Resumen La curva de retención de agua del suelo (SWRC) relaciona la humedad con la energía de retención de agua (potencial de matriz). En suelos retráctiles, este volumen varía de acuerdo con el secado o la humectación del suelo, lo que puede provocar errores en la humedad calculada. El objetivo de este estudio es cuantificar la variación de volumen en los suelos retráctiles y elaborar el SWRC a través del método tradicional, que no considera la retracción del suelo, y un segundo método, que considera la retracción. Se han recolectado muestras de suelo en los horizontes A y B de seis perfiles de suelo. Por lo tanto, para suelos retráctiles, se recomienda que el ajuste del SWRC se lleve a cabo considerando el volumen real del suelo (retraído), que varía para cada potencial de matriz aplicado. Este ajuste reduce los errores, principalmente al determinar el punto de marchitez permanente y el agua disponible.

Abstract The soil water retention curve (SWRC) relates moisture to soil water retention energy (matrix potential). The calculation of the volumetric humidity considers the sample volume. In retractable soils, this volume varies according to the drying or wetting of the soil, which can result in errors in the calculated moisture. The objective of this study is to quantify the volume variation in retractable soils and to elaborate the SWRC via the traditional method, which does not consider soil retraction, and a second method, called adjusted, that considers the phenomenon of soil retraction. Soil samples have been collected in horizons A and B from six soil profiles Thus, for retractable soils, it is recommended that the adjustment of the SWRC be carried out considering the actual volume of the soil (retracted), which varies for each matrix potential applied. This adjustment reduces errors, mainly in determining the permanent wilt point and available water.

Resumen La erosión es la principal forma de degradación en el mundo, en consecuencia de la pérdida de suelo, agua y nutrientes, provocando daños directos e indirectos. El objetivo de este trabajo es cuantificar las pérdidas de N, P y K por erosión hídrica en condiciones de lluvia simulada mediante la aplicación de seis pruebas de erosión en cultivo continuo de especies de ciclo estacional, incluyendo cultivos aislados y cultivos intercalados. El estudio se llevó a cabo en el campo en la Estación Experimental de Agronomía en Eldorado do Sul (RS), Brasil, en un Argisol Rojo Distrófico típico. Para el análisis de la pérdida de nutrientes, se aplicaron seis ensayos de erosión con lluvia simulada a los tratamientos entre finales de octubre y mediados de diciembre, utilizando el simulador de lluvia con brazos giratorios de Swanson. Las pérdidas de N y P se vieron influenciadas por las condiciones de la superficie, con la eliminación parcial de los residuos del cultivo y la no movilización del suelo. La excepción fue K, debido a su alta solubilidad en el suelo con baja actividad coloidal, que se perdió fácilmente en la escorrentía superficial del agua del suelo, independientemente de la cobertura total de la superficie del suelo por los residuos de los cultivos.

Abstract Erosion is the main form of degradation in the world, consequently of loss of soil, water and nutrients, provoking direct and indirect damages. The objective of this work is to quantify N, P and K losses by water erosion under simulated rainfall conditions by the application of six erosion tests in continuous cultivation of seasonal cycle species, including isolated and intercropped crops. The study was carried out in the field at the Experimental Station of Agronomy in Eldorado do Sul (RS), Brazil, in a typical Dystrophic Red Argisol. For the analysis of nutrient loss, six erosion tests with simulated rainfall were applied to the treatments between the end of October and mid-December, using the rain simulator with swivel arms of Swanson. The losses of N and P were influenced by surface conditions, with the partial removal of crop residues and the non-mobilization of the soil. The exception was K, due to its high solubility in the soil with a low colloidal activity, which was easily lost in the soil water surface runoff, regardless of total soil surface coverage by crop residues.

ABSTRACT The source material is one of the factors that most influence soil genesis and the mainly responsible for the nature, composition, and behavior of the soil. Given the geological complexity of the Santa Maria River basin, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the new lithologies described recently may be responsible for a greater variation in soil properties, as well as in the soil taxonomy itself. The study area is located in the municipality of Rosário do Sul, RS, Brazil at 30° 15’ 28” S and 54° 54’ 50” W, with average altitude of 132 m and climate type Cfa. This study was supported by a cartographic base composed of topographic charts, geological maps, satellite images, digital elevation models, and maps of geomorphometric variables, with the support of GPS receivers and GIS. Topolithosequences were defined from soils developed from the Pirambóia, Sanga-do-Cabral, and Guará Formations, and soil profiles were chosen based on types of source materials, variations in relief, and altitude. A classical model of slope compartmentalization was applied for correlation of the geomorphic surfaces with pedogenesis. Soil profiles were described in a general and morphological manner, and soil samples were collected for analysis. The physical and chemical properties determined were particle size, active and potential acidity, organic C content, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Al3+. The sum of bases, CEC, flocculation activity and degree of flocculation of the clay fraction, and base (V), aluminum (m), and sodium saturation were calculated. Soil properties were evaluated through factor analysis and grouping, which allowed profiles to be grouped based on their variables and identification of which variables were preponderant in distinguishing them. Furthermore, multivariate analysis allowed statistical differentiation of the profiles in the same lithostratigraphic unit and in different relief positions, and also differentiation of soils developed from different source materials and occupying similar positions in the pedo-landscape, through the formation of homogeneous groups of profiles linked by their degree of similarity.

