Effect of Glyphosate and Zinc Application on Yield,Soil Fertility,Yield Components,and Nutritional Status of Soybean

Glyphosate is a widely used nonselective herbicide for the control of agricultural weeds. It is being increasingly used in glyphosate resistant genetically modified plants. However, there are few studies on its effects on the nutritional status of soybean, particularly on the uptake of zinc (Zn). Two experiments were conducted under field conditions in a Typic Quartzipsamment and an Orthic Ferralsol to investigate the effect of glyphosate application × Zn interaction on soil fertility, yield components, seed yield (SY), shoot dry weight (SDW) yield, and nutritional status of soybean. The five Zn rates 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 kg ha^?1 were used in two soybean varieties [BRS 133 (conventional—NGM) and its essentially derived transgenic line BRS 245RR (GM), which was divided into: with (+Gly) and without (–Gly) glyphosate application. Only the P (phosphorus) and Zn available concentrations in the soil were impacted by Zn rates. However, the available P concentration only decreased in the soil planted with GM soybean. Mehlich 1 and diethylenetriaminepenta acetic acid–triethanolamine (DTPA–TEA), 7.3 extractants were effective to determine the available Zn. In the two crop sites, the number of pods per plant (NPP) and the SDW yield were affected by the interaction varieties × Zn. SY was influenced by the application of the herbicide, reducing a potential phytotoxic effect with the use of high rates. Regarding the nutrients, only the foliar calcium (Ca), boron (B), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) concentrations were negatively affected by glyphosate, and in the case of Zn, the difference occurred only between the varieties BRS 133 and BRS 245RR.     

Variability on Yield,Nutritional Status,Soil Fertility,and Potassium-Use Efficiency by Soybean Cultivar in Acidic Soil

The use of cultivar with nutrient-use efficiency is an important strategy in the management of plant nutritional status, particularly potassium (K), because its high demand and the progressive impoverishment caused by the use of inadequate amounts cause frequent deficiency symptoms observed in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] crops. This study was conducted in greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design with four replicates in an Typic Quartzipsamment soil aimed to assess the effect of applying two rates of K (50 and 200 mg kg^?1) on growth, shoot dry weight yield (SDWY) and seed yield (SY), nutritional status, yield components, and efficiency of K use in eleven cultivars of different characteristics and growth habits. The SDWY, SY, number of seeds per pod, number of pods, and estimated 100-seed weight showed significant interaction between cultivar and the K rates, with greater values at the rate 200 mg K kg^?1. Similarly, the concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), K, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sulfur (S), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in leaves and grains varied according to the K rates and in the cultivar. The most K-use efficient cultivars were BMX Magna RR, BRS 232, BRS 284, BRS 294RR, NA 5909RR, and Vmax RR, whereas FTS Campo Mourão RR was inefficient. Regarding response to fertilization, the cultivars Vmax RR, BMX Magna RR, NA 5909RR, BRS 284, and BRS 294RR were found to be efficient and responsive, whereas the cultivar FTS Campo Mourão RR, BRS 232, BMX Potência RR, BRS 295RR, TMG 1066RR, and TMG 1067RR are inefficient and responsive to K application in the soil.     

Dunite in Agriculture: Physiological Changes,Nutritional Status and Soybean Yield

ABSTRACT

Brazil is an importer of fertilizers and the use of alternative sources is increasing in agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dunite rates on magnesium (Mg), silicium (Si), reducing sugars, sucrose and foliar starch, soil chemical attributes and soybean yield [Glycine max (L.) Merril] in two soil types. The treatments consisted in the five Dunite rates (0, 42, 208, 542, and 1542 mg kg^?1) in a clayey soil, and five Dunite rates (0, 150, 238, 411, and 933 mg kg^?1) in a sandy soil. In both crops and soils, the Mg and Si contents, reducing sugars and foliar glucose, as well as pH, Mg and Si of the soil, and yield components showed a positive response due to the increase of input rates. The Mg nutrition provides lower foliar starch levels, consequently, the best partition of metabolites to plant leads to better development, filling and yield of soybeans.     

