ABSTRACT The spatial variability of soil attributes in terraced areas is poorly studied in the semi-arid region. Considering that multivariate analysis enhances the diagnosis of spatial variability from geostatistics, soil attributes were studied in different zones between terrace channels in semi-arid region, more precisely in a retention terrace area in Canindé (Ceará, Brazil). Soil samples (n = 100) were collected at depths of 0.0 - 0.1 and 0.1 - 0.2 m for descriptive and geostatistical analysis. For multivariate analysis, samples from three zones relative to the terrace channel (Upper, Middle, and Lower) in the 0.0 - 0.2 m layer were considered, with 30 replicates. There was spatial dependence of soil attributes in the two layers studied. Near the channel, in the respective layers, there was higher clay content (13.7% and 14.7%) and higher degree of flocculation (61.3% and 71.7%) compared to the other zones. Water-dispersible clay was higher in the Upper zone (6.5% and 7.7% in the respective layers), while the Middle zone showed higher potential acidity in the evaluated layers (4.8 and 4.5 cmolc dm-3, respectively) compared to the other zones. In the multivariate analysis, there were highlights for the higher sum of bases in the Upper zone (18.9 ± 0.8 cmolc dm-3), higher sand content in the Middle zone (72.6 ± 0.6%), lower potential acidity (2.1 ± 0.2 cmolc dm-3) and higher phosphorus content (12.8 ± 3.0 mg kg-1) in the Low zone. The zone above the terrace channel loses mainly clay and requires practices to increase water and nutrient retention. semiarid semi arid region geostatistics Ceará, Ceará (Ceará Brazil. Brazil . Brazil) n 100 00 0 0. 01 1 02 2 Upper, (Upper Lower considered 3 replicates 13.7% 137 13 7 (13.7 14.7% 147 14 61.3% 613 61 (61.3 71.7% 717 71 Waterdispersible Water dispersible 6.5% 65 6 5 (6.5 77 7.7 , layers) 4.8 48 4 8 (4. 45 4. dm3, dm3 dm 3, dm-3 respectively 18.9 189 18 9 (18. 08 72.6 726 72 (72. 0.6%, 06 0.6% 0.6%) 2.1 21 (2. 12.8 128 12 (12. 3. kg1 kg kg-1 10 13.7 (13. 14.7 61.3 (61. 71.7 6.5 (6. 7. (4 dm- 18. (18 72. (72 0.6 2. (2 12. (12 kg- 13. (13 14. 61. (61 71. 6. (6 ( (1 (7

ABSTRACT Understanding organic carbon and predominant humic fractions in the soil allows contributes to soil quality management. Conventional fractionation techniques require time, excessive sampling, and high maintenance costs. In this study, predictive models for organic carbon in humic substances (HS) were evaluated using hyperspectral data as an alternative to chemical fractionation and quantification by wet digestion. Twenty-nine samples of Neossolos Flúvicos (Fluvents) - A1, and 36 samples of Cambissolos (Inceptisols) - A2 were used. The samples were also analyzed jointly, creating a third sample group - A1&A2. Untransformed spectral reflectance factors were obtained using the FieldSpec Pro FR 3 hyperspectral sensor (350–2500 nm). Pre-processing techniques were employed, including Savitzky–Golay smoothing and first- and second-order derivative analysis. After selecting variables using the Backward method, which removes spectral variables that are not statistically significant for the regression. Estimation models were built by Principal Components Regression (PCR) and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR). The spectral data were evaluated individually for soil classes A1 and A2, and jointly for A1&A2. The PLSR was more efficient than PCR, especially for the estimation models that used the first derivative of reflectance employing the three sample groups. For samples of A1, the best estimate was seen for humic acid (RPD = 6.09) and humin (RPD = 2.38); for A2, the best models estimated the OC in fulvic acid (RPD = 2.35) and humin (RPD = 2.51); and for the joint spectral data (A1&A2), the prediction was robust for humin only (RPD = 2.01). The most representative wavelengths were observed using the first derivative with PLSR and PCR, centred on the region between 1600 and 1800 nm. The first-derivative of reflectance calculated more-robust predictive models using PLSR than PCR. The best predictions occurred for organic carbon associated with humic acid in Neossolos Flúvicos, with fulvic acid in Cambissolos, and with humin in both soil classes. management time sampling costs study HS (HS digestion Twentynine Twenty nine Fluvents (Fluvents A Inceptisols (Inceptisols A1A2 AA A1&A2 350–2500 3502500 350 2500 (350–250 nm . nm) Preprocessing Pre processing employed SavitzkyGolay Savitzky Golay secondorder second order analysis method regression PCR (PCR PLSR. (PLSR) groups RPD 6.09 609 6 09 2.38 238 2 38 2.38) 2.35 235 35 2.51 251 51 2.51) A1&A2, , (A1&A2) 2.01. 201 2.01 01 2.01) 160 180 firstderivative morerobust A1A A1&A 350–250 350250 250 (350–25 (PLSR 6.0 60 0 2.3 23 2.5 25 5 (A1&A2 20 2.0 16 18 350–25 35025 (350–2 6. 2. (A1&A 1 350–2 3502 (350– 350– (350 (35 (3 (

