ABSTRACT Sunflower can be an economically viable crop in the Northeast region of Brazil depending on the use of appropriate irrigation and fertilization managements. The objective of this work was to evaluate production components of sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.) of the BRS-324 cultivar subjected to different organic fertilizer rates (goat manure) and irrigation water depths in two crop cycles (November 2014 to February 2015; and August to November 2015). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with a split-split-plot arrangement, consisting of five organic fertilizer rates (OFR) (0, 300, 600, 900, and 1.200 mL plant-1 week-1) and five irrigation water depths (IWD) (33; 66; 100; 133, and 166% of the class A tank evaporation), with three blocks. The highest achene yield (1,220.78 kg ha-1) in the first cycle was found using OFR of 1,200 mL plant-1 week-1 and IWD of 134.9% (524.9 mm); and the highest yield (882.07 kg ha-1) in the second crop cycle was found using the highest OFR combined with IWD of 166% (843.0 mm). The use of goat manure as organic fertilizer had no effect on the sunflower oil content; however, this variable was affected by the irrigation water depths used. Protein content was higher in the second crop cycle (14%) when using IWD of 100% and OFR of 536 mL plant-1 week-1. | RESUMO O girassol, do ponto de vista econômico, apresenta viabilidade para a região Nordeste, desde que adotado o manejo adequado de aplicação de água e adubação. Baseado nisso, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial produtivo do girassol, variedade BRS 324, sob doses de biofertilizante caprino e lâminas de irrigação, em dois ciclos. O experimento foi instalado em blocos casualizados no esquema de parcelas subsubdivididas, onde foram testadas a aplicação de cinco doses de biofertilizante caprino (0, 300, 600, 900 e 1.200 mL planta-1 semana-1) e cinco lâminas de irrigação (33; 66; 100; 133 e 166% da evaporação medida no tanque Classe "A"), em dois ciclos de cultivo, com três blocos. O 1º ciclo foi conduzido entre novembro/2014 e fevereiro/2015 e o 2º ciclo de agosto/2015 a novembro/2015. A maior produtividade da cultura foi obtida no 1º ciclo (1.220,78 kg ha-1) na dose de biofertilizante 1.200 mL planta-1 semana-1 combinada à lâmina 134,9% da ECA (524,9 mm). No 2º ciclo, a máxima produtividade de 882,07 kg ha-1 foi proporcionada com a maior dose de biofertilizante e a lâmina de irrigação de 166% da ECA (843,0 mm). A aplicação do biofertilizante caprino não alterou o teor de óleo de girassol, todavia, evidencia-se incrementos para esta variável em resposta às lâminas de irrigação. Os teores de proteína se mostram superiores no 2º ciclo de cultivo (14%) respondendo de forma efetiva a combinação da lâmina média de 100% da ECA com a dose 536 mL planta-1 semana-1 de biofertilizante caprino.

Sunflower can be an economically viable crop in the Northeast region of Brazil depending on the use of appropriate irrigation and fertilization managements. The objective of this work was to evaluate production components of sunflower plants (Helianthus annuus L.) of the BRS-324 cultivar subjected to different organic fertilizer rates (goat manure) and irrigation water depths in two crop cycles (November 2014 to February 2015; and August to November 2015). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with a split-split-plot arrangement, consisting of five organic fertilizer rates (OFR) (0, 300, 600, 900, and 1.200 mL plant-1 week-1) and five irrigation water depths (IWD) (33; 66; 100; 133, and 166% of the class A tank evaporation), with three blocks. The highest achene yield (1,220.78 kg ha-1) in the first cycle was found using OFR of 1,200 mL plant-1 week-1 and IWD of 134.9% (524.9 mm); and the highest yield (882.07 kg ha-1) in the second crop cycle was found using the highest OFR combined with IWD of 166% (843.0 mm). The use of goat manure as organic fertilizer had no effect on the sunflower oil content; however, this variable was affected by the irrigation water depths used. Protein content was higher in the second crop cycle (14%) when using IWD of 100% and OFR of 536 mL plant-1 week-1.

