Soil pH and calcium levels are determining factors in the success or failure of managing clubroot during the cultivation of Brassica spp. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of soil attributes in tropical regions on the development of roots and clubroot and the accumulation of biomass and nutrients in cauliflower. One hundred and fifty-one samples of soil and plants were collected from 16 family farms that have a history of more than 50 years of regular cauliflower cultivation in Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Chemical and physical analyses were performed on the soil samples, and the severity of clubroot and the accumulation of biomass and

The increasing concern regarding the preservation of soil quality suggests the adoption of quality reference values as a first step in environmental monitoring actions. In this context, the objective of this study was to establish soil quality reference values for Al, Zn, Mn, Cd, Fe, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cu and to correlate several soil properties with the occurrence of these elements in the hillslope region of Rio de Janeiro State. Sixty-two samples were collected at depths of 0-20 and 20-40 cm and analyzed using the USEPA method 3051A. After clustering analysis, the samples were separated into three groups. Classification functions were obtained based on the variables pH - Mg - Fe - Mn, i.e., the variables that were best related to heavy metal content. We determined to establish the quality reference values for the 75th percentile of the three groups. The relief forms of the area, which facilitate the transport of soil fine-particle fractions and accumulation in lowlands, were revealed to be one of most important factors in understanding the distribution of soil heavy metals.

The process of identifying a contaminated area involves a preliminary assessment consisting of chemical analysis and comparison with guideline values. In Brazil, these values are included in the CONAMA Resolution no. 420/2009, based on chemical analysis and phytotoxicity. The objective of this research was to evaluate the ecotoxicity of copper in two natural soils in the state of Rio de Janeiro, a Haplic Planosol (sandy) and a Red-Yellow Argisol (medium texture), to verify if the values established by the legislation offer protection to the soil fauna. Lethality and reproduction tests were performed with Eisenia andrei worms and Folsomia candida springtails. Results indicated copper values in Planosol as LC50 435 mg kg 1 and EC50 29 mg kg 1 for E. Andrei and LC10 137 mg kg 1 and EC50 117 mg kg 1 for F. candida. In Argisol, these results were LC50 690 mg kg 1 and EC50 61 mg kg 1 for E. andrei, and LC10 42 mg kg 1 and EC50 138 mg kg 1 for F. candida. Values reported are lower than the research value (200 mg kg-1) established by the CONAMA resolution 420/09, indicating that concentrations lower than the limit values may affect these organisms, depending on the type of soil. Worms were more sensitive than springtails to copper contamination, and sandy soil was more susceptible to ecotoxicity due to copper contamination, probably due to the greater bioavailability of the metal. Results of such ecotoxicity tests should be considered in the development of soil guideline values.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the difficulties and potential of organic farming for the family small-scale farmers in the municipalities of metropolitan areas of large shopping centers, such as the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. To that end, a questionnaire comprising open-ended and closed-ended questions relevant to biological farming was applied. Factors that hinder the production and sale of organic products were addressed. The data obtained using the questionnaire was compared with periodic technical visits to the farmers' properties. The results indicated that biological farming in the municipality is characterized as family-based, small-scale production and that products are mainly sold in farmers' markets. The group faces the following difficulties: A lack of continuous technical assistance, the limited availability of labor, and reduced consumer demand for the products. Farmers know and understand the importance of soil conservation processes in biological farming management and that this production system is based on health preservation, and needs to comprise affordable prices for the end consumer, and to expand the market.