Comportamento da enzima betaglicosidase póscolheita de soja em diferentes zonas de manejo na região central do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The global population growth and the increasing demand for food, especially from largescale crops such as soybeans, corn, and wheat, require a continuous increase in agricultural productivity. This goes beyond simple expansion of cultivable areas, also demanding optimization of management in already productive areas. Management zones become crucial as they require specific adjustments according to each region's characteristics, aiming to maximize productive efficiency and preserve natural resources. The betaglucosidase enzyme emerges as a crucial indicator of soil quality, directly linked to the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient availability for plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the enzyme's behavior correlated with various soil attributes in different management zones. For this purpose, 21 commercial soybean fields in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul were selected. The delimitation of management zones was based on historical harvest maps and readings of vegetative indices, dividing the areas into three distinct zones according to productive potential. Subsequently, soil samples were collected in each zone, at a depth of 0-15 cm, using a mechanical auger attached to an all-terrain vehicle, ensuring representativeness in each study area. Soil analyses were conducted at the Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC) laboratory, including tests for macro and micronutrients, as well as granulometry analyses. The enzymatic analysis of betaglucosidase was performed by the ConnectBio startup, incubated at UNISC, providing essential data to understand the relationship between enzyme activity and soil attributes in different management zones. A correlation analysis was conducted between betaglucosidase activity and different agricultural management zones, along with soil attributes such as pH, nutrients, and texture. The results indicate that areas with high productive potential tend to present more favorable conditions for plant development, reflecting in higher enzyme activity. The relationship between betaglucosidase activity and various soil attributes highlights the influence of these elements on nutrient cycling and overall soil health. Thus, betaglucosidase emerges as an essential bioindicator of soil quality, whose activity reflects not only soil fertility but also its capacity to sustain productive crops sustainably, contributing to global food security.