Yield,Yield Components,Soil Chemical Properties,Plant Physiology,and Phosphorus Use Efficiency in Soybean Genotypes

Expansion of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] cultivated in Brazil to regions with low fertility soils gave rise to studies on the possibility of obtaining highly productive cultivars with high nutrient use efficiency. An experiment in greenhouse conditions was conducted to assess phosphorus (P) use efficiency (PUE) by 13 soybean genotypes. The genotypes were grown in an Ustoxix Quartzipsamment with two P rates [0 (no P application) and 150 mg P kg^?1], whose source was monoammonium phosphate (MAP, P₂O₅ 44%). Shoot dry weight (SDW), grain yield (GY), grain harvest index (GHI), relative yield (RY), and physiological components (photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, respiratory rate, and internal CO₂ concentration) were influenced by soybean genotypes and P rates. Genotypes BMX Apolo RR, BRS 360RR, BRS 378RR, CD 219RR, DM 2302RR, TMG 7161RR, and Vtop RR were classified as non-efficient and non-responsive to P application, while BMX Potência RR, Vmax RR, FPS Solar RR, NA 5909RR, TMG 1066RR, and M 6210 IPRO were classified as efficient and responsive. Phosphorus application increased the values of physiological components, which was not observed for N, K, Ca, Mg, and S concentration in the leaves and grains. Soybean genotypes selection for increased P efficiency could help growers overcome the problem of soybean cultivation on new areas or degraded pastures.     

Glyphosate Formulations on Nutritional Condition and Productivity of Roundup Ready Soybean

We evaluate the effect of different commercial formulations of glyphosate on the nutritional status of Roundup Ready soybeans (TMG 125). The experiment was conducted under field conditions for two agricultural years. The experimental design used was randomized blocks with four repetitions. The treatments were the implementation of Roundup Original, Trop, Roundup Ultra, Roundup WG, Roundup Transorb R and Zapp QI formulations, all at a dose of 720 g e.a. ha^?1 of glyphosate and two controls (weeding and no weeding). There was no difference in the accumulation of macronutrients. In the second year of evaluation (2011/2012), manganese (Mn) accumulation was affected by the Trop formulations, Roundup Transorb, Zapp QI, Roundup Ultra, Roundup WG. To the accumulation of zinc (Zn), there was a reduction in the application of Trop formulations and Zapp QI. However, this reduction observed did not influence the response of plants in relation to the productive yield.     

Lime and Cattle Manure in Soil Fertility and Soybean Grain Yield Cultivated in Tropical Soil

Most tropical soils have high acidity and low natural fertility. The appropriate application of lime and cattle manure corrects acidity, improves physical and biological properties, increases soil fertility, and reduces the use of chemical and/or synthetic fertilizers by crops, such as soybean, the main agricultural export product of Brazil. This study aimed to assess the effects of the combination of the application of dolomite limestone (0, 5, and 10 Mg ha^?1) and cattle manure (0, 40, and 80 Mg ha^?1) on grain yield and the chemical properties of an Oxisol (Red Latosol) cultivated with soybean for two consecutive years. The maximum grain yield was obtained with the application of 10 Mg ha^?1 of lime and 80 Mg ha^?1 of cattle manure. Liming significantly increased pH index, the concentrations of calcium (Ca²⁺) and exchangeable magnesium (Mg²⁺), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil and reduced potential acidity (H⁺ + Al³⁺), while the application of cattle manure increased pH level; the concentrations of potassium (K⁺), Ca²⁺, and exchangeable Mg²⁺; and CEC of the soil. During the 2 years of assessment, the greatest grain yields were obtained with saturation of K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺ in CEC at the 4.4, 40.4, and 17.5 levels, respectively. The results indicated that the ratios of soil exchangeable Ca/Mg, Ca/K, K/Mg, and K/(Ca+Mg) can be modified to increase the yield of soybean grains.     

Phosphorus,Potassium and Sulfur Interactions in Soybean Plants on a Typic Hapludox

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) has the largest acreage in Brazil where nutrients are provided to crops by formulated fertilizers, which is the most usual method. Under tropical and subtropical conditions, most of the nutrients required by soybean crops are phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), while sulfur (S) is applied in smaller amounts. The P, K, and S interactions under greenhouse conditions using completely randomized blocks in a factorial 3 × 3 × 3 arrangement were evaluated. The treatments were as follows: three P rates (0, 75, and 150 mg P kg^?1); three K rates (0, 150, and 300 mg K kg^?1); and three S rates (0, 50, and 100 mg S kg^?1). The P, K, and S application had a significant influence on the shoot dry weight (SDW) and number of pods per pot (NPP) in contrast with the increase in grain yield (GY) that had positive relationship with K and S rates. These results indicated that both nutrients were the most limiting to GY. In soil and leaves, only the P, K, and S concentrations were modified by the treatments (P, K, and S), but in the grains there was synergism of P rates with Mg concentration unlike K rates with Ca concentration. Physiological components as photosynthetic rate, intrinsic efficiency of water use, and chlorophyll had influence from P and K rates.     

