Abstract The objective of this study was to present information on the impacts resulting from Covid-19 on the artisanal coalho cheese production chain about: access to information; socioeconomic; income and government support; healthcare. The interviews were conducted using the Google Forms tool, with milk and artisanal coalho cheese producers in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The producers obtained a lot of information transmitted on television (66%); the majority to adhere to health protocols. There was instability in the production, with an initial need to reduce production resulting from prohibitive measures to trade. The level of demand with regard to the consumer market increased with the quality of milk and cheeses. An allegation of lack of support from the government to maintain the activity was also verified in 78.7% of the interviewees, but 83% had resorted to emergency aid. Therefore, it can be concluded that the challenges imposed by the pandemic are not just sanitary. The study confirmed the need to restructure public services and policies. These results can provide compelling evidence about the rural context in the country.

Abstract In a scenario increasingly governed by information and communication technologies (ICT), the presence of various forms of payments available in the market is common. Among the options, there is a new payment method, Cryptocurrencies. There is still distrust and lack of knowledge in the tourism sector for the effective adoption of digital currencies. This study aims to evaluate the acceptance and adoption of Cryptocurrencies by managers of tourism enterprises through the Technology Acceptance Model - TAM (Davis, 1989), in order to support the investigation of factors that influence the intention to use cryptocurrencies. The study is exploratory-descriptive, with a quantitative approach. Data collection was carried out through a survey with 61 respondents. The data was processed by the IBM SPSS version 22 software for Windows. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were used for data analysis. Based on the results achieved, the study reflects on the need for modernization and adaptation of processes within tourist organizations, in which entrepreneurs need to be updated on the benefits that new technological payment methods can bring to their companies.

Resumen En un escenario cada vez más regido por las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC), es habitual la presencia de diversas formas de pago disponibles en el mercado. Entre las opciones, hay un nuevo método de pago, Criptomonedas. Aún existe desconfianza y desconocimiento en el sector turístico para la adopción efectiva de las monedas digitales. Así, este estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la aceptación y adopción de Criptomonedas por parte de gerentes de empresas turísticas, a través de la teoría Technology Acceptance Model - TAM (Davis, 1989), con el fin de apoyar la investigación de factores que influyen la intención de utilizar criptomonedas. El estudio es exploratorio-descriptivo, con enfoque cuantitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de una encuesta com 61 participantes, con los datos procesados por el software IBM SPSS versión 22 para Windows. Para el análisis de datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva, análisis factorial exploratoria y modelada de ecuaciones estructurales. A partir de los resultados obtenidos, el estudio reflexiona sobre la necesidad de modernización y adecuación de procesos dentro de las organizaciones turísticas, y los emprendedores necesitan estar actualizados sobre los beneficios que los nuevos métodos de pago tecnológicos pueden traer a sus empresas.

Resumo Em um cenário cada vez mais regido por tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TIC), é comum a presença de diversas formas de pagamentos disponíveis no mercado. Dentre as opções, existe um novo meio de pagamento, as Criptomoedas. Ainda existe desconfiança e desconhecimento no setor turístico para que haja efetiva adoção das moedas digitais. Dessa forma, o presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a intenção de usar Criptomoedas pelos gestores de empreendimentos turísticos, por meio da teoria Technology Acceptance Model – TAM (Davis, 1989), visando dar suporte na investigação dos fatores que influenciam a intenção de uso de criptomoedas. O estudo apresenta um caráter exploratório-descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada através de survey com 61 participantes, tendo seus dados processados pelo software IBM SPSS versão 22 para Windows. Para análise dos dados foram utilizadas estatísticas descritivas, análise fatorial exploratória e modelagem de equações estruturais. Mediante os resultados alcançados, o estudo traz a reflexão sobre a necessidade da modernização e adequação dos processos dentro das organizações turísticas, em que os empresários precisam estar atualizados sobre os benefícios que novas modalidades tecnológicas de pagamento podem trazer para suas empresas.

Abstract The objective of this work was to investigate the factors which affect the consumption of organic foods enriched with functional properties. The study was developed by investigating the consumer profile of organic and functional foods by applying a questionnaire hosted on the Google Forms® platform (docs.google.com/forms/). The obtained results show that individuals in the age group 31 to 40 years old and those 51 and older, widowed, divorced and inhabitants of the Midwest, Southeast and South regions consume organic food more often. The education level did not influence the willingness to pay more for the purchase of an organic food, the consumption frequency or the interest in consuming organic food with functional potential. The interviewee group had a monthly income of up to R$4,686.00 (In Reais - 5 minimum monthly salaries) and showed a consumption frequency between “almost never” and “sometimes”, while those with an income higher than R$4,686.00 presented between “sometimes” and “often”. Residents of capital cities and from smaller cities showed similar behavior for all variables analyzed. We can conclude that the degree of confidence and the interest in consuming organic foods with functional potential were little influenced by socio-demographic differences.