RESUMO A curva característica de água no solo (CCAS) constitui importante ferramenta no manejo da água na agricultura irrigada. Entretanto, vale ressaltar que fatores como textura e estrutura do solo influenciam seu comportamento.Há informações na literatura que ciclos de umedecimento e secagem alteram a CCAS. Saliente-se que processo similar, de ressaturação e secagem, ocorre durante a obtenção da CCAS em laboratório. Tendo como hipótese que o processo de ressaturação, por provocar perda de argila na amostra, altera a CCAS, objetivou-se obter a CCAS, o índice S e a distribuição dos poros por tamanho a partir de amostras submetidas a ciclos de ressaturação em oposição àquelas não sujeitas a este processo em maiores potenciais mátricos (-2, -4, -6, -8 e -10 kPa). Para tanto, utilizaram-se amostras com estrutura deformada e indeformada, coletadas do horizonte A (textura arenosa) e Btg (textura franco argilo-arenosa) de um Argissolo Acinzentado. Após a obtenção da CCAS, cada amostra foi levada à condição de terra fina seca ao ar e submetida à análise granulométrica e de argila dispersa em água para verificar se houve perda de argila. O delineamento estatístico foi o inteiramente casualizado, com dois métodos de construção da CCAS - com e sem ressaturação - e oito repetições. Concluiu-se que o processo de ressaturação gera perda de argila na amostra, mas não provoca alterações significativas na CCAS nas classes texturais avaliadas; e que as amostras de solo de textura arenosa são mais sensíveis a alterações na distribuição de poros por tamanho quando submetidas à ressaturação. | ABSTRACT Soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) is an important tool for water management in irrigated agriculture. However, factors such as texture and structure of soils influence SWCC behavior. According to the literature, wetting and drying cycles alter SWCC. A similar process of re-saturation and drying occurs during SWCC obtainment under laboratory conditions. Based on the hypothesis that re-saturation process alters SWCC due to clay loss in the sample, this study aimed to obtain the SWCC, S index, and pore size distribution from samples submitted to re-saturation cycles, as well as from not re-saturated samples but under higher matric potentials (-2, -4, -6, -8, and -10 kPa). For this, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples, collected from the A (sandy texture) and Btg (sandy clay loam texture) horizons of a Argissolo Acizentado, were used. After obtaining SWCC, each air-dried soil sample was submitted to particle size and clay dispersed in water analyses to verify whether the soil lost clay. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with two methods of SWCC constructing (with and without re-saturation) and eight replications. The re-saturation process generates a loss of clay in the sample, not causing significant changes in SWCC considering the assessed textural soil classes. In addition, sandy soil samples are more sensitive to changes in pore size distribution when submitted to re-saturation.

Soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) is an important tool for water management in irrigated agriculture. However, factors such as texture and structure of soils influence SWCC behavior. According to the literature, wetting and drying cycles alter SWCC. A similar process of re-saturation and drying occurs during SWCC obtainment under laboratory conditions. Based on the hypothesis that re-saturation process alters SWCC due to clay loss in the sample, this study aimed to obtain the SWCC, S index, and pore size distribution from samples submitted to re-saturation cycles, as well as from not re-saturated samples but under higher matric potentials (-2, -4, -6, -8, and -10 kPa). For this, disturbed and undisturbed soil samples, collected from the A (sandy texture) and Btg (sandy clay loam texture) horizons of a Argissolo Acizentado, were used. After obtaining SWCC, each air-dried soil sample was submitted to particle size and clay dispersed in water analyses to verify whether the soil lost clay. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with two methods of SWCC constructing (with and without re-saturation) and eight replications. The re-saturation process generates a loss of clay in the sample, not causing significant changes in SWCC considering the assessed textural soil classes. In addition, sandy soil samples are more sensitive to changes in pore size distribution when submitted to re-saturation.

