Edaphoclimatic Conditions Research Articles

Fruit culture growth in Northeast Brazil and its relationship with work

Fruit growing in Brazil enhances regional development, as it generates income and absorbs local labor. The Brazilian Northeast presents ideal edaphoclimatic conditions for the development of several fruit trees, mainly in irrigated areas. The objective was to analyze the educational level and the relationship between the wages of men and women employed in the fruit sector, in the Northeast region of Brazil. The selected crops were those of coconut, mango and grape, between the years 2001 to 2018; literacy rate and level of education in Brazil and the northeast region, the relationship between male and female genders, percentage of women in formal jobs in the years 2004 to 2015 and average monthly income in Brazil and the Northeast region and male and female genders in the years 2012 to 2015. There was a reduction in the area cultivated with coconut, however there was no increase in the area for mango and grape crops. Regarding the harvested area, the coconut crop showed a larger cultivated area, however, this area has been gradually reduced. In mango and grape crops, no variations were detected in the harvested areas. As for the average production, the grape crop has higher productivity. In the percentage of formal jobs, literacy and level of education of women, both nationally and regionally, there was a linear growth and higher than those of men. It is concluded that between men and women in the Northeast region, the salary difference was R$ 354.00, even with women with a higher educational level.

Biomass production and nutrient accumulation in physalis in two edaphoclimatic conditions

In Brazil, although there is a growing demand for physalis in the food industries, information on the nutritional management of the crop is still incipient. This study aimed to evaluate the biomass production and accumulation of nutrients in the shoots and fruit of physalis in two cultivation sites. Two field experiments were conducted, one where the soil was Typic Quartzipsamment in the municipality of Diamantina and the other where the soil was Rhodic Hapludox in the municipality of São João Evangelista, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. The treatments were the evaluation period. Samples were collected every 15 days the day of planting of the seedlings in the field for a period of 240 days. Dry matter and nutrient accumulation in shoot and fruit were evaluated. The biomass production and nutrient accumulation were higher in the edaphoclimatic conditions at São João Evangelista compared to the conditions at Diamantina. Macronutrient accumulation was in the following order: N > K > Ca > S > Mg > P in shoot and N > K > P > S > Ca > Mg in fruit. Micronutrient accumulation in shoot and fruit was in the following order: Fe > Mn > Zn > B > Cu.

Selection of Pinus spp. progenies in Lavras (Minas Gerais, Brazil) at 36 months of age

Background: The selection of superior genotypes and adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region of the introduction produces gains in productivity for forest stands. The objective of this study was to select progenies of Pinus spp. planted in Lavras, Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil. Methods: The experimental site was located on dystrophic Haplic Cambisol. The progeny test was designed as a randomised complete block with 30 replicates and single plot. The treatments corresponded to one progeny of Pinus massoniana, three Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis and 33 Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis arranged with a 3x3 m spacing. The traits height (H), diameter at breast height (DBH) and crown projection area (CPA) were measured at 36 months of age. Results: The results showed that heritability in the narrow sense was 0.24 for DBH, 0.27 for H and 0.50 for CPA. The DBH and H traits showed a high-magnitude positive correlation. The P7, P15, P27, P31 and P33 progenies showed better performance than the other progenies for the evaluated traits. Direct and indirect selection showed similar gains, which favors the use of indirect selection; i.e., when selecting progenies for DBH, progenies with better performance in H are also selected. Additionally, DBH may be used at advanced ages given the difficulty of measuring height. The progeny of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis showed superior performance compared with Pinus caribaea var. bahamensis and Pinus massoniana for the region of Lavras, MG. Conclusions: This study suggests the possibility of expanding the production of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis in the region of Lavras with progenies P7, P15, P27, P31 and P33, because in the initial assessments they showed greater adaptability to the edaphoclimatic conditions. Nevertheless, performing a future selection with the aim of evaluating resin production is recommended.