Abstract The objective of this study was to correlate the gender and behavior of consumers of organic foods enriched with functional properties. The study was carried out by investigating the profile of organic and functional food consumers through the application of a questionnaire. A total of 1230 responses (of the questionnaire) were collected from people from all Brazilian states through social networks and e-mails following the snowball technique during the months of February and March 2017. The results showed that women expressed greater interest in consuming organic foods enriched with functional properties compared to men. Men and women agree that organic food are produced in a sustainable. Their high price, difficult access, irregular supply and availability in few establishments were highlighted as the main limiting factors for not consuming organic food, while an increased motivation (of consumption) was related to the awareness that organic foods are healthier and can improve quality of life. Fruits and vegetables are the most consumed organic foods among men and women, however women consume more functional foods than men. Thus, there are few differences in behavior and eating habits of organic foods between men and women.

Abstract The sun and beach tourism is one of the most complete in the whole world. In this way, as the coastal zones of great impact of the anthropic activities, as a reflection by tourism. Thus, one has to investigate the factors that can influence the environmental behavior of residents in communities that are developing. The geographic cut of this research is a community of Barra do Cunhaú, municipality of Canguaretama, north coast of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, located approximately 79 km from Natal, the largest tourist destination in the State. A locality has a flow of growth, due to its natural resources. The methodological approach is quantitative, with 154 questionnaires being applied, based on metric scale, Likert type, of 11 positions that varied from totally disagree to fully agree. The questionnaire was elaborated with the dimensions of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), plus the dimension Attachment to Place. For the treatment of the collected data was used statistical procedures, by the method of exploratotory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The result revealed that the cognitive dimensions belonging to TBP have a greater power of explanation of the environmental behavior of the inhabitants of Barra do Cunhaú, in relation to the affective dimension, represented in this research by Attachment to the Place.

Resumen El turismo de sol y playa es uno de los más tradicionales en el mundo entero. De esta forma, las zonas costeras sufren una gran presión de las actividades antrópicas, como la causada por el turismo. Así, el objetivo es investigar los factores capaces de influir el comportamiento ambiental de los residentes en comunidades turísticas costeras en desarrollo. El recorte geográfico de esta investigación es la comunidad de Barra do Cunhaú, municipio de Canguaretama en el litoral sur de Rio Grande do Norte, localizada aproximadamente a 79 Km de Natal, mayor destino inductor de turistas del Estado. La localidad posee un flujo en fase de crecimiento debido a sus recursos naturales. El abordaje metodológico es cuantitativo y se aplicaron 154 formularios basados en una escala métrica, tipo Likert, de 11 posiciones que variaban de desacuerdo plenamente a concuerdo plenamente. El cuestionario fue elaborado en base a las dimensiones de la Teoría del Comportamiento Planeado (TCP), sumando la dimensión Apego al Lugar. Para el tratamiento de los datos recolectados se utilizaron las técnicas estadísticas de Análisis Factorial Exploratorio (AFE) y Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales (MEE). El resultado reveló que las dimensiones cognitivas pertenecientes a la TCP tienen un poder mayor de explicación del comportamiento ambiental de los residentes de Barra do Cunhaú, en relación a la dimensión afectiva representada por el Apego al Lugar.

