Changes in row spacing may result in changes in crop and weed behavior and crop-weed competition. A study was performed to determine the periods of weed presence and weed control in cotton sown with 0.76 m spacing between planting rows. Cotton cultivar FM 993 was sown on 01/08/2010 with the aim of reaching a density of 190,000 seeds ha-1. Treatments with either weed presence or weed control during the first 0, 5, 10, 15, 22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 57, 64, 71, and 190 days of cultivation were established to determine the period prior to weed interference (PPI), total period of interference prevention (TPIP) and critical period of weed control (CPWC). The weed species with high relative importance were Amaranthus retroflexus, Bidens pilosa, Eleusine indica, Digitaria horizontalis, Alternanthera tenella, and Commelina benghalensis. Considering a maximum yield loss of 5%, the PPI was established 11 days after cotton emergence (DAE), the TPWC at 46 DAE, and the CPWC between 11 and 46 DAE, for a total duration of 35 days. Considering a maximum acceptable yield loss equal to the standard deviation for the weed-free treatment, the PPI was established at 6 DAE, the TPWC at 55 DAE, and the CPWC between 6 and 55 DAE for a total duration of 49 days.

Weed interference is a factor that limits the productivity of beans and, among these, hairy beggarticks is one of the main species competing with the crop for environmental resources. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the competitive ability of black bean cultivars (BRS Campeiro, IPR Uirapuru, SCS204 Predileto and BRS Supremo) in the presence of a biotype of hairy beggarticks. The experimental design is a completely randomized block with four replications. Treatments were arranged in a replacement series, consisting of a proportion of the crop and the hairy beggarticks: 100:0; 75:25; 50:50: 24:75, and 0:100, which corresponds to 40:0, 30:10, 20:20, 10:30, and 0:40 plant pots1. We accomplished competitive analysis through diagrams applied to the replacement series, as well as using relative competitive indices. The leaf area and shoot dry mass were evaluated at 40 days after emergence of the species. There was competition between bean cultivars and hairy beggarticks for the same environmental resources, causing negative interference in the growth of the species, independent of the proportion of plants. Bean cultivars had a lower relative loss by reducing the morphological variables of the hairy beggarticks, thereby demonstrating superiority in its competitive ability in relation to the weed. Interspecific competition is less damaging than intraspecific competition for both species.

The aim of this work was to perform botanical identification and to estimate genetic diversity in two sequential inbred generations (progenies S1 and S2) of melon accessions from traditional agriculture in the state of Maranhão, in order to generate useful information for commercial melon breeding. Two field experiments were carried out in a completely randomized block, using four replicates of 15 accessions from a first selfing cycle in 2013, and three replicates of 25 subaccessions (generation S2) in 2014. Flower and fruit descriptors were measured to obtain quantitative and qualitative data, in addition to a systematized photographic documentation of fruit for visually comparing the progenies S1 and S2. Distance matrices for quantitative and qualitative data were obtained and used to perform a joint analysis and UPGMA method. Large genetic diversity was found in the accessions analysed, since the presence of melon progenies was observed in the Cucumis melo ssp. agrestis, with its botanical varieties momordica and conomom, and of the Cucumis melo ssp. melo, with the botanical varieties cantalupensis and chandalak. Divergence analysis showed the formation of three groups in generation S1 and four groups in S2. However, the groups were not separated either by subspecies or by botanical variety. Thus, in addition to the large genetic diversity among and within melon accessions from family farming in the state of Maranhão, the progenies presented a large introgression of traits of the different subspecies and their botanical varieties due to the reproductive system and seed management of these species.

