Microbial dynamics and fertility characteristics in compost from different waste and maturation processes

We evaluated the abundance of microbial functional groups involved in compost fertility, and the chemical parameters of maturity and quality most commonly analyzed in compost products. We employed compost produced using the same hydrolytic stage and two maturation processes (with and without earthworms) and with different organic wastes. Our aim was to propose a valid tool for measuring the quality standards of compost fertility from a microbial perspective. The products obtained from both maturation processes were highly variable in their chemical and biological composition (without following a general pattern). Because the results are so heterogeneous, proposing a microbial population as universal indicator of the degree of compost fertility is very difficult. However, the microbial community structure might be used as a maturity index, because the products that best fulfilled the chemical stability parameters were those with lowest number of populations in its community.Fil: Abril, Adriana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Noe, L.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Filippini, Maria Flavia Ramona. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Cony, Mariano Anibal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Martinez, L.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Mendoza-san Juan. Estacion Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza. Agencia de Extension Rural Lujan de Cuyo.; Argentin

Effects of organic amendment application on soil quality and garlic yield in Central-Western Argentina

We analyzed during two garlic crop cycles, the effects of chicken manure and vermicompost on soil chemical and biological properties in an agricultural farm irrigated with municipal wastewater of central-western Argentina. Also we evaluate garlic yield and possible health risks as resulting from the organic amendments and the wastewater use. We found that: a) different doses and types of amendments did not have any significant effects on soil fertility; b) chicken manure and soil before planting, had E. coli and Salmonella spp.; and c) crop yields were quite similar in all treatments, only treatments with 8 Mg ha -1 of both amendments (chicken manure and vermicompost) without N fertilized, were significantly higher than control in both garlic assays. These results are probably the consequence of heavily tilled soils and poor quality of irrigation water with high abundance of enteric bacteria and labile organic matter content. We conclude that to obtain beneficial effects on soil fertility from organic amendment application, wastewater treatment systems must be improved and tillage practices must be reduced. © Filippini et al.Fil: Filippini, Maria Flavia Ramona. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Abril, Adriana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Cony, Mariano Anibal. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Investigaciones de las Zonas Áridas; ArgentinaFil: Noé, L.. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Venier, M.. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Cónsoli, Daniela Virginia. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Vallone, R.. INTA EEA Mendoza; Argentin

Biofortificação de selênio no crescimento de alho e avaliação de acúmulo de outros elementos nutrientes

Selenium (Se) is an essential element for humans and has anti-cancer function. Garlic can accumulate Se, so it is an option to Se supplementation in the human diet. The aim of this research was to study Se uptake and accumulation during garlic growth. Four doses of Na2 SeO4 and Na2 SeO3 solution were applied in the substrate (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg ha-1 Se) for one time in August 2014, with a random plot design and 3 replicates on garlic clone Rubi INTA. Three harvests were made, in September, October and December 2014. After each harvest, leaves, bulbs and roots were separated and conditioned (peeled and chopped), lyophilized, and finally acid-digested prior to Se, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, P and S determination by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Se accumulation was proportional to Se doses and did not affect garlic growth. Also, Se distribution among different organs was related to the garlic growth cycle. The Se presence decreased accumulation of Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, P and S but increased Zn accumulation in plants. Garlic can be an important Se source to humans but it is important to consider Se-doses for biofortification.O selênio (Se) é elemento essencial para os seres humanos e é considerado anticancerígeno. Alho pode acumular Se, sendo, por isso, uma opção para a suplementação de Se na dieta humana. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a captação e acúmulo de selênio durante o crescimento do alho e avaliar os efeitos da fortificação de Se. Quatro doses da solução de Se, nas formas de Na2 SeO4 e Na2 SeO3 foram aplicadas ao substrato em agosto de 2014 (0, 5, 10 e 15 kg ha-1 de Se) de uma única vez, em delineamento de parcela aleatória e 3 repetições no clone de alho Rubi INTA. Três colheitas foram feitas, em setembro, outubro e dezembro de 2014. Após cada colheita, as folhas, bulbos e raízes das amostras de alho resultantes de cada tratamento foram separadas e acondicionadas (descascadas e picadas), liofilizadas, e, finalmente, digeridas com ácido antes da determinação de Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, P e S por espectrometria de massa com plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-MS). Os resultados confirmaram que o acúmulo de Se foi proporcional à magnitude das doses, e não afetou significativamente o crescimento do alho. Além disso, a distribuição de Se entre os diferentes compartimentos da planta foi relacionada ao ciclo de crescimento da planta de alho. A fortificação do alho com Se causou mudanças significativas, e induziu o acúmulo e distribuição de diferentes nutrientes, como Zn, Mg, Mn, Cu, Fe, P e S, mas aumentou o acúmulo de Zn nas plantas. O alho pode ser considerado fonte importante de Se para aumentar a ingestão deste elemento na dieta humana, mas é importante considerar as doses de Se para a biofortificação.Fil: Pérez, María Belén. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas. - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Laboratorio de Química Analítica para Investigación y Desarrollo; ArgentinaFil: Lipinski, Víctor Mario. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Mendoza-San Juan. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria La Consulta; ArgentinaFil: Filippini, Maria Flavia Ramona. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas. - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Laboratorio de Química Analítica para Investigación y Desarrollo; ArgentinaFil: Chacón Madrid, Katherine. Universidade Estadual Do Campinas. Instituto de Química.; BrasilFil: Arruda, Marco Aurelio Z.. Universidade Estadual Do Campinas. Instituto de Química.; BrasilFil: Wuilloud, Rodolfo German. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Laboratorio de Química Analítica para Investigación y Desarrollo; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas. - Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Básicas; Argentin

