SUMMARYA reliable evaluation of crop nutritional status is crucial for supporting fertilization aiming at maximizing qualitative and quantitative aspects of production and reducing the environmental impact of cropping systems. Most of the available simulation models evaluate crop nutritional status according to the nitrogen (N) dilution law, which derives critical N concentration as a function of above-ground biomass. An alternative approach, developed during a project carried out with students of the Cropping Systems Masters course at the University of Milan, was tested and compared with existing models (N dilution law and approaches implemented in EPIC and DAISY models). The new model (MAZINGA) reproduces the effect of leaf self-shading in lowering plant N concentration (PNC) through an inverse of the fraction of radiation intercepted by the canopy. The models were tested using data collected in four rice (Oryza sativaL.) experiments carried out in Northern Italy under potential and N-limited conditions. MAZINGA was the most accurate in identifying the critical N concentration, and therefore in discriminating PNC of plants growing under N-limited and non-limited conditions, respectively. In addition, the present work proved the effectiveness of crop models when used as tools for supporting education.

The Asian Soybean Rust caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi is one of the serious phytosanitary problems faced by soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill], which cause up to 80% yield loss. An alternative for the integrated management of the disease is the use of mineral nutrition together with phytosanitary treatments. Thus, the objective of this study is to understand the effect of foliar fortification with copper (Cu) along with phytosanitary treatments in the soybean reaction to Rust by lignin content variation in leaf tissues, and how it reflects the yield. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replicates. Four concentrations Cu (30, 60, 90, 120 g Cu ha-1) were tested in two distinct sources (cuprous oxide and copper carbonate) together with phytosanitary treatments. Evaluations were made to determine the progression of Asian Rust severity, micronutrient content in leaves and grains, as well as lignin content in leaves. The grain yield components and productivity were also evaluated. The Cu contents in the soybean leaves and grains were influenced by foliar spraying. Foliar spray with Cu retarded the disease progression, reducing the severity of Asian Rust and positively impacting grain yield. The amount of lignin present in the leaves was altered considerably with the application of the Cu associated with phytosanitary treatments. The results suggest that the leaf nutrition with copper together with phytosanitary treatments, may reduce the rust severity and improvement the plant performance. Future research with Cu application and analysis of specific enzymes, secondary metabolites and cell wall thickness may further contribute to the understanding of the role of Cu in defence against Asian Soybean Rust.