Analysis of the vascular flora in the Cajas National Park (Central Andes, Ecuador)

The Cajas National Park (CNP) is located 30 km from the city of Cuenca (Ecuador), in the western Andean chain and occupies an area of almost 30,000 ha, between 3300-4450 m of altitude, and includes various ecosystems: subpáramo, herbaceous paramo and super-páramo, which include grasslands (dominant in CNP), wetlands, Polylepis sp. pl. and scrubs; above 4200 m, bush communities adapted to extreme edaphoclimatic conditions dominate. For the elaboration of the catalogue of the vascular flora of the CNP, we compiled, refined and analysed the information available in the herbaria of the University of Azuay (Cuenca, Ecuador) (HA), Missouri Botanical Garden (MO), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Ecuador (QCA) and Tropicos® database, with records of altitudes above 3300 m asl and our collections in the years 2012-2019. 666 species are documented, belonging to 264 genera and 89 botanical families; we describe their biological form (biotype), habitat, distribution ‒with special attention to endemic and non-native species‒ and degree of threat. Finally, the data for each of these criteria are jointly analysed and compared with other Andean mountain ranges. Dichondra macrocalyx Meisn. and Piptochaetium tovarii Sánchez Vega are reported for the first time in Ecuador.

Wood energy quality of Eucalyptus spp. clones established under different soil types in the Brazilian Cerrado

The evaluation of wood energy quality of Eucalyptus clones planted in different edaphoclimatic conditions is fundamental to promote the sustainable expansion of energy forests to traditionally non-forest regions. This study aimed to evaluate the wood energy characteristics (proximate analysis, elemental analysis, higher heating value, basic and energy densities) from five Eucalyptus spp. clones planted in Latosol and Haplic Plinthosol soils in the Brazilian Cerrado (Savannah), considered a traditionally non-forest region. The wood basic and energetic densities are influenced by genotype (clone) but not influenced by the soil type (site). The higher heating value and the proximate analysis showed a significant effect of interaction between clone and soil type. Thus, for these wood energy variables, the clones behave differently depending on the growing location (soil type). Our results indicate that the clone with Eucalyptus cloeziana genes has the greatest energy potential because of the best wood quality: low ash (0.11%–0.09%), nitrogen contents (0.24%–0.31%), higher basic density (490.60–487.22 kg·m−1), and energy density (9720.5–9589.1 MJ·m−1), for soil types Latosol and Plinthosol.

Potential areas for taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) cultivation in Tabasco, Mexico

Objective: To analyze the productive potential of taro in the state of Tabasco, Mexico, in order to suggest the edaphoclimatic zones with the best conditions for its use. Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis was carried out using geographic information systems QGIS 3.16.1 and Arc GIS 10.2.2, to generate spatial interpolations of edaphic and climatic variables. The edaphoclimatic zoning for this crop in the state was generated through map algebra. Results: The results indicate that the edaphoclimatic conditions allow the establishment of this crop in 1 608, 565 hectares, which is equivalent to 67% of the territory of Tabasco, although the optimal surface is only 655, 632 hectares (27%). Study Limitations/Implications: The main limitations for cultivation are mainly edaphic, rather than climatic. Findings/Conclusions: From the edaphic point of view, the most suitable soils are flat, deep, with loamy or clayey textures, with slightly acidic or neutral pH. The physiographic areas of the alluvial plain, river valley and hills are the optimal ones for the cultivation of taro. The unsuitable areas are those with permanent flooding and close to the coast, as well as in the highest areas of the Sierra de Tabasco.

Adoption of the no-tillage system in Paraná State: A (re)view

The concept of a no-tillage system (NTS), or “Sistema Plantio Direto,” was established in Brazil from the evolution of no-tillage (NT) or “Plantio Direto,” given the edaphoclimatic conditions and the need to promote chemical, physical and biological improvements in cultivated soils. While “Plantio Direto” is a conservationist practice, “Sistema Plantio Direto” presents itself as an agricultural production system based on the simultaneous adoption of minimum soil disturbance, maintenance of permanent soil cover and crop rotation. This study reviews the [...]

Assessment of the Transfer of Trace Metals to Spontaneous Plants on Abandoned Pyrrhotite Mine: Potential Application for Phytostabilization of Phosphate Wastes.