RESUMO O potássio (K) é um nutriente essencial para o crescimento do arroz, no entanto existem poucas informações sobre os efeitos do K no crescimento radicular e na capacidade de absorção de nutrientes por diferentes cultivares de arroz de terras altas. Um experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação para avaliar a influência de diferentes níveis de K no solo no crescimento radicular e absorção de nutrientes de quatro cultivares de arroz de terras altas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4x4, (4 níveis de K: 20, 40, 80 e 160 mg dm-3; 4 cultivares: Caiapó, BRS-Primavera, IAC-202 e Maravilha), com quatro repetições. Com base nas equações de regressão, o maior valor para comprimento radicular seria obtido com aplicação de 136 mg dm-3 de K. O diâmetro e a matéria seca radicular, a concentração de K e a biomassa da parte aérea aumentaram linearmente com o aumento das doses de K, porém a concentração de K na parte aérea não diferiu entre as cultivares de arroz. O aumento do nível de K no solo reduziu a concentração Ca na parte aérea das cultivares dos grupos intermediário e moderno, mas a concentração de Mg reduziu em todas as cultivares. A adubação potássica aumentou o desenvolvimento das plantas, variando de acordo com o genótipo. | ABSTRACT Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient for upland rice growth, but little information on the effects of K on root growth and nutrient uptake capacity of upland rice is found. Therefore, an experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the influence of soil K levels on root growth and nutrient uptake of four upland rice cultivars. A completely randomized experimental design, in a 4x4 factorial scheme (4 levels of K: 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg dm-3; 4 cultivars: Caiapó, BRS-Primavera, IAC-202, and Maravilha) was used, with four replications. Based on regression equations, the highest values of root length density would be found with 136 mg dm-3 of K. The root diameter and dry matter, shoot dry matter and shoot K concentration increased linearly with the increasing K rates. The shoot K concentration of the upland rice cultivars did not differ. The increased level of K in the soil reduced the shoot Ca concentration of intermediate and modern cultivars, and the shoot Mg concentration of all cultivars. The potassium fertilization increased the plant growth, but the magnitude of this effect varied according to the cultivar.

ABSTRACT The characterization of litterfall in forest and agroforest systems is important to better understand the cycling of nutrients, however, few studies on litterfall of fruit trees, such as banana, are found. Therefore, the objective of this work was assess the production and decomposition and chemically characterize the litterfall of banana genotypes cropped in a dystrophic typical Red-Yellow Latossol, with weak A horizon, medium texture in a hypo-xerophytic Caatinga in the Southwest of Bahia, Brazil. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with twelve treatments (genotypes) and five replications. The genotypes Preciosa, Pacovan-Ken and Maravilha presented the greatest dry weight. The genotype Fhia18 showed the longest half-life of litterfall decomposition. The banana genotypes Preciosa, Maravilha and Pacovan-Ken produce the greatest contents of litterfall, and their chemical characterization shows the descending order Ca>N>Mg>K>S>P for macronutrients and Fe>Mn>B>Zn>Cu for micronutrients. The banana genotypes PV-79-34, Garantida, Pacovan, JV-42-135, Prata-Anã, Pacovan-Ken, Preciosa and Maravilha present the lowest number of days for decomposition of the litterfall accumulated. | RESUMO A caracterização da serapilheira em sistemas florestais e agroflorestais mostra-se importante no entendimento da ciclagem de nutrientes, no entanto, estudos em frutíferas, como a bananeira, ainda são escassos. Objetivou-se determinar a produção, decomposição e caracterização química da serapilheira em genótipos de bananeira no Sudoeste Baiano em Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo distrófico típico, com horizonte A fraco, textura média, fase caatinga hipoxerófila. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, constituído de doze tratamentos (genótipos) e cinco repetições. Os genótipos Preciosa, Pacovan-Ken e Maravilha, apresentaram as maiores produções de massa seca. Para decomposição de 50 % da massa seca da serapilheira, observou-se que o genótipo Fhia18 apresentou o maior tempo de decomposição. Os genótipos Preciosa, Maravilha e Pacovan-Ken apresentam maiores produções de serapilheira com caracterização química em ordem crescente para os macronutrientes Ca>N>Mg>K>S>P e micronutrientes Fe>Mn>B>Zn>Cu. Os genótipos PV-79-34, Garantida, Pacovan, JV-42-135, Prata-Anã, Pacovan-Ken, Preciosa, Maravilha apresenta menores números de dias para decomposição da serapilheira acumulada.