Sulfur Use Efficiency in Soybean Cultivars Adapted to Tropical and Subtropical Conditions

Sulfur (S) is an essential nutrient in crop plants and one of the components of amino acids (AAs) and proteins. Studies about sulfur efficiency on soybean cultivars [Glycine max (L) Merril] adapted to the tropical and subtropical conditions are still incipient. In Brazil, one experiment under greenhouse conditions evaluated the S-efficiency from eight soybean cultivars. The plants cultivated in a Typic Quartzipsamment received two S rates (0 and 80 mg kg^?1). The grain yield (GY), shoot dry weight (SDW), and the relative yield (RY) had influence from the S rates. The cultivars BRS 295RR and BRS 360RR were the most efficient in using the S application. The number of pods per plant (NPP), photosynthetic rate (A), nitrate reductase (N-NO₂^?), and chlorophyll significantly increased with de 80 mg kg^?1 of S. By contrast, the internal concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) (Ci) was reduced. Similarly, there were increases in the concentration of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and N:S ratio in the leaves and grain, but the K increased only in the leaves. Comparing the cultivars, only the N concentration in the leaves and the Mg in the grain had non-significant differences.     

Glyphosate effects on photosynthesis,nutrient accumulation,and nodulation in glyphosate‐resistant soybean

Previous greenhouse studies have demonstrated that photosynthesis in some cultivars of first‐ (GR1) and second‐generation (GR2) glyphosate‐resistant soybean was reduced by glyphosate. The reduction in photosynthesis that resulted from glyphosate might affect nutrient uptake and lead to lower plant biomass production and ultimately reduced grain yield. Therefore, a field study was conducted to determine if glyphosate‐induced damage to soybean (Glycine max L. Merr. cv. Asgrow AG3539) plants observed under controlled greenhouse conditions might occur in the field environment. The present study evaluated photosynthetic rate, nutrient accumulation, nodulation, and biomass production of GR2 soybean receiving different rates of glyphosate (0, 800, 1200, 2400 g a.e. ha^–1) applied at V2, V4, and V6 growth stages. In general, plant damage observed in the field study was similar to that in previous greenhouse studies. Increasing glyphosate rates and applications at later growth stages decreased nutrient accumulation, nodulation, leaf area, and shoot biomass production. Thus, to reduce potential undesirable effects of glyphosate on plant growth, application of the lowest glyphosate rate for weed‐control efficacy at early growth stages (V2 to V4) is suggested as an advantageous practice within current weed control in GR soybean for optimal crop productivity.     

Influence of Lime and Gypsum on Yield and Yield Components of Soybean and Changes in Soil Chemical Properties

Soybean is one of the most important legume crops in the world. Two greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the influence of liming and gypsum application on yield and yield components of soybean and changes in soil chemical properties of an Oxisol. Lime rates used were 0, 0.71, 1.42, 2.14, 2.85, and 4.28 g kg^?1 soil. Gypsum rates applied were 0, 0.28, 0.57, 1.14, 1.71, and 2.28 g kg^?1 soil. Lime as well as gypsum significantly increased grain yield in a quadratic fashion. Maximum grain yield was achieved with the application of 1.57 g lime per kg soil, whereas the gypsum requirement for maximum grain yield was 1.43 g per kg of soil. Lime significantly improved soil pH, exchangeable soil calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) contents, base saturation, and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC). However, lime application significantly decreased total acidity [hydrogen (H) + aluminum (Al)], zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) contents of the soil. The decrease in these soil properties was associated with increase in soil pH. Gypsum application significantly increased exchangeable soil Ca, base saturation, and ECEC. However, gypsum did not change pH and total acidity (H + Al) significantly. Adequate soil acidity indices established for maximum grain yield with the application of lime were pH 5.5, Ca 1.8 cmol_c kg^?1, Mg 0.66 cmol_c kg^?1, base saturation 53%, Ca saturation 35%, and Mg saturation 13%. Soybean plants tolerated acidity (H + Al) up to 2.26 cmol_c kg^?1 soil. In the case of gypsum, maximum grain yield was obtained at exchangeable Ca content of 2.12 cmol_c kg^?1, base saturation of 56%, and Ca saturation of 41%.     

