O uso de biofertilizante combinado com composto orgânico e fontes naturais de fósforo pode resultar em maior eficiência da adubação. Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da torta de filtro associada com fosfato natural de rocha e biofertilizantes, sobre a população de microrganismos do solo, os teores de fósforo no solo, nas plantas e a produção de matéria seca da cultura do milho. O experimento foi realizado em casa de vegetação utilizando-se milho cultivar DKB 390 VTPRO II, cultivado em vasos de 5 dm³ contendo Ultisol (Argissolo Vermelho Amarelo Distrófico). Avaliaram-se sete tratamentos, sendo: controle (somente o solo); solo adicionado de fosfato de rocha (FR); torta de filtro; FR e torta de filtro; FR, torta de filtro e Biopack Sc®; FR, torta de filtro e Embrafós: FF organic Plus® e; FR, torta de filtro e Azotofos. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. Avaliaram-se a altura de plantas, diâmetro do colmo, número de folhas por planta, massa seca das plantas, populações dos microrganismos no solo e o teor de fósforo do solo e nas plantas. Os solos com torta de filtro, fosfato natural e biofertilizantes apresentaram maior população de bactérias totais; porém, não aumentaram a massa seca, o teor de fósforo no solo e o acúmulo de fósforo na parte aérea das plantas quando comparado somente ao uso da torta de filtro e fosfato natural. A torta de filtro na adubação promoveu maior teor de fósforo no solo e acúmulo pelas plantas, maior crescimento das plantas e maior população microbiana do solo, em relação aos tratamentos com ausência de torta.

The use of biofertilizers combined with organic compost and natural sources of phosphorus may result in increased fertilizer efficiency. The aim was to evaluate the effect of the use of the filter cake with natural rock phosphate and biofertilizers on the population of microorganisms of the soil, the content of phosphorus in soil and plants and the production of dry matter of corn crop. The experiment was developed at greenhouse, using corn DKB 390 VTPRO II cultivar, sowed in pots of 5 dm³ containing Ultisol. Seven treatments were evaluated: only the soil; soil with phosphate rock (PR); filter cake; PR with filter cake; PR with filter cake and Biopack Sc®; PR with filter cake and Embrafós: FF organic Plus® and PR with filter cake and Azotofos. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three repetitions. The height, diameter of the stem, number of leaves and dry biomass of the plants, and the populations of microorganisms were determined, the content of phosphorus in soil and plants was also determined. The soils with filter cake, natural phosphate and biofertilizers presented higher population of total bacteria; however, they did not increase the mass dries, the phosphorus concentration in the soil and accumulation of phosphorus in the aerial part of the plants when compared only to the use of filter cake and natural phosphate. The filter cake in the fertilization promoted higher phosphorus content in the soil and accumulation for the plants, higher growth of the plants and microbial population in the soil, in relation to the treatments with filter cake absence.

ABSTRACTThis work studied the acid phosphatase (APase) activity from culture medium (extracellular, eAPase) and mycelial extract (intracellular, iAPase) ofAspergillus niger F111. The influence of fungus growth and phosphate concentration of the media on the synthesis and secretion of phosphatase was demonstrated. The effects of pH, substrate concentration and inorganic and organic compounds added to the reaction mixture on APase activity were also studied. Both enzymes were repressed by high concentrations of phosphate. Overexpression of iAPase in relation to eAPase was detected; iAPase activity was 46.1 times higher than eAPase. The maximal activity of eAPase was after 24h of fungus growth and for iAPase was after 96h. Optimal pH and substrate concentrations were 4.5 and 8.0 mM, respectively. Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate was 0.57 mM with Vmax = 14,285.71 U mg-1 mycelium for the iAPase and 0.31 mM with V max = 147.06 U mg-1 mycelium for eAPase. Organic substances had little effect on acid phosphatases when compared with the salts. Both the APases were inhibited by 10 mM KH 2PO4 and 5 mM (NH4)2MoO4; eAPase was also inhibited by 1 mM CoCl2.

