de suelo presentaron buena fertilidad y son clasificados como Vertisols y Phaeozems, los cuales presentan buena calidad y capacidad para mantener producción agrícola sostenible en esta región.

Summary: Excessive use of chlorpyrifos affects the quality of agricultural soils causing negative effects on the safety of harvested food. The behavior of chlorpyrifos residues depends on soil properties, especially organic matter. Our aim in this research was to determine the effect of the application of vermicompost on the residual and dissipation of chlorpyrifos in an entisol soil of semi-arid climate with variations in its edaphic fertility. Four treatments were studied. T1: 7.5% vermicompost (V) and 92.5% soil (S); T2: 5% V and 95% S; T3: 2.5% V and 97.5% S; T4: 0% V and 100% S. The treatments were subjected to a seven-day incubation period. Subsequently, a dose of chlorpyrifos of 1.5 mg kg-1 as active ingredient was applied once for each treatment. A completely randomized design was used with three replicates for each treatment, forming 12 experimental units. The analytical determination of chlorpyrifos was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The evaluations were carried out 1.7, 14, 28, 42, 70 and 98 days after the application of chlorpyrifos. The results showed that the incorporation of vermicompost to the soil at increasing levels promoted a decrease in the residual concentration of chlorpyrifos and facilitated its gradual dissipation. The chlorpyrifos dissipation curves correspond to a first order logarithmic equation where the effects of the treatments caused greater dissipation of chlorpyrifos as the evaluation period elapsed. At 98 days of evaluation, T1 registered lower residuality (0.786 m kg-1), higher daily dissipation rate (0.008) and lower half-life of chlorpyrifos (86.64 days). At the end of the research period, edaphic levels of P, K, EC and CEC increased while OM, N and pH decreased after vermicompost application.

Resumen: El uso excesivo de clorpirifos afecta la calidad de los suelos agrícolas provocando efectos negativos en la inocuidad de los alimentos cosechados. El comportamiento de los residuos de clorpirifos depende de las propiedades edáficas especialmente la materia orgánica. El objetivo de la investigación fue determinar el efecto de la aplicación de vermicompost en la residualidad y disipación de clorpirifos en un suelo entisol de clima semiárido con variaciones en su fertilidad edáfica. Se estudiaron cuatro tratamientos. T1: 7.5% vermicompost (V) y 92.5% suelo (S); T2: 5% V y 95% S; T3: 2.5% V y 97.5% S; T4: 0% V y 100% S. Los tratamientos fueron sometidos a un periodo de incubación de siete días. Posteriormente, se aplicó una dosis de clorpirifos de 1.5 mg kg-1 como ingrediente activo en una sola oportunidad por cada tratamiento. Se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar con tres repeticiones por cada tratamiento conformando 12 unidades experimentales. La determinación analítica de clorpirifos se efectuó por cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC). Las evaluaciones se realizaron a 1,7, 14, 28, 42, 70 y 98 días de la aplicación de clorpirifos. Los resultados demostraron que la incorporación de vermicompost al suelo en niveles crecientes promovió la disminución de la concentración residual de clorpirifos y facilitó su disipación de manera gradual. Las curvas de disipación de clorpirifos corresponden a una ecuación logarítmica de primer orden donde los efectos de los tratamientos ocasionaron mayor disipación de clorpirifos conforme transcurrió el periodo de evaluación. A 98 días de evaluación el T1 registró menor residualidad (0.786 m kg-1), mayor tasa de disipación diaria (0.008) y menor vida media de clorpirifos (86.64 días). Al final del periodo de investigación, los niveles edáficos de P, K, CE y CIC se incrementaron mientras que la MO, N y pH descendieron luego de la aplicación de vermicompost.