ABSTRACT Aggregate formation and stability are related to soil quality, contributing significantly to the carbon storage and nutrient maintenance capacities of the soil. Soil aggregates are formed by two different process: physicogenic, related to moistening and drying cycles and input of organic matter; and biogenic, related to the action of macrofauna organisms and roots. The objective this work was to classify aggregates according to their formation process, quantify and compare organic carbon contents in humic substances and assess the stability of aggregates formed by different processes, in areas with different coverage in the Mid Paraiba Valley, Pinheiral, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Aggregated soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-10 cm, in a Cambisol (Cambissolo Háplico Tb Distrófico) under four plant covers: secondary forest in advanced (SFAS), medium (SFMS) and initial (SFIS) successional stages and managed mixed pasture (MMP). Aggregates were classified and identified into three morphological classes (physicogenic, biogenic and intermediate). The variables evaluated were mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) of aggregates, chemical fractions of organic matter, total organic carbon (TOC) and humic substances: humin (C-HUM) humic acid (C-FAH) and fulvic acid (C-FAF). Biogenic aggregates were found in smaller quantities and showed higher TOC, C-HUM and C-FAH, compared to intermediate and physicogenic aggregates. Thus, biogenic aggregates have potential to be used as soil quality indicators for structured environments, which are able to maintain its intrinsic formation processes. | RESUMO A formação e estabilidade de agregados estão intimamente relacionadas à qualidade do solo, contribuindo de maneira significativa na capacidade de estocar carbono e manutenção de nutrientes no solo. Os agregados do solo são formados por duas vias distintas: a fisiogênica, relacionada a ciclos de umedecimento e/ou secagem e adição de matéria orgânica e a biogênica associada à ação dos organismos da macrofauna e de raízes. Neste estudo, objetivou-se separar os agregados conforme a via de formação e, posteriormente, quantificar e comparar os teores de carbono orgânico das substâncias húmicas e a estabilidade de agregados formados por diferentes vias e coberturas vegetais, na região do Médio Vale do Paraiba Fluminense, Pinheiral (RJ). Foram coletadas amostras indeformadas de solo na profundidade de 0-10 cm, em um Cambissolo Háplico Tb Distrófico, sob quatro coberturas vegetais: floresta secundária em diferentes estádios sucessionais - avançado (FSEA); médio (FSEM); inicial (FSEI) e uma área de pasto misto manejado (PMM). Os agregados foram separados e identificados em três classes morfológicas (fisiogênica, biogênica e intermediária). Posteriormente, foram determinados o diâmetro médio ponderado (DMP) e geométrico (DMG) dos agregados, fracionamento químico da matéria orgânica e quantificação dos teores de carbono orgânico total (COT) e das substâncias húmicas: humina (C-HUM), ácido húmico (C-FAH) e ácido fúlvico (C-FAF). Os agregados biogênicos foram encontrados em menor quantidade e apresentaram maiores teores de COT, C-HUM, C-FAH em comparação aos agregados intermediários e fisiogênicos. Dessa forma, os agregados biogênicos têm potencial para serem enquadrados como indicadores de qualidade do solo, associados a ambientes mais estruturados, capazes de manter os processos intrínsecos a sua formação.

ABSTRACT Passiflora cincinnata Mast. has become more popular in the market because the unusual flavor of its fruits and natural beauty of its flowers, and has great potential for breeding programs of Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa, because its resistance to diseases and drought. The objective of this work was to evaluate seven wild passion fruit (P. cincinnata) accessions, using morphological and agronomic descriptors and molecular markers type ISSR, to identify their morphoagronomic and genetic variabilities and potential for use in breeding programs. A randomized block experimental design was used with five replications and two plants per plot. Thirteen qualitative and twenty-one quantitative, vegetative and floral characteristics were used for morphoagronomic characterization. Twelve ISSR primers were evaluated for molecular characterization. Among the qualitative characteristics, only the color variations were significantly different between the accessions. According to the mean squares of the quantitative characteristics evaluated, obtained from analysis of variance, the means of accessions showed significant differences (p<0.01) for all characteristics. The IAL (internode average length) was the morphological descriptor that most contributed to diversity, with 43.12%, followed by DH5 (stem diameter at 5 cm height) and SW (sepal width). The average genetic similarity found was 68%. Despite the low genetic variability found among accessions, the primers UBC-887 and UBC-841 stood out with high percentage of polymorphism with 14 and 11 polymorphic fragments, respectively, and higher values of polymorphism information content (PIC), resolving power (RP) and marker index (MI), denoting suitability for use in diversity studies of P. cincinnata. Low variability was found among accessions evaluated. | RESUMO A espécie Passiflora cincinnata Mast. vem se popularizando no mercado pelo sabor incomum dos seus frutos, beleza natural de sua flores e possui grande potencial para a cultura de Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa, pois apresenta resistência a doenças e déficit hídrico. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar sete acessos de maracujá-do-mato (P. cincinnata) por meio de descritores morfológicos, descritores agronômicos e marcadores moleculares do tipo ISSR visando identificar variabilidade morfoagronômica e genética e o potencial para serem utilizados em programas de melhoramento. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições e duas plantas por parcela. Para caracterização morfoagronômica foram avaliadas 13 características qualitativas e 21 características quantitativas vegetativas e florais. Para caracterização molecular foram testados 12 primers de ISSR. Entre as características qualitativas apenas as variações de coloração apresentaram diferenças marcantes entre os diferentes acessos. De acordo com os quadrados médios obtidos das análises de variância para as características quantitativas avaliadas pode-se ressaltar as diferenças significativas (p<0,01) entre as médias dos acessos para todos os caracteres avaliados. Verificou-se que para os 21 descritores morfológicos avaliados, o que mais contribuiu para a diversidade foi o MI (média internódio) com 43,12%, seguido por DH5 (diâmetro das hastes a 5 centímetros do solo) e LS (largura da sépala). A similaridade genética média encontrada foi 68%. Apesar de ser diagnosticada baixa variabilidade genética entre os acessos avaliados, os primers UBC-887 e UBC-841 se destacaram com alto percentual de polimorfismo, com 14 e 11 fragmentos polimórficos respectivamente e valores altos para conteúdo da informação de polimorfismo (PIC), poder de resolução do primer (RP) e índice do marcador (MI) dos primers, demonstrando aptidão para serem utilizados em pesquisas de diversidade em P. cincinnata. Foi diagnosticada baixa variabilidade entre os acessos avaliados.

