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Soil fauna plays a key role in organic matter decomposition. Litter decomposition depends on the relationships of soil fauna and microorganisms as well as climate and litter quality. The decomposer community is sensitive to land use. Thus, physical-chemical disturbances, like soil tillage, can exercise important control on the soil fauna. In order to study the effect of land use and its impact on litter decomposition by soil fauna, a litter-bag experiment was conducted in the Pampa Serrana region, Azul district, Argentina. Litter-bags were made in three different mesh-sizes, allowing the access of micro, micro + meso and micro + meso + macrofauna. Four different treatments were defined: naturalized grassland and three agricultural agroecosystems under different tillage systems, i.e., conservation tillage, conventional-conservation tillage and conventional tillage. Decomposition rate and remaining litter were measured across three different seasons. We found that naturalized grassland obtained the highest decomposition rates and the least remaining litter compared to conservation and conventional tillage systems. No difference in litter decomposition was identified among agricultural agroecosystems. Micro + meso + macrofauna presented the highest decomposition rate and the lowest remaining litter of soil fauna groups, in all agroecosystems. In contrast, microfauna decomposition rate was the lowest and produced the highest remaining litter. Micro + mesofauna presented values of decomposition rate and remaining litter that differed significantly from the rest of the groups in some seasons. These results highlight the importance of soil fauna in litter decomposition and the negative effects of different land use systems on litter decomposition by soil fauna.

RESUMO

Abstract The effectiveness soil cover in no-till is relating to quantity and quality of the phytomass produced by crops in rotation and, its persistence over the soil depends on residues decomposition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phytomass production, decomposition rate and the half-life of crops in rotation at the Subtropical region, Brazil. The study was carried out at the Agronomic Institute of the Paraná (IAPAR), in Ponta Grossa, Parana State, Brazil. The experimental design was randomized blocks, with six treatments and four replicates. Winter cash crops and cover crops, single and in consortium, were evaluated in the year 2014 (wheat, black oats + hairy vetch + rye, black oats + ryegrass and black oats + blue lupine), in 2015 (canola, black oats, and black oats + hairy vetch + forage turnip) and in 2016 (barley, triticale, and triticale + black oats + rye). The phytomass was evaluating by collect three subsamples of 0.25 m2 per plot. For decomposition rate and the half-life of the crop residues, litter bags (LBs) methodology was used. A mathematical model (Q=Q0exp-kt) was used to represent the crop residues decomposition and the half-life of crop residues were obtained by the equation t1/2 = (ln2)/k. Poaceae consortia, single Poaceae and canola presented higher phytomass production when compared to Poaceae-Fabaceae consortia. The half-life for Poaceae-Fabaceae corsortia was shorter than single Poaceae.