ABSTRACT The rational exploitation of the land requires planning its agricultural use, which can be supported by the agricultural land suitability (ALS) assessment. The scheme to assess ALS proposed by Food Agricultural Organization (FAO) has been adopted in Brazil based on guiding charts for subtropical, humid tropical and semi-arid tropical climate. However, the guiding chart used for the semi-arid region has dramatically limited the ALS in drylands on which rainfed agriculture has been practiced. In this study, an adequation for the ALS assessment regarding the edaphoclimatic conditions of semi-arid region was proposed to improve the representation of agricultural areas and to allow a better planning of soil conservation practices. The ALS of the south region of Ceará State (Brazil) was assessed according to the FAO scheme and its initial adaptation to the Brazilian conditions; subsequently, this assessment was obtained by two adequations. Adequation I disregarded the limiting factor of water availability, while adequation II, besides disregarding the factor of water availability, established new limits for the classes of effective soil depth. The adequations resulted in an increase of 177.19 % in the areas with regular suitability for crops to the detriment of areas with restricted suitability for crops and areas with suitability only for pasture or grazing lands. The adequations increased the agricultural suitability in 41.26 % of the area of the mapping units, and 16.77 % of them were due to the modifications related to the effective soil depth, while the other 26.35 % were due to the changes related to water availability. The results related to water availability were equivalent to those observed through the dynamic analysis of land-use and cover associated with the rainfall, which demonstrated an increase in the areas for rainfed agriculture and a reduction in fallow and pasture areas in the years with rainfall within the climatic normality. The areas considered suitable for crop production with the adequation of the scheme may be included in soil conservation programs. use (ALS (FAO subtropical semiarid semi arid climate However practiced study practices (Brazil subsequently II depth 17719 177 19 177.1 lands 4126 41 26 41.2 units 1677 16 77 16.7 2635 35 26.3 landuse normality programs 1771 17 1 177. 412 4 2 41. 167 7 16. 263 3 26.

ABSTRACT Hydrogels have potential as soil conditioners due to their high capacity to retain water and mitigate soil salinity. However, investigations under saline conditions are necessary because there are losses in both water absorption and salinity mitigation depending on the composition of hydrogel and ions involved in salinity. In this work, we studied a commercial hydrogel in two experiments. The first experiment was conducted in the laboratory to evaluate the absorption by the hydrogel of water with electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.5, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 dS m–1, promoted by NaCl. The second experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme (with and without hydrogel × EC of the first experiment). Although salinity reduced water absorption by hydrogel by 84 %, the polymer applied in a sandy soil under saline conditions reduced water losses by 58 %. However, hydrogel did not increase the final soil moisture (~ 0.10 g g–1). The polymer reduced Na+ concentration in leachate from 1,499 to 1,219 mg L–1 at the highest salinity level (4.5 dS m–1), but it increased Na+ soil availability by 0.1 mg kg–1 in comparison with polymer absence. Hydrogel application increased Na+ content in plants from 9 to 13 mg kg–1 at the highest salinity, while K+ content was 10 to 16 mg kg–1 lower than that observed without a polymer. Hydrogel 0.07 % (w/w) reduced maize biomass, indicating damage by monovalent ions, compromising the polymer potential under salinity.

RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a variação no carbono orgânico total e particulado, relação de estratificação de C, e índice de sensibilidade dessas frações da MOS sob resíduos orgânicos em aléias em um sistema agroflorestal, com e sem uso do fogo na Caatinga. Por meio de experimento em parcelas subdivididas com quatro repetições, onde nas parcelas foi avaliado o fator fogo, e nas subparcelas foi avaliado o fator resíduos orgânicos nas aléias, com as variações de gliricídia isolada, gliricídia com bagana de carnaúba, gliricídia com biocomposto e gliricídia, bagana de carnaúba e biocomposto, sob três profundidades. Nas aléias com uso combinado dos resíduos da bagana de carnaúba, gliricídia e biocomposto houve maior conservação tanto do conteúdo de C orgânico particulado quanto do C associado aos minerais. Assim, o manejo agroflorestal em aléias utilizando a combinação dos três resíduos foi eficiente na conservação de uma matéria orgânica lábil e mais estável. Verificou-se também que o carbono orgânico particulado em todas as aléias foi mais sensível às modificações realizadas no manejo do solo em relação ao conteúdo total da MOS, no qual observou-se maiores índices de sensibilidade dessa fração.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the variation in total and particulate organic carbon contents, carbon vertical stratification, and sensitivity index of organic matter fractions in soils with organic residues arranged in alleys in an agroforestry system, with and without use of fire, in the Caatinga biome, in Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot arrangement with four replications, with the factor fire in the plots, and the factor organic residues in the subplots. The organic residues used consisted of Gliricidia sepium plants; G. sepium plants and carnauba processing residue; G. sepium plants and bio-compost; and G. sepium plants, carnauba processing residue, and bio-compost, which were evaluated in three soil layers. The alleys with carnauba processing residue, G. sepium plants, and bio-compost presented a better maintenance of particulate, and mineral-associated organic carbon contents. Thus, the agroforestry management in alleys using these three residues was efficient for the maintenance of labile and recalcitrant organic matter compartments. Particulate organic carbon was more sensitive to changes in soil management than total organic matter content, in all alleys, presenting higher sensitivity indexes.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar, por meio de análise multivariada de dados, quais resíduos de leguminosas arbóreas tem melhor potencial fertilizante para culturas agrícolas no semiárido nordestino brasileiro. O experimento foi conduzido em vasos, em delineamento aleatorizado em blocos, com sete tratamentos e quatro repetições. Para constituir os tratamentos utilizaram-se resíduos de sabiá, jurema-preta e gliricídia; além de duas partes da planta: folhas e folhas mais galhos. Os vasos foram preenchidos com 8,0 dm3 de solo e os resíduos foram adicionados na forma de massa verde, correspondendo a 73,0 g de massa seca por vaso. Sementes de milho foram semeadas e aos 65 dias após adição dos resíduos avaliou-se atributos químicos do solo, crescimento e teores de nutrientes das plantas. Os dados foram estudados por meio das análises de componentes principais, agrupamento, função discriminante canônica e teste de comparação de médias a partir da varável canônica 1. Resíduos de gliricídia influenciaram positivamente K e Mg do solo, bem como altura, diâmetro do caule, número de folhas e teores foliares de P, N e Mg em plantas de milho. Estes resíduos apresentaram maior dissimilaridade e separação em relação ao tratamento controle e proporcionaram médias estatisticamente superiores aos demais tratamentos. Folhas de jurema-preta influenciaram positivamente Ca, N e COT do solo, bem como teores foliares de K e Ca e matéria seca total do milho. A análise estatística multivariada permitiu identificar potenciais distintos entre resíduos de leguminosas para uso como fertilizante na cultura do milho, sendo a espécie gliricídia a que apresenta maior potencial.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate, through multivariate data analysis, which tree legume residues have the best fertilizer potential for agricultural crops in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. The experiment was conducted in pots, in a randomized block design, with seven treatments and four replicates. Treatments consisted of residues of Sabiá, Jurema Preta and Gliricidia, besides two parts of the plant: leaves and leaves + branches. The pots were filled with 8.0 dm3 of soil and the residues were added in the form of green mass, corresponding to 73.0 g of dry mass per pot. Maize seeds were sown and, at 65 days after addition of the residues, soil chemical attributes, growth and nutrient contents in the plants were evaluated. The data were studied through principal component analysis, clustering analysis, canonical discriminant function analysis and means comparison test from canonical variable 1. Gliricidia residues positively influenced soil K and Mg contents, as well as height, stem diameter, number of leaves and leaf contents of P, N and Mg in maize plants. These residues showed greater dissimilarity and separation compared to the control treatment and led to statistically higher means compared to the other treatments. Jurema Preta leaves positively influenced soil Ca, N and TOC, as well as leaf contents of K and Ca and total dry mass of maize. Multivariate statistical analysis made it possible to identify distinct potentials among legume residues for use as fertilizer in maize crop, and Gliricidia is the species with highest potential.