Humic substances result from the degradation of biopolymers of organic residues in the soil due to microbial activity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of three different ecosystems: forest, pasture and maize crop on the formation of soil humic substances relating to their biological and chemical attributes. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial respiratory activity, nitrification potential, total organic carbon, soluble carbon, humic and fulvic acid fractions and the rate and degree of humification were determined. Organic carbon and soluble carbon contents decreased in the order: forest > pasture > maize; humic and fulvic acids decreased in the order forest > pasture=maize. The MBC and respiratory activity were not influenced by the ecosystems; however, the nitrification potential was higher in the forest than in other soils. The rate and degree of humification were higher in maize soil indicating greater humification of organic matter in this system. All attributes studied decreased significantly with increasing soil depth, with the exception of the rate and degree of humification. Significant and positive correlations were found between humic and fulvic acids contents with MBC, microbial respiration and nitrification potential, suggesting the microbial influence on the differential formation of humic substances of the different ecosystems.

The present study deals with the effect of increased concentrations of alcohols (methanol and ethanol) on the solubilization of FePO4 and CaHPO4 by Aspergillus niger. The efficiency of solubilization (ES) of inorganic phosphates, fungal growth, acid production and pH variation were determined. The concentrations of alcohols that most favored the solubilization of phosphates were 4% methanol and 3% ethanol. The ES of phosphates by the fungus in media containing methanol ranged from 11-96% and 0.4-87% for ethanol. The stimulation or inhibition of solubilization was dependent on greater or lesser fungus growth, acid production and decreased pH. These responses were supported by the correlation between the amount of phosphate dissolved and fungal growth (0.630** to 0.831**), the production of acids (0.529* to 0.989**) and a decrease in pH (-0.755** to -0.962**). Thus, the addition of alcohols facilitated insoluble phosphates dissolution during the fungus growth.

Sistemas autossustentáveis favorecem as populações microbianas devido à conservação e ao aumento da matéria orgânica no solo. Além disso, as plantas que fazem parte desses sistemas promovem o efeito rizosférico, por meio da zona de influência das raízes, que resulta no aumento da atividade e na modificação da população microbiana. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da rotação de culturas de inverno sobre sequências de verão, em sistema de semeadura direta, nos atributos bioquímicos (amilase, urease, celulase e protease) e químicos (carbono orgânico total - COT, carboidratos totais e proteínas totais) em solo rizosférico (SR) e não rizosférico (SNR). Este estudo foi constituído de três culturas de inverno: milho (Zea mays L.), girassol (Helianthus anuus L.) e guandu (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp), que estavam em rotação sobre três sequências de verão: soja/soja (Glycine max L.), milho/milho e soja/milho, e duas posições no solo: solo aderido às raízes das plantas (SR) e solo da entrelinha de plantio (SNR). As atividades da amilase, celulase, protease e urease no SR foram 16, 85, 62 e 100 % maiores do que no SNR; para COT e proteínas totais a diferença foi de 21 %. Das culturas de inverno, o milho foi a que mais estimulou as atividades das enzimas amilase, celulase, urease e protease no SR, bem como a atividade das enzimas amilase, urease e protease no SNR. De modo geral, os teores de proteínas totais não foram influenciados pelas culturas de inverno e pelas sequências de verão; os carboidratos totais foram influenciados pelas culturas de inverno milho e girassol. Para o COT houve influência apenas da sequência de verão milho/milho. Os atributos bioquímicos e químicos avaliados neste estudo podem ser utilizados como indicadores das alterações no solo promovidas pelas culturas de inverno e pelas sequências de verão.

Self-sustaining systems encourage microbial populations due to the conservation and improvement of organic matter in the soil. In addition, the plants constituents of these systems produce the rhizospheric effect through the influence zone of the roots, increasing activity and modifying the microbial population. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of winter crop rotation and summer crop sequences in a no tillage system, based on biochemical (amylase, urease, cellulase, and protease) and chemical (organic carbon, total carbohydrates, and total protein) characteristics in rhizospheric (SR) and non-rhizospheric soil (SNR). Three winter crops were studied: corn (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus anuus L.), and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp), in rotation with three summer sequences: soybean/soybean (Glycine max L.), corn/corn, and soybean/corn. Samples were taken from soil adhering to the plant roots (SR) and from in-between the rows (SNR). The activities of amylase, cellulase, protease, and urease in SR were 16, 85, 62, and 100 % higher, respectively, than in SNR. For total organic carbon and total protein, the difference was 21 %. Of the winter crops, corn stimulated higher amylase, cellulase, protease, and urease activity in SR, as well as amylase, protease, and urease activity in SNR. The winter crops and the summer sequences did not affect total protein levels. The total carbohydrates were influenced by winter corn and sunflower crops. Only the summer corn/corn sequence influenced total organic carbon. The biochemical and chemical properties analyzed in this study can be used as indicators of changes in soil caused by winter crops and summer sequences.

