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To date, most studies on the effectiveness of geotextiles on soil erosion rates were conducted in laboratory experiments for <1 h. Hence, at Hilton, East Shropshire, UK, this study investigated the effectiveness of palm-mat geotextiles (Borassus and Buriti mats) in reducing rainsplash erosion, runoff and soil loss and changing selected soil properties under field conditions over two years (January 2007-January 2009). Mat-cover effects on rainsplash erosion were studied in two sets on a loamy sand soil (0o slope). In both sets, six randomly-selected plots (each 1 m2) were completely matcovered and six were bare. Unlike Buriti mats, Borassus mat-cover on bare soil significantly (P<0.001) decreased rainsplash erosion (by ~89%). Duplicate runoff plots (10 x 1 m on a 15o slope) had five treatments (bare, permanent grass, Borassus completely-cover, Borassus buffer strip and Buriti buffer strip). Using Borassus buffer strips (area coverage ~10%) on bare soil decreased runoff by ~71% (P>0.05) and soil erosion by ~92% (P<0.001). Borassus buffer strip, Buriti buffer strip and Borassus completely-covered plots had similar effects in decreasing runoff and soil loss. However, the longevity of Borassus mats was ~twice that of Buriti mats. Despite physical protection, runoff control and sediment entrapment, biomat buffer zones may considerably alter and protect flow direction by presenting barriers and creating several cross-drains. Except Borassus completely-covered plots, all plots had significant (P<0.05) increases in topsoil (0-5 cm) bulk density and decreased aggregate stability. However, buffer strips were more effective in trapping fine particles than Borassus completely-covered plots. No treatments had significant (P>0.05) effects on changes in pH, soil organic matter, total soil carbon or N. Plots with Borassus mats significantly (P<0.05) increased total P and decreased total Ca. Treatments had no significant effects on changes in total S, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo or Cl concentrations. Borassus buffer strips can effectively conserve soil and water and improve and maintain selected soil properties, with results similar to Borassus completely-covered plots. The mechanisms explaining the effectiveness of buffer zones require further studies under varied pedo-climatic conditions.

Microbial diversity plays an important role in the decomposition of soil organic matter. However, the drivers of this dependence still remain unclear. The work is based on long-term monitoring of soils of different successional stages of different diversity. Soil sampling was conducted on two dumps after brown coal mining in the Sokolov. Soils were X ray sterilized and inoculated by inoculum from both soils in two inoculation density which create gradient of microbial diversity. Then microbial respiration was measured in either supplied or not supplied by litter of Calamagrostis epigejos. Results showed a strong positive correlation between the microbial diversity and decomposition of organic matter if the microbial community is limited by available carbon. If there isn't carbon limit available, the decomposition rate is controlled by the amount of microbial biomass. Results demonstrated positive correlation between the rate of decomposition and the amount of fungal biomass. The soils with the addition of leaf litter showed priming effect in the initial stage of decomposition. In the control samples without addition of litter priming effect wasn't observed. Increasing humidity led to increase of decomposition rate. We can conclude with a clear conscience that similarly conclusive results associated...

In an interdisciplinary study requiring the synergistic association of historical evidence and chemical and biochemical analyses, this thesis investigates the properties and characteristics of historically modified soils known as anthrosols. These soils, developed through the anthropogenic addition of high volumes of organic-rich municipal waste materials to land, including human and animal waste, as part of the waste management practices in medieval urban communities in Scotland at St Andrews, Roxburgh and Elgin, offer an insight to the state and dynamics of these organic material. Soil is one of the most sensitive environmental domains to transformation. These transformations are visible from the alterations to the physical and chemical properties of soil. Anthropogenic activities may leave behind signatures in the soil in the form of artefacts, ecofacts, elemental enrichment or depletion, enhancement in soil magnetic properties and organic matter content. In the historical dimension of this study, the observable features and measurable properties of soil profiles are exploited to reveal past organisation and functions of cultural landscapes by carefully studying the stratigraphic units of soil profile, and examining the association of each unit with settlement artefacts and soil properties. Through comparison with historical records of past events on the respective study sites, the relationship between the soils record of past human activities is observed through physical, chemical and biochemical properties. The historical record is used to assess if such evidence can be used reliably to develop the account of site use for the medieval burghs of Scotland. In the environmental aspect, investigation focuses on the physical and chemical conditions of these soils in terms of their carbon content, composition, residence time estimates and their role in global C cycle and terrestrial carbon budgeting. Past investigations of anthopogenically-deepened soils have been interpreted with respect to historical site use, however, the environmental implications of the resultant accumulated organic material or residue have not previously been considered in much detail. A particular novelty of this aspect of the project is that it is an in-depth examination of anthropogenic soils with known histories extending into the medieval period. This time-depth allows a new understanding of the processes and products of decomposition of known organic materials that were added to soil. The biophysicochemical data obtained from these soils such as their extant organic carbon content and variability with depth, the composition of the various carbon species that together constitute soil organic matter, and biological community and activity (microorganisms and enzymes) provides critical information on the relative recalcitrance, state of decomposition, and the mechanism of stabilisation of these materials in the soil.