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ResumenLas condiciones ecológicas de los ríos altoandinos tropicales estan amenazadas por numerosas actividades humanas que incluyen aquellas derivadas del cambio de la cobertura y uso del suelo de la cuenca. Para su evaluación se han propuesto protocolos que diagnostican el estado de la estructura pero no del funcionamiento de estos ecosistemas fluviales. En este trabajo se propone una herramienta de evaluación adaptada a las condiciones locales, incluyendo la metodología y los valores umbrales, utilizando el proceso de descomposición de la hojarasca como una medida del funcionamiento y salud de los ríos altoandinos del sur del Ecuador. Se seleccionaron 15 tributarios distribuidos en tres microcuencas (Mazán, Llaviuco y Matadero) dentro o en las adyacencias del Parque Nacional Cajas. En cada tributario se incubaron bolsas de descomposición elaboradas con dos tipos de malla (gruesa y fina) para separar la contribución de macroinvertebrados y microorganismos en el proceso. Como substrato vegetal se emplearon hojas de Alnus acuminata y Miconia bracteolata. Las bolsas fueron colocadas en los ríos y mantenidas durante 15, 28 y 64 días. Las tasas de descomposición (-K) fueron obtenidas a partir del período de tiempo en el cual se produjo la pérdida de aproximadamente el 50 % de la masa seca libre de ceniza. En cada período de recolección se determinaron parámetros físicos y químicos. Adicionalmente, se aplicaron los índices de calidad de ribera (QBR-And) y de habitat fluvial (IHF). Para la elaboración de los umbrales de condición funcional se utilizaron las métricas Ktotal y el cociente entre la tasa de descomposición en malla gruesa y malla fina (Kg/Kf). Para probar la sensibilidad de las métricas se emplearon métodos gráficos, Anova de una vía y se calculó la eficiencia discriminativa (ED) de las mismas. Los resultados del análisis de usos y coberturas del suelo revelaron un gradiente de intervención Matadero ≥ Llaviuco > Mazán. La composición de las variables ambientales de las corrientes de la microcuenca Mazán resultaron diferentes con respecto a las de Llaviuco y Matadero, cuyos valores parecen ser más semejantes entre sí. La evaluación de la calidad de ribera mediante el índice QBR-And muestra un gradiente importante desde valores muy bajos en las corrientes de Matadero (27.5), valores medios a altos en Llaviuco (66.5) y valores más altos en los tributarios de Mazán (87). Las tasas de descomposición de la hojarasca de los tributarios de la microcuenca del Río Mazán resultaron significativamente más rápidas que en los tributarios de los Ríos Matadero y Llaviuco para las hojas de A. acuminata pero no para las hojas de Miconia. La métrica Kg/Kf se consideró sensible y suficiente para discriminar los impactos en las áreas estudiadas. Los valores del cociente Kg/Kf resultaron significativamente mayores en Mazán en comparación a Llaviuco y Matadero, que no resultaron diferentes entre sí. Nuestros resultados apoyan la utilización del proceso de descomposición de la hojarasca como una herramienta adecuada para evaluar la condición ecológica funcional, complementando las evaluaciones estructurales, de los ríos altoandinos.

Abstract:The ecological condition of tropical Andean rivers are threatened by many human activities including changes in land use and cover in watersheds. Current protocols diagnose the structural condition of streams but not their function. In this study we proposed an assessment tool using the leaf-litter breakdown as a measure of the functional condition and health of high Andean streams in Southern Ecuador, including methodology and threshold values adapted to local conditions. We selected 15 streams in three micro-basins (Mazán, Llaviuco and Matadero) within or in the vicinity of Cajas National Park where we deployed litterbags for 15, 28 and 64 days. We used two types of mesh (coarse and fine) for the litterbags in order to separate the contribution of macro-invertebrates and microorganisms in the decomposition process and also tested two different leaf substrates: Alder (Alnus acuminata) and Miconia (Miconia bracteolata). In each collection period we determined physical and chemical parameters, applied the riparian quality index (QBR-And) and river habitat index (IHF). Decomposition rates (-k) were determined from the time period at which approximately 50 % ash-free mass would have been lost. We used Ktotal and the ratio of the rate of decomposition between coarse and fine mesh (Kg/Kf) to define the functional condition thresholds. To test the metrics sensitivity we used graphical methods, one-way ANOVA and discriminative efficiency (ED). The analysis of watershed land-use and cover showed a gradient of intervention: Matadero ≥ Llaviuco > Mazán. The composition of the environmental variables of Mazán streams were different with respect to Llaviuco and Matadero, whose values were similar to each other. The QBR-And index showed a significant gradient from very low levels in Matadero (27.5), moderately high values in Llaviuco (66.5) to high values in Mazán (87). Alder leaf-litter breakdown rates were significantly faster in Mazán than in Matadero and Llaviuco streams, while breakdown rates of Miconia were not significantly different among watersheds. The Kg/Kf ratio was significantly higher in Mazán compared to Llaviuco and Matadero, which did not differ. We consider the Kg/Kf metric sensitive enough to discriminate impacts in the studied areas. Our results support the use of the leaf-litter breakdown as an appropriate tool to assess functional ecological condition, complementing the structural assessments of these Andean rivers. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 321-334. Epub 2017 March 01.

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The objective of this work was to evaluate the persistence and macronutrient and silicon release of pigeonpea phytomass, with and without mechanical fragmentation. The experiment was design in randomized blocks, with four replications, arranged as 2x6 factorial combination, 2 managements (with and without fragmentation) and 6 times of phytomass harvest (0, 18, 32, 46, 74 and 91 days after management). The fragmentation of the phytomass did not alter decomposition and release of N, P, Ca, Mg and S, and the maximum daily release of these occurred between 0 and 18 DAM. Potassium was released faster, especially with the fragmentation of the phytomass. At the last evaluation, at least 85% of all macronutrients were released to the soil. Silicon release from the phytomass was negligible and there is an increase of the element level over time, mainly, with mechanical fragmentation.