Abstract Introduction. In organic agriculture, green manures and biocontrols are used as methods for fertilization and pest control. However, their independent application of these inputs increases production costs. A pelletized formulation is proposed to allow simultaneous application of both inputs. Objective. To evaluate the effect of pelletized Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum Rifai on nutritional intake, agricultural yield, and regulation of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Materials and methods. The experiment was carried out in 2022 in Tablón del Guarco, Cartago, Costa Rica, using a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and seven repetitions. Two formulations (A and B) of biopellet (M. pruriens + zeolite + T. harzianum) were applied at three dosages (15, 30, 50 g/plant). T. harzianum was added at a rate of 5 g/kg of biopellet. Applications of each treatment were conducted every 15 days for a total of eight applications. At the time of planting, F. oxysporum was inoculated (100 mL/plant with a concentration of 1 x 103 CFU). Results. The application of biopellet achieved a yield and weight of high-quality fruits similar to the commercial control. There were no significant differences among treatments for second and third-quality fruits. The technical efficiency in controlling F. oxysporum reached 97.6 % with biopellet. This amendment increased the levels of Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), and organic matter in the soil and affected the nutritional content of the plant foliage in the first 60 days after sowing. Conclusions. The biopellet has the capacity to make chemical and organic contributions to the soil, which improves the nutrition of the tomato crop. It could be also a biocontrol alternative against F. oxysporum and compatible with T. harzianum.

Resumen Introducción. En agricultura orgánica, se utilizan abonos verdes y biocontroladores como métodos de fertilización y control de plagas. Sin embargo, la aplicación independiente de estos incrementa los costos de producción. Se propone una presentación peletizada que permita la aplicación conjunta de ambos insumos. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. peletizada e inoculada con Trichoderma harzianum Rifai en el aporte nutricional, el rendimiento agrícola y la regulación de Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici en tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Materiales y métodos. El experimento se ejecutó el año 2022 en Tablón del Guarco, Cartago, Costa Rica, bajo un diseño de bloques completos al azar con siete tratamientos y siete repeticiones. Se aplicaron dos formulaciones (A y B) de biopélet (M. pruriens + zeolita + T. harzianum) en tres dosificaciones (15, 30, 50 g/planta). La adición de T. harzianum se efectuó a razón de 5 g por cada kilo del biopélet. Se realizaron aplicaciones cada 15 días por tratamiento para un total de ocho aplicaciones. Se inoculó F. oxysporum (100 mL/planta con una concentración de 1 x 103 UFC) a la siembra. Resultados. La aplicación del biopélet mostró un rendimiento y peso de frutos de primera calidad similar al testigo comercial. En frutos de segunda y tercera calidad, no hubo diferencias significativas entre tratamientos. La eficiencia en el control de F. oxysporum alcanzó el 97,6 % con biopélet. Esta enmienda aumentó los niveles de Carbono, Nitrógeno y materia orgánica en el suelo e influenció el contenido nutricional en el follaje a los 60 días después de la siembra. Conclusiones. El biopélet tiene la capacidad de realizar aportes químicos y orgánicos al suelo, por lo cual mejora la nutrición del cultivo del tomate. Los resultados sugieren además que es una alternativa de biocontrol contra F. oxysporum y compatible con T. harzianum.

ABSTRACT The contribution of plant residues throughout the sugarcane cycles favors the increase of organic matter and the activity of microorganisms in the soil, especially in the surface layers. Soil texture also has an important effect on ecological processes and soil quality. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate soil biological attributes in different sugarcane cultivation cycles under mechanized harvesting in an Oxisol in the Savanna region of Central Brazil. The study was conducted in commercial areas under sugarcane cultivation during the 2018/2019 season, which were considered homogeneous in terms of soil and climatic conditions, with the source of variation among the areas being the cultivation cycles (C1: one cultivation cycle; C3: three cultivation cycles; C7: seven cultivation cycles) and a savanna vegetation area selected as a reference. Microbiological variables were determined in two layers, 0-0.1 and 0.1-0.2 m. The variables related to microbial biomass and texture were subjected to principal component analysis. Areas with longer sugarcane cultivation cycles show higher proportion of microbial biomass carbon in the total organic carbon in subsurface layers (microbial quotient). The performance of the soil microbial community, as expressed by total organic carbon and microbial biomass nitrogen indicators, was associated with higher presence of clay and silt, i.e., soil particles smaller than 0.02 mm. quality context Brazil 20182019 2018 2019 2018/201 season conditions C1 C (C1 cycle C3 C7 reference 00.1 001 0 0.1 1 0-0. 0.10.2 0102 0.2 2 0.1-0. m analysis quotient. quotient . quotient) community indicators silt ie i e i.e. 002 02 0.0 mm 2018201 201 2018/20 (C 00 00. 01 0. 0-0 10 0.10. 010 0.1-0 i.e 201820 20 2018/2 0- 0.10 0.1- 20182 2018/