Le carbone organique des sols (COS) joue un rôle majeur dans le maintien des propriétés des sols, et constitue un important réservoir de carbone sensible aux perturbations anthropiques dont les changements d'usage ou de gestion des terres. En Amazonie, la déforestation libère des gaz à effet de serre (GES) par le brûlis de la végétation mais les stocks de COS sont également susceptibles d'évoluer et de contribuer aux émissions de GES. Nous montrons que ces variations de stocks sont cependant mal comprises à l'échelle du biome, en raison de l'approche par chrono-séquence qui induit de nombreuses incertitudes et du manque de données sur la gestion des agrosystèmes implantés après déforestation. L'étude a été conduite sur un site agronomique diachronique en Guyane, déboisé sans brûlis et avec des restitutions de biomasse forestière au sol, sur lequel ont été implantés 3 systèmes de culture : une prairie et deux systèmes maïs/soja avec ou sans travail du sol. L'objectif a été de déterminer le devenir du carbone forestier et du COS des agrosystèmes. Les fluctuations des stocks ont été mesurées jusqu'à 5 ans après déforestation dans la couche 0-30 cm, un bilan est proposé pour la couche 0-100 cm à 5 ans. La décomposition des débris de bois, apportés au sol suite à la déforestation, a été étudiée via leur perte de masse et leur caractérisation par pyrolyse Rock-Eval. La répartition granulométrique du COS a été mesurée 4 ans après déforestation. L'isotopie δ13C a été utilisée dans le sol sous prairie pour distinguer le carbone d'origine prairiale. L'apport de carbone issu de la déforestation a entrainé une augmentation des stocks de COS, mais de courte durée car les débris de bois se sont rapidement décomposés et n'ont pas induit de stockage durable de COS. Cinq ans après déforestation les stocks de COS sous prairie sont similaires à ceux observés sous forêt, grâce à des apports de carbone importants par les racines, alors que sous cultures les stocks diminuent d'environ 18 %, sans que l'on ait distingué un effet du travail du sol. La décroissance du carbone forestier, qui concerne l'ensemble des fractions granulométriques du sol, a donc été compensée par les apports de carbone sous prairie, ce qui n'est pas le cas sous cultures annuelles. Le modèle RothC a pu être validé dans notre situation même s'il a surestimé légèrement les stocks sous cultures. Nos résultats, replacés dans le contexte amazonien montrent que les diminutions de COS observées ici sont moins importantes que pour l'ensemble des tropiques humides, probablement en raison de la gestion optimale du site et de la courte durée du temps d'observation. / Soil organic carbon is a key component of soil quality, and represents a large part of the terrestrial carbon stock, sensitive to human perturbations including land-use change. In Amazonia, deforestation induces greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions due to vegetation burning, but SOC stocks also change, which can induce GHG emissions. We show that these changes are misunderstood at the biome scale, because of the chronosequence approach that induces uncertainties, and because of the lack of management data of the agrosystems established after deforestation. We studied here an agronomic trial with a diachronic approach in French Guiana, deforested with a fire-free method that returned large amount of forest organic matter. Three agrosystems were set up: a grassland and two annual crop systems (maize/soybean) with and without soil tillage. We aimed to measure the fate of forest carbon and of SOC in the agrosystems. SOC stocks fluctuations were assessed up to 5 years after deforestation in the layer 0-30 cm, and a comparison forest-agroecosystems in the layer 0-100 cm was done at 5 years. Decomposition of woody debris buried in the soil after deforestation was assessed by mass loss approach and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. SOC distribution in granulometric fractions was measured 4 years after deforestation. δ13C methods were used in the grassland soil to distinguish the carbon derived from forest or grassland. We found that carbon inputs from deforestation increased SOC stocks, but only at short-term because woody debris decomposition was fast and did not induce a mid-term SOC storage. Five years after deforestation SOC stocks in grassland are similar to the forest, thanks to carbon inputs from root activity. In the annual crops SOC stocks decrease of about 18 %, and no difference is found according to the soil tillage. The decay of forest soil carbon, which affected the whole granulometric fractions of SOC, is thus offset in grassland but not in annual crops. RothC model could be validated in our study, but slightly overestimated SOC stocks in annual crops. Replaced in the Amazonian context, our results showed that the SOC decrease here was lower than other studies across humid tropics. This can probably be explained by the optimal management of the agrosystems, and the short time lapse studied.