RESUMO Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da adição de resíduos de partes de leguminosas arbóreas no crescimento e nutrição de plantas de milho (Zea mays L.), bem como nos atributos químicos de um solo degradado, 65 dias após a aplicação dos resíduos. O experimento foi realizado em vasos, em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com dez tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: T1 - Sem resíduo de leguminosas, T2 - Folhas de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T3 - Galhos de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T4 - Folhas + galhos de Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T5 - Folhas de Mimosa hostilis, T6 - Galhos de Mimosa hostilis, T7 - Folhas + galhos de Mimosa hostilis, T8 - Folhas de Gliricidia sepium, T9 - Galhos de Gliricidia sepium e T10 - Folhas + galhos de Gliricidia sepium. Os vasos foram preenchidos com solo de área degradada e os resíduos adicionados na forma de massa verde após a semeadura do milho. Resíduos de leguminosas arbóreas influenciaram positivamente o crescimento de plantas de milho já aos 65 dias após a aplicação e favoreceram o acúmulo de nitrogênio, fósforo e potássio na parte aérea de plantas. Os adubos verdes utilizados melhoraram atributos químicos do solo logo aos 65 dias após a aplicação, com destaque para o N-nitrato (N-NO3 -), N-amônio (N-NH4 +), nitrogênio inorgânico total (N-NO3 - + N-NH4 +) e K, demonstrando que essas espécies são boas opções para recuperação de áreas degradadas no semiárido cearense.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the addition of parts of leguminous trees on the growth and nutrition of maize (Zea mays L.), as well as on the chemical attributes of a degraded soil, 65 days after applying the residues. The experiment was conducted in pots, in a randomized block design with ten treatments and four replicates. The evaluated treatments were: T1 - No residues of leguminous trees, T2 - Leaves of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T3 - Branches of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T4 - Leaves + branches of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia, T5 - Leaves of Mimosa hostilis, T6 - Branches of Mimosa hostilis, T7 - Leaves + branches of Mimosa hostilis, T8 - Leaves of Gliricidia sepium, T9 - Branches of Gliricidia sepium and T10 - Leaves + branches of Gliricidia sepium. Pots were filled with soil from a degraded area and residues were added in the form of green mass after sowing the maize. Residues of leguminous trees positively influenced maize growth at 65 days after application and favored the accumulation of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the shoots. Green fertilizers improved soil chemical attributes at 65 days after application, especially nitrate-N (NO3 --N), ammonium-N (NH4 +-N), total inorganic N (NO3 --N + NH4 +-N) and K, demonstrating that these species are good options for recovering degraded areas in the semi-arid region of Ceará.

RESUMO Solos de regiões semiáridas têm sido degradados em função do sobrepastejo, reduzindo a capacidade produtiva e, em certas situações, levando ao processo de desertificação. Uma alternativa usada na recuperação de áreas degradadas é a prática do pousio, que atua pelo próprio poder de resiliência do solo, aumentando assim o aporte de matéria orgânica e melhorando os atributos físicos do solo. Com isso, objetivou-se com esse trabalho comprovar a hipótese de que o tempo de pousio de 14 anos melhora os atributos físicos e químicos do solo em áreas degradadas em processo de desertificação. O estudo foi realizado no município de Irauçuba, no Estado do Ceará. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo o primeiro fator constituído por quatro áreas e o segundo por dois tipos de manejo (sobrepastejo e pousio), com quatro repetições e uma área com vegetação nativa (referência) com características de vegetação secundária. O pousio resultou em melhorias em atributos físicos e químicos do solo quando avaliado após 14 anos da retirada dos animais, mas quando comparado ao trabalho realizado na mesma área com 7 anos de pousio, verificou-se que houve poucas alterações. O teor de carbono orgânico foi maior nas áreas em pousio do que nas áreas em sobrepastejo e a fração com maior proporção foi o carbono orgânico associado aos minerais.

ABSTRACT Soils in semi-arid regions have been degraded by overgrazing, which reduces the production capacity and, in certain situations, leads to desertification. An alternative to recover degraded areas is the fallow period, which works through the resilience of the soil itself, increasing the supply of organic matter and improving soil physical properties. Thus, the objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that 14-year grazing exclusion improves soil physical and chemical attributes in degraded areas under desertification. The study was conducted in Irauçuba, Ceará State, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme corresponding to four areas and two managements (overgrazing and fallow), with four replicates, plus an area with native vegetation (reference), with characteristics of secondary vegetation. Fallow led to improvements in soil physical and chemical attributes after 14 years; however, in comparison to the study conducted in the same area with a 7-year fallow period, there were few alterations. Organic carbon content was higher in fallow areas than in overgrazing areas, and the fraction in highest proportion was the mineral-associated organic carbon.

