Cadmium and lead transfer factors to kale plants (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) grown in mountain agroecosystem and its risk to human health.

The aim of the present study is to assess soil Cd and Pb contamination in kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) production sites in mountain agroecosystem, as well as its potential risk to human health. The study was carried out within 24 kale-production sites located in mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

Variability factors of heavy metals in soils and transfer to pasture plants of Mayabeque in Cuba.

Studies to assess variability factors of heavy metals in soils are essential to understand their behavior in the environment and for the assessment of contaminated areas. In this context, this research aimed to study the factors that influence the variability of heavy metal levels and their bioavailability in pasture areas in the Alturas de Nazareno region, Mayabeque, Cuba, as well as the transfer to plants. Forty-five points were distributed in a natural pasture and at two depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm) as a function of relief and soil type.

Modulation of nitrogen metabolism of maize plants inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and Herbaspirillum seropedicae.

Maize is highly responsive to the application of nitrogen to achieve high productivity. Inoculation with diazotrophic bacteria can improve plant growth with low N fertilization. The objective was to evaluate the inoculation of two species of diazotrophs on N metabolism in maize plants, in the presence of two concentrations of nitrogen in a hydroponic system.