O cultivo de pinhão manso é indicado como uma opção multi-propósito já que além de ser utilizado como matéria-prima para produção de biodiesel, reduzindo as emissões de gases do efeito estufa (GEE) quando este biocombustível é utilizado em substituição aos combustíveis fósseis, também pode estocar C no solo. O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial de sequestro de C no solo em cultivos de pinhão manso, bem como as alterações na qualidade da matéria orgânica do solo (MOS). Para tanto, foram quantificados os estoques de C e N do solo e os fluxos de GEE em cultivos de pinhão manso. O cálculo das taxas de sequestro de C no solo foi efetuado pela diferença entre o acúmulo de C no solo e as emissões de GEE, expressos em C equivalente (C-eq). A qualidade da MOS foi avaliada por meio da análise isotópica, fracionamento físico, índice de manejo do C (IMC), grau de humificação (HFIL) e teores de C e N na biomassa microbiana. A conversão da vegetação nativa em agroecossistemas alterou a quantidade e composição da MOS nos biomas Cerrado, Mata Atlântica e Caatinga, especialmente nas camadas superficiais. O cultivo de pinhão manso manteve os teores e estoques de C e N do solo, independentemente do uso da terra anterior (pastagem, milho ou vegetação nativa), com tendência de aumento em função do tempo de cultivo da cultura. Adicionalmente, a análise isotópica do C e N demostrou que a partir de dois anos de cultivo do pinhão manso há mudanças na composição da MOS. As contribuições do C derivado dos resíduos vegetais do pinhão manso para o C total do solo atingiram 11,5% após 7 anos de cultivo, na camada 0-30 cm. O cultivo de pinhão manso aumentou os teores de C nas frações da MOS, o IMC e os teores de C e N da biomassa microbiana em função do tempo de implantação da cultura, o que evidencia o potencial de melhoria da qualidade da MOS desse sistema a longo prazo. O HFIL foi menor nas áreas de pinhão manso em relação à vegetação nativa, indicando que os incrementos nos teores de C nessas áreas estão associados ao aumento da matéria orgânica menos estável e que a preservação seletiva não é o principal mecanismo de acumulação de C em solos sob pinhão manso. Os fatores de emissão de N2O variaram de 0,21 a 0,46% para doses inferiores à 150 kg ha-1, sendo emitidos 0,0362 Mg ha-1 ano-1 de C-eq quando aplicada a dose média usual no cultivo de pinhão manso (75 kg ha-1 ano-1). O balanço anual entre o acúmulo de C no solo e a emissão dos GEE mostrou que o cultivo de pinhão manso por 7 anos produz saldo positivo, que significou um sequestro de 0,6 Mg ha-1 ano-1 em C-eq. O presente estudo é pioneiro no Brasil e os resultados gerados nesta pesquisa são base para a análise de ciclo de vida do pinhão manso como matéria prima para a produção de biodiesel. / Jatropha cultivation is pointed as a multipurpose option whether is used for biodiesel production reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions when replaces the need for fossil fuels, and also for storing C in the soil. The overall objective of this work was to evaluate the C sequestration potential of soil cultivated with Jatropha, as well as the variations in soil organic matter (SOM) quality. Therefore, C and N stocks were determined and GHG fluxes were measured in Jatropha cultivation. The difference between results from soil C storage and GHG emissions were used to calculate the C sequestration rates, defined as the C-equivalent (C-eq). SOM quality was assessed by isotopic analysis, physical fractioning, C management index (CMI), humufication degree (HFIL) and microbial C and N content. Land use change from native vegetation to agroecosystems altered the amount and composition of soil organic matter located in biomes of Cerrado, Atlantic Forest and Caatinga, especially within the surface layers. Jatropha cultivation preserved soil N and C stocks and contents, regardless of previous land use management (pasture, maize or native vegetation), proning to increase with cultivation time. Additionally, the isotopic analysis of C and N showed changes in SOM after two years with Jatropha cultivation. After 7 years of cultivation, the contribution of carbon derived from Jatropha residues to the total amount of the element stored within the 0-30 cm layer of soil reached 11.5%. The Jatropha cultivation increased the C contents in SOM, the CMI and microbial C and N contents along with cultivation time, which highlights the potential of Jatropha