The effect of inoculation of Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium verticillioides, and Penicillium sp. in Dystrophic Red Latosol (DRL) and Eutroferric Red Latosol (ERL) soils with or without glucose on the total carbohydrate content and the dehydrogenase and amylase activities was studied. The fungal growth and spore production in culture medium with and without glucose were also evaluated. A completely randomized design with factorial arrangement was used. The addition of glucose in the culture medium increased the growth rate of A. flavus and Penicillium sp. but not of F. verticillioides. The number of spores increased 1.2 for F. verticillioides and 8.2 times for A. flavus in the medium with glucose, but was reduced 3.5 times for Penicillium sp. The total carbohydrates contents reduced significantly according to first and second degree equations. The consumption of total carbohydrates by A. flavus and Penicillium sp. was higher than the control or soil inoculated with F. verticillioides. The addition of glucose to soils benefited the use of carbohydrates, probably due to the stimulation of fungal growth. Dehydrogenase activity increased between 1.5 to 1.8 times (p <0.05) in soils with glucose and inoculated with the fungi (except F. verticillioides), in relation to soil without glucose. Amylase activity increased 1.3 to 1.5 times due to the addition of glucose in the soil. Increased amylase activity was observed in the DRL soil with glucose and inoculated with A. flavus and Penicillium sp. when compared to control.

The objective of this work was to study the effect of grazing systems: rotational, continuous and the absence of cattle, in pastures of Brachiaria brizantha on microbial activity (respiratory, potential nitrification, solubilizing, and enzymatic) and on the chemical attributes (contents of organic carbon, total nitrogen, organic phosphorus, and moisture) of Eutrustox soil over one year. Eight Canchim breed animals were used. The samples were collected in the four seasons from 2005 to 2006. The average of organic C, organic P, and moisture contents, as well as potential nitrification and solubilizing activity and urease and acid phosphatase activities were significantly higher in the spring and/or summer than in autumn and/or winter. The total nitrogen amounts did not vary among seasons. While the respiratory activity was larger during winter and summer, cellulase activity was smaller during spring than in the other seasons. Except for organic P, higher values of the variables studied were observed in the rotational grazing. The results indicate that the hot and rainy season and the rotational grazing system cause increases in the soil microbiological and chemical attributes.

As condições de crescimento e os requerimentos nutricionais de Arthrobotrys oligospora, um fungo nematófago, foram investigados em meio líquido. O organismo foi incubado em meio sintético, a 30º C e em cultura estacionária. O perfil da curva de crescimento do fungo ajustou-se a uma equação de 3º grau, mesmo após 15 dias de incubação. A temperatura e o pH ótimos para produção de micélio foram observados a 25º C e pH 5,0, respectivamente. Contudo, não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre a produção de biomassa nas temperaturas de 25º C e 30º C ou pH 5.0 e 6.0. Várias fontes de carbono foram utilizadas pelo fungo, porém a maior produção de biomassa foi verificada com maltose e sacarose. Das fontes de nitrogênio testadas, várias proteínas (triptona, extrato de levedura, caseína, peptona e casaminoácidos) e fontes inorgânicas (nitrato de sódio e cloreto de amônio) estimularam a maior produção de biomassa. Das várias vitaminas experimentadas, o crescimento do fungo aumentou 2,2 vezes com riboflavina e 2,3 vezes com a mistura biotina e tiamina em relação ao controle, sem vitamina. De modo geral, constatou-se, após o período de incubação, que o pH inicial do meio de cultura pode aumentar até 8,4. Estes resultados sugerem que as variáveis estudadas podem ter papel importante no crescimento do organismo no solo.