RESUMO O uso de resíduos orgânicos e composto é uma prática comum para aumentar os teores de matéria orgânica e a qualidade do solo. Neste estudo, foram aplicados resíduos orgânicos compostados (húmus) e frescos, em compostagem laminar, em um pomar de citros com 6 anos com o objetivo de avaliar as frações lábeis e estáveis da matéria orgânica. O experimento foi disposto em blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos (Controle-NPK, controle + NPK, resíduo fresco com e sem NPK, resíduo compostado, com e sem NPK), com três repetições, aplicados na projeção da copa. As amostras de solo foram coletadas nas camadas de 0-0.05, 0.05-0.10 e 0.10-0.15 m. Houve aumento de 10,3; 22,4; 16,3 e 37,1 % no teor de carbono nos tratamentos com resíduo não compostado, com e sem NPK, e com resíduo compostado, com e sem NPK, respectivamente. O teor de carbono na fração lábil variou de 1 a 12,8 g kg-1, representando de 8 a 62 % do carbono total, e de 3,1 a 9,7 g kg-1, representando 38 a 92 % do carbono total, sendo esta a fração dominante na maioria dos tratamentos | ABSTRACT The use of organic residues and compost is a common practice to improve soil quality and content of organic matter. In this study, the labile and stable fractions of soil organic matter were evaluated after application of layers of fresh (non-composted) or composted organic residues in a 6-year-old citrus orchard. The experiment was set up as a randomized block design, with 6 treatments: control without NPK, control with NPK, non-composted organic residue (NCOR, with and without NPK), and composted organic residue (humus, with and without NPK), with three replicates. The treatments were applied under the plant canopy. Soil samples were collected from the 0-0.05, 0.05-0.10, and 0.10-0.15 m layers. There were increases of 10.3, 22.4, 16.3, and 37.1 % in the organic carbon contents of the surface soil for the treatments using NCOR without NPK, NCOR with NPK, humus with NPK, and humus without NPK, respectively. The organic carbon contents of the labile fraction varied from 1.0 to 12.8 g kg-1, representing between 8 and 62 % of the total carbon. The carbon concentrations in the stable fraction varied from 3.1 to 9.7 g kg-1, representing between 38 and 92 % of the total carbon, and this was the dominant fraction for most of the treatments.