Resumo Antes da consolidação de uma reserva de meio de hospedagem, existem diversos fatores que influenciam um consumidor, como as experiências já vivenciadas, as informações adquiridas, as quais com o passar do tempo vem se tornando cada vez mais sofisticadas. Desta maneira, o presente estudo objetivou analisar a percepção dos consumidores sobre a utilização das Online Travel Agencies (OTA) para reservar um meio de hospedagem. Para tanto se descreveu o perfil destes consumidores, verificando a frequência de uso das OTAs quanto ao tipo de viagem, como também comparando suas opiniões em relação ao tipo de viagem e os fatores que influenciam em sua escolha. Dessa forma, nesta pesquisa, caracterizada como descritiva e exploratória, com abordagem quantitativa, foram utilizados estudos anteriores realizados em outros países, tais como Law (2009) e Del Chiappa (2013). Na coleta final foram obtidos 131 questionários com hóspedes de hotéis em Natal/RN. A análise dos dados foi realizada através de estatísticas descritivas, como também comparação de médias (ANOVA) para analisar os objetivos traçados na pesquisa, e do teste Tukey para verificar se realmente existem diferenças de médias entre os grupos. Dentre os principais resultados, foi possível verificar que a maioria dos respondentes (59%) faz parte do grupo dos consumidores ocasionais de OTAs, seguidos dos moderados (30,6%) e um número pequeno (9,9%) faz parte do grupo dos consumidores frequentes. Em relação ao tipo de viagem pode-se concluir que viagens nacionais e de lazer são os tipos mais visados pelos consumidores ao efetuar reservas em OTAs. Tais resultados contribuíram para serem inferidas recomendações para gestores de empreendimentos turísticos, como agências de viagens tradicionais e online.

Abstract When booking accommodation, there are several factors that influence consumers, such as previous experiences, and acquired information, which over time become increasingly sophisticated. In this way, the present study aimed to analyze consumer perception on the use of Online Travel Agencies (OTA) to book accommodation. Consumers’ profile was described, as well as, use frequency of OTAs according to type of travel, comparing their perceptions of factors that influence the choices made. This research is characterized as descriptive, and exploratory with a quantitative approach. Other previous studies carried out in other countries were used to support this research, such as Law (2009) and Del Chiappa (2013). In the final data collection, 131 questionnaires were obtained with hotel guests in Natal, RN. Data analysis was performed through descriptive statistics, as well as means comparison (ANOVA) to analyze the objectives outlined in the research. Tukey test was used to verify if there were any differences between the means of the studied groups. Among the main results, it was found that most respondents (59%) are occasional consumers of OTAs, followed by moderate users (30.6%), and a small number (9.9%) are frequent OTAs users. Regarding the type of travel, it can be concluded that domestic and leisure travel are the most targeted by accommodation consumers when booking through OTAs. These results provide managers of tourism enterprises, whether traditional or online travel agencies, with useful information on users of online reservations.

Resumen Antes de la consolidación de una reserva de medio de hospedaje, existen diversos factores que influencian a un consumidor, como las experiencias ya vivenciadas, las informaciones adquiridas, las cuales con el paso del tiempo se vienen cada vez más sofisticadas. De esta manera, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la percepción de los consumidores sobre la utilización de las agencias de viajes en línea (OTA) para reservar un medio de hospedaje. Para ello se describió el perfil de estos consumidores, verificando la frecuencia de uso de las OTAs en cuanto al tipo de viaje, así como comparando sus opiniones en relación al tipo de viaje y los factores que influencian en su elección. De esta forma, en esta investigación, caracterizada como descriptiva y exploratoria, con abordaje cuantitativo, se utilizaron estudios anteriores realizados en otros países, tales como Law (2009) y Del Chiappa (2013). En la recolección final se obtuvieron 131 cuestionarios con huéspedes de hoteles en Natal / RN. El análisis de los datos fue realizado a través de estadísticas descriptivas, como también comparación de promedios (ANOVA) para analizar los objetivos trazados en la investigación, y del test Tukey para verificar si realmente existen diferencias de promedios entre los grupos. Entre los principales resultados, fue posible verificar que la mayoría de los encuestados (59%) forma parte del grupo de los consumidores ocasionales de OTAs, seguidos de los moderados (30,6%) y un número pequeño (9,9%) forma parte del grupo De los consumidores frecuentes. En cuanto al tipo de viaje se puede concluir que los viajes nacionales y de ocio son los tipos más visados por los consumidores al efectuar reservas en OTAs. Estos resultados contribuyeron a inferir recomendaciones para gestores de emprendimientos turísticos, como agencias de viajes tradicionales y online.