The growth conditions and the nutritional requirements of Arthrobotrys oligospora, a nematophagous fungus, were investigated in liquid culture. The organism was incubated in a synthetic medium, at 30º C in a static culture. Time course of growth was adjusted to a 3º degree equation, even after 15 days of incubation. Optimal temperature and pH for mycelium production were observed at 25º C and pH 5.0, respectively. However, significant differences were not found among the biomass production at temperatures 25º C and 30º C or pH 5.0 and 6.0. Several carbon sources were used by the fungus, but the highest biomass production were attained with maltose and sucrose. Of the nitrogen sources tested, several proteins (tryptone, yeast extract, casein, peptone and casaminoacids) and inorganic sources (sodium nitrate and ammonium chloride) stimulated the highest biomass yield. Of the several vitamins tested, fungus growth with riboflavin enhanced 2,2 times and 2,3 times with the mixture biotin and thiamin in relation to the control, without vitamin. In general, it was verified, after the incubation period, that the initial pH of the culture may enhance for up to 8,4. These results suggest that the studied variables may play important role in the growth of the organism in soil.

A compactação é um dos fatores mais agravantes para a qualidade do solo, porém o seu efeito na comunidade e atividade enzimática microbiana não tem sido suficientemente estudado. Seis níveis de compactação foram obtidos pela passagem de tratores com diferentes pesos em um Latossolo Vermelho, e a densidade final foi medida. Amostras de solo foram coletadas nas profundidades de 0-10 e 10-20 cm, após a colheita do milho. O efeito da compactação foi evidente em todos os parâmetros estudados, mas nem sempre foi significativo. A contagem das bactérias totais reduziu significativamente em 22-30 %, e a das nitrificantes, em 38-41 %, no solo com maior densidade em relação ao controle. Contudo, a população de fungos aumentou de 55 a 86 %, e a das bactérias desnitrificantes, de 49 a 53 %. A atividade da desidrogenase diminuiu de 20 a 34 %; a da urease, de 44 a 46 %; e a da fosfatase, de 26 a 28 %. O conteúdo de matéria orgânica e o pH do solo diminuíram na camada 0-0,10 em relação à de 0,10-0,20 m e influíram possivelmente na redução das contagens microbianas exceto das bactérias desnitrificantes, e na atividade das enzimas, menos a da urease. Esses resultados indicam que a compactação do solo teve influência na comunidade de microrganismos aeróbios e na sua atividade. Esse efeito pode alterar a ciclagem de nutrientes e diminuir a produção da planta.

Compaction is one of the most destructive factors of soil quality, however the effects on the microbial community and enzyme activity have not been investigated in detail so far. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil compaction caused by the traffic of agricultural machines on the soil microbial community and its enzyme activity. Six compaction levels were induced by tractors with different weights driving over a Eutrustox soil and the final density was measured. Soil samples were collected after corn from the layers 0-0.10 and 0.10-0.20 m. The compaction effect on all studied properties was evident. Total bacteria counts were reduced significantly (by 22-30 %) and by 38-41 % of nitrifying bacteria in the soil with highest bulk density compared to the control. On the other hand, fungi populations increased 55-86 % and denitrifying bacteria 49-53 %. Dehydrogenase activity decreased 20-34 %, urease 44-46 % and phosphatase 26-28 %. The organic matter content and soil pH decreased more in the 0-0.10 than in the 0.10-0.20 m layer and possibly influenced the reduction of the microbial counts, except denitrifying bacteria, and all enzyme activities, except urease. Results indicated that soil compaction influences the community of aerobic microorganisms and their activity. This effect can alter nutrient cycling and reduce crop yields.

Adubos verdes (AVs) são condicionadores do solo utilizados para a melhoria da estrutura e fertilidade do solo. Este estudo avaliou o efeito de Crotalaria spectabilis Roth (crotalária), Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp (guandu) e Brachiaria decumbens Stapf (braquiária) nas propriedades microbiológicas e bioquímicas do solo sob laranjal. As leguminosas foram plantadas nas entrelinhas do laranjal e, após 3 meses, cortadas e lançadas nas entrelinhas. A braquiária, já estabelecida, foi roçada e lançada nas entrelinhas. Após 5 meses, as amostras de solo foram coletadas na entrelinha e na linha, na profundidade de 0-20 cm. O delineamento experimental foi em parcela subdividida. Efeito significativo (p< 0,05%) da aplicação dos AV sobre as contagens de bactérias, as atividades da desidrogenase e nitrificante foram obtidas e aumentaram, em média, de 20, 39 e 190%, respectivamente. O número de fungos diminuiu de 57%. A atividade da urease e a solubilizadora, e os conteúdos de matéria orgânica e umidade não foram influenciados pela aplicação dos AVs. Dentre as plantas, respostas significativas foram obtidas decorrentes do estímulo da atividade da desidrogenase em 57% pelo guandu, da urease em 58% pela braquiária, solubilizadora em 346% pela crotalária e nitrificante em 236% pelo guandu ou braquiária em relação aos demais AVs. Estes resultados sugerem que a aplicação de AVs durante anos consecutivos pode estimular a ação dos microrganismos e melhorar a qualidade do solo.