Objetivou-se avaliar a persistência e a liberação de macronutrientes e Si da fitomassa do guandu-anão (Cajanus cajan) submetida ou não à fragmentação mecânica. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial constituído por dois manejos (sem e com fragmentação mecânica) e seis épocas de coleta da fitomassa (0, 18, 32, 46, 74 e 91 dias após o manejo (DAM)). A fragmentação mecânica da fitomassa do guandu-anão não alterou a decomposição e a liberação de N, P, Ca, Mg e S, e as máximas taxas de liberação diária ocorreram de 0 a 18 DAM. O K foi o nutriente mais rapidamente liberado, principalmente com a fragmentação da fitomassa. Aos 91 DAM pelo menos 85% de todos os macronutrientes foram liberados ao solo. A liberação de Si foi baixa, sendo, proporcionalmente menor que a taxa de degradação da fitomassa o que acarretou em aumento do teor do elemento com o passar do tempo, principalmente com a fragmentação mecânica.

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The objective of this work was to evaluate the persistence and macronutrient and silicon release of pigeonpea phytomass, with and without mechanical fragmentation. The experiment was design in randomized blocks, with four replications, arranged as 2x6 factorial combination, 2 managements (with and without fragmentation) and 6 times of phytomass harvest (0, 18, 32, 46, 74 and 91 days after management). The fragmentation of the phytomass did not alter decomposition and release of N, P, Ca, Mg and S, and the maximum daily release of these occurred between 0 and 18 DAM. Potassium was released faster, especially with the fragmentation of the phytomass. At the last evaluation, at least 85% of all macronutrients were released to the soil. Silicon release from the phytomass was negligible and there is an increase of the element level over time, mainly, with mechanical fragmentation.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a persistência e a liberação de macronutrientes e Si da fitomassa do guandu-anão (Cajanus cajan) submetida ou não à fragmentação mecânica. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial constituído por dois manejos (sem e com fragmentação mecânica) e seis épocas de coleta da fitomassa (0, 18, 32, 46, 74 e 91 dias após o manejo (DAM)). A fragmentação mecânica da fitomassa do guandu-anão não alterou a decomposição e a liberação de N, P, Ca, Mg e S, e as máximas taxas de liberação diária ocorreram de 0 a 18 DAM. O K foi o nutriente mais rapidamente liberado, principalmente com a fragmentação da fitomassa. Aos 91 DAM pelo menos 85% de todos os macronutrientes foram liberados ao solo. A liberação de Si foi baixa, sendo, proporcionalmente menor que a taxa de degradação da fitomassa o que acarretou em aumento do teor do elemento com o passar do tempo, principalmente com a fragmentação mecânica.(AU)