ABSTRACT Quali-quantitative and crystallographic characterizations of the different minerals of a soil are essential for the best evaluation of its genesis, degree of weathering, active pedogenetic processes, physical and chemical properties, and its potential reserve of mineral nutrients. This study presents the results of mineralogical investigations carried out to verify the influence of the different lithologies of three geological formations of a sedimentary nature on the mineralogical composition of the soils and the relation of this mineralogical composition to soil chemical properties. The study area is located in the physiographic region of the Santa Maria River basin in the municipality of Rosário do Sul, RS, Brazil, at 30° 15’ 28” S and 54° 54’ 50” W, with average altitude of 132 m and Cfa climate type. Topolithosequences were defined from soils developed from the lithology of the Pirambóia, Sanga-do-Cabral and Guará Formations, choosing representative soil profiles based on types of parent materials and variations in relief and altitude. A general and morphological description of the profiles was carried out, and soil samples were collected for analysis. The properties determined were texture, active and potential acidity, organic C, exchangeable Al, sum of bases, CEC at pH7, and base saturation. Mineralogical characterization of the clay fraction was performed by an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). In most of the profiles, kaolinite was the predominant clay, along with a significant contribution from 2:1 clay minerals and the presence of interstratified minerals in combination with kaolinite, which were related to the chemical properties of the soils. The crystallographic parameters of the kaolinite (full width at half maximum - FWHM, layer-d spacing, mean crystallite size - D, and mean number of layers - NL) varied, revealing a distinct pedogenetic evolution, which can be attributed to different degrees of weathering, as well as differences in the source material. Large and asymmetrical reflexes related to the d001 and 002 planes of kaolinite indicated that they are due to the presence of kaolinite-smectite strata in association with pure kaolinites.

ABSTRACT Brown Nitossolos (Nitisols) and Latossolos (Ferralsols), according to the Brazilian System of Soil Classification (SiBCS), have a “caráter retrátil” as their distinctive property. Because this is a new topic, it is necessary to propose methods for evaluation. The objectives of this study were to evaluate methodologies for quantifying the shrinkage of soil using the Syringe Method and the Metallic Mercury Method, and to propose a new one, the “Ring with Sand Method”. Soil samples from eight pedons were used, with six Nitossolos and Latossolos with shrinkage, a Latossolo without shrinkage, and a Vertissolo (Vertissol) with admittedly high shrinkage and expansion. The methods were effective in identifying the greater degree of shrinkage of the Vertissolo . However, the Ring with Sand Method was the only one to indicate significant differences between the Vertissolo and the Latossolo without shrinkage, and this method differentiated the shrinkable soils as to the intensity of the characteristic. The proposed method was effective and can serve as a standard to quantify shrinkage.

Neste trabalho propôs-se avaliar a eficiência de alternativas de manejo na recuperação de um solo fisicamente degradado após oito anos. Para isto, um experimento manejado com semeadura direta vem sendo conduzido desde 2002, em Eldorado do Sul, RS, em um Argissolo Vermelho que, inicialmente, era campo natural degradado, com elevado grau de compactação. Os tratamentos englobaram três coberturas do solo no inverno (pousio, aveia preta + ervilhaca e nabo forrageiro), duas profundidades de atuação da haste sulcadora de adubo da semeadora (0,12 e 0,21 m) e três condições de tráfego (tráfego de rodados de trator, colhedora e sem tráfego). No verão são semeados milho e soja em rotação anual. Constatou-se aumento nos teores de matéria orgânica do solo e de suas frações, diminuição dos valores de densidade e aumento da macroporosidade e da porosidade total do solo. A densidade do solo foi menor na condição de solo não trafegado por rodados de máquinas agrícolas. A conversão do campo natural degradado para um sistema de produção de grãos utilizando alternativas integradas de manejo com solo em semeadura direta reestrutura o solo, atingindo qualidade física para desempenhar adequadamente suas funções.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of alternative managements in restoring a physically degraded soil after eight years. For this, an experiment managed with direct sowing (no tillage) is being conducted since 2002, in Eldorado do Sul, RS, in an Ultisol that initially was degraded naturally with a high degree of compaction. Treatments consisted of three soil cover crops in winter (fallow, oat + vetch and forage radish), two depths (0.12 and 0.21 m) of operation of the shank of fertilizer and seed drill and three traffic conditions (tractor movements, harvester and no traffic). In summer corn and soybeans are sown in annual rotation. There was an increase in the levels of soil organic matter and of its fractions, which resulted in reduced values of density and increased macroporosity and total porosity of soil. Soil bulk density was lower in soil condition not without agricultural machinery traffic. The conversion of naturally degraded field into a system of grain production using integrated management alternatives with no tillage system restores the physical quality of soil to carry out appropriately its functions.