Green manure (GM) is a soil conditioner used to improve soil structure and fertility. This study evaluated the effect of Crotalaria spectabilis Roth (showy rattlebox), Cajanus cajan (L) Millsp (pigeonpea) and Brachiaria decumbens Stapf (brachiaria) on soil microbial and biochemical attributes of the citrus orchard. The leguminous was planted at the intercrops and, after 3 months, they were cut and applied in the intercrops. The grown brachiaria was cut and applied in the intercrops. After 5 months, the soil samples were taken from the rows and intercrops in the depth of 0-20 cm. A split-plot design was used. Significant effect (p < 0.05%) from the GM application on the bacteria counts and dehydrogenase and nitrifying activities was obtained an it increased, on average, 20, 39, and 190%, respectively. Fungi number decreased 57%. Urease and solubilizing activities and organic matter and moisture contents were not influenced by the GM application. Among the plants, significant responses were found due to the stimulating activities of dehydrogenase of 57% by pigeonpea, urease 58% by brachiaria, solubilizing 346% by showy rattlebox and nitrifying 236% by pigeonpea or brachiaria in relation to the others GM. These results suggest that GM application for successive years can stimulate microorganisms activity and to improve soil quality.

The decomposition of soil litter contributes to maintaining agricultural sustainability, since the nutrients released by microbial activity are determinants of the net productivity of the agroecosystem. The decomposition of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis [Willd. ex A. Juss.] Müll. Arg.) leaves located on the surface and buried in at 10 cm depth in Forest and Savannah (Cerradãio) soils (Oxisols) was studied, with emphasis on the production of CO2 and the monthly variation of the remaining amounts of litter mass, soluble substances, cellulose and lignin. To evaluate CO2 production, H. brasiliensis leaves were incubated for 30 days in soils from the 0-2 cm and 10-12 cm layers. CO2 production increased in the 0-2 cm layer in comparison to the 10-12 cm layer. Litter mass and soluble substance loss was of 62 and 72% at the end of nine months of incubation, and of 38 and 65%, respectively, in the first three months, being greater in the deeper (71-74%) than in surface layer (48-55%). Forest soil stimulated more litter mass loss and cellulose decomposition (only in the surface layer) than Savannah soil. The cellulose (25%) content decreased and lignin (30%) increased in the initial months of incubation, however, at the end of the period of this study the same content (29%) was found.

La descomposición del mantillo del suelo contribuye a mantener la sostenibilidad agrícola, puesto que los nutrientes liberados por la actividad microbiana son determinantes para la productividad del ecosistema. La descomposición de hojas del árbol del caucho (Hevea brasiliensis) [Willd. ex A. Juss.] Müll. Arg.) colocadas en la superficie y enterradas en la profundidad de 10 cm en los suelos de Bosque y Cerradão (Oxisols) se estudió con énfasis en la producción de CO2 y la variación mensual de las cantidades remanentes de masa foliar (MF), substancias solubles (SS), celulosa y lignina. Para evaluar la producción de CO2, se incubaron hojas del H. brasiliensis por 30 días en suelos a profundidades 0-2 cm y 10-12 cm. La producción de CO2 aumentó en la capa superficial 0-2 cm con relación a la capa 10-12 cm. La pérdida de MF y de SS fue de 62 y 72% al final de nueve meses de incubación, y de 38 y 65%, respectivamente, los tres primeros meses, siendo mayor en la capa inferior (71-74%) que en la superior (48-55%). El suelo de Bosque estimuló más la pérdida de MF y descomposición de la celulosa (sólo en la capa superficial) que el de Cerradão. Las cantidades de celulosa (25%) disminuyeron y las de lignina (30%) aumentaron en los meses iniciales de incubación, pero al final del período en este estudio presentaron el mismo contenido (29%).