The abandoned Kettara pyrrhotite mine (Marrakech region, Morocco) is a real source of acid mine drainage (AMD) and heavy metal pollution from previous mining operations—which has spread, particularly because of wind erosion. A store-and-release cover system made of phosphate wastes was built on the site for preventing AMD. To ensure the integrity of this cover and its durability, it is desirable to revegetate it (phytostabilization) with plants adapted to the edaphoclimatic conditions of the region. In this paper, a study was carried out on the spontaneous vegetation around the phosphate cover in order to consider the selection of plants to promote the stabilization of the Kettara mine tailings pond. Nine species of native plants with their rhizospheric soils growing in agricultural soils and tailings from the Kettara mine were collected, and metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr) were analyzed. The soil analysis showed that the tailings contained high concentrations of Cu (177.64 mg/kg) and Pb (116.80 mg/kg) and that the agricultural soil contained high concentrations of As (25.07 mg/kg) and Cu (251.96 mg/kg) exceeding the toxicity level (Cu > 100 mg/kg, Pb > 100 mg/kg, As > 20 mg/kg). The plant analysis showed low trace metal accumulation in Scolymus hispanicus, Festuca ovina, Cleome brachycarpa, Carlina involucrata and Peganum harmala. These species had a bioconcentration factor (BCF) greater than 1 and a translocation factor (TF) less than 1, demonstrating a high tolerance to trace metals. Therefore, they are good candidates for use in the phytoremediation of the Kettara mine tailings. These species could also potentially be used for the phytostabilization of the phosphate waste cover of the Kettara mine, thus completing the rehabilitation process of this area.

Nitrogen fertilization and sowing density on yield and physiological quality of wheat seeds

Abstract: The optimal combination between sowing density and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate is a challenge for the production of high-quality seeds, considering the diversity of genotypes and environments. This study aimed to evaluate the yield and physiological quality of wheat seeds as a function of sowing density and N rate, under different edaphoclimatic conditions. The experiment was carried out in three environments (Londrina, Cascavel, and Ponta Grossa) in a randomized block design with four replications, considering a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial arrangement composed of two genotypes (BRS Anambé and WT 15-025), three sowing densities (250, 350, and 450 seeds.m−2), and four N rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg.ha−1). The following seed features were evaluated: yield, first germination count, final seed germination, seedling emergence, emergence speed index, seedling length, and seedling dry matter. Seed yield varied as a function of environment and genotype. BRS Anambé produced seeds with higher physiological quality. The optimal combination between sowing density and N rate that provided the more suitable economic yield, without affecting the physiological quality of wheat seeds, varied with the environment and was estimated in 250 seeds.m−2 × 0 kg.ha−1 N for Londrina and Cascavel, and 350 seeds.m−2 × 18 kg.ha−1 N for Ponta Grossa.

Dissimilarity between Andropogon lateralis ecotypes under different defoliation frequencies and heights

ABSTRACT: Andropogon lateralis Nees is a native grass of southern Brazil and is one of the most frequent specie found in native grasslands. The species is widely distributed and has a high degree of phenotypic plasticity, which makes it highly adaptable to different edaphoclimatic conditions and management. This study aimed to evaluate the behavior of twelve ecotypes of A. lateralis, collected in different regions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and cut to three different heights and subjected to two different defoliation frequencies. From September to February, the ecotypes were evaluated for total dry matter, leaf and stem yields. In addition, total, vegetative and reproductive tillers and plant height were measured. These characteristics are important for the selection of superior genotypes in terms of genetic variability and forage production. Total dry matter and leaf dry matter are characteristics with agronomic importance and they showed the highest correlation (r = 0.77), enabling an indirect selection for one of these characteristics. The natural selection of plants resulted in distinct structural, morphological and productive characteristics with heterogeneity that allows the selection and grouping according to the characteristics, ecotypes with superior agronomic characteristics can be included in breeding programs.