RESUMO A cana-de-açúcar é uma das culturas que mais sofrem com a escassez hídrica e, para minimizar esse problema, uma das alternativas é o uso eficiente da água de irrigação. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar os parâmetros biométricos, produtividade e qualidade tecnológica da cana-de-açúcar submetida a diferentes regimes de deficit hídrico controlado, na região do Submédio do Vale do São Francisco. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com 10 tratamentos e três repetições, sendo três deficits hídricos controlados (15; 30; e 45% da evapotranspiração da cultura - ETc), aplicados nas três fases de desenvolvimento da planta (Fase I - brotação e perfilhamento, Fase II - desenvolvimento e Fase III - maturação) e tratamento controle com 100% da ETc, realizados em dois ciclos de cultivo. A qualidade tecnológica da cana-de-açúcar não foi alterada em função do deficit hídrico controlado nas diferentes fases de desenvolvimento. A produtividade da cana-de-açúcar foi maior utilizando-se deficit hídrico controlado de 30% da ETc na fase de brotação e perfilhamento de desenvolvimento da cultura da cana-de-açúcar. A fim de se garantir maior eficiência do uso da água pelo sistema produtivo, recomenda-se a aplicação de uma lâmina com deficit hídrico de 15% da ETc, nas fases de maior desenvolvimento ou maturação do ciclo da cultura. | ABSTRACT Sugarcane is one of the most affected crops by water scarcity. The efficient use of the irrigation water is an alternative to minimize this problem. The objective of this work was to evaluate biometric parameters, yield, and technological quality of sugarcane plants subjected to different controlled water deficit regimes in the sub-middle São Francisco Valley, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, in two crop cycles, with three replications, with ten treatments consisted of three controlled water deficits (15%, 30%, and 45% of the crop evapotranspiration - ETc), applied at three development stages of the plant - sprouting and tillering (Stage I), grand growth (Stage II), and maturation (Stage III) - and a control with 100% of the ETc throughout the entire crop cycle. The controlled water deficit did not affect the technological quality of the sugarcane in any development stage. The sugarcane yield was higher when using a controlled water deficit of 30% of ETc in the sprouting and tillering stages of the plants. The water deficit of 15% of ETc is recommended for the grand growth, or maturation stages of the sugarcane plants for a greater water use efficiency of the production system.

Sugarcane is one of the most affected crops by water scarcity. The efficient use of the irrigation water is an alternative to minimize this problem. The objective of this work was to evaluate biometric parameters, yield, and technological quality of sugarcane plants subjected to different controlled water deficit regimes in the sub-middle São Francisco Valley, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design, in two crop cycles, with three replications, with ten treatments consisted of three controlled water deficits (15%, 30%, and 45% of the crop evapotranspiration - ETc), applied at three development stages of the plant - sprouting and tillering (Stage I), grand growth (Stage II), and maturation (Stage III) - and a control with 100% of the ETc throughout the entire crop cycle. The controlled water deficit did not affect the technological quality of the sugarcane in any development stage. The sugarcane yield was higher when using a controlled water deficit of 30% of ETc in the sprouting and tillering stages of the plants. The water deficit of 15% of ETc is recommended for the grand growth, or maturation stages of the sugarcane plants for a greater water use efficiency of the production system.

RESUMO Objetivou-se, com esse trabalho, a avaliação técnica e econômica da produtividade do tomateiro cultivado com diferentes frequências de irrigação no litoral cearense. O experimento foi conduzido em campo na área experimental da Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza, Ceará, durante o período de agosto a dezembro nos anos de 2011 e de 2012. O delineamento experimental utilizado nos dois ciclos de avaliações foi de blocos ao acaso, composto de seis tratamentos equivalentes às frequências de irrigação: F2 (dois dias); F3 (três dias); F4 (quatro dias), F5 (cinco dias), F6 (seis dias) e F7 (sete dias), com quatro repetições. Aos vinte dias após o transplantio (DAT), quando as plantas já estavam aclimatizadas no campo, foram diferenciados os tratamentos. A colheita se iniciou aos setenta DAT e foi concluída aos noventa DAT. Foram analisadas as seguintes variáveis: comprimento, diâmetro e massa do fruto, número de frutos por planta e a produtividade, sendo também realizada a análise econômica do cultivo. Os produtores da região litorânea do estado do Ceará, que visem um maior rendimento econômico quanto a receita liquida devem adotar uma Frequência de irrigação de dois dias (F2). | ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to technically and economically evaluate the productivity of tomato grown under different irrigation frequencies in the coast of Ceará, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Brazil, from August to December of 2011 and 2012. A randomized block experimental design was used in the two crop cycles, with six irrigation frequencies, consisted of 2 (F2), 3 (F3), 4 (F4), 5 (F5), 6 (F6) and 7 (F7) days of interval between irrigations, and four replications. The treatments were evaluated at twenty days after transplanting (DAT), when the plants were fully acclimated to the field. The harvesting began at seventy DAT and ended at ninety DAT. The variables analyzed were fruit length, diameter and weight, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield. The economic performance of the crop was also evaluated. Tomato producers of the coastal region of the State of Ceará, who aim to increase economic return, i.e., net income, must adopt a two- day irrigation frequency (F2).