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Abstract Organic decomposition is a complex interaction between chemical, physical and biological processes, where the variety of aquatic vascular plants is essential for the trophic dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. The goal of this study was to determine the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth decomposition rate, the time relation with the limnological parameters, and whether this relationship is a result of decomposition processes. To that end, we collected water and leaves of E. azurea in Surf Leopoldo, PR. The experiment consisted of two treatments: 25 containers with 450 mL of water and 0.8 g of biomass dry weight were used with or without the addition of macrophytes. Samples were collected in triplicate at times 0, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 72 h, 120 h, 168 h and 240 h. When the container was removed, the plant material was dried in an oven. After 48 h, the material was measured to obtain the final dry weight. Analyses of pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus N-ammonia (NH4), soluble reactive phosphorus (PO4) and dissolved organic carbon were performed, and the decomposition rate was calculated. The results showed significant temporal variation of limnological parameters in the study. Additionally, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus were correlated with the dry weight of the biomass, suggesting that E. azurea decomposition significantly interferes with the dynamics of these variables.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Organic decomposition is a complex interaction between chemical, physical and biological processes, where the variety of aquatic vascular plants is essential for the trophic dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. The goal of this study was to determine the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth decomposition rate, the time relation with the limnological parameters, and whether this relationship is a result of decomposition processes. To that end, we collected water and leaves of E. azurea in Surf Leopoldo, PR. The experiment consisted of two treatments: 25 containers with 450 mL of water and 0.8 g of biomass dry weight were used with or without the addition of macrophytes. Samples were collected in triplicate at times 0, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 72 h, 120 h, 168 h and 240 h. When the container was removed, the plant material was dried in an oven. After 48 h, the material was measured to obtain the final dry weight. Analyses of pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus N-ammonia (NH4), soluble reactive phosphorus (PO4) and dissolved organic carbon were performed, and the decomposition rate was calculated. The results showed significant temporal variation of limnological parameters in the study. Additionally, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus were correlated with the dry weight of the biomass, suggesting that E. azurea decomposition significantly interferes with the dynamics of these variables.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Organic decomposition is a complex interaction between chemical, physical and biological processes, where the variety of aquatic vascular plants is essential for the trophic dynamics of freshwater ecosystems. The goal of this study was to determine the aquatic macrophyte Eichhornia azurea (Sw.) Kunth decomposition rate, the time relation with the limnological parameters, and whether this relationship is a result of decomposition processes. To that end, we collected water and leaves of E. azurea in Surf Leopoldo, PR. The experiment consisted of two treatments: 25 containers with 450mL of water and 0.8g of biomass dry weight were used with or without the addition of macrophytes. Samples were collected in triplicate at times 0, 3h, 6h, 12h, 24h, 72h, 120h, 168h and 240h. When the container was removed, the plant material was dried in an oven. After 48h, the material was measured to obtain the final dry weight. Analyses of pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total phosphorus N-ammonia (NH4), soluble reactive phosphorus (PO4) and dissolved organic carbon were performed, and the decomposition rate was calculated. The results showed significant temporal variation of limnological parameters in the study. Additionally, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, dissolved organic carbon and total phosphorus were correlated with the dry weight of the biomass, suggesting that E. azurea decomposition significantly interferes with the dynamics of these variables.

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This study aimed to evaluate the dry matter decomposition and N release from black oat residues and dung from goats, as well as its influence on corn yield grown in succession under increasing levels of N applied in topdressing. At winter, treatments consisted of different levels of a dietary supplement corresponding to 0, 5, 10 and 15 g kg-1 of body weight of females, Boer goats grazing oat cv. IAPAR 61 and a treatment without grazing. During the winter period were evaluated: forage sward, mass and its forage production, stocking rate, animal live weight gain, content of mineral N in the soil. At the end of grazing period, dry matter decomposition rate and N release from black oat residual biomass and animal dung were evaluated. At summer, main plots were divided into sub-plots and N applied at increasing levels over the corn crop (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 of N as urea). During this period, corn yield was evaluated. Grazed areas at winter under increasing levels of supplementation resulted in an increase of animal production and increased dry matter decomposition rate and N release from the pasture when compared to ungrazed areas. At the ungrazed areas, it was necessary to apply 150 kg ha-1 of N in sidedress to ensure the same corn yield obtained at the grazing treatments without N application.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a decomposição e liberação de N dos resíduos vegetais de aveia e dejetos de caprinos, bem como sua influência no rendimento do milho cultivado em sucessão sob crescentes doses de N aplicados em cobertura. No inverno os tratamentos se constituíram do uso de suplemento alimentar correspondente a 0, 5, 10 e 15 g kg-1 do peso vivo de fêmeas de caprinos da raça Bôer em pastejo de aveia preta cv. IAPAR 61 e um tratamento sem pastejo. Durante o período de inverno foram avaliados: altura, massa e produção da forragem; carga e ganho de peso animal e teores de N-mineral no solo. Após o término do período de pastejo foi avaliada a decomposição da matéria seca e taxa de liberação de N da forragem e do esterco. No verão as parcelas foram subdivididas e doses crescentes de N foram aplicadas em cobertura na cultura do milho (0, 50, 100 e 150 kg ha-1 de N na forma de uréia). Nesta fase, foi avaliado o rendimento do milho. As áreas pastejadas no inverno sob crescentes níveis de suplementação propiciaram aumento na produção animal e maior velocidade de decomposição da matéria seca e liberação do N da pastagem quando comparadas a áreas sem pastejo. Nas áreas sem pastejo no inverno foi necessário a aplicação de 150 kg ha-1 de N em cobertura para assegurar o mesmo rendimento de milho obtido nos tratamentos com pastejo e sem aplicação de N na cultura do milho.(AU)