Perfil agronômico de cultivares de bananeiras na microrregião geográfica de Assis, São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract The characterization of banana cultivars is an important stage, which allows the identification of materials adapted to a particular region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agronomic performance in the edaphoclimatic conditions of the geographic microregion of Assis, State of São Paulo, during the first three production cycles. The experiment was installed at São José Farm, Palmital, SP, where ten banana cultivars (Grande Naine, IAC 2001, FHIA 02, Bucaneiro, FHIA 17, Calypso, Ambrosia, Thap Maeo, BRS Princesa and Caipira) were evaluated during the three production cycles. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replicates, each plot with 8.75 m2 and 5 plants per plot. The evaluated variables were plant height, pseudostem perimeter, number of leaves at flowering and harvesting, bunch mass, number of hands per bunch, fruit and pulp yield. Results were submitted to analysis of variance, means comparison tests and multivariate clustering or tree clustering analysis. ‘Grande Naine’ and ‘IAC 2001’ cultivars, as well as those of the Cavendish subgroup, are the most suitable for cultivation in the geographic microregion of Assis, SP, considering production performance in the evaluated production cycles.

Influence of water and nutrients on cork oak radial growth – looking for an efficient fertirrigation regime

The widespread cork oak (Quercus suber L.) mortality and reduced afforestation /regeneration are causing an overall reduction in cork production. To enhance trees’ growth and vitality, afforestation techniques using fertirrigation were tested. The main objective was the promotion of trees’ growth on new dense plantations using minimum water requirements until reaching productive forests. The experimental plot – Irricork – was installed in 2017 in a ≈1 ha stand with 14 years’ age cork oaks summer-fertirrigated since plantation. Four fertirrigation treatments were applied during fertirrigation campaigns. Radial growth, meteorological parameters and fertirrigation volume were measured every 15–30 days over four years. It was observed that weather, tree size, debarking and trees’ intra-competition had a significant effect on radial increments. Fertirrigation significantly enhanced growth during summer drought and decoupled increments from air vapor pressure deficit constraints. There was a linear relationship between trees’ radial increments and fertirrigation volume up to 140 m3 week–1. Above this value, increments were smoother. In conclusion, summer fertirrigation of 140 m3 week–1 efficiently enhanced the radial growth of trees with 50–75 circumference at breast height, under the particular edaphoclimatic conditions of the stand. This study showed to be, therefore, promising in the use of efficient fertirrigation the enhance cork oaks’ radial growth.

VINE VARIETIES FOR WHITE WINES IN THE CLIMATE CONTEXT OF THE ODOBESTI VINEYARD, ROMANIA

Odobeşti Vineyard is one of the most famous and oldest Romanian vineyards, with a focus on white wines. To improve the existing assortment of varieties over time at the Research and Development Station for Viticulture and Vinification, Odobesti (RDSVV, Odobești), four vine varieties were obtained and approved: ʹŞarbaʹ (1972), ʹBăbească griʹ (1975), ʹMioriţaʹ (1980) and ʹVranceaʹ (2018), with superior quality and productive potential and a high capacity to capitalise on the edaphoclimatic conditions specific to this viticultual area. This study presents the behaviour of these varieties of vines in the climatic conditions of the Odobesti Vineyard in the period 2017–2021. The following parameters were studied and determined: the phenological spectrum of the vine, fertility and productivity (% fertile shoots, fertility coefficients, productivity indices), quantity and quality of grape production (grapes/vine, average bunch weight, grape production/vine, sugar content, total acidity and glucoacidimetric index). The data obtained were compared with the ʹSauvignon Blancʹ variety, which is widely grown in this area. The evolution of the vegetation phenophases was conditioned by the climatic factors during the study period. There was a tendency to shorten them due to the increase in air temperature values. The variety ʹVranceaʹ presented a high fertility potential (89.5% fertile shoots), the varieties ʹBăbească griʹ and ʹMiorițaʹ showed a higher productive potential than the control variety ʹSauvignon Blancʹ (6.06–6.12 kg/vine), and the variety ʹȘarbaʹ recorded the highest accumulations in sugars (230.5 g/L). In the climatic context of the Odobești Vineyard, the white wine varieties ʹȘarbaʹ, ʹBăbeasca griʹ, ʹMiorițaʹ and ʹVranceaʹ have demonstrated a valuable agrobiological and technological potential, comparable to that of the ʹSauvignon Blancʹ variety.