Zinc and amino acids on wheat-soybean intercropping under no-till management

Abstract

Foliar fertilization with micronutrients and amino acids (AAs) has been used to increase the grain yield and quality of different crops. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Zn and AAs foliar application on physiological parameters, nutritional status, yield components and grain yield of wheat-soybean intercropping under a no-till management. We used a randomized block experimental design consisting of eight treatments and four replicates. The treatments were five Zn rates (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8?kg ha^?1) and 2?L ha^?1 of AAs and three additional treatments: a control (without the Zn or AA application), 2?kg ha^?1 Zn and 2?kg ha^?1 Zn + 1?L AA. The treatments were applied by spraying during the final elongation stage and at the beginning of pre-earing for the wheat and in growth stage V6 for the soybean for two crop years in a Typic Oxisol (860?g kg^?1 clay). Zinc foliar fertilization increased the wheat grain Zn concentrations. The Zn rates and AA foliar fertilization in soil with did not affect the physiological parameters, nutrient status or yield components. The AA application at the different concentrations tested changed the soybean grain yield and the leaf N concentration. The results suggest that Zn and amino acids application increases the grains Zn concentration in the wheat, being an important strategy to agronomic biofortification.     

Spacing and Plant Density in the Yield Components,Nutritional Status,and Soil Fertility of Guarana Varieties Grown in Humid Tropical Amazon

In agriculture there is a tendency to reduce spacing between plant rows, both for perennial and annual plants. Yield gains have been associated with the use of this technique. However, in the case of perennial plants, this technique was found to reduce productivity in older orchards because of the greater competition between plants caused by the increased volume of the crown and root system, resulting in lower photosynthetic efficiency, increased infestation with fungal diseases, and greater competition in nutrient uptake. In addition to yield, efficient management should consider soil fertility, nutritional status, and the growth of the guarana variety. The present study aimed to assess the effects of spacing and plant density on grain yield, soil fertility, and nutritional status of two guarana varieties (BRS Amazonas and BRS Maués). The plant density studied were 625 (4 m × 4 m), 833 (4 m × 3 m), 1,111 (3 m × 3 m), 1,666 (3 m × 2 m), 2,500 (2 m × 2 m), and 5,000 (2 m × 1 m) plants per hectare distributed in randomized block design with three replicates. The high plant density has significantly increased grain yield in the guarana varieties, with changes in launch number, trunk diameter, and crown diameter. Regarding macronutrients, in the average of the varieties, the mean foliar concentration had the following sequence: nitrogen (N) > potassium (K) > calcium (Ca) > phosphorus (P) > sulfur (S) > magnesium (Mg), whereas for micronutrients it was manganese (Mn) > iron (Fe) > boron (B) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu). The differences in the foliar concentrations of the varieties and in soil fertility are important tools for the selection of materials with better capacity of uptake and/or translocation of nutrients, resulting in greater grain yield.     

Efficiency of Magnesium Use by Common Bean Varieties Regarding Yield,Physiological Components,and Nutritional Status of Plants

The magnesium (Mg) use efficiency in the selection of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties may contribute to increased nutritional status and grain yield. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess common bean varieties following the application of Mg regarding productivity (yield), soil fertility, physiological components, and nutritional status. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with three replicates. Five common bean varieties [BRS Estilo, IPR Tangará, IPR Campos Gerais (CG), IAPAR 81, and BRS Ametista] supplemented with two Mg concentrations [low (0 mg kg^?1) and high (100 mg kg^?1)] using magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) as a source in an Ustoxix Quatzipsamment were assessed. The yield of shoot dry weight (SDW) and grains varied significantly between varieties and Mg rates. The high Mg concentration has negatively affected the yield of SDW and grains of variety IPR Tangará, and the opposite was observed for the other varieties. The physiological components associated with photosynthesis are directly related to the yield of SDW and grains. The concentrations of phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and boron (B) in leaves and of S, B, iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in grains differed among the varieties and interactions of rates and varieties for B, indicating the presence of genetic factors in nutrient uptake.     