cultivation to improve SOM quality in the long term. HFIL of the areas with Jatropha cultivation showed lower values compared to the native vegetation. This indicates the increments of C contents for the areas planted with Jatropha are associated to the increase of the less stable portion of SOM and that the selective preservation is not the main mechanism responsible for C accumulation in soils under Jatropha cultivation. The N2O emission factors ranged from 0.21 to 0.46% for the doses up to 150 kg ha-1. Considering the average N fertilization rates applied annually in comercial Jatropha cultivation (75 kg ha-1 yr-1), the crop is responsible for the emission of 0.0362 Mg ha-1 yr-1 of C-eq. Moreover, the annual balance between soil C storage and GHG emission indicated that Jatropha cultivation for 7 years is able to contribute to the carbon sequestration accounting for 0.6 Mg ha- 1 yr-1 of C-eq stored in the soil. This study is pioneer in Brazil and the results generated in this research are basis for life cycle analysis of the Jatropha as a feedstock for biodiesel production in Brazil.

Até a década de 80, os resíduos florestais eram vistos apenas como empecilho para as operações de reforma das plantações de eucalipto. Este fato motivou a queima e a incorporação desses resíduos. Tinham-se também o conceito de que o eucalipto necessitava de um preparo de solo intensivo para atingir boas produtividades. Atualmente esses conceitos não existem mais, e todas as áreas florestais são estabelecidas sob o sistema de cultivo mínimo do solo, porém pressões quanto à utilização desses resíduos vêm surgindo. Com as restrições da compra de terras e as elevações dos preços dos combustíveis fósseis, esses resíduos estão sendo vistos como fonte alternativa de energia nas indústrias. Apesar de ser uma fonte de energia renovável, os benefícios da manutenção desses resíduos no campo não podem ser esquecidos. Este estudo mostra que áreas manejadas sob o sistema de cultivo mínimo, apresentam a mesma produção de madeira que áreas manejadas sob sistema de cultivo intensivo. A principal vantagem da manutenção dos resíduos florestais sobre o solo, que resulta em ganhos de produtividade em curto prazo, é a redução na exportação de nutrientes. Por esse motivo, quando esses resíduos são removidos, maiores investimentos com fertilização devem ser efetuados. Para considerar esses aspectos, foi efetuado também um balanço financeiro da remoção desses resíduos. Quando se considera apenas o custo da reposição nutricional, em muitos casos, torna-se viável a remoção desses resíduos, porém outros benefícios da manutenção dos resíduos florestais não devem ser esquecidos. A proteção do solo contra erosão, a redução da evaporação da água na superfície do solo, o aumento do conteúdo e da qualidade da matéria orgânica do solo são benefícios da manutenção dos resíduos que não resultam em ganhos de produtividade em curto prazo e são de difícil valoração financeira, mas são extremamente importantes. Foi observado que a remoção dos resíduos florestais reduz em 50% o carbono orgânico oxidável da camada superficial do solo, e que 75% dessa redução ocorrem nas frações mais lábeis. Este estudo objetivou também entender a dinâmica e os fatores que interferem na decomposição dos resíduos florestais. Foi observado que nos tratamentos que foram mantidas sobre o solo apenas a serapilheira, a omissão de N e P na formação do povoamento de eucalipto, não influenciou a velocidade de decomposição desses resíduos, pois não foi observado mudanças nas características químicas desses. A ausência de calagem reduziu a taxa de decomposição inicial dos resíduos florestais. A taxa média de decomposição dos resíduos florestais foi de 0,8. Não foram observadas grandes alterações na disponibilidade de nutrientes do solo em função da decomposição dos resíduos florestais, pois logo que os nutrientes são disponibilizados, esses são rapidamente absorvidos pelas árvores, não modificando a fertilidade do solo. / Until the yers 80 forest residues were only seen as an impediment to reform operations of eucalyptus plantations. This fact led to the burning and incorporation of these residues. They had also the concept that eucalyptus needed an intensive soil preparation to achieve good yields. Currently these concepts no longer exist, and all forest areas are established under minimum tillage system of soil, but pressures on the use of these wastes are emerging. With the