ABSTRACT Despite having a vast area for agricultural production, Brazil is highly dependent on mineral sources for phosphate fertilisers, making their use unsustainable and highly dependent on the international market. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of phosphate fertiliser and the depth of application on the development and productivity of maize over two crop seasons. A randomised block design was used in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme comprising 12 treatments, with four replications. Three sources of phosphorus were tested: single superphosphate (SSP), Top-Phos® (TOP-PHOS) and reactive natural phosphate (RNP), in addition to four methods of application (broadcast application [0.00 m] and in-furrow application at three depths [0.05 m, 0.08 m and 0.11 m]). The following parameters were evaluated: final plant stand, plant height, stalk diameter, ear insertion height, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, 1000-grain weight, and grain productivity. The data were submitted to analysis of variance using the F-test at a level of 5%, and to principal component analysis (PCA) with biplot graphical analysis. The use of SSP and Top-Phos® increased productivity and the ear insertion height compared to the use of RNP. Applications made at a depth of 0.11 m were the most efficient. Seasonal variables affected productivity, with Top-Phos® showing a greater correlation with the yield metrics at greater depths.

ABSTRACT. Downy mildew is a major problem for grape growers, as this disease is difficult to control. Synthetic fungicides are used to treat downy mildew with handheld backpack and tractor sprayer applications, with high chemical exposure by operators. As important tools for maximising yield, application technologies must be studied to optimise control efficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of fungicide spray application using Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) for the control of downy mildew in grapevine, with different spray volumes. The study was divided into two experiments using 4 vine lines, 10 blocks and 5 treatments with different mixture volumes: Experiment 1 with RPA application of 5 mixture volumes - 0, 22, 44, 66, and 88 L ha−1; Experiment 2 with RPA application of 3 mixture volumes - 44, 66, and 88 L ha−1 and a backpack application of one mixture volume - 800 L ha−1. Coverage percentage, droplet density and volume median diameter (VMD) were evaluated. Downy mildew severity on grapevine leaves was assessed using visual analysis and a diagrammatic scale. The application of 44 L ha−1 provided the greatest coverage and droplet density in the upper and middle strata; however, the backpack application had a better droplet distribution than the RPA application. Treatments of 44 L ha−1 with RPA and backpack application (800 L ha−1) provided the best disease control. In the trellis system, RPA application must be improved because of the low coverage in the lower parts of the plant, and further studies with different spray nozzles and application heights are needed.

RESUMO O Sensoriamento Remoto orbital (SR) tem se mostrado uma ferramenta promissora, pois permite o monitoramento de culturas em grandes áreas geográficas. Além disso, quando métodos de Aprendizado de Máquina (AM) são combinados, os algoritmos podem ser usados para estimativas de produtividade de culturas. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo estimar a produtividade da soja por meio dos índices de vegetação EVI (Enhanced vegetation index) e NDVI (Normalized Difference vegetation index), obtidos por meio dos sensores MODIS (Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) dos satélites ACQUA e TERRA e MSI (Multispectral Instrument) do satélite orbital Sentinel-2. Neste estudo, o algoritmo Random Forest (RF) foi usado por ser amplamente difundido no estudos previsão de safras, e os modelos de estimativa de rendimento da soja foram comparados com o rendimento real da parcela. Os resultados mostraram bom desempenho do algoritmo de RF para estimar a produtividade da soja, obtendo R2 de 0,60 e RMSE de 0,50 para MSI; e R² de 0,63 e RMSE de 0,59 para MODIS na validação. Na modelagem, os índices de vegetação com datas de imagem correspondentes à maturação da cultura tiveram maior grau de importância na previsão. No entanto, ao comparar os valores reais e previstos de produção de soja, houve uma diferença de 145 kg ha-1 para o modelo gerado pelo MODIS e apenas 4 kg ha-1 para o MSI. Portanto, o sensor MSI integrado aos algoritmos de aprendizado de máquina estima com precisão o rendimento das culturas. SR (SR promissora geográficas disso AM (AM combinados Assim Enhanced index Normalized index, , ModerateResolution Moderate Resolution Spectroradiometer Multispectral Instrument Sentinel2. Sentinel2 Sentinel 2. 2 Sentinel-2 (RF safras parcela R 060 0 60 0,6 050 50 0,5 063 63 059 59 validação modelagem entanto 14 ha1 ha 1 ha- Portanto Sentinel- 06 6 0, 05 5