RESUMO O aporte de resíduos vegetais ao longo dos ciclos da cana-de-açúcar favorece o incremento de matéria orgânica e atividade de microrganismos no solo, especialmente nas camadas superficiais. A textura do solo também tem um efeito importante nos processos ecológicos e na qualidade do solo. Nesse sentido, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar atributos biológicos do solo em diferentes ciclos de cultivo de cana-de-açúcar sob colheita mecanizada, em um Latossolo da região de cerrado do Brasil Central. O estudo foi realizado em áreas comerciais de cultivo de cana-de-açúcar na safra 2018/2019, consideradas homogêneas em termos de condições edafoclimáticas, tendo como fonte de variação entre as áreas os ciclos de cultivo (C1: um ciclo de cultivo; C3: três ciclos de cultivo; C7: sete ciclos de cultivo) e uma área de vegetação de cerrado selecionada como referência. Foram determinadas variáveis microbiológicas nas camadas de 0-0,10 e 0,10-0,20 m. As variáveis relacionados à biomassa microbiana e textura foram submetidos à análise de componentes principais. Áreas com ciclos de cultivo de cana-de-açúcar mais longos apresentaram maior proporção de carbono da biomassa microbiana no carbono orgânico total nas camadas subterrâneas (quociente microbiano). O desempenho da comunidade microbiana do solo, expresso pelos indicadores carbono orgânico total e nitrogênio da biomassa microbiana foi associado à maior presença de argila e silte, ou seja, partículas de solo menores que 0,02 mm. canadeaçúcar cana açúcar superficiais sentido mecanizada Central 20182019 2018 2019 2018/2019 edafoclimáticas C1 C (C1 C3 C7 referência 00,10 0010 0 0,10 10 0-0,1 0,100,20 010020 0,20 20 0,10-0,2 m principais quociente microbiano. microbiano . microbiano) silte seja 002 02 0,0 mm 2018201 201 2018/201 (C 00 00,1 001 010 0,1 1 0-0, 100 0,100,2 01002 020 0,2 2 0,10-0, 0, 201820 2018/20 00, 01 0-0 0,100, 0100 0,10-0 20182 2018/2 0- 0,100 0,10- 2018/

ABSTRACT The proper disposal of fruit and vegetable waste is essential to promote environmental sustainability, reduce the carbon footprint, improve soil quality, and contribute to the transition to a circular economy. This study examined the impact of incorporating dairy cattle wastewater (DCWW) into anaerobic co-digestion with fruit and vegetable residues and utilization of the resulting biofertilizer as a diluent in the anaerobic mono-digestion of fruit and vegetable residues (recycle). The specific biogas and methane production and the agronomic quality of the biofertilizer were evaluated in a semi-continuous trial. Two startup strategies were employed: initially, the reactors were entirely fed with inoculum (biofertilizer derived from DCWW), and fruit and vegetable residue feedstock was gradually introduced. Anaerobic co-digestion of fruit and vegetable residues with DCWW yielded the highest specific production of biogas and methane at 720 and 436 L kg-1 of volatile solids (VS), respectively. The addition of DCWW increases fruit and vegetable residue alkalinity by 249% and reduces the volatile acidity by 83.4%. Anaerobic mono-digestion of fruit and vegetable residues enhances macronutrient recovery in the biofertilizer through recycle. Logistically, directing fruit and vegetable residues to rural areas for anaerobic co-digestion with DCWW promotes agricultural biofertilizer use. sustainability footprint economy (DCWW codigestion co digestion monodigestion mono recycle . (recycle) semicontinuous semi continuous trial employed initially DCWW, , DCWW) introduced 72 43 kg1 kg 1 kg- VS, VS (VS) respectively 249 834 83 4 83.4% Logistically use (recycle 7 (VS 24 8 83.4 2 83.