RESUMO Hidrogéis (compostos de poliacrilamida) têm sido recomendados na agricultura e na área florestal como condicionadores de solo, pois conseguem absorver água e aumentar seu estoque no solo. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a dose mais adequada de hidrogel para estabelecimento de mudas de Enterolobium contortisilliquum (Vell.) Morong em dois níveis de luminosidade. Mudas de Enterolobium contortisilliquum (Vell.) Morong foram plantadas em vasos, com delineamento em parcelas subdivididas, compreendendo dois níveis de luminosidade nas parcelas - pleno sol e 50% de luminosidade, e dez doses de hidrogel nas subparcelas: 0,0; 2,0; 2,5; 3,0; 3,5; 4,0; 4,5; 5,0; 5.5 and 6,0 g L-1. Aos 72 dias após o transplantio das mudas para os vasos, a altura e o diâmetro das plantas foram determinados, bem como a relação entre altura e diâmetro, comprimento e diâmetro das raízes, massa seca de parte aérea e raízes e a relação da massa de parte aérea e raízes. As menores relações entre altura e diâmetro do colo (8,50 e 8,68) ocorreram para mudas a pleno sol com as doses 0 e 2 g L-1 de hidrogel, respectivamente. Para mudas sombreadas a menor relação (8,14) ocorreu na dose 3,0 g L-1, mas com menor coeficiente de determinação (R2 = 0,68). A massa seca de parte aérea aumentou a partir das doses 2 g L-1 a pleno sol e 3.5 g L-1 em condições sombreadas. As doses de hidrogel que proporcionaram melhor desenvolvimento inicial das mudas da espécie avaliada foram 2 g L-1 a pleno sol e 3.5 g L-1 em ambiente sombreado. Mesmo tendo sido constatada resposta da espécie às doses de hidrogel, os benefícios do polímero não ficaram evidentes nas condições em que foi realizado o presente estudo.

ABSTRACT Hydrogels (polyacrylamide compounds) are recommended in agriculture and forestry as soil conditioners because they are able to absorb water and increase its stocks in the soil. The aim of this study was to determine the most suitable dose of hydrogel to establish seedlings of Enterolobium contortisilliquum (Vell.) Morong under two levels of luminosity. Seedlings of Enterolobium contortisilliquum (Vell.) Morong were planted in pots, following a design of subdivided plots, consisting of two levels of luminosity in the plots: full sun and 50% luminosity, and 10 doses of hydrogel in the sub-plots: 0.0, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0 g L-1. Seventy-two days after the seedlings were transplanted to the pots, plant height and diameter were determined, together with the height to diameter ratio, root length and diameter, shoot and root dry weight, and the shoot to root ratio. The lowest ratios between height and stem diameter (8.50 and 8.68) occurred in the seedlings in full sun at the doses of 0 and 2 g hydrogel L-1 respectively. For shaded seedlings the lowest ratio (8.14) occurred at the dose of 3.0 g L-1, but with a lower coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.68). Shoot dry weight increased with the dose of 2 g L-1 in full sun, and 3.5 g L-1 under shaded conditions. The doses of hydrogel giving the best initial development in seedlings under evaluation were 2 g L-1 in full sun and 3.5 g L-1 in the shaded environment. Although a response by the species to the doses of hydrogel was found, the benefits of the polymer were not evident under the conditions of the present study.

ABSTRACT This study aimed at evaluating whether 10 years of fallow was sufficient to restore a degraded hillslope in the semi-arid Caatinga biome, Brazil. For this purpose, runoff, erosion, loss of nutrients and organic carbon were measured on two comparable hillslopes: one was left fallow and the other degraded caused by overgrazing. Fallow management reduced runoff (36%), soil loss (65%) and organic carbon loss (81%) in comparison with the degraded hillslope. However, the fallow did not significantly reduce nutrient loss. Animal grazing has been shown to influence the nutrient cycle in the soil. The loss of organic carbon shows significant correlation with the loss of other nutrients, and may be used to estimate nutrient loss. Results show that a decade of fallow did not promote significant changes in the loss of nutrients, but was enough to reduce runoff, erosion and loss of organic carbon.

RESUMO No nordeste brasileiro, a bananicultura é praticada em locais onde há solos de profundidade variável. A dinâmica da água em solos mais profundos pode alterar minerais herdados diretamente da rocha e aumentar a disponibilidade de nutrientes. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar o teor de nutrientes em Cambissolos raso e profundo, bem como o estado nutricional e a produtividade de bananeiras cultivadas nesses solos. Para a fertilidade do solo, foi utilizado o delineamento em parcelas subdivididas com dois tratamentos nas parcelas principais (solos raso e profundo) e seis tratamentos nas subparcelas (profundidades de coleta: 0 – 10, 10 – 20, 20 – 30, 30 – 40, 40 – 50 e 50 – 60 cm). Para avaliar o estado nutricional e a produtividade da cultura, foram considerados dois fatores de tratamento (solos raso e profundo) e 30 repetições. Foram determinadas as concentrações de macro e micronutrientes no solo e no tecido vegetal, outros atributos químicos do solo para avaliação da fertilidade e a produção de frutos. O solo profundo apresentou maiores valores de fósforo (P), potássio (K), sódio (Na), cobre (Cu), ferro (Fe), manganês (Mn), acidez potencial (H + Al), matéria orgânica (MO) e porcentagem de sódio trocável (PST). Teores de MO, valores de soma de bases (SB), saturação por bases (V%), Fe e Mn foram maiores na superfície dos solos. O estado nutricional das bananeiras foi favorecido no solo profundo, principalmente quanto às concentrações de nitrogênio (N), P, K, boro (B), Cu e Mn. Isso levou ao maior peso de cachos e à maior produtividade no solo mais profundo.