ABSTRACT Remote sensing has proven to be a promising tool allowing crop monitoring over large geographic areas. In addition, when combined with machine learning methods, the algorithms can be used for estimating crop yield. This study sought to estimate soybean yield through the enhanced vegetation index and normalized difference vegetation index. These vegetation indices were obtained using moderate-resolution imaging spectro-radiometer (MODIS) sensors on AQUA and TERRA satellites and multispectral instrument (MSI) sensor on Sentinel-2 satellite. Random forest (RF) algorithm was used to predict soybean yield and the estimation models were compared with the actual plot’s yield. The RF algorithm showed good performance to estimate soybean yield with our models (R2 = 0.60 and RMSE = 0.50 for MSI; R² = 0.63 and RMSE = 0.59 for MODIS). Vegetation indices with imaging dates corresponding to the crop’s maturation had a higher degree of importance in its predictive ability. However, when comparing the actual and predicted soybean production values, differences of 145 kg ha-1 in contrast to 4 kg ha-1 were found for the MODIS and MSI models, respectively. Therefore, the MSI sensor integrated with machine learning algorithms accurately estimated crop yields. areas addition methods moderateresolution moderate resolution spectroradiometer spectro radiometer (MODIS (MSI Sentinel2 Sentinel 2 Sentinel- satellite (RF plots plot s R2 R (R 060 0 60 0.6 050 50 0.5 063 63 059 59 MODIS. . MODIS) crops ability However values 14 ha1 ha 1 ha- respectively Therefore yields 06 6 0. 05 5

Abstract The onion bulbs’ post-harvest quality is essential for good commercialization; the longest storage time is critical to the producer in choosing the cultivar. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the post-harvest quality of onion bulbs under storage periods in a controlled environment. The experiment was installed in a factorial scheme (6x4), represented by six onion cultivars (BR29, Itajubá, Mulata, Omega, Rainha, and Salto Grande), evaluated in four storage periods (40, 80, 120, and 160 days), in a randomized design, with three replications. The parameters of fresh matter loss, skin strength, bulb firmness, skin shine, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, and soluble solids and titratable acidity were analyzed. The cultivar Salto Grande presented better conservation of the physical-defined characteristics in the post-harvest at controlled temperature, less loss of mass of fresh matter, and more significant maintenance of the feature of skin strength, bulb firmness, soluble solids, and titratable acidity. At the same time, cultivar BR29 showed more significant losses in the studied attributes and had less storage capacity among the evaluated cultivars. postharvest post harvest commercialization Thus environment 6x4, 6x4 x , (6x4) BR29, BR (BR29 Itajubá Mulata Omega Rainha Grande, Grande) 40, 40 (40 80 120 16 days, days days) design replications strength firmness shine pH analyzed physicaldefined physical defined temperature BR2 6x (6x4 (BR2 4 (4 8 12 1 (6x (BR (

ABSTRACT Straw management associated with furrow opener mechanisms under a no-tillage system can enable better yields in the corn crop. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate corn productivity under a no-tillage system as a function of furrowing mechanisms and oat straw management. This research was conducted in the 2019/2020 growing season in Pato Branco, Paraná, Brazil, in a factorial scheme consisting of furrow opener mechanisms (shank and double disk) and oat straw management (rolled, desiccated, and crushed), with four replications. Oat dry matter, furrow depth, furrow width, tilled soil area, emergence rate index, initial and final plant stand, initial and final plant height, initial and final stem diameter, ear insertion height, number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, ear length, ear diameter, thousand-grain weight, and productivity were evaluated. The results were subjected to analysis of variance by the F-test at a significance 5% probability and the means were compared by Tukey’s test. Corn development, yield, and productivity were more influenced by the furrow opener mechanisms, standing out the use of a shank compared to the double disk.