Yield,yield components,soil fertility,and nutritional status of soybean as influenced by limestone and copper interactions

Abstract

Continuous limestone application can inhibit the copper (Cu) uptake by plants. This experiment was carried out in greenhouse conditions using two soils (Typic Oxisol and Typic Entisol) with different clay and soil organic matter (SOM) levels to evaluate the effects of liming on Cu fertilization. The treatments consisted of two dolomitic limestone rates (0 and 7.5?g per pot, equivalent to 0 and 5.0?Mg ha^?1) and five Cu rates (0, 2, 4, 8, and 16?mg kg^?1). Regardless of the soil type, the limestone and Cu rate interaction did not affect the grain yield (GY), however, they did increase the productivity, shoot dry weight yield (SDWY), number of grains per pod, number of pods per pot, pod weight per pot, weight of 100 seeds, root volume, photosynthetic rate, and chlorophyll, and Ca, Mg, and Cu contents in the soil and leaves. It was concluded that for soybeans cultivated in Typic Entisol and Typic Oxisol, there was no association between 5.0?Mg ha^?1 of limestone and the Cu rates. However, in isolation, limestone and Cu rate caused a significant increase in the soybean productivity, physiological components, and yield characteristics.     

Soybean response to copper applied to two soils with different levels of organic matter and clay

Abstract

Increasing the amount of soil organic matter (OM) alters the availability of copper (Cu) for plants under tropical and subtropical conditions. With the aim of evaluating the effects of the OM/Cu interaction on the soybean crop, a trial was conducted with a fully randomized 2?×?5 factorial design and four replicates. The treatments consisted of five Cu rates (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8?mg kg^?1) and two soil types: Typic Oxisol and Typic Ultisol. The soybean responded to fertilization with Cu, producing the highest estimated grain yield at a rate of 4.1?mg kg^?1. Similarly were also observed for shoot dry weight, number of pods and root length. The soil chemical properties and nutrient levels in the leaves and grain were influenced only by the soil type, whereas physiological components were affected in terms of photosynthetic rate and intercellular CO₂ concentration.     

Effect of sulfur source and rates on yield and yield components of soybean in subtropical soils

Abstract

The supply of sulfur (S) fertilizers, such as phosphogypsum, to new agricultural frontiers has been hindered by the high cost of freight. However, this problem could be resolved by utilizing deposits of rock in the affected regions. Accordingly, a greenhouse study was designed to evaluate the effect of S source and rate on soybean yield. Five S rates (0, 50, 100, and 200?mg kg^?1) and five S sources (S-phosphogypsum, S-Niquelândia rock, S-Araripina rock, S-Grajaú rock, and S-Sulfurgran [90% S0?+?10% bentonite]) were applied to soybean grown in two soil types (Typic Ultisol and Typic Oxisol), which differ in clay content. Regardless of soil type, the application of P-phosphogypsum resulted in a higher grain yield. However, application of the other S sources also improved grain yield as well as total dry weight; S application, in general, improved soybean yield components (number of grains per pod, number of pods per pot, and weight of pods per pot), photosynthetic rate, chlorophyll content, and the S levels of leaves and grains as well as the available sulfate (SO₄^2-) levels in the soil. Therefore, for soybean grown in Typic Ultisol and Typic Oxisol, different S sources effectively improve a variety of variables that ultimately improve grain yield.     

Zinc and Amino-Acids on the Yield and Nutritional State of Alfalfa Grown in the Tropical Soil

Zinc (Zn) deficiency is common among crops grown in the tropics in acid and weathered soils. In response, the use of amino-acids (AAs) to increase the uptake of this nutrient has been increasing dramatically in recent years. Nevertheless, there is a scarcity of results reported on the effect of applying AAs and adequate quantities of Zn on alfalfa grown under tropical edaphoclimatic conditions. Therefore, a greenhouse experiment was conducted with a completely randomized block in a factorial scheme (4×2) of four Zn rates of 0, 4, 8, and 16 mg kg^?1) with and without spraying of AAs during the sprouting phase, to study the effects on the shoot dry weight (SDW) yield, nutritional state, physiological parameters, and soil fertility. The harvests were repeated over time (three cuts). The SDW yield was significantly influenced up to a rate of 4.0 mg kg^?1 of Zn, after which it stabilized. Independent of the Zn rate, the application of AAs did not influence the SDW yield. Based on the averages for the three cuts, only the Zn rates altered the photosynthesis and chlorophyll content, with no effect of the AAs. The concentrations of Zn in the soil extracted by the Mehlich 1 and diethylenetraminepenta acetic acid (DTPA)- triethanolamine (TEA) methods were strongly and significantly correlated (r = 0.99, P ≤ 0.05) with the Zn rates and the Zn concentrations in the plant tissue. The agronomic, physiological, and zinc use efficiencies diminished with increased Zn rates, while the inverse occurred with the Zn efficiency index.     