RESUMO A destinação adequada dos resíduos de frutas e vegetais é fundamental para promover a sustentabilidade ambiental, reduzir a pegada de carbono, melhorar a qualidade do solo e contribuir para a transição para uma economia circular. Neste estudo, foram avaliados os efeitos da adição de água residuária da bovinocultura de leite em codigestão anaeróbia com resíduos de frutas e vegetais e o uso do biofertilizante como diluente na monodigestão anaeróbia dos resíduos de frutas e vegetais (reciclo). A produção específica de biogás e metano, bem como a qualidade agronômica do biofertilizante em um estudo semicontínuo, foram avaliados. Foram utilizadas duas estratégias para partida dos reatores: o abastecimento inicial dos reatores totalmente com inóculo (biofertilizante proveniente da digestão anaeróbia da água residuária da bovinocultura de leite) e a progressão de carga para os resíduos de frutas e vegetais. A maior produção específica de biogás e metano foi atingida pela codigestão anaeróbia de resíduos de frutas e vegetais com água residuária da bovinocultura de leite, 720 e 436 L kg-1 de sólidos voláteis (SV), respectivamente. A adição da água residuária da bovinocultura de leite aumentou em 249% a alcalinidade dos resíduos de frutas e vegetais e diminuiu em 83,4% sua acidez volátil. A recuperação de macronutrientes no biofertilizante é favorecida pela monodigestão anaeróbia dos resíduos de frutas e vegetais em função do uso do reciclo. Entretanto, visando a destinação destes ao meio rural, a codigestão anaeróbia com água residuária da bovinocultura de leite favorece o uso agrícola do biofertilizante. ambiental carbono circular reciclo . (reciclo) semicontínuo 72 43 kg1 kg 1 kg- SV, SV , (SV) respectivamente 249 834 83 4 83,4 volátil Entretanto rural (reciclo 7 (SV 24 8 83, 2

ABSTRACT Alternative techniques for cultivation without soil are widespread; however, studies comparing hydroponic systems still need to be studied, mainly in semi-arid regions. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydroponic systems on the yield and quality of lettuce cultivars subjected to different electrical conductivities of the nutrient solution. The research was conducted in a greenhouse, adopting a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial scheme, being two lettuce cultivars (Cinderela and Rubinela), two electrical conductivities (2.90 and 1.6 dS m-1), and three hydroponics systems (NFT, semi-hydroponic, and floating), with three replications. The number of leaves, leaf succulence, specific leaf area, leaf fresh mass, total dry mass, leaf area, titratable acidity, vitamin C, and soluble solids were evaluated. Cinderela cultivar showed the highest average leaf fresh mass, total dry mass, leaf area, and vitamin C values. The NFT and floating systems provided the highest leaf yield and quality, especially in the solution of 1.60 dS m-1. The semi-hydroponic system provided greater development of the plants with a more concentrated nutrient solution (2.90 dS m-1). widespread however studied semiarid semi arid regions greenhouse scheme Rubinela, Rubinela , Rubinela) 2.90 290 90 (2.9 16 1 6 1. m1, m1 m m-1) NFT, (NFT semihydroponic, semihydroponic hydroponic, floating, floating) replications leaves succulence area mass acidity evaluated values 160 60 m1. m-1 . 2.9 29 9 (2. m- 2. (2 (

RESUMO Técnicas alternativas de cultivo sem solo são difundidas; no entanto, estudos comparando os sistemas hidropônicos ainda precisam ser estudados, principalmente em regiões semiáridas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a efeito de sistemas hidropônicos na produtividade e qualidade de cultivares de alface submetidas a diferentes condutividades elétricas da solução nutritiva. A pesquisa foi conduzida em casa de vegetação, adotando delineamento inteiramente casualizado. em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 × 3, sendo duas cultivares de alface (Cinderela e Rubinela), duas condutividades elétricas (2,90 e 1,6 dS m-1), e três sistemas hidropônicos (NFT, semi-hidropônico e floating), com três repetições. Foram avaliados número de folhas, suculência foliar, área foliar específica, massa fresca foliar, massa seca total, área foliar, acidez titulável, vitamina C e sólidos solúveis. A cultivar Cinderela apresentou maior massa fresca de folhas, massa seca total, área foliar, acidez titulável e vitamina C e sólidos solúveis. Os sistemas NFT e floating proporcionaram maior produtividade e qualidade foliar, especialmente na solução de 1,60 dS m-1. O sistema semi-hidropônico proporcionou maior desenvolvimento das plantas com solução nutritiva mais concentrada (2,90 dS m-1). difundidas entanto estudados semiáridas vegetação casualizado 3 Rubinela, Rubinela , Rubinela) 2,90 290 90 (2,9 16 1 6 1, m1, m1 m m-1) NFT, (NFT semihidropônico semi hidropônico floating, floating) repetições folhas específica total solúveis 160 60 m1. 1. m-1 . 2,9 29 9 (2, m- 2, (2 (