ABSTRACT The importance of maintaining straw on the soil surface is a subject widely discussed and proven in the literature. However, the effects of this straw on planting efficiency and quality still lack information. In this sense, both time and method of the black oat management influence the permanence of the straw on the soil and, thus, can interfere in the next crop's germination and plantability of the seed drill. This study aimed to evaluate methods and times of black oat management and their implications on the plantability and development of the corn crop in succession in two harvests. A randomized block design with twelve treatments was used, consisting of the combination of three methods of management (crushed, rolled, and desiccated) and four times of management (0, 10, 20, and 30 days before the corn sowing) of black oat straw, arranged in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme, with four replications. The black oat management carried out 30 days before the corn sowing provides the highest corn emergence rate. Management methods that promote greater fragmentation of straw tend to offer less mechanical impediment to seedling development and result in a greater initial and final plant population.

ABSTRACT Onion production is conditioned to the adopted techniques during the cultivation. Sowing depth, soil preparation and cultivars are determinant factors for productivity to be increased. Two experiments were developed, the first with the objective of evaluating the effect of sowing depths and soil preparation methods on the germination and development of onion seedlings, while the objective of the second was to evaluate the productivity of onion cultivars as a soil preparation function. In experiment I, the split plot scheme was adopted, where the main plots consisted on soil tillage methods (total area and bed) and in the subplots, the sowing depths (0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 cm), with six replicates. Experiment II was carried out in a split plot scheme, in which the main plots consisted on soil tillage methods (total area and bed) and in the subplots, such as onion cultivars (Itajubá, Rainha, Salto Grande, Ômega, Mulata and BR29), with four replicates. The 1.5 cm sowing depth provided greater speed of germination and plant stand. Raising beds offers the best initial seedling development. The onion cultivation under beds offers the highest vegetative development and productivity.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the influence of management times and methods of black oat straw on corn crop development and yield under a no-tillage system for two crop seasons. A randomized block design was used with twelve treatments. They were arranged in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme with four replications, consisting of a combination between three methods (crushed, rolled, and desiccated) and four times (0, 10, 20, and 30 days before corn sowing). Black oat was evaluated for dry matter, while corn was for plant final population, height, stem diameter, ear insertion height, ear diameter, ear length, grain number per row, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield. All management methods and times interfered with corn crop yield components, but not all influenced final production. The method with the largest final corn population was not the same with an improved ear development. Such findings, however, may not be the same under highly favorable weather conditions.

ABSTRACT The effects of foliar application of Mo and use of N from cover crops (Crotalaria juncea L. and Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC) on the performance of common beans were investigated in this study. Field experiments were carried out in a succession planting system (cover crops - common beans), and nitrate reductase activities were evaluated in the laboratory. The production of cover crops was done in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme installed in random blocks with four replications. The two cover crops sunn hemp and jack bean composed the first factor and the molibdenum doses (0, 40, 80, and 120 g ha-1) the second. These doses were applied as foliar fertilization using sodium molybdate (Na2MoO4) as Mo source. For bean cultivation, an unfertilized control treatment was evaluated.. Sunn hemp showed a linear positive response to Mo application in terms of shoot dry matter and N accumulation, while jack bean showed a quadratic negative response for shoot dry matter; for N accumulation, there was no adjustment of the regression models. Nitrate reductase activity in the common beans was up to three times higher at the Mo dose of 0 g ha-1 when compared to the treatments with Mo application to both cover crops. Cover crops or Mo doses had no significant effect on bean productivity.

ABSTRACT Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses electromagnetic waves to study subsurface structure in different fields such as geology, agriculture and civil engineering. The wave penetration in the soil is strongly controlled by the electrical conductivity of soil components such as clay, organic matter, and water. In this study, tests were conducted in a floodplain in the Elizabeth Creek watershed (New Jersey – USA). We established one transect where measurements were completed using two techniques, common mid point (CMP) and constant offset profile (COP), both with 100- MHz frequency antennas. Measurements were also completed using 250 and 500 MHz shielded antennas. GPR showed good accuracy to study soil spatial variability and stratigraphy. Antennas of a higher frequency had less vertical investigation capacity and greater accuracy. In this study, it was not possible to clearly differentiate signals from organic matter and clay; this was the main limitation of the GPR system.