Agronomic Efficiency of Two Types of Lime and Phosphate Fertilizer Sources in Brazilian Cerrado Soils Cultivated with Soybean

With the increase in phosphate fertilizer prices, there is a need to find lower-cost alternatives that are as efficient as soluble sources such as single (SSP) and triple superphosphate (TSP). In Brazil’s northern and northeastern regions, there are reserves of igneous rocks with low solubility containing high concentrations of total phosphorus (P) that can be used to produce fertilizers, such as thermalphosphates. To assess the efficiency of sources of P and two types of lime on soybean yield, a field experiment was carried out in an area with dystrophic Red Latosol (Oxisol) in a Cerrado region in the southern part of Maranhão State. The experimental design was randomized blocks in a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial scheme, with four replicates. The treatments were two types of lime [calcitic (CL) (<5 dag kg^?1 of MgO) and dolomitic (DL) (>13 dag kg^?1 of MgO)], three phosphate fertilizer sources [triple superphosphate (TSP), “Yoorin” thermalphosphate (YT), and experimental thermalphosphate (ET)], and four rates of phosphorus pentoxide (P₂O₅; 0, 100, 200, and 300 kg ha^?1). After 2 years of cultivation, the application of DL resulted in greater soybean yields than the application of CL. The two lime types influenced the pH, carbon (C), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations as well as the Ca/Mg, Ca/K, and Mg/K ratios in the soil. With respect to sources of P, the YT applied in the soil with DL produced an agronomic efficiency index (AEI) similar to that of TSP, whereas in the soil with CL, the TSP, YT, and ET were similar, with maximum technical efficiency (MTE) under both conditions starting at 230 kg ha^?1 of P₂O₅. The critical concentration of available phosphorus (P) in the soil (Mehlich-1 extractant) for cultivation of soybean under the climate and soil conditions studied was between 5.0 and 6.0 mg kg^?1.     

Mineral nitrogen impairs the biological nitrogen fixation in soybean of determinate and indeterminate growth types

Soybean (Glycine max Merrill) crop production in Brazil relies mainly on biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) for nitrogen (N) supply. Recent adoption of indeterminate growth-type genotypes has raised doubts on the need for supplemental mineral N that might negatively affect the BNF. We assessed the effects of mineral N on BNF attributes of soybean genotypes grown in central and southern Brazil. Genotypes were inoculated with Bradyrhizobium sp. and/or received mineral N in three sets of experiments. In the first set, two genotypes received increasing rates of mineral N in nutrient solution, which consistently reduced the BNF. In the second set, mineral N applied at sowing and/or topdressing reduced nodulation and ureides-N in determinate and indeterminate growth-type genotypes. In the third set, mineral N applied at R5.3 stage, foliar or as topdressing, did not increase grain yield in four field experiments. Mineral N impaired BNF irrespective of the growth type and had no effect on grain yield.     

Nitrogen Sources and Rates Effect on Yield,Nutritional Status,and Yield Components of Sunflower

Due to the high levels of crude protein in the achene, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the main oilseeds grown worldwide, particularly for the oil and meal production for animal feed. Despite these advantages, there are few studies on nutrient use efficiency under tropical conditions, especially nitrogen (N). The experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions to evaluate the effects of N sources and rates on sunflower achene yield (AY), yield and physiological components, and nutritional status of sunflower. The five N sources (calcium nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂), potassium nitrate (KNO₃), ammonium nitrate (NO₃NH₄), ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄), and urea (CO(NH₂)₂)), and four N rates (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg kg^?1) were studied. AY was reduced with the ammonia sources application from the 100 mg N kg^?1. Plant height and capitulum dry weight (CDW), capitulum diameter, shoot dry weight (SDW), and chlorophyll content were significantly related with N sources and rates. Except for potassium (K), the N rates changed the N, P, Ca, Mg, and S concentration in the leaves and N concentration in achene. In the comparison of sources, on the average of N rates, urea application was more effective than the other N fertilizers in the AY.