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência de solubilização de FePO4 por Aspergillus niger, em meio de cultura com diferentes fontes de carbono (C) e nitrogênio (N) e com concentrações crescentes de fosfato. A quantidade de fosfato solúvel, acidez e pH final foram determinados após o crescimento do fungo, em cultura estacionária a 30ºC. A eficiência de solubilização aumentou conforme o crescimento do fungo, atingiu o máximo no 11º dia (68%) e depois regrediu. Das fontes de C e de N testadas, as maiores eficiências de solubilização foram obtidas com manitol (21%) e ácido glutâmico (17%). Com o aumento da concentração de fosfato (0 a 1.330 µg mL-1), a máxima eficiência de solubilização (70%) foi obtida com 330 µg mL-1 de PO4(3-) e decresceu até 47% com 1.330 µg mL-1. A produção de ácidos foi o principal mecanismo de solubilização do FePO4, com base na correlação positiva e significativa entre a produção de fosfato e a acidez.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of solubilization of FePO4 by Aspergillus niger, in culture medium with different carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sources, and enhancing concentrations of phosphate. The amount of soluble phosphate, acidity and final pH were determined after the fungus growth in a stationary culture at 30ºC. Efficiency of solubilization increased according to fungus growth, reaching the maximum at the 11th day (68%) and later decreased. In relation to C and N sources, the largest efficiencies of solubilization were found with mannitol (21%) and glutamic acid (17%). Increasing phosphate concentration (0 to 1,330 µg mL-1), maximal efficiency of solubilization (70%) was found with 330 µg mL-1 PO4(3-), and decreased up to 47% with 1,330 µg mL-1 PO4(3-). The amount of acids produced was the factor that more influenced FePO4 solubilization, based in the positive and significant correlation between phosphate and acidity production.

Os efeitos da lotação de animais na produção de ovinos têm sido bastante estudados. No entanto, informações sobre seus efeitos na biomassa e nas atividades microbianas e, em conseqüência, na fertilidade do solo de pastagens são escassas. Neste trabalho, os efeitos da lotação de ovinos (LO) na biomassa e nas atividades microbianas responsáveis pela transformação dos compostos do C e N em solo de clima subtropical foram avaliados. As amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas de 0-10 e 10-20 cm de pastos com baixa LO (5 animais ha-1), alta LO (40-50 animais ha-1) e com ausência de animais, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em parcelas subdivididas, com seis repetições. Os maiores valores de biomassa microbiana e das atividades respiratória, nitrificante e enzimática (urease e protease) foram encontrados nos solos dos pastos com baixa LO. Estes pastos também acumularam as maiores quantidades de matéria orgânica e N total. Essas variáveis foram reduzidas nos pastos sem animais ou com alta LO. Vegetação descontínua e intensa mineralização podem ter acarretado a diminuição dessas variáveis nos pastos com alta LO. Alta correlação foi obtida entre matéria orgânica, C orgânico e N total com as quantidades de biomassa microbiana e a atividade enzimática. A camada de 0-10 cm apresentou valores maiores das variáveis estudadas do que os encontrados na camada de 10-20 cm.

The effect of grazing pressure in sheep production has been studied, but not in relation to soil microbiological parameters or the consequences on soil fertility. The effect of grazing pressure (GP) by sheep on biomass and microbial activity related to C and N compounds cycling in subtropical region soil was studied. Soil samples were collected from the 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layers in pastures with low GP (5 animals ha-1), high GP (40-50 animals ha-1) and in absence of animals, in a completely randomized design with 6 replicates. The highest values of microbial biomass and respiratory, nitrifying and enzymatic (urease and protease) activities were found in pasture soil with low GP. This pasture also accumulated highest amounts of organic matter and total N. These variables decreased in pastures without animals or with high GP. Discontinuous vegetation and intense mineralization may have caused this reduction in the soils with pastures under high GP. It was observed a high correlation between organic matter, organic C and total N with the amounts of microbial biomass and enzymatic activity. The values of the variables under study were higher in the 0-10 cm than in the 10-20 cm layer.