ABSTRACT Direct seeding systems are characterized by soil disturbance only occurring in the sowing line and the maintenance of the remaining area is achieved by covering with crop residues. Without total area soil mobilization as recommended by the no-tillage system, associated with the increase in the degree of soil compaction caused by the traffic of agricultural machinery, there can be a decrease in crop productivity. This study aimed to evaluate machine parameters, soil mobilization, and corn yield as a function of different furrow opener working depths (0.065, 0.095, 0.125, and 0.150 m) and evaluate the direct seeding of winter ground cover plants (black oat or forage turnip) in compacted Oxisol. The experiment was arranged in strips, in a randomized block design, with eight treatments and four replications. The deepening of the furrow opener shank increased the strength and power required at the drawbar in the seeding operation, as well as increased the soil mobilization in the seeding line. However, it did not prove to be an efficient management practice to increase corn productivity.

RESUMO. O intenso tráfego de máquinas no sistema plantio direto tem acarretado problemas de compactação do solo, ocasionando queda de rendimento das culturas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a produtividade de soja em razão de mecanismos sulcadores e níveis de compactação do solo, em duas safras agrícolas. O experimento foi conduzido em Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico, em delineamento de blocos ao caso com parcelas subdivididas, onde nas parcelas foram dispostos os níveis de densidade (1,16; 1,20; 1,22 e 1,26 Mg m-3) e nas subparcelas os sulcadores (disco duplo e haste sulcadora). Foram avaliados a resistência à penetração, profundidade de sulco, área de solo mobilizada, estande final de plantas, altura de plantas, número médio de grãos por vagem, massa de 1.000 grãos, número de vagens por planta e produtividade da cultura. Independente do ano agrícola, a resistência à penetração aumentou com os níveis de compactação do solo até em torno de 0,20 m de profundidade. Na primeira safra, foi observado maior produtividade com o uso da haste. Na segunda safra, a haste proporcionou, aumento na profundidade de sulco, área mobilizada, altura de plantas e estande final de plantas, mas isso não se refletiu em ganhos de produtividade.

ABSTRACT. The heavy traffic of machines in no-tillage systems causes problems as soil compaction and loss of crops productivity. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the productivity of soybeans in reference to furrow openers and the levels of soil compaction in two crops. The experiment was conducted on Rhodic Hapludox by tracing random blocks with subdivided parcels. The soil bulk density levels were laid out in the parcels (1.16, 1.20, 1.22, and 1.26 Mg m-3) and the furrowers in the sub-parcels (double disc and shanks). The resistance to penetration, depth of the furrow, mobilized soil area, final plant stands, height of plants, mean number of beans by pod, 1,000 bean mass, number of pods per plant and productivity of the culture were evaluated. The resistance to penetration increased with the levels of soil compaction regardless of the farming year and up to a depth of 0.20 m. In the first crop, higher productivity with the use of the shank was observed. In the second crop, the use of the shank resulted in an increase in depth of the furrow, mobilized soil, height of the plants and final stand of the plants, but this did not indicate an increase in productivity.