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RESUMO

This study aimed to evaluate the dry matter decomposition and N release from black oat residues and dung from goats, as well as its influence on corn yield grown in succession under increasing levels of N applied in topdressing. At winter, treatments consisted of different levels of a dietary supplement corresponding to 0, 5, 10 and 15 g kg-1 of body weight of females, Boer goats grazing oat cv. IAPAR 61 and a treatment without grazing. During the winter period were evaluated: forage sward, mass and its forage production, stocking rate, animal live weight gain, content of mineral N in the soil. At the end of grazing period, dry matter decomposition rate and N release from black oat residual biomass and animal dung were evaluated. At summer, main plots were divided into sub-plots and N applied at increasing levels over the corn crop (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1 of N as urea). During this period, corn yield was evaluated. Grazed areas at winter under increasing levels of supplementation resulted in an increase of animal production and increased dry matter decomposition rate and N release from the pasture when compared to ungrazed areas. At the ungrazed areas, it was necessary to apply 150 kg ha-1 of N in sidedress to ensure the same corn yield obtained at the grazing treatments without N application.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a decomposição e liberação de N dos resíduos vegetais de aveia e dejetos de caprinos, bem como sua influência no rendimento do milho cultivado em sucessão sob crescentes doses de N aplicados em cobertura. No inverno os tratamentos se constituíram do uso de suplemento alimentar correspondente a 0, 5, 10 e 15 g kg-1 do peso vivo de fêmeas de caprinos da raça Bôer em pastejo de aveia preta cv. IAPAR 61 e um tratamento sem pastejo. Durante o período de inverno foram avaliados: altura, massa e produção da forragem; carga e ganho de peso animal e teores de N-mineral no solo. Após o término do período de pastejo foi avaliada a decomposição da matéria seca e taxa de liberação de N da forragem e do esterco. No verão as parcelas foram subdivididas e doses crescentes de N foram aplicadas em cobertura na cultura do milho (0, 50, 100 e 150 kg ha-1 de N na forma de uréia). Nesta fase, foi avaliado o rendimento do milho. As áreas pastejadas no inverno sob crescentes níveis de suplementação propiciaram aumento na produção animal e maior velocidade de decomposição da matéria seca e liberação do N da pastagem quando comparadas a áreas sem pastejo. Nas áreas sem pastejo no inverno foi necessário a aplicação de 150 kg ha-1 de N em cobertura para assegurar o mesmo rendimento de milho obtido nos tratamentos com pastejo e sem aplicação de N na cultura do milho.

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A persistência da palhada, bem como, a dinâmica de liberação de nutrientes, são importantes aspectos a se considerar na escolha de plantas para composição das rotações de culturas em sistema plantio direto. Assim, objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar a taxa de decomposição e a velocidade de liberação de macronutrientes e silício (Si), da fitomassa de crotalária (Crotalaria juncea L.), em função do manejo, sem e com fragmentação. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 2x6, constituído por dois manejos da fitomassa da parte aérea aos 75 dias após emergência (sem e com fragmentação mecânica) e seis épocas de coleta (0, 18, 32, 46, 74 e 91 dias após manejo (DAM)), onde foram avaliadas a taxa de decomposição e a liberação de nutrientes da fitomassa da crotalária. A fragmentação mecânica da palhada da crotalária não alterou a decomposição e a liberação de macronutrientes. As máximas taxas de liberação diária ocorreram de 0 a 18 DAM. O K é o nutriente mais rapidamente disponibilizado, enquanto que o Si é o elemento liberado mais lentamente ao solo. Com o passar do tempo ocorreu aumento do teor de Si na palhada.p

The persistence of straw, as well as the dynamics of nutrients release of it, are important aspects to consider in the choice of plants for composition of crop rotations in a no tillage system. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the decomposition rate and macronutrients and silicon (Si) release from sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) phytomass, as a function of management, with and without fragmentation. A randomized blocks design, with four replications, in a factorial 2x6, constituted by two aboveground phytomass management after 75 days after emergence (with and without mechanical fragmentation) and six sampling times (0, 18, 32, 46, 74 and 91 days after management (DAM)), were evaluated the decomposition rate and nutrient release from sunn hemp biomass. The mechanical fragmentation of sunn hemp straw did not change the decomposition and macronutrients release. The maximum release rates occurred 0-18 DAM. Potassium is the most rapidly available nutrient, while the silicon is more slowly released to the ground. Over time there has been increasing Si content in the straw.