O efeito do reflorestamento na qualidade do solo plantado com Corymbia citriodora e Leucaena leucocephala foi avaliado em duas épocas (fevereiro e outubro) através das contagens de microrganismos (bactérias, fungos, actinomicetos e oxidantes de nitrito) e da atividade microbiana (atividade respiratória e da urease). A Floresta Atlântica e uma área sem vegetação foram usadas como controle. A tendência geral das variáveis estudadas nos diferentes solos foi a seguinte: Floresta Atlântica ou L. leucocephala > C. citriodora > sem vegetação. As populações microbianas nos solos de L. leucocephala e C. citriodora foram significativamente maiores (P > 0,05) do que as encontradas no solo sem vegetação. Resultados semelhantes foram obtidos para a atividade respiratória e da urease. As variáveis microbiológicas do solo sob L. leucocephala foram comparáveis ou até mesmo superiores às encontradas no solo sob Floresta Atlântica. Aumento das variáveis microbiológicas do solo sob C. citriodora foi observado quando comparado com o solo sem vegetação. Estes resultados podem ser atribuídos ao aumento nas quantidades de C orgânico total dos solos sob L. leucocephala e C. citriodora em relação ao solo sem vegetação. Embora a maioria dos resultados tenham sido maiores em fevereiro do que em outubro, não foi encontrada uma influência consistente do período de amostragem sobre as variáveis estudadas.

The influence of reforestation was evaluated during two season periods (February and October) in sites planted with Corymbia citriodora and Leucaena_leucocephala through microorganism counts (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and nitrite oxidizers) and microbial activity (respiratory and urease activities). An Atlantic forest and a bare soil site were used as controls. The general trends of the variables in the different soils were: Atlantic forest or L. leucocephala > C. citriodora > bare soil. The microbial populations in L. leucocephala and C. citriodora soils were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that found in the bare soil. Similar results were obtained for respiratory and urease activities. The microbiological variables of the soil under L. leucocephala were comparable or even superior to that found under Atlantic forest. An improvement in the microbiological soil variables was observed in the soil under C. citriodora when compared to the soil without vegetation. These results can be attributed to an increasing amount of total organic C of the soils under L. leucocephala and C. citriodora in relation to the soil without vegetation. Although most results obtained in February presented higher values than in October, the sampling period did not have a consistent controlling influence on these variables.

A solubilização de fosfatos inorgânicos por microrganismos disponibiliza fosfato para a nutrição das plantas e aumenta seu crescimento. A solubilização de CaHPO4 (Ca-P) e AlPO4 (Al-P) por Aspergillus niger na presença de várias fontes de carbono e de nitrogênio foi estudada. A solubilização de Ca-P foi aumentada quando as fontes de carbono foram manitol, maltose, galactose e glicose (nesta ordem). Galactose, sacarose e maltose foram as fontes de carbono que aumentaram a solubilização de Al-P. Maior crescimento, produção de ácidos e diminuição do pH foram obtidos em meio contendo Al-P do que Ca-P, porém, a quantidade de fosfato solubilizado foi apenas 12% maior. A solubilização dos fosfatos foi relacionada à produção de ácidos, diminuição do pH e crescimento do fungo no meio de cultura. Resultados de um estudo conduzido sob condições abióticas mostraram que os ácidos orgânicos solubilizaram mais Ca-P do que Al-P. Avaliando-se o efeito da fonte de N, a solubilização de Ca-P ou Al-P decresceu na seguinte ordem: glicina > NH4Cl > NaNO3 ou NH4NO3 > Uréia > (NH4)2SO4, respectivamente. As fontes de N amoniacal (NH4+-N) foram as mais efetivas na produção de ácidos e diminuição do pH.

The solubilization of inorganic phosphates by microorganisms supplies phosphates for plant nutrition and increases their growth. The solubilization of CaHPO4 (Ca-P) and AlPO4 (Al-P) by Aspergillus niger using several carbon and nitrogen sources was studied. Solubilization of Ca-P was enhanced when the carbon sources were mannitol, maltose, galactose and glucose (in that order). Galactose, sucrose and maltose were the carbon sources that enhanced the solubilization of Al-P. More extensive growth, acid production, and decrease in pH were obtained in the Al-P medium than in the Ca-P medium, however, the quantity of solubilized phosphate was 12% less. Phosphate solubilization was related to acid production, pH drop and fungal growth in the culture medium. The results of a study carried out under abiotic conditions showed that organic acids solubilize more Ca-P than Al-P. Evaluating the effect of the nitrogen source, the solubilization of Ca-P or Al-P decreased in the following order: glycine > NH4Cl > NaNO3 and NH4NO3 > urea > (NH4)2SO4, respectively. Ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4+-N) sources were the most effective in the production of acids and in lowering of the pH.