RESUMO Quantidades de N proveniente de adubos verdes não absorvidas no primeiro ciclo de cultivo, podem ser absorvidas em cultivos subsequentes. Portanto, é importante quantificar e monitorar o efeito residual da adubação verde visando aumentar o seu benefício agronômico nos sistemas de cultivos. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar o efeito residual das doses do adubo verde Crotalaria juncea aplicadas no cultivo de brócolis, sobre a sucessão abobrinha italiana-milho. O estudo foi realizado em um sistema de sucessão de culturas organizado em três cultivos, com sete tratamentos, sendo os principais quatro doses de adubo verde: 0, 3, 6 e 9 t ha-1. Os tratamentos testemunhas consistiram de adubação mineral, um tratamento com 25 t ha-1 de composto e um outro como testemunha absoluta, sem composto ou adubação mineral. A parcela experimental constou de cinco linhas espaçadas de 0,8 m com 3 m de comprimento. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições no esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo para as variáveis de crescimento com ajuste dos modelos estatísticos pela metodologia de superfície de resposta. A produção das plantas de abobrinha na maior dose de adubo verde foi superior à produção das plantas na testemunha com 25 t ha-1 de composto e similar com adubação mineral. A produtividade de milho na dose de 9 t ha-1 de adubo verde foi superior somente à produção da testemunha absoluta. Houve efeito residual da massa Crotalaria juncea, aplicada na cultura do brócolis, sobre o crescimento e a produção de abobrinha e produtividade do milho cultivados em sucessão. O efeito residual é dependente da quantidade de massa de Crotalaria juncea aplicada, com os maiores efeitos nas maiores doses.

ABSTRACT Amounts of N from green manures not absorbed in the first cycle can be absorbed by the subsequent crops. Therefore, it is important to quantify and monitor the residual effects of green manure to increase the agronomic benefits of its use in cropping systems. Our purpose was to study the residual effect of doses of the Crotalaria juncea green manure applied in broccoli crop in the zucchini-maize succession. This study was carried out in a crop succession system organized in three crops, with seven treatments and four major doses of green manure as 0, 3, 6, and 9 t ha-1. The control treatments consisted of a mineral fertilization, a treatment with 25 t ha-1 compost, and another as absolute control without organic compost or mineral fertilizer. The experimental plot consisted of five rows spaced 0.8 m with 3 m in length. The experimental design was a completely randomized block with four replications in a split-plot scheme in time for growth with variables of adjustment of statistical models by the response surface methodology. With the highest dose of green manure, the yield of zucchini plants was greater than the yield with 25 t ha-1 compost control and similar with mineral fertilizer. As for the maize yield in the dose of 9 t ha-1 green manure, the yield was superior only to absolute control. There was a residual effect of C. juncea mass, which was applied in broccoli crop for growth and yield of zucchini and maize grown in succession. The residual effect is dependent on the amount of weight of C. juncea applied, with the greatest effects in larger doses.

RESUMO A recomendação da adubação verde nos sistemas de cultivos ainda apresenta pouco suporte científico e poucos estudos abordam os efeitos de quantidades de nutrientes provenientes de adubos verdes sobre o crescimento e a produção das culturas. O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar o efeito das doses do adubo verde Crotalaria juncea sobre o crescimento, produção e na eficiência do uso e da recuperação aparente do N na cultura do brócolis. Foram estabelecidos sete tratamentos, sendo os principais quatro doses de adubo verde: 0, 3, 6 e 9 t/ha em base de matéria seca, aplicadas junto com 12 t/ha de composto. Os tratamentos testemunhas consistiram de adubação mineral, um tratamento com 25 t/ha de composto e um outro como testemunha absoluta. A produção na testemunha absoluta foi inferior a todos os tratamentos com doses de adubo verde e aplicação de 12 t/ha de composto. A produção das plantas produzidas com 25 t/ha de composto foi superior à produção das plantas produzidas com a dose 0 t/ha e similar à obtida com 3 t/ha, entretanto foi inferior às produzidas com as doses 6 e 9 t/ha de adubo verde. O maior percentual de N recuperado pelas plantas de brócolis foi observado próximo a dose de 3 t/ha de adubo verde, apresentando um ponto de máximo de 37,90% (2,8 t/ha), ao passo que nas maiores doses, 6 e 9 t/ha, apresentou valores estimados de 31,91 e 20,49%, respectivamente. A eficiência fisiológica do uso do N (EFUN) apresentou efeito similar à recuperação aparente do N (REC N), apresentando maior EFUN da menor à maior dose de adubo verde, 3, 6 e 9 t/ha, com valores estimados de 70,41, 62,45 e 26,02 g de MS por g de N acumulado, respectivamente. As quantidades de massa de Crotalaria juncea aplicadas influenciaram positivamente o crescimento e a produtividade do brócolis. A menor massa aplicada de adubo verde eleva a eficiência fisiológica do uso do N com maior recuperação aparente do N aplicado.