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Commonly N release from legume residues is rapid in the tropics. Legume mixtures with grasses can result in slower nutrient release from residues, better matching the N requirements of the following crop. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of the green manures sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and millet (Pennisetum glaucum), alone or mixed, on the performance of a subsequent maize crop with and without the application of N-fertilizer. The experiment consisted of four randomized blocks, with split plots. The plot treatments consisted of previous cultivation of sunnhemp, millet, mixed sunnhemp+millet and weeds. The subplot treatments were 90 kg N ha-1 and absence of N-fertilizer. Substantial amounts of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) nitrogen were present in above ground parts of sunnhemp alone (173 kg ha-1) and mixed with millet (89 kg ha-1). Decay rates showed that half of the N was released 15 and 22 days from sunnhemp and sunnhemp+millet residues, respectively. The difference was attributed to temporary immobilization due to the higher C/N ratio of sunnhemp+millet. The preceding sunnhemp+millet treatment resulted in a larger maize yield than sunnhemp alone, when no N-fertilizer was applied. This effect was not observed when N-fertilizer was added. This effect may be due to a more timely N release, compared to sunnhemp and millet alone, when available N is required for maize. Nitrogen budgets showed that 15% and 10% in maize grain N was recovered from BNF for sunnhemp alone and sunnhemp+millet respectively. The recovery of N-BNF by maize was 65% higher after sunnhemp+millet than after sunnhemp monocrop.

A liberação de nutrientes dos resíduos de leguminosas é rápida nos trópicos. A consorciação com gramíneas pode resultar em liberação de nutrientes desses resíduos mais lenta e adequada aos requerimentos de N da cultura subseqüente. Os objetivos do trabalho foram avaliar os efeitos dos adubos verdes crotalária (Crotalaria juncea) e milheto (Pennisetum glaucum), solteiros ou consorciados, sobre o desempenho do milho com ou sem a aplicação de N-fertilizante. O experimento foi instalado em quatro blocos casualizados em parcelas subdivididas. Os tratamentos da parcela consistiram do cultivo prévio de crotalária, milheto, crotalária+milheto e ervas. Os tratamentos da subparcela foram 90 kg N ha-1 e ausência de N-fertilizante. A parte aérea da crotalária solteira ou consorciada apresentou, respectivamente, 173 kg ha-1 e 89 kg ha-1 de FBN-N. Metade do N foi liberado em 15 e 22 dias, dos resíduos de crotalária solteira e crotalária+milheto respectivamente. Esta diferença foi provavelmente causada pela imobilização temporária devido à maior C/N da crotalária+milheto. Na ausência de N-fertilizante o cultivo prévio de crotalária+milheto resultou em maior produtividade do milho que a crotalária solteira. Esse resultado não se repetiu com a aplicação de N-fertilizante. Esse efeito é atribuído à liberação de N mais sincronizada com o requerimento do milho do que com crotalária e milheto solteiros. O balanço de nitrogênio mostra que a recuperação de N-FBN foi de 15% e 10% do N nos grão de milho após crotalária solteira e crotalária+milheto respectivamente. A utilização de N-FBN pelo milho foi 65% maior após crotalária+milheto do que após crotalária solteira.

RESUMO

Commonly N release from legume residues is rapid in the tropics. Legume mixtures with grasses can result in slower nutrient release from residues, better matching the N requirements of the following crop. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of the green manures sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea) and millet (Pennisetum glaucum), alone or mixed, on the performance of a subsequent maize crop with and without the application of N-fertilizer. The experiment consisted of four randomized blocks, with split plots. The plot treatments consisted of previous cultivation of sunnhemp, millet, mixed sunnhemp+millet and weeds. The subplot treatments were 90 kg N ha-1 and absence of N-fertilizer. Substantial amounts of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) nitrogen were present in above ground parts of sunnhemp alone (173 kg ha-1) and mixed with millet (89 kg ha-1). Decay rates showed that half of the N was released 15 and 22 days from sunnhemp and sunnhemp+millet residues, respectively. The difference was attributed to temporary immobilization due to the higher C/N ratio of sunnhemp+millet. The preceding sunnhemp+millet treatment resulted in a larger maize yield than sunnhemp alone, when no N-fertilizer was applied. This effect was not observed when N-fertilizer was added. This effect may be due to a more timely N release, compared to sunnhemp and millet alone, when available N is required for maize. Nitrogen budgets showed that 15% and 10% in maize grain N was recovered from BNF for sunnhemp alone and sunnhemp+millet respectively. The recovery of N-BNF by maize was 65% higher after sunnhemp+millet than after sunnhemp monocrop.