The study aimed to classify the residents living in indigenous communities Eleotérios of Catú, in different groups, based on their perception of tourism impacts, community attachment and tourism development support. It was characterized as exploratory-descriptive study, with a quantitative-analytical approach, survey type. The sample was probabilistic-simple random. The data collection was obtained by a questionnaire, in Likert scale of seven points, with 318 subjects. The analysis was done through descriptive statistics, factorial analysis and cluster analysis. Among the results, it was possible to classify residents into three groups: Averse or indifferent to Tourism, Supporters for Benefits and Supporters by Affection. The first is characterized by not supporting tourism in the community, while the second and the third encourage this activity, differing only in the emphasis on benefits to cluster 2 and affective relationship to the cluster 3.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo clasificar a los residentes de la comunidad indígena Eleotérios do Catú, que está en proceso inicial de turistificación, en distintos grupos basados en su percepción de los impactos del turismo, el afecto a la comunidad y el apoyo al desarrollo turístico. Se caracteriza como exploratorio y descriptivo, con un enfoque analítico cuantitativo de tipo survey. La muestra fue probabilística y aleatoria simple. La recolección de datos se obtuvo mediante un formulario, con una escala Likert de 7 puntos y una muestra de 318 sujetos. El análisis se realizó por medio de la estadística descriptiva, el análisis factorial y el análisis de conglomerados. Entre los resultados fue posible clasificar a los residentes en tres grupos: Contrarios e Indiferentes al Turismo, Incentivadores por los Beneficios y Partidarios por Afectividad. El primero se caracteriza por no apoyar al turismo en la comunidad, mientras que el segundo y tercero incentivan la actividad, diferenciándose en que los primeros lo hacen por los beneficios y los segundos por la relación afectiva.

The constant technological advances have made major changes in the tourism industry. This is noticeable by the growing number of people who share their travel experiences on the Internet. This study aimed to analyze the variables that influence the use of the Online Travel Reviews (OTR) in choosing an accommodation. It was done an investigation into the comments available on the internet about information on touristic products and services, specifically about accommodations. The research proposed to analyze the antecedents of intention to use OTR in choosing an accommodation through the Technology Acceptance Model, Motivational Theory, Similarity, and Trustworthiness. The methodology used was a descriptive-exploratory study, bibliographic research, utilizing a quantitative approach. The study used a Structural Equation Modeling technique called Partial Least Squares (PLS), to test and evaluate the proposed research model. Data collection was performed with 308 travelers in five hotels in Natal (Brazil), who have used the OTRs in choosing an accommodation. The results showed that the respondents have attitude and intention to use the OTRs to choose an accommodation. For hotels and travel agencies, the study confirmed that travelers use OTRs and are influenced by them to choose services, hotels, and ultimately to plan their travels. Therefore, it is up to the entrepreneurs to use the internet to optimize and optimize their sales

En virtud de los constantes avances tecnológicos, la actividad turística ha sufrido grandes cambios, hecho que se percibe en el creciente número de personas que comparten sus experiencias de viajes en internet. En este sentido, el presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo analizar las variables que influyen en la intención de uso de los Comentarios de Viajes Online (CVO) al elegir un medio de hospedaje. Se buscó investigar los comentarios disponibles en internet sobre servicios y productos turísticos, específicamente sobre los medios de hospedaje. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar los antecedentes de la intención de uso de los CVOs al elegir un hospedaje, a través del Modelo de Aceptación Tecnológica, la Teoría Motivacional, la Similitud y la Confiabilidad. La metodología utilizada fue de carácter exploratorio-descriptivo, un estudio bibliográfico con abordaje cuantitativo. El mismo recurrió a la técnica del modelo de ecuaciones estructurales a través del Partial Least Squares (PLS), para testar y evaluar el modelo de investigación propuesto. Se trabajó con 308 viajeros de 5 hoteles de Natal (Brasil), que ya habían utilizado los CVOs en la elección del hospedaje. Los resultados demostraron que los entrevistados tienen la intención de utilizar los CVOs al elegir un establecimiento hotelero.

This study aimed to empirically analyze the Lovemarks theory of Kevin Roberts (2004), examining the effect of three dimensions of brand image (Mystery, Sensuality and Intimacy) on the two elements of Lovemark experience (Love and Respect the brand) in the restaurant sector. Therefore, the survey presented descriptive exploratory character with analytical and quantitative approach. The data being collected from an audience of 163 questionnaire, who experienced the two units of the Camarões restaurant services, located in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, in July 2016 and for data analysis, the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used. It was found that there are significant relations between Mystery, Intimacy (grouped as a single dimension) and Sensuality, all dimensions considered as brand image, with the two elements of experience, the dependent variables Love and Respect, as recommended in the theoretical model Lovermarks proposed by Roberts (2004). It also noted that according to the model of Roberts (2004), the mark of Camarões restaurant is a Lovemark, because it provides to its customers the three elements of experience, which are: Mystery, Sensuality and Intimacy.