ABSTRACT: Buckwheat is known for its aptitude as green manure, as it increases soil’s physical and chemical properties at the same time it has none or very few fertilization requirements besides a fast canopy closure and has no ravagers or natural enemies documented in Brazil. This crop has the potential to fill an empty period known as the “Autumn gap” in Southern Brazil, which is characterized by the low or no forage offer at all, justified by the fact its forage has the same quality as that of a grass forage, besides, its grains, highly nutritious, can also be consumed by humans, ruminants, or non-ruminants. This review aims to provide relevant information about recent buckwheat research to make it a viable alternative for the Autumn gap. ABSTRACT manure soils soil s Brazil gap all grains nutritious humans ruminants nonruminants. nonruminants non ruminants. non-ruminants

RESUMO: O trigo mourisco é conhecido por sua aptidão como adubo verde, melhorando as propriedades físicas e químicas do solo ao mesmo tempo que possui nenhuma ou baixíssimas requisições de fertilização, além de rápido fechamento de dossel e de não possuir pragas nem outros inimigos naturais documentados no Brasil. Essa cultura tem o potencial de cultivo para preencher o período de tempo conhecido como “vazio outonal” no Sul do Brasil, período caracterizado pela baixa ou nenhuma oferta de forragem. O valor nutritivo é bom, além de seus grãos, altamente nutritivos, também poderem ser consumidos por humanos, ruminantes e não-ruminantes. Essa revisão visa fornecer informações relevantes da pesquisa sobre o trigo mourisco nos últimos anos objetivando o incentivo a viabilização dessa cultura como alternativa no vazio outonal no sul do Brasil. RESUMO verde fertilização Brasil forragem bom grãos nutritivos humanos nãoruminantes. nãoruminantes ruminantes. não-ruminantes

RESUMEN Trichoderma, un género de hongos filamentosos es ampliamente utilizado en la agricultura debido a sus propiedades y usos diversos, destacando su habilidad para funcionar como un agente biocontrolador contra diversos fitopatógenos. El éxito de Trichoderma se basa en múltiples mecanismos de acción, que incluyen antibiosis, micoparasitismo, competencia por espacio y nutrientes, producción de enzimas y metabolitos secundarios con actividad antimicrobiana y la estimulación de la respuesta de defensa de las plantas ante los patógenos. Esta mini revisión se centra en los mecanismos de acción de Trichoderma como biocontrolador y sus potencialidades para el uso en la agricultura. Este género de hongos filamentosos con capacidad para inhibir el crecimiento de patógenos, estimular el crecimiento de las plantas y mejorar la calidad del suelo lo convierten en un recurso valioso para los agricultores. El conocimiento de estos mecanismos puede ayudar a mejorar aún más su uso en la agricultura y promover prácticas agrícolas sostenibles.

ABSTRACT Trichoderma, a genus of filamentous fungi, is widely used in agriculture due to its various properties and uses, particularly its ability to function as a biocontrol agent against various phytopathogens. The success of Trichoderma is based on multiple mechanisms of action, including antibiosis, mycoparasitism, competition for space and nutrients, production of enzymes and secondary metabolites with antimicrobial activity, and stimulation of the plant defense response against pathogens. This mini review focuses on the mechanisms of action of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent and its potential for use in agriculture. Its ability to inhibit the growth of pathogens, stimulate plant growth, and improve soil quality makes it a valuable resource for farmers. Understanding these mechanisms can further improve its use in agriculture and promote sustainable agricultural practices.