ABSTRACT Knowledge of the interactions between soil physical properties and yield performance in agricultural crops is very important for the adoption of appropriate management practices. This study aimed to evaluate the linear and spatial correlations between some soil physical attributes, straw production in the palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha), and grain yield of winter common bean in succession to the grass under an irrigated no-till system in an Oxisol Haplorthox in the Cerrado lowlands region of Brazil. The plant attributes determined were dry matter yield of U. brizantha (DMY), and grain yield (GY) and final plant population (PP) of winter common bean. The soil physical attributes, evaluated at 0.0-0.10 m and 0.10-0.20 m, were soil bulk density (BD), macroporosity (MA), microporosity (MI), total porosity (TP), penetration resistance (PR), gravimetric water content (GW), and volumetric water content (VW). A geostatistical grid with 124 sampling points was installed to collect the soil and plant data in an area of 4000 m2. The remaining straw amount of palisade grass exhibited an inverse linear correlation with bean yield and bean plant population when the bean was cultivated in succession. However, no spatial correlations were observed among the attributes. The common bean yield had a direct linear correlation with gravimetric water content in the 0.10-0.20 m soil layer. From a spatial point of view, winter bean yield showed a strong dependence on the distribution of the volumetric water content in the 0-0.10 m soil layer. | RESUMO O conhecimento das interações entre os atributos físicos do solo e o desempenho produtivo das culturas agrícolas é de suma importância para a adoção de práticas de manejo adequadas. Deste modo, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar as correlações lineares e espaciais entre alguns atributos físicos do solo com a produção de palhada do capim-marandu (Urochloa brizantha) e a produtividade de grãos do feijoeiro de inverno cultivado em sucessão ao capim sob sistema plantio direto na região de Cerrado de baixa altitude, em condições irrigadas em um Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico. Os atributos das plantas foram: a produtividade de matéria seca (PMS) para a Urochloa brizantha, e para o feijoeiro a produtividade de grãos (PRO) e a população de plantas (PP). Os atributos físicos do solo avaliados nas camadas de 0,0-0,10 m e 0,10-0,20 m de profundidade foram: a densidade do solo (DS), macroporosidade (MA), microporosidade (MI), porosidade total (PT), resistência à penetração (RP), umidade gravimétrica (UG) e umidade volumétrica (UV). Para coleta dos dados foi instalada uma rede amostral contendo 124 pontos, em uma área de 4000 m2. A palhada remanescente do capim-marandu apresentou correlação linear inversa com os atributos do feijoeiro de inverno (população de plantas e a produtividade de grãos). Entretanto, sem correlação espacial sobre tais atributos. A produtividade de feijão teve correlação linear direta com a umidade gravimétrica do solo na camada de 0,10-0,20 m. Do ponto de vista espacial, a produtividade do feijoeiro de inverno apresentou forte dependência com a distribuição da umidade volumétrica na camada de 0-0,10m.

ABSTRACT Stream water quality is dependent on many factors, including the source and quantity of the streamflow and the types of geology and soil along the path of the stream. This study aims to evaluate the origin and the mechanisms controlling the input of ions that effect surface water quality in the sub -basin of the Rio das Cobras, Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeastern Brazil. Thirteen ponds were identified for study: three in the main river and ten in the tributaries between, thus covering the whole area and lithology of the sub -basin. The samples were collected at two different times (late dry and rainy periods) in the hydrological years 2009 and 2010, equating to total of four collection times. We analyzed the spatial and seasonal behavior of water quality in the sub-basin, using Piper diagrams, and analyzed the source of the ions using Guibbs diagram and molar ratios. With respect to ions, we found that water predominate in 82% sodium and 76% bicarbonate water (cations and anions, respectively). The main salinity control mechanism was related to the interaction of the colloidal particles (minerals and organic sediment) with the ions dissolved in water. Based on the analysis of nitrates and nitrites there was no evidence of contamination from anthropogenic sources. | RESUMO A qualidade da água de um rio dependente de vários fatores, incluindo a origem e quantidade de escoamento e a formação geologia dos solos ao longo do fluxo. Objetivou-se avaliar a origem e os mecanismos controladores da entrada dos íons e, consequentemente, da qualidade da água na sub-bacia do rio das Cobras, RN. Foram selecionados 13 açudes, sendo 3 no rio principal e 10 entre os afluentes, abrangendo toda a área e litologias da sub-bacia. As amostras foram coletadas em duas épocas distintas (final dos períodos secos e chuvosos) nos anos hidrológicos de 2009 e 2010, totalizando 4 momentos de coleta. Analisou-se o comportamento espacial e sazonal da qualidade da água na sub-bacia utilizando o diagrama de Piper e a origem dos íons pelo diagrama de Gibbs e razão molar. Constatou-se que em relação aos íons, predominam águas sódicas em 82% e águas bicarbonatadas 76% (cátions e ânions), respectivamente. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que o principal mecanismo controlador da salindiade está relacionado a interação das partículas coloidais (sedimentos orgânicos e minerais) com os íons dissolvidos na água. Também não se observou indícios de contaminação antrópica na área, tendo por base a análise de nitratos e nitritos.