ABSTRACT The recommendation for green manure (GM) in cropping systems still has little scientific support, with few studies addressing the effects of nutrient amounts from green manure on the growth and production of the crop. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of levels of Crotalaria juncea green manure on the growth, production, and efficiency of the use as well as the apparent recovery of N in broccoli crop. Seven treatments were established; the main with four doses of green manure: 0, 3, 6, and 9 t/ha on a dry matter (DM) basis, applied with 12 t/ha compost. The control treatments consisted of mineral fertilization, the treatment with 25 t/ha compost, and another as the absolute control. Comparatively, production under the absolute control was less than all other treatments with green manure doses and application of 12 t/ha compost. The production of plants grown with 25 t/ha compost was superior to that of plants grown with dose of 0 t/ha and similar to that obtained with 3 t/ha; however, it was inferior to those produced with doses of 6 and 9 t/ha green manure. The highest percentage of N recovered (REC N) by the broccoli plants was observed close to a dose of 3 t/ha green manure, with a maximum point of 37.90% (2.8 t/ha), while in larger doses of 6 and 9 t/ha showed estimated values of 31.91% and 20.49%, respectively. The physiological efficiency of the use of N (EFUN) showed an effect similar to apparent recovery of N (REC N), with higher EFUN from lowest to highest dose of green manure, that is, 3, 6, and 9 t/ha, with estimated values of 70.41, 62.45, and 26.02 g DM per g of N uptake, respectively. The mass amounts of applied C. juncea influenced positively on the growth and productivity of broccoli. The lower mass of applied green manure increases the physiological efficiency of the use of N with more apparent recovery of the applied N.

RESUMO O objetivo neste trabalho foi estimar a dimensão dos blocos de observações da resistência à penetração, obtidas por um penetrômetro digital motorizado e o número de blocos considerando-se uma semiamplitude do intervalo de confiança entre 5 e 20% da média da resistência a penetração para diferentes faixas de profundidade do solo e diâmetros do cone de penetração. Os dados foram coletados em duas parcelas contrastantes de um experimento de "integração lavoura-pecuária" localizado em Abelardo Luz, SC. Foram demarcados 10 blocos e determinada a resistência à penetração em 20 pontos distanciados em 20 cm. Foi usado um "penetrômetro de solos digital e motorizado". Para estimar a média da resistência à penetração deve-se usar 12 blocos de quatro pontos por parcela experimental para uma semiamplitude do intervalo de confiança igual a 10% da média (1 - p = 0,95). Pode-se amostrar 20 pontos aleatórios por parcela para estimar a média da resistência à penetração para uma semiamplitude do intervalo de confiança igual a 10% da média (1- p = 0,95). O tamanho de amostra para a profundidade de 0-10 cm é maior do que nas faixas mais profundas (0-20, 0-30 e 0-40) e é menor para cones de diâmetro maior.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to estimate the size of blocks of observations of resistance to penetration, obtained by a motorized digital penetrometer, and the number of blocks with semi-amplitude of the confidence interval between 5 and 20% of the mean penetration resistance, for different soil depth ranges and cone diameters. Data were collected in two contrasting plots of a crop-livestock integration experiment, located in Abelardo Luz, SC, Brazil. Ten blocks were delimited and the resistance to penetration was determined in 20 points spaced by 20 cm, using a motorized digital soil penetrometer. To estimate the mean of resistance to penetration, 12 blocks of four points per experimental plot should be used for a semi-amplitude of the confidence interval equal to 10% of the mean (1 - p = 0.95). Twenty random points may be sampled to estimate mean of penetration resistance for a semiamplitude confidence interval of 10% of the man (1 - p = 0.95). The sample size for the layer of 0-10 cm is larger than in the deeper layers (0-20, 0-30 and 0-40 cm) and smaller for cones with larger diameter.