The beneficial effects of silicon (Si) fertilization have been observed for several plant species, especially when submitted to stress, either biotic or abiotic. Among the possible reasons for the greater adaptability and resistance of brachiaria grass in areas of low fertility soils in Brazilian savanna, stands its capacity of absorbing and accumulating Si in aerial parts. To evaluate the effect of Si on dry matter yield of Brachiaria decumbens Stapf and Brachiaria brizantha Hochst, grown under two soil moisture regimes, a trial was set up in a completely randomized design factorial scheme (5 × 2 × 2), with five Si rates: (0; 242; 484; 968 and 1,452 kg ha-1), two soil water tensions (60% and 80% of field capacity) and the two brachiaria species. The experiment was installed in a greenhouse, using one of the most representative soils in the region under cerrado, Typic Haplustox. Both brachiaria species can be considered Si-accumulating plants, since they present high Si contents in their aerial parts. Application of Si to the soil increased the contents of this element in both grass species but did not change their tolerance to water deficit, and did not affect dry matter yield.

Silicon (Si) accumulation in organs and cells is one of the most prominent characteristics of plants of the family Poaceae. Many species from this family are used as forage plants for animal feeding. The present study investigates in Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) Stapf. cv. Marandu: (1) the dry matter production and Si content in shoot due to soil Si fertilizations; (2) the Si distribution among shoot parts; and (3) the silica deposition and localization in leaves. Plants of B. brizantha cv. Marandu were grown under contrasting Si supplies in soil and nutrient solution. Silica deposition and distribution in grass leaf blades were observed using light microscope and scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDXS). Silicon concentration in the B. brizantha shoot increased according to the Si supply. Silicon in grass leaves decreased following the order: mature leaf blades > recently expanded leaf blades > nonexpanded leaf blades. Silicon accumulates mainly on the upper (adaxial) epidermis of the grass leaf blades and, especially, on the bulliform cells. The Si distribution on adaxial leaf blade surface is non uniform and reflects a silica deposition exclusively on the cell wall of bulliform cells.

RESUMOO estudo foi realizado em condições de campo, conduzido durante aproximadamente três anos, junto a Usina São Luiz Açúcar e Álcool, situada em Pirassununga (SP), utilizando-se a cultivar de cana-de-açúcar SP71-1406. Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho de adubos fosfatados aplicados ao solo no plantio da cana planta, nas formas fluida e sólida, e seus efeitos ao longo do tempo, sobre a produtividade e qualidade da cana-de-açúcar. As fontes de fósforo testadas foram o superfosfato triplo, superfosfato simples, ácido fosfórico e uma mistura de ácido fosfórico + fosfato natural, na dose de 100 kg ha -1 de P 2 O 5 . As duas primeiras foram aplicadas na forma granulada e as duas últimas na forma fluida, em linha e no fundo do suco. Os resultados permitiram concluir que não houve diferença estatística entre a adubação fosfatada sólida e fluida na produtividade agrícola e industrial da cana planta, e após o terceiro corte. o Índice de Eficiência Agronômica dos fosfatos apresentou-se na seguinte ordem: superfosfato simples (110%) > superfosfato triplo (100%) > ácido fosfórico (73%) > ácido fosfórico + fosfato natural (48%).Termos para indexação: Adubos fluidos, fosfato, ácido fosfórico, cana-de-açúcar. ABSTRACTWith the increased use of liquid fertilizers in sugarcane farming, having deeper knowledge about agronomic effects of some of the fertilizer products becomes a necessity. The study was carried out under field conditions using the cultivar SP71-1406. The experiment was driven during approximately three years, and was located at São Luiz SA sugar-mill, Pirassununga (SP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the agronomic effect of different phosphate fertilizers on plant cane using liquid and solid forms. Residual effect, sugarcane yield and quality of the raw material were some of the factors studied. The phosphorus sources tested were triple superphosphate, single superphosphate, phosphoric acid and a mixture of phosphoric acid + rock phosphate. They were used in the rates of 100 kg ha -1 of P 2 O 5 . The first two fertilizers (superphosphates) were applied in the granulated form and the last ones in the liquid form. The phosphorus fertilizers were applied on the furrow just before planting. The results allowed concluding that there was no difference between solid and liquid form in the agricultural and industrial productivity. After the third cut, the Agronomic Efficiency Index showed that phosphates source reduced in the following order: single superphosphate (110%) > triple superphosphate (100%) > phosphoric acid (73%) > phosphoric acid + rock phosphate (48%).

A Deus por ter me concedido saúde e paz, e por estar sempre ao meu lado. Aos meus queridos pais pelo ensinamento, pelo amor, incentivo e amizade. Aos meus estimados irmãos, cunhados e sobrinhos pelo carinho, respeito e amor compartilhados. Ao professor Francisco Antonio Monteiro, pela orientação na vida acadêmica, e pela amizade cultivada durante esses três anos. Aos professores Antonio Roque Dechen e Quirino Augusto de Camargo Carmello da Nutrição Mineral de Plantas da ESALQ/USP. A todos os professores do Departamento de Solos e Nutrição de Plantas da ESALQ/USP, pelo apoio científico. Ao professor Marcílio de Almeida, à pós-doutoranda Cristina de Almeida e à funcionária Kássia R. F. Figueiredo, pelos esclarecimentos nos estudos de anatomia vegetal.