Tobacco cultivation in shallow soils and steep landscape under intense use of agrochemicals contributes to environment degradation. In this study, we assessed the concentration of agrochemicals in draw wells used for human consumption and a creek in a small catchment predominantly cropped to tobacco. Chlorpyrifos, flumetralin, and iprodione were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection, while imidalcloprid, atrazine, simazine, and clomazone were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Considering all sampling sites, all agrochemicals were detected at least once, except for flumetralin. The occurrence of agrochemicals in tobacco crops is a consequence of their fast transfer to surface water.

O manejo em pomares orgânicos de citros é diferenciado em relação aos pomares convencionais. Deste modo, objetivou-se avaliar alguns atributos físicos e químicos de um Argissolo espessarênico e produtividade do pomar de tangerineiras, cv. montenegrina, sob sistema orgânico de produção, com diferentes manejos da vegetação nas entrelinhas. Os tratamentos estudados foram: gradagem, roçada, acamamento com rolo-faca e com arraste de tronco. A avaliação dos atributos físicos ocorreu sob a projeção da copa e na área de tráfego de máquinas, nas camadas de 0,0-0,1 e 0,1-0,2 m. A fertilidade química do solo foi determinada nas profundidades de 0,0-0,1; 0,1-0,2 e 0,2-0,4 m, enquanto a produtividade de frutos foi estimada a partir das plantas centrais de cada parcela. O tráfego de máquinas influenciou negativamente nos atributos físicos do solo abaixo da interface pneu/solo, embora não tenha sido restritivo à produtividade de frutos. Em todos os tratamentos, houve incremento de matéria orgânica na camada superficial do solo e dos teores de P, K+, Ca2+ e Mg2+ nas três camadas de solo em relação à área adjacente com vegetação nativa. O manejo com gradagem apresentou produtividade significativamente maior em relação ao manejo com roçada.

The management in organic citrus orchards is differentiated with respect to conventional orchards. Thus, it was aimed to evaluate some physical and chemical attributes of a typic ultisol and productivity of a mandarin orchard, cv. Montenegrin under organic production system, with different vegetation management between the lines. The treatments were: harrowing, mowing, lodging with coulter and log dragging. The evaluation of the physical attributes occurred under the canopy and in the machinery traffic area, in the depths of 0.0-0.1 and 0.1-0.2 m. The chemical fertility of the soil was determined in the layer of 0.0-0.1, 0.1-0.2 and 0.2-0.4 m, while the fruit yield was estimated from central plants of each portion. Machine traffic negatively affected the physical attributes of soil below the interface patch, although it was not restrictive to fruit yield. In all treatments there was an increase of organic matter in the topsoil, and the levels of P, K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the three soil layers in relation to the adjacent area with native vegetation. The handling with harrowing showed significantly higher productivity in relation to the management with mowing.

O acúmulo de carbono orgânico (CO) observado em solos sob sistema de semeadura direta pode resultar em aumento de sua elasticidade, levando a maior resistência à compactação. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da umidade e do enriquecimento de CO sobre a elasticidade de dois solos, sendo um Nitossolo Vermelho distrófico latossólico e um Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo distrófico arênico. Amostras superficiais de solo, coletadas no Argissolo e no Nitossolo, com variação significativa do teor de CO, foram equilibradas em quatro diferentes tensões de água e, então, submetidas a carregamentos e descarregamentos em uma prensa de compressão uniaxial, determinando-se o coeficiente de descompressão (Cd), o índice de recuperação do índice de vazios (Ir) e a redução da densidade (Re), após remoção das cargas aplicadas. Os resultados demonstram que o Ir variou de 11,4 a 16,4 % no Nitossolo e de 14 a 23,4 % no Argissolo, dependendo da tensão de água e do teor de CO da amostra. O teor de CO das amostras afetou significativamente o Cd e, conseqüentemente, a Re após a retirada das cargas. A Re média observada variou de 0,023 a 0,059 Mg m-3 e de 0,018 a 0,078 Mg m-3, respectivamente para o Argissolo e o Nitossolo. A elasticidade do solo é sensivelmente afetada pela variação no teor de água e de CO.

The organic carbon accumulation observed in soils under no-till system can increase the soil elasticity, resulting in a higher resistance to soil compaction. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of water content and soil organic carbon (SOC) enrichment on soil elasticity. Samples of a Hapludalf and a Typic Hapludox in southern Brazil, both with a significant variation in SOC content, were equilibrated at four different water tensions, and then loaded and unloaded on a uniaxial apparatus. The decompression coefficient (Cd), the recovery index (Ir) of the void ratio and the density rebound (Re) after load removal were determined. Results demonstrate that Ir varied from 11.4 to 16.4 % in the Hapludox and from 14 to 23.4 % in the Hapludalf, depending on the water tension and SOC content. The SOC content affected Cd significantly and, consequently, the rebound after load removal. The observed mean rebound varied from 0.023 to 0.059 Mg m-3 and from 0.018 to 0.078 Mg m-3, respectively, for the Hapludalf and the Hapludox. Soil elasticity is affected by variations in the water and SOC content.