El presente estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar empíricamente la teoría Lovemarks propuesta por Kevin Roberts (2004), examinando el efecto de las tres dimensiones de la imagen de la marca (Misterio, Sensualidad e Intimidad) sobre los dos elementos de la experiencia Lovemark (Amor y Respeto a la marca) en el sector de restaurantes. La investigación es de carácter exploratorio-descriptivo con un enfoque analítico-cuantitativo. La investigación fue de tipo survey y los datos fueron recolectados entre 163 clientes que experimentaron los servicios de dos unidades del restaurante Camarões, localizado en Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil, durante julio de 2016. Para el análisis de los datos fue utilizado el Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales (MEE). Se observó la existencia de relaciones significativas entre Misterio, Intimidad (agrupadas en una única dimensión) y Sensualidad, todas dimensiones consideradas como imagen de la marca, con los dos elementos de la experiencia, las variables dependientes Amor y Respeto, según el modelo teórico Lovermarks, propuesto por Roberts (2004). Además, se observó que de acuerdo con el modelo de Roberts (2004), la marca del restaurante Camarões se presenta como una Lovemark, pues ofrece a sus consumidores los tres elementos de la experiencia: Misterio, Sensualidad e Intimidad.

Analysis of the Relationship between Place Attachment, Satisfaction and Loyalty for an Environmental Tourism Destination: A study in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. The competition between environmental tourist destinations has generated the need to define different strategies in order to delight and retain its visitors. Customer satisfaction, loyalty and place attachment form a solid compound in pursuit of promoting a tourist destination. In this sense, this study presents an analysis of the relationship between place attachment, satisfaction and loyalty, using Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, as a study object. The methodology used in conducting the study consisted in an exploratory and descriptive study, comprised of individuals who visited Fernando de Noronha in the period April-May 2013, setting up the equivalent of 246 questionnaires quantitative sample, applied in moment that visitors left the destination. at the departure lounge of the local airport. To investigate the causal relationship between Place Attachment, Satisfaction and Loyalty variables, it was used Structural Equation Modeling. Findings indicate the existence of significant causal relationships between the variables under study, except among Cognitive Loyalty and Conative Loyalty constructs demonstrating that information acquired before the experiment in place did not influence the retention and visitor loyalty.

La competencia entre los destinos turísticos ambientales ha generado la necesidad de definir estrategias diferenciadas cuyo propósito sea encantar y retener a los visitantes. La satisfacción del cliente, su fidelización y el apego al lugar forman un conjunto sólido en la búsqueda de la promoción de un destino turístico. En este sentido, el presente estudio intenta analizar la relación entre apego al lugar, satisfacción y fidelidad de los visitantes, teniendo como objeto de estudio el archipiélago de Fernando de Noronha, Brasil. La metodología aplicada fue una investigación exploratoria y descriptiva, con una muestra aleatoria compuesta por individuos que visitaron Fernando de Noronha en el período de abril a mayo de 2013. Se definió un cuantitativo equivalente a 246 cuestionarios aplicados en el momento en el que el visitante dejaba el destino, en la sala de embarque del aeropuerto local. Para investigar la relación causal entre las variables Apego al Lugar, Satisfacción y Fidelidad, se utilizó el método del Modelo de Ecuaciones Estructurales. Los resultados indican la existencia de relaciones causales significativas entre las variables en estudio, excepto entre Fidelidad Cognitiva y Fidelidad Conativa; lo que demuestra que la información adquirida antes de la experiencia en el lugar no influye en la retención y fidelidad del visitante.

The study examined the dimensions of perceived quality as antecedents of tourist satisfaction with the destination, as well as the junction of these two constructs in explaining the future behavior of consumers (fidelity).Therefore, if conducted an exploratory, descriptive research with quantitative analytical approach. Data collection was performed by a questionnaire addressed to Brazilian tourists at the Augusto Severo International Airport and Bus station of Natal, the main points of entry and exit of tourists. The composition was a simple random sampling by reaching the final number of 400 tourists interviewed. Among the main results, it was noted that eight are the dimensions of perceived Quality of "Sun and Sand" segment, that is, Beaches and Facilities, Public Equipment, Food and Beverege, Transportation, Hotel Equipment, Hotel Services, Entertainment & Attractions and Hospitality & Access. From the results, it was concluded that all dimensions of quality found work as antecedents of satisfaction, especially the factors Beaches and Facilities and Public Equipments. For the loyalty, the most relevant dimension is the own satisfaction with Hotel Services and Food and Beverage. With less importance exists the others dimensions.