The objective of this work was to technically and economically evaluate the productivity of tomato grown under different irrigation frequencies in the coast of Ceará, Brazil. The experiment was conducted in the experimental area of the Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Brazil, from August to December of 2011 and 2012. A randomized block experimental design was used in the two crop cycles, with six irrigation frequencies, consisted of 2 (F2), 3 (F3), 4 (F4), 5 (F5), 6 (F6) and 7 (F7) days of interval between irrigations, and four replications. The treatments were evaluated at twenty days after transplanting (DAT), when the plants were fully acclimated to the field. The harvesting began at seventy DAT and ended at ninety DAT. The variables analyzed were fruit length, diameter and weight, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield. The economic performance of the crop was also evaluated. Tomato producers of the coastal region of the State of Ceará, who aim to increase economic return, i.e., net income, must adopt a two- day irrigation frequency (F2).

RESUMO O déficit hídrico em determinadas fases do ciclo de cultivo do algodoeiro pode causar severos danos, afetando as estruturas reprodutivas, acarretando perda na produtividade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resposta de cultivares de algodoeiro submetidas ao déficit hídrico em diferentes fases do ciclo de cultivo. Comparou-se o número de capulhos por metro, a produtividade e a eficiência no uso da água em oito cultivares de algodoeiro herbáceo, submetidas a déficit hídrico por 15 dias nos estádios: emergência, emissão do primeiro botão floral, emissão da primeira flor, emissão da primeira maçã, abertura do primeiro capulho e a testemunha irrigada com 100% da ETc. O experimento foi instalado no município de Apodi-RN, região Semiárida do Nordeste, em área irrigada por aspersão. O número de capulhos por metro, a produtividade de algodão em caroço e a eficiência de uso da água foram influenciadas pela interação cultivares x déficit hídrico. Os piores resultados foram observados para o déficit hídrico de 15 dias após a emissão da primeira maçã e da primeira flor. Quando o déficit hídrico foi imposto nas fases de crescimento inicial, após a emissão do primeiro botão floral e após a abertura do primeiro capulho, a perda de produtividade não foi significativa. Dentro de um mesmo período de déficit hídrico, as cultivares se comportaram de maneira similar. Os produtores devem levar essa informação em consideração para ouso da irrigação suplementar e para programação das irrigações, evitando que o déficit hídrico ocorra nos períodos mais críticos do ciclo de cultivo. | ABSTRACT Water deficit at certain cotton growth stages can cause severe damage to crop development, affecting physiological processes and reducing reproductive structures, with consequent yield losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of cotton cultivars under water deficit applied at different stages of the crop cycle. We compared the number of bolls per meter, cotton yield, and water use efficiency for eight different cotton cultivars under a water deficit of 15 days. We selected the following growth stages: Emergence (EM), First Square (FS), First Flower (FL), Peak Bloom (PB), and First Open Boll (FOB). The control treatment was irrigated with 100% ETc. The experiment was conducted in Apodi, RN State of Brazil, semiarid region, using a sprinkler irrigation system. The number of bolls per meter, cotton yield, and water use efficiency were influenced by the interaction of cultivars x deficit periods. Lowest values were observed for water suppression in the FL and PB stages. When the water deficit was imposed in the initial stages of growth (EM to FS) or after the FOB stage, the cotton yield reduction was not significant. At the same stage and water deficit, the behavior of the different cultivars was similar. Producers are urged to take this information into account when developing irrigation schemes for cotton crops, thereby avoiding water deficits during the most critical periods of the crop cycle.

Water deficit at certain cotton growth stages can cause severe damage to crop development, affecting physiological processes and reducing reproductive structures, with consequent yield losses. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of cotton cultivars under water deficit applied at different stages of the crop cycle. We compared the number of bolls per meter, cotton yield, and water use efficiency for eight different cotton cultivars under a water deficit of 15 days. We selected the following growth stages: Emergence (EM), First Square (FS), First Flower (FL), Peak Bloom (PB), and First Open Boll (FOB). The control treatment was irrigated with 100% ETc. The experiment was conducted in Apodi, RN State of Brazil, semiarid region, using a sprinkler irrigation system. The number of bolls per meter, cotton yield, and water use efficiency were influenced by the interaction of cultivars x deficit periods. Lowest values were observed for water suppression in the FL and PB stages. When the water deficit was imposed in the initial stages of growth (EM to FS) or after the FOB stage, the cotton yield reduction was not significant. At the same stage and water deficit, the behavior of the different cultivars was similar. Producers are urged to take this information into account when developing irrigation schemes for cotton crops, thereby avoiding water deficits during the most critical periods of the crop cycle.