ABSTRACT In the Brazilian Northeastern region, banana cropping occurs in sites where there are soils presenting variable depths. The water dynamics in deeper soils may change minerals directly inherited from rock and increase nutrients availability. In this study, the aim was to evaluate the nutrient contents in shallow and deep Cambisols, as well as the nutritional status and yield of banana plants cropped in these soils. In order to study soil fertility, it was used the split plot design with two treatments in the main plots (shallow and deep soils) and six treatments in the subplots (soil sampling depths: 0 – 10, 10 – 20, 20 – 30, 30 – 40, 40 – 50 and 50 – 60 cm). In order to evaluate the nutritional status and crop yield, two treatment factors were assumed (shallow and deep soils) and 30 replicates. The concentrations of macro and micronutrients in both soil and plant tissue were determined, as well as other chemical attributes of soil for fertility evaluation, and fruit yield. The deep soil presented higher values of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), potential acidity (H + Al), organic matter (OM) and exchangeable sodium percentage (PST). Organic matter, sum of bases (SB), bases saturation (V%), Fe, and Mn were higher in the soil surface. The nutritional status of banana plants was favored in the deep soil, mainly regarding contents of nitrogen (N), P, K, boron (B), Cu, and Mn. It resulted in higher weight of bunches and higher yield in the deeper soil.

Procurando maior eficiência no estudo de raízes, sistemas computacionais têm sido desenvolvidos para analisar imagens digitais. O ImageJ e o Safira são sistemas de domínio público que podem ser utilizados na análise de raízes lavadas. Porém, supõe-se que há diferenças nos atributos radiculares determinados por meio do ImageJ e Safira. Este estudo foi realizado para comparar valores de comprimento e área superficial de raízes, obtidos com os dois sistemas, com os valores alcançados por meio do método de referência. Amostras de raízes foram coletadas em bananal em áreas de Cambissolo Háplico carbonático típico (CXk), mais raso, e de Cambissolo Háplico Ta eutrófico típico (CXve), mais profundo, em seis camadas e cinco repetições. As raízes foram escaneadas e os sistemas ImageJ e Safira foram utilizados para determinar comprimento e área superficial radicular. Utilizando o método da interseção modificado por Tennant como referência, valores de comprimento e área obtidos pelos sistemas foram analisados a partir do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson e comparados pelo intervalo de confiança e pelo teste t. Ambos os sistemas apresentaram coeficiente de correlação positivo com o método de referência para medidas de comprimento e área superficial em CXk e CXve. O coeficiente de correlação variou de 0,54 a 0,80, com menor valor observado para o ImageJ na determinação da área superficial de amostras coletadas no CXve. O IC (95 %) revelou que as medidas de comprimento radicular com o Safira não diferiram do método de referência no CXk (-77,3 a 244,0 mm). Quanto à área superficial, o Safira não diferiu do método de referência, tanto para amostras coletadas em CXk (-530,6 a 565,8 mm²) como nas provenientes de CXve (-423,1 a 612,1 mm²). Já as medidas feitas com o ImageJ diferiram do método de referência, com valores subestimados de comprimento e área superficial radicular em amostras coletadas em CXk e CXve. Os dois sistemas permitem identificar aumento ou diminuição no comprimento e na área superficial de raízes lavadas. Porém, o Safira resulta em valores de comprimento e de área superficial radicular mais próximos aos obtidos com o método de referência.