A liberação de nutrientes dos resíduos de leguminosas é rápida nos trópicos. A consorciação com gramíneas pode resultar em liberação de nutrientes desses resíduos mais lenta e adequada aos requerimentos de N da cultura subseqüente. Os objetivos do trabalho foram avaliar os efeitos dos adubos verdes crotalária (Crotalaria juncea) e milheto (Pennisetum glaucum), solteiros ou consorciados, sobre o desempenho do milho com ou sem a aplicação de N-fertilizante. O experimento foi instalado em quatro blocos casualizados em parcelas subdivididas. Os tratamentos da parcela consistiram do cultivo prévio de crotalária, milheto, crotalária+milheto e ervas. Os tratamentos da subparcela foram 90 kg N ha-1 e ausência de N-fertilizante. A parte aérea da crotalária solteira ou consorciada apresentou, respectivamente, 173 kg ha-1 e 89 kg ha-1 de FBN-N. Metade do N foi liberado em 15 e 22 dias, dos resíduos de crotalária solteira e crotalária+milheto respectivamente. Esta diferença foi provavelmente causada pela imobilização temporária devido à maior C/N da crotalária+milheto. Na ausência de N-fertilizante o cultivo prévio de crotalária+milheto resultou em maior produtividade do milho que a crotalária solteira. Esse resultado não se repetiu com a aplicação de N-fertilizante. Esse efeito é atribuído à liberação de N mais sincronizada com o requerimento do milho do que com crotalária e milheto solteiros. O balanço de nitrogênio mostra que a recuperação de N-FBN foi de 15% e 10% do N nos grão de milho após crotalária solteira e crotalária+milheto respectivamente. A utilização de N-FBN pelo milho foi 65% maior após crotalária+milheto do que após crotalária solteira.

RESUMO

The quality of plant residue and soil N availability, from mineral fertilizer, are some of the factors that affect residue decomposition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dry matter production and its N accumulation in three winter cover crop and the effects of different corn sidedress N timing application on soil surface residue. The experiment was carried out at Federal University of Santa Maria experimental área in 1996/97 and 1997/98 crop season on a typic Hapludalf. The residue decomposition study was carried only in 1997/98 crop season. The experiment was laid out as random block design with split-plot. The main treatments were winter cover crops set up in 25 x 5m plots: a) black oat (Avena strigosa Schieb); b) Black oats+vetch (Vicia sativa L); and c) Raphanus sativus. The split-plot (5 x 5m) treatments were splitting and timing N sidedress for corn, which were composed by a sequence of N application, represented by: (1) 00-00-00, (2) 00-30-90, (3) 30-30-60, (4) 60-30-30, (5) 90-30-00, where the numbers, respectively, means N applied in kg ha -1 at: (a) corn pre-planted; (b) at corn seeding; and (c) corn sidedress at 4 to 6 leaves stage. The consortium, black oat+vetch, did not affected dry matter production but induced higher N content and accumulation of above ground biomass. The decomposition rate of winter cover crops was not affected by N sidedress timing for corn in succession of winter cover crops.