Este artículo analizó las dimensiones de la calidad percibida como antecedente de la satisfacción del turista con el destino, como también la unión de estas dos construcciones en la fidelización del consumidor. Para esto, se realizó un estudio exploratorio descriptivo, de tipo Survey, con un enfoque analítico cuantitativo. La recolección de datos se realizó a través de una entrevista aplicada junto a los turistas nacionales en el Aeropuerto Internacional Augusto Severo y en la Autopista de la Ciudad de Natal. La composición de la muestra fue aleatoria simple; y contó con 400 turistas entrevistados. Entre los principales resultados se observó que son ocho las dimensiones percibidas de la calidad en los destinos de sol y playa: playas y facilidades, equipamientos públicos, alimentos y bebidas, servicios de transporte, equipamientos del hotel, servicios del hotel, entretenimiento y atractivos, y hospitalidad y accesos. Además, se concluye que todas las dimensiones de la calidad encontradas actúan como antecedentes de la satisfacción, destacándose los factores playas y facilidades y equipamientos públicos, mientras que para la fidelización, el papel protagonista es desempeñado por la propia satisfacción seguida, en menor medida, por las dimensiones servicios del hotel y alimentos y bebidas, teniendo las demás una influencia inferior.

O objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar uma revisão teórica sobre o passivo ambiental para uso de gestores públicos ou privados, bem como de pesquisadores no setor de exploração de petróleo. Essa revisão, além de apresentar uma definição de passivo ambiental, também define os tipos e técnicas de passivo coletadas pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental Americana (EPA), técnicas essas que objetivam a estimação de diversos tipos de custos ambientais, decorrentes de atividades passadas ou presentes, da produção de bens que causaram ou, provavelmente, venham a causar danos ao meio ambiente e, conseqüentemente, algumas implicações de natureza legal, econômica e social.

The objective of this work is to present a theoretical revision on the environmental liabilities for use of public or private managers, as well as of researchers in the sector of oil exploration. This revision, besides presenting a definition of environmental liabilities, also defines the types and techniques of liabilities collected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which aim the estimation of different types of ambient costs, resulting from past or present activities, of the production of goods that caused or, will probably, come to cause damages to the environment and, consequently, some implications of legal, economic and social nature.

RESUMO O presente trabalho teve como finalidade o estudo da dinâmica da água no solo, através da irrigação localizada subsuperficial, utilizando-se procedimentos de simulação numérica, com o desenvolvimento de um modelo iterativo computacional, procurando-se estimar, com base em dados de características de retenção de água no solo (teor de água inicial, parâmetros da curva de retenção da água no solo e condutividade hidráulica saturada) e características do emissor (vazão) a distribuição do teor de água no meio após determinado intervalo de tempo. Para validação do modelo foram realizados ensaios em condição de campo em um solo classificado como Terra Roxa Estruturada, "intergrade" para Latossolo Vermelho-Escuro, textura média/argilosa. Foram realizados 4 ensaios com vazões de 5,6t.h-1 e 3,3t.h-1, quando utilizados um emissor, e vazões de 4,3t.h-1 e 2,2t.h-1, e dois emissores, funcionando simultaneamente. Utilizando-se o Teste t para comparação de médias, verificou-se uma concordância aceitável entre valores amostrados e simulados. Foi realizada, ainda, uma análise de erro do processo de simulação, através de um coeficiente de desvio espacial (CDE) representado pela relação entre o teor de água volumétrico simulado e o teor de água volumétrico amostrado. Os valores encontrados para esses desvios variaram na ordem de -14% a +18%, que podem ser considerados aceitáveis viabilizando, assim, a utilização do modelo.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to study the dynamics of water movement in soils under subsurface drip irrigation, using numeric simulation procedures with the development of a interactive computational model. The main objective was to estimate, using soil-water retention parameters (initial soil-water content, soil-water retention curve and saturated hydraulic conductivity) and emitter parameters (emitter flow), the spatial distribution of moisture in soil after a time increment. To calibrate the model, tests were made under field conditions in a Ultisol "intergrade" to typic Oxisol (texturel medium/clay). Four tests were performed under a flow of 5.6t.h-1 and 3.3t.h-1 to a single emitter, and a flow of 4.3t.h-1 and 2.2t.h-1 when two emitters worked simultaneously. Simulated and observed data showed good agreement when the Student's t-Test for mean comparision was used. Also performed was a simulation error analysis (spatial deviation coefficient), expressed as a relation between the simulated and observed soil-water content. Results showed that deviations ranged from -14% to +18%.