Sustainability assessment of an extensive cow-calf model in Mendoza, Argentina

Se evaluó la sustentabilidad de un modelo extensivo de cría bovina en General Alvear, Mendoza. Se utilizó un método multicriterio, mediante la construcción de indicadores de sustentabilidad basados en la información suministrada por visitas a campo y entrevistas realizadas a informantes clave. Para tal fin, se consideraron características ecológicas, económicas y sociales. Los principales puntos críticos observados se encontraron en la dimensión social, debido principalmente a limitaciones en el acceso a servicios públicos, escasa capacitación y bajo nivel de asociatividad. Desde el punto de vista económico, si bien el nivel de ganancias resultó aceptable, el riesgo económico se ubicó en el valor umbral por las escasas vías de comercialización, la elevada dependencia de insumos externos y una baja eficiencia productiva. En cuanto a la dimensión ecológica, todos los indicadores se encontraron por encima del valor umbral. Sobre la base de los resultados obtenidos, se proponen alternativas de manejo que contribuyan a la mejora de las condiciones sociales, la estabilidad y conservación de los pastizales y los logros económicos a largo plazo. A su vez, los resultados confirman la necesidad de evaluar la sustentabilidad de los sistemas de cría mediante indicadores acordes con las condiciones locales.The sustainability of an extensive cow-calf model in General Alvear, Mendoza, was assessed. A multi-criteria method was used, using indicators based on information supplied by field visits and interviews with key actors. For this purpose, ecological, economic and social characteristics were considered. The main critical points were found in the social sphere, due to limitations on the access to public services, poor training and associativity. Regarding the economic sphere, profitability was acceptable; however, the economic risk was at the sustainability threshold due to the lack of marketing channels, high dependence on external inputs and low production efficiency. Concerning the ecological sphere, all indicators were above the sustainability threshold. Based on the research outcomes, management alternatives are proposed in order to contribute to the improvement of social conditions, range preservation and long-term economic results. In addition, the results confirm the need of assessing the sustainability of extensive cow-calf systems through appropriate indicators according to the local conditions.Fil: Otta, Sebastián Alfredo. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales. Provincia de Mendoza. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Instituto Argentino de Nivología, Glaciología y Ciencias Ambientales; ArgentinaFil: Quiroz, Julio Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Juaneda, Emilio Franco. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Salva, Juan Sebastián. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Viani, Martín. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Filippini, Maria Flavia Ramona. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentin

Determination of inorganic selenium species in water and garlic samples with on-line ionic liquid dispersive microextraction and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A non-chromatographic separation and preconcentration method for Se species determination based on the use of an on-line ionic liquid (IL) dispersive microextraction system coupled to electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) is proposed. Retention and separation of the IL phase was achieved with a Florisil®-packed microcolumn after dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) with tetradecyl(trihexyl)phosphonium chloride IL (CYPHOS® IL 101). Selenite [Se(IV)] species was selectively separated by forming Se-ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (Se-APDC) complex followed by extraction with CYPHOS® IL 101. The methodology was highly selective towards Se(IV), while selenate [Se(VI)] was reduced and then indirectly determined. Several factors influencing the efficiency of the preconcentration technique, such as APDC concentration, sample volume, extractant phase volume, type of eluent, elution flow rate, etc., have been investigated in detail. The limit of detection (LOD) was 15 ng L-1 and the relative standard deviation (RSD) for 10 replicates at 0.5 μg L -1 Se concentration was 5.1%, calculated with peak heights. The calibration graph was linear and a correlation coefficient of 0.9993 was achieved. The method was successfully employed for Se speciation studies in garlic extracts and water samples.Fil: Martinis, Estefanía Mabel. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Escudero, Leticia Belén. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Berton, Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; ArgentinaFil: Monasterio, Romina Paula. Universidad Nacional de la Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Física; ArgentinaFil: Filippini, Maria Flavia Ramona. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Wuilloud, Rodolfo German. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza; Argentin