Impact of mineral fertilizers on winter wheat quality using No-Till technology

The paper presents the study of the influence of ammophos, potassium magnesia and ammonium nitrate on the content of protein, gluten and grain unit of winter wheat using No-Till technology in the edaphoclimatic conditions of the southern zone of Rostov Region. It was shown that the application of mineral fertilizers to the surface soil layer during winter wheat cultivation using No-Till technology improves the grain quality. The highest grain quality parameters (protein content – 13.4% and gluten content – 25.3%, grain unit – 780.0 g/l) were obtained when ammophos and potassium magnesia were jointly added prior to sowing at a depth of 10 cm with double dressing of ammonium nitrate in the tillering and booting phases. High direct dependence of protein content in winter wheat grain on the accumulation of nitrate nitrogen in soil in the booting phase was revealed in all test layers: 0–10 (r = 0.85), 10–20 (r = 0.72), 0–30 cm (r = 0.76). The gluten content in the grain and its grain unit significantly depended on the mobility of phosphorus in the surface soil layer – 0–10 cm (r = 0.66 and 0.52, respectively). Along with the quality improvement of winter wheat grain, the rational use of mineral fertilizers in the No-Till system increases its yield. There is a direct positive relationship between grain protein content and winter wheat yield (r = 0.93).

Evaluation of multiple rootstocks for ‘Montenegrina’ mandarin in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil

Abstract Most commercial orchards of mandarins in Paraná grow ‘Ponkan’ trees predominantly grafted on ‘Rangpur’ lime. The limited genetic diversity of citrus orchards for both scion and rootstock may promote pest and disease outbreaks. The late season ‘Montenegrina’ willowleaf mandarin has high potential for orchard diversification because of its higher productivity and better fruit quality. Therefore, this study assessed the agronomic performance of ‘Montenegrina’ mandarin trees grafted on multiple rootstocks under the edaphoclimatic conditions of Londrina, Paraná, Brazil. The trial was set in a randomized block design using the rootstocks of ‘Rangpur’ lime, ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin, ‘Sunki’ mandarin, ‘Swingle’ citrumelo, and ‘Fepagro C-13’ citrange replicated six times. The ‘Montenegrina’ mandarin trees were assessed for vegetative growth, yield, and fruit quality. The trees had similar size and yield, regardless of the rootstock, and low alternate bearing indices. The fruit quality parameters varied among the rootstocks between the four cropping seasons. Fruits from trees on ‘Rangpur’ and ‘Cleopatra’ exhibited the highest maturation indices, whereas those from ‘Swingle’ and ‘Fepagro C-13’ produced larger fruits with low number of seeds. In general, ‘Montenegrina’ trees can be grown on all evaluated rootstocks without incompatibility and loses in Londrina, Northern Paraná, Brazil.

Efficiency of Giberelonand Cytodef-100 phytohormones in the crop structure and productivity of sunflower in edaphoclimatic conditions of the Republic of Tatarstan

The studies were carried out to assess the effect of foliar dressing with Cytodef-100 and Giberelonphytohormones on fruit elements and gross yield of sunflower oil in edaphoclimatic conditions of the Republic of Tatarstan. The study was conducted in the sunflower crops of the Avenger hybrid in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2019–2021. The agrochemical indicators of typical gray-forest soil were as follows: humus content according to Tyurin – 3.0%, mobile phosphorus – 160 and exchange potassium – 145 mg/kg of soil according to Kirsanov. The soil medium response was close to neutral (pH 6.6). The results of the studies show that the total diameter of sunflower heads increases from 10.9 cm in the control sample to 13.3 cm in the joint use of 3 agrochemicals in the phase 4-8 of sunflower leaves: Euro-Lightningherbicide (1.2 kg/ha) + Cytodef-100 (150 g/ha) + Giberelon (50 g/ha). At the same time, the diameter of the empty part of the heads has a clear downward trend: from 2.2 cm to 1.7 cm in the latter version. The increase in marketable products due to the combined use of Cytodef-100 antistress drug and Giberelonphytohormone solution in combination with chemical weeding was 15.2% compared to the control sample (spraying of sunflower crops with Euro-Lightning (1.2 kg/ha) without Agrosintez LLC products.