In the search for high efficiency in root studies, computational systems have been developed to analyze digital images. ImageJ and Safira are public-domain systems that may be used for image analysis of washed roots. However, differences in root properties measured using ImageJ and Safira are supposed. This study compared values of root length and surface area obtained with public-domain systems with values obtained by a reference method. Root samples were collected in a banana plantation in an area of a shallower Typic Carbonatic Haplic Cambisol (CXk), and an area of a deeper Typic Haplic Ta Eutrophic Cambisol (CXve), at six depths in five replications. Root images were digitized and the systems ImageJ and Safira used to determine root length and surface area. The line-intersect method modified by Tennant was used as reference; values of root length and surface area measured with the different systems were analyzed by Pearson's correlation coefficient and compared by the confidence interval and t-test. Both systems ImageJ and Safira had positive correlation coefficients with the reference method for root length and surface area data in CXk and CXve. The correlation coefficient ranged from 0.54 to 0.80, with lowest value observed for ImageJ in the measurement of surface area of roots sampled in CXve. The IC (95 %) revealed that root length measurements with Safira did not differ from that with the reference method in CXk (-77.3 to 244.0 mm). Regarding surface area measurements, Safira did not differ from the reference method for samples collected in CXk (-530.6 to 565.8 mm²) as well as in CXve (-4231 to 612.1 mm²). However, measurements with ImageJ were different from those obtained by the reference method, underestimating length and surface area in samples collected in CXk and CXve. Both ImageJ and Safira allow an identification of increases or decreases in root length and surface area. However, Safira results for root length and surface area are closer to the results obtained with the reference method.

A Chapada do Apodi caracteriza-se como importante pólo agrícola no estado do Ceará. Apesar da homogeneidade de clima, relevo e material de origem, seus solos apresentam grande variabilidade de atributos, muitas vezes em pequenas escalas espaciais, indicando a necessidade de manejos distintos. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a influência do microrrelevo na variabilidade espacial das diferentes frações granulométricas dos solos da Chapada do Apodi. Para isso, foi realizado levantamento planialtimétrico em uma área de 102 ha, seguido de tradagens para coleta das amostras de solo e determinação da profundidade efetiva. As amostras foram submetidas à análise granulométrica e os dados foram tratados por meio da estatística descritiva e da geoestatística, utilizando-se semivariogramas e mapas de krigagem. Com base nas formas de microrelevo, o local de estudo foi compartimentado em 03 superfícies distintas (côncava, convexa e retilínea). Por meio dos resultados foi identificada clara influência do microrrelevo na distribuição das frações granulométricas. Maiores teores de argila e maiores profundidades de solos foram encontrados na superfície côncava. Estes resultados são indicativos de maior ação da pedogênese nos solos desta porção do terreno em resposta à existência de fluxos hídricos convergentes. A ocorrência de maiores teores de areia e solos mais rasos na superfície convexa e mais elevada indica menor ação da pedogênese e maior intensidade do processo de erosão seletiva. O uso da geoestatística contribuiu para a identificação de áreas com necessidades diferenciadas de manejo, servindo como importante ferramenta para a tomada de decisões, especialmente relacionadas à irrigação.

The Apodi Plateau is characterized as an important agricultural centre for the state of Ceará, Brazil. Despite the homogeneity of climate, topography and parent material, soils in the area exhibit a great variability in attributes, often on small spatial scales, indicating the need for separate managements systems. The aimed of the present work was to investigate the influence of microrelief on the spatial variability of different particle-size fractions of the soils in the Apodi Plateau. A plano-altimetric survey was conducted in an area of 102 ha, followed by boreholes for collecting soil samples and determining the effective depth. The samples were subjected to particle-size analysis and the data processed with descriptive statistics and geostatistics, using semivariograms and kriging charts. Based on the microrelief, the study area was divided into 3 different surfaces (concave, convex and flat). From the results a clear influence of the microrelief on the distribution of the particle-size fractions was identified. Higher clay-content and greater soil depth were found on the concave surface. These results indicate greater soil-genesis activity in the soils of this area in response to the existing convergent water flows. The occurrence of higher levels of sand and shallower soils on the convex and more elevated surface indicates less soil-genesis activity and a greater intensity of the selective-erosion process. The use of geostatistics contributed to the identification of areas with different soil-management needs, serving as an important tool for decision making, especially when related to irrigation.

A bananeira pode ter sua produção prejudicada se cultivada em solos com restrições físicas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se os atributos físicos de solos rasos comprometem as raízes das plantas de bananeira. O estudo foi realizado na Chapada do Apodi (CE), onde foram comparados solos com duas profundidades efetivas: raso (profundidade aproximada de 0,57 m, mais arenoso) e profundo (profundidade aproximada de 1,16 m, mais argiloso) e seis profundidades de coleta de solo e de raízes (0-10;10-20;20-30; 30-40; 40-50 e 50-60 cm). Nas amostras de solo, foram determinados os seguintes atributos físicos: curva de retenção de água, densidade do solo, porosidade, granulometria e densidade de partículas. A resistência do solo à penetração (RP) foi avaliada no campo, utilizando-se de penetrômetro de impacto, com cinco repetições até 60 cm de profundidade. Para o estudo de raízes, as amostras foram coletadas com sonda e, por meio da análise de imagens de raízes lavadas, foram determinados: comprimento, área e volume total, e classes de diâmetro. O solo mais profundo e argiloso apresentou maior microporosidade e porosidade total, o que contribuiu para maior retenção de água. Valores de densidade do solo e de partículas foram maiores em duas camadas do solo raso, bem como a RP que atingiu o valor de 5,1 MPa. O desenvolvimento das raízes das bananeiras foi favorecido no solo profundo, no qual foram encontradas raízes mais espessas (2,2 a 6,6 mm) e mais finas (0,68 a 0,79 mm), contribuindo com a sustentação das plantas e com a absorção de água e nutrientes.