A qualidade do resíduo vegetal e a disponibilidade de nitrogênio (N) mineral são fatores que afetam a decomposição de resíduos vegetais. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a produção de matéria seca, o acúmulo de nitrogênio de três plantas para cobertura de solo no inverno e a influência de diferentes épocas de aplicação da adubação nitrogenada na cultura do milho sobre a decomposição do resíduo vegetal mantido na superfície. O experimento foi desenvolvido na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (RS), nos anos agrícolas de 1996/97 e 1997/98, em solo ARGISSOLO VERMELHO Distrófico arênico (Hapludalf), sendo que a avaliação da taxa de decomposição do resíduo superficial foi feita somente no ano agrícola de 1997/98. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas e três repetições. Nas parcelas principais (25 x 5m), durante o inverno foram utilizadas três coberturas de solo: aveia preta (Avena strigosa Schieb), aveia+ervilhaca (Vicia sativa L.) e nabo forrageiro (Raphanus sativus). Nas subparcelas (5 x 5m), diferentes épocas de aplicação de N no milho: (i)00-00-00, (ii)00-30-90, (iii)30-30-60, (iv)60-30-30 e (v)90-30-00, que corresponde a quantidade de N em kg ha-1, aplicado em pré-semeadura (após a dessecação das plantas de cobertura), semeadura, e cobertura do milho (4 a 6 folhas desenroladas), respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que o cultivo da ervilhaca juntamente com aveia preta não alterou a produção de matéria seca, mas determinou maior teor e acúmulo de nitrogênio na parte aérea das plantas na consorciação. As taxas de decomposição de resíduos de aveia preta, nabo forrageiro e aveia preta+ervilhaca não foram influenciadas pelas épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio para o milho cultivado em sucessão.

RESUMO

The quality of plant residue and soil N availability, from mineral fertilizer, are some of the factors that affect residue decomposition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dry matter production and its N accumulation in three winter cover crop and the effects of different corn sidedress N timing application on soil surface residue. The experiment was carried out at Federal University of Santa Maria experimental área in 1996/97 and 1997/98 crop season on a typic Hapludalf. The residue decomposition study was carried only in 1997/98 crop season. The experiment was laid out as random block design with split-plot. The main treatments were winter cover crops set up in 25 x 5m plots: a) black oat (Avena strigosa Schieb); b) Black oats+vetch (Vicia sativa L); and c) Raphanus sativus. The split-plot (5 x 5m) treatments were splitting and timing N sidedress for corn, which were composed by a sequence of N application, represented by: (1) 00-00-00, (2) 00-30-90, (3) 30-30-60, (4) 60-30-30, (5) 90-30-00, where the numbers, respectively, means N applied in kg ha -1 at: (a) corn pre-planted; (b) at corn seeding; and (c) corn sidedress at 4 to 6 leaves stage. The consortium, black oat+vetch, did not affected dry matter production but induced higher N content and accumulation of above ground biomass. The decomposition rate of winter cover crops was not affected by N sidedress timing for corn in succession of winter cover crops.

A qualidade do resíduo vegetal e a disponibilidade de nitrogênio (N) mineral são fatores que afetam a decomposição de resíduos vegetais. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a produção de matéria seca, o acúmulo de nitrogênio de três plantas para cobertura de solo no inverno e a influência de diferentes épocas de aplicação da adubação nitrogenada na cultura do milho sobre a decomposição do resíduo vegetal mantido na superfície. O experimento foi desenvolvido na Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (RS), nos anos agrícolas de 1996/97 e 1997/98, em solo ARGISSOLO VERMELHO Distrófico arênico (Hapludalf), sendo que a avaliação da taxa de decomposição do resíduo superficial foi feita somente no ano agrícola de 1997/98. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos ao acaso com parcelas subdivididas e três repetições. Nas parcelas principais (25 x 5m), durante o inverno foram utilizadas três coberturas de solo: aveia preta (Avena strigosa Schieb), aveia+ervilhaca (Vicia sativa L.) e nabo forrageiro (Raphanus sativus). Nas subparcelas (5 x 5m), diferentes épocas de aplicação de N no milho: (i)00-00-00, (ii)00-30-90, (iii)30-30-60, (iv)60-30-30 e (v)90-30-00, que corresponde a quantidade de N em kg ha-1, aplicado em pré-semeadura (após a dessecação das plantas de cobertura), semeadura, e cobertura do milho (4 a 6 folhas desenroladas), respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que o cultivo da ervilhaca juntamente com aveia preta não alterou a produção de matéria seca, mas determinou maior teor e acúmulo de nitrogênio na parte aérea das plantas na consorciação. As taxas de decomposição de resíduos de aveia preta, nabo forrageiro e aveia preta+ervilhaca não foram influenciadas pelas épocas de aplicação de nitrogênio para o milho cultivado em sucessão.