Effect of anti-hail net on production and quality of ‘Rose Niagara’ grapes grown in Serra Gaúcha region, south Brazil

In the Serra Gaúcha region, South Brazil, the occurrence of hail is common due to relief and the cold air currents coming from polar regions. Nowadays, the use of anti-hail nets to protect fruit production is increasing, but the real effects of using this coverture on vines are largely unknown. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the impact of the use of an anti-hail net on the productivity and quality parameters of ‘Rose Niagara’ grapes grown in the region, in the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 harvests. The studied parameters were production, number of bunches per plant, bunch length, berry diameter, mass of 100 berries, average bunch mass, juice pH, titratable acidity, soluble solids, phenolic compounds content, total anthocyanins content, and photosynthetically active radiation. The results showed that the anti-hail net influenced some quality parameters, but this change was not consistent in the two harvests, indicating a larger influence of edaphoclimatic conditions than of the use of the net. Thus, the anti-hail net may be an alternative to protect vineyards from hail and other bad weather conditions, without having important negative impacts on the production and quality of ‘Rose Niagara’ grapes.

Advances in research in jamun (Syzygium cuminii): A review

Jamun (Syzygium cuminii Skeels) is an indigenous nutritious medicinal fruit; every part of the tree is utilized by both urban and rural dwellers. The fruit is good source of iron, sugars, minerals, protein, carbohydrate etc. Fully ripe fruits are eaten fresh and can be processed into beverages like jelly, jam, squash, wine, vinegar and pickles. Fruits and powdered seeds are used as an effective medicine against diabetes. It is an underutilized fruit with a wide range of adaptation to varied edapho-climatic conditions. For better utilization and improvement of its genetic resources, there is a need to understand various aspects. Therefore, basic biology, genetic diversity and varietal wealth, systematic phenology, production technologies, propagation, canopy architecture, biotic and abiotic stress management and value-addition have been discussed.

MOROCCAN STRAWBERRY TREE (Arbutus Unedo L.) LEAVES: COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION

Strawberry tree (Arbutus Unedo L.) is one of the evergreen trees that grow spontaneously in Moroccan forests. This tall shrub is traditionally used in grazing zones of some Moroccan areas, especially during the dry season, but its value in Morocco has still been underestimated. In this paper, the nutritional composition of A. unedo leaves sample collected from seven Moroccan regions has been assessed. For this, the leaves were dried, crushed, and chemically analyzed for their proximate composition, energetic value, total and reducing sugar, and mineral composition. Results of this study suggested that samples from BniAarouse (BA) region showed the highest contents of essential nutrients such as proteins, dietary fiber, ashes, and fat with average values of 7.53, 17.89, 4.14, and 8.05 g/ 100 g of dry weight, respectively, which positively influences its consumption by small ruminants. Cluster analysis based on surveyed parameters separated the strawberries individuals into four distinct groups, providing a high variability among and within studied locations. That could be related to the diversity of the edaphoclimatic conditions between regions and to the genetic effect. The results of the present study highlighted the potential use of leaves as livestock feed, with intermediate quality, and promotes their optimal cultivation and subsequent domestication in Morocco.

Linking edaphoclimatic conditions with elementary composition of yerba mate leaves in South America

This study aimed to identify the influence of soil and climate attributes on the elemental composition of yerba mate leaves based on 115 paired soil and leaf samples from Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. We collected the samples, gathered weather information from the study sites, and analyzed elemental leaf composition, soil chemical and granulometric attributes, Results showed a great amplitude of micronutrient contents in leaves such as manganese (Mn; 175–5873 mg kg−1), zinc (Zn; 7–483 mg kg−1), iron (Fe; 58–615 mg kg−1), aluminum (Al; 106–1057 mg kg−1), and barium (Ba; 5.2–107.2 mg kg−1). The elemental contents in leaves were generally smaller when yerba mate was cultivated on soils that originated from sedimentary material than on soils originated from basaltic rocks. Leaf content of Mn was higher in plants cultivated in agroforestry system than in plants from monocultures, and the opposite was observed for phosphorus (P). There was a positive correlation between boron (B) and calcium (Ca) in leaves with the mean annual temperature. Nitrogen (N) content in plant leaves grown on soils that originated from basaltic and rhyolite/rhyodacite materials correlated with soil organic matter and altitude. These results indicate that growing conditions affect the elemental composition of yerba mate plants.