The banana tree may have hampered its production if grown in soils with physical restrictions. The aim of this study was to verify if the physical attributes of shallow soils undermine the roots of banana tree plants. The study was conducted in the Apodi Plateau (CE), where soils were compared with two actual depths: shallow (approximately 0.57 m depth, more sandy) and deep (approximately 1.16 m depth, more clayey) and six sampling depths of soil and roots (0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50 and 50-60 cm). In the soil samples were determined the following physical attributes: water retention curve, bulk density, porosity, particle size and particle density. The soil resistance to penetration (RP) was assessed in the field using an impact penetrometer with five repetitions at 60 cm depth. To study the roots, samples were collected with a probe, and the washed roots were analyzed through images, being determined: length, area and total volume and diameter classes. The deep soil had higher clay content, higher microporosity and total porosity, which contributed to the higher water retention. Density of soils and particles were higher in two layers of the shallow soil, as well as the RP which reached 5.1 MPa. The roots of banana tree were favored in deep soil in which were found thicker (2.2 to 6.6 mm) and thinner (0.68 to 0.79 mm) roots, contributing to the support of plants and the absorption of water and nutrients.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o papel da profundidade do solo e da microtopografia em aspectos nutricionais e produtivos de bananais irrigados. O estudo foi conduzido na Chapada do Apodi (CE), em área com variações na profundidade do solo. Os tratamentos foram sítios (locais) em diferentes classes de micro-relevo (côncavo, convexo e retilíneo) que abrangeram quatro profundidades de solo: A) 0,92 m; B) 0,77 m; C) 0,65 m; D) 0,52 m. Foram avaliados: altura da planta mãe (APM), altura da planta filha (APF), diâmetro do pseudocaule da planta mãe (DPPM), massa de folhas frescas (MFF) e secas (MFS), teores de fósforo (P), potássio (K), cálcio (Ca), enxofre (S) e sódio (Na) no tecido vegetal e massa dos cachos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com sete repetições para avaliações de crescimento e cinco repetições para avaliações referentes à massa de folhas, estado nutricional e produção. A análise estatística foi feita pela ANOVA e DMS a 5% de significância. APM e DPPM foram maiores em A e C, enquanto que menores médias ocorreram no solo mais raso (D). MFF e MFS foram superiores em A e D que também apresentaram maior acúmulo de nutrientes nas folhas. Entretanto, maiores teores foliares e níveis adequados de P ocorreram em A, que também apresentou maior massa de cachos em relação aos solos mais rasos. Isto mostra que a profundidade efetiva do solo e o micro-relevo influenciam a absorção de nutrientes, o crescimento e o potencial produtivo de bananeiras irrigadas na Chapada do Apodi.

The aim of this research was to verify whether soil depth affects aspects of mineral nutrition and yield potential of irrigated banana plantations. The study was carried out at Apodi Plateau (CE), Brazil, in an area characterized by soil depth variations. The treatments were sites in different microrelief classes (concave, convex and retilinea) with four different soil depths: A) 0.92 m; B) 0.77 m; C) 0.6 5m; D) 0.52 m. The following measures were done: high of mother plant (APM), high of daughter plant (APF), pseudosterm diameter of mother plant (DPPM), weight of fresh (MFF) and dry leaves (MFS), contents of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sulphur (S) and sodium (Na) in plant tissue and bunch weight. Data were submitted to ANOVA and to least significant differences (LSD) with 5% of significance. APM and DPPM were higher in A and C, while the lower values were found in the shallow soil (D). Values of MFF and MFS were higher in both sites A and D that also presented larger amount of nutrients in plant leaves. However, higher amount and adequate levels of P in plant leaves were observed in the site A, on which plants presented higher bunch weigth. It showed that effective soil depth and soil microrelief have influence in nutrients uptake, plants growth, and productive potential of banana plants irrigated at Apodi Plateau.