ABSTRACT Sugarcane-duck symbiosis (SDS) is an ecological breeding production method wherein meat ducks are released in sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) fields during the middle and late stages of sugarcane growth. The effects of SDS on sugarcane rhizobacterial diversity remain poorly understood. We conducted field experiments with sugarcane monoculture (SC) and SDS and performed genetic analyses on the rhizobacterial communities based on 16S rRNA across different growth stages of sugarcane. The effects of soil physicochemical factors on the bacterial community structure were analyzed via redundancy analysis. We found that soil organic matter (SOM), total N (TN), nitrate N (NN), and ammonium N (AN) contents of sugarcane rhizosphere soils increased during different growth periods in SDS. During the perennial root stages, the Shannon-, Ace-, and Chao1 indices increased, whereas the available P (AP) content decreased. The soil pH was more balanced and its effect on the soil bacterial community was insignificant. The dominant sugarcane rhizosphere flora were Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, norank_f__norank_o__Gaiellales, Sphingomonas, norank_f__Roseiflexaceae, Bacillus, and norank_f__Xanthobacteraceae, but with significant inter-annual variations. Redundancy analysis showed that SOM, TN, NN, AN, AP, catalase (CAT) and invertase (INV) activity were closely associated with the diversity of the soil bacterial communities, and TN and INV activity were the main drivers of sugarcane rhizobacterial communities in the SDS groups. In conclusion, SDS improves the fertilizer supply capacity and soil quality of sugarcane soils by regulating major soil nutrient content, available nutrients, and microbial diversity. This study provides a theoretical basis for scientifically managing SDS and the screening of biocontrol bacteria.

ABSTRACT The hidden hunger for Se in the world population is well known. As a strategy to address this issue, this study aimed to biofortify onion (Allium cepa L.), since it is a condiment vegetable consumed by different economic classes and is widely used in the food industry. To this end, Se doses (0, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 g ha-1) and application forms (soil and foliar) were evaluated on the biofortification of the bulb and crop yield. The Se source was sodium selenate. Via soil, Se was applied together with NPK fertilizer in the pre-transplantation of the seedlings. Via foliar application, Se was sprayed 77 d after seedlings were transplanted. The Se increased yield up to 99 g ha-1, which was 14.7% higher than the yield obtained in the crop not fertilized with Se. Foliar application of Se was more efficient than soil application in the biofortification of onion, although both were effective. With the dose that promoted the highest yield, the Se concentrations reached 0.487 and 0.317 mg Se kg-1 in onion dry mass, when the supply was made via foliar and soil applications, respectively. The increase in Se supply did not influence bulb quality, as demonstrated by the macro- and micronutrients content and pungency.

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 (

ABSTRACT: The seedbed phase is decisive in the use of quality seedlings for transplanting. This research aimed to evaluate the differentiated vegetative response of tomato cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.) to two substrates under tray conditions. The experiment was carried out at the University of Pinar del Río, Cuba. The cultivars 'Celeste', 'Desquite', 'Grandioso' and 'Radiante' were used in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement (factors: substrate and cultivar). The substrates were made from Fersialitic soil, organic materials (humus or peat) and rice husks. Sowing was carried out in trays with 40 alveoli (tubes), with a capacity for 70 g of substrate each. The substrates used guaranteed adequate morphophysiological development of tomato seedlings, regardless of the cultivar evaluated, although 'Desquite' presented the lowest absolute growth rate. With the use of the substrate based on soil, humus and rice husk, the number of seedlings useful for transplanting increased by 5%, which guarantees a reduction in the number of trays and volume of substrate used in this phase of crop.

RESUMEN: La fase de semillero es determinante en la utilización de plántulas con calidad para el trasplante. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar la respuesta vegetativa diferenciada de cultivares de tomate (Solanum lycopersicum L.) a dos sustratos en condiciones de bandejas. El experimento se ejecutó en la Universidad de Pinar del Río, Cuba. Se utilizaron los cultivares ‘Celeste’, ‘Desquite’, ‘Grandioso’ y ‘Radiante’, en un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial (factores: sustrato y cultivar). Los sustratos se elaboraron a base de suelo Fersialítico, materiales orgánicos (humus o turba) y cascarrilla de arroz. La siembra se realizó en bandejas de 40 alvéolos (tubetes), con capacidad para 70 g de sustrato cada uno. Los sustratos empleados garantizaron un adecuado desarrollo morfofisiológico de las plántulas de tomate, independientemente del cultivar evaluado, aunque ‘Desquite’ presentó la menor tasa absoluta de crecimiento. Con el empleo del sustrato a base de suelo, humus y cascarilla de arroz, se incrementó en 5% las plántulas útiles para el trasplante, lo que garantiza una reducción en el número de bandejas y volumen de sustrato empleados en esta fase del cultivo.