restrictions on land purchases and increases in the prices of fossil fuels, these wastes are being seen as an alternative source of energy in industries. Despite being a renewable energy source, the benefits of maintaining these residues in the field can not be forgotten. This study shows that areas managed under minimum tillage system, have the same timber production that managed areas under intensive cultivation system. The main advantage of the maintenance of forest residues on the soil, resulting in productivity gains in the short term is the reduction in the export of nutrients. Therefore, when these residues are removed, greater investment should be made with fertilization. To consider these aspects was also made a financial removing these residues. When considering only the cost of nutritional replacement, in many cases it is feasible to remove these residues, but other benefits of maintaining forest residues should not be forgotten. The protection of soil against erosion, reduction of evaporation of water on the road surface, increasing the content and quality of soil organic matter, the maintenance benefits are residues which do not result in gains in productivity are short and valuation difficult, however are extremely important. It has been observed that removal of forest residues reduces by 50% the oxidizable organic carbon from the surface layer of the soil, and that 75% of the reduction occurs in the more labile. This study also sought to understand the dynamics and the factors that influence the decomposition of forest residues. It was observed that the omission of N and P in the formation of a stand of eucalyptus did not influence the rate of decomposition of the waste, which was kept on the ground only litter because it was not observed changes in the chemical characteristics of this. The absence of liming reduced the initial rate of decomposition of forest residues. The average rate of decomposition of forest residues was 0.8. There were no major changes in the availability of soil nutrients due to the decomposition of forest residues as soon as nutrients are available, these are quickly absorbed by the trees, not modifying soil fertility.

A concentração atmosférica dos gases do efeito estufa (GEE), como dióxido de carbono (CO2), metano (CH4) e óxido nitroso (N2O), tem aumentado significativamente desde o início da Revolução Industrial e a agricultura contribui de maneira expressiva para este aumento. O solo é um importante reservatório de carbono (C) e nitrogênio (N) e, em função do manejo, parte deste reservatório pode ser liberado para a atmosfera e contribuir para o aumento da concentração de GEE. Contudo, algumas práticas de manejo favorecem o aumento dos estoques de C e N no solo e são de grande importância para mitigar o aquecimento global. O sistema de colheita da cana-deaçúcar sem queima da palhada é uma prática que aumenta a deposição de resíduos sobre a superfície e afeta os estoques de C e N no solo, enquanto a adubação nitrogenada pode influenciar nas emissões de CO2 e N2O. A primeira etapa deste trabalho comparou os estoques de C e N totais e os teores de C na biomassa microbiana do solo em áreas de cana-de-açúcar colhidas com e sem queima da palhada. Nas profundidades 0-10 cm e 10-20 cm, os estoques de C e N foram maiores para o manejo sem queima. Na camada 0-30 cm, os estoques de C representaram 60 e 53 % e os de N representaram 55 e 50 % dos estoques totais acumulados na camada 0-100 cm, para as áreas sem queima e com queima, respectivamente. Em função da adoção do manejo sem queima a taxa de acúmulo de C no solo foi de 0,7 Mg ha-1 ano-1, enquanto o N apresentou uma taxa de redução de 0,25 Mg ha-1 ano-1. Os teores microbianos de C entre 0 e 20 cm de profundidade variaram de 184,20 a 349,27 mg kg-1 nas áreas sem queima e de 198,85 a 291,77 mg kg-1 nas áreas com queima. O tempo de adoção do sistema sem queima favoreceu o aumento do conteúdo de C microbiano no solo. A segunda etapa deste trabalho consistiu na avaliação das emissões de GEE em função da adubação nitrogenada em cana-de-açúcar. Foram realizados três experimentos, onde se comparou o efeito de duas fontes de N mineral: uréia e nitrato de amônio. Em condições de laboratório, testaram-se as doses de 60, 80 e 120 kg ha-1 de N. Foram observadas influências das fontes e doses de N nas emissões de N2O, sendo as maiores emissões associadas à uréia. Em condições de campo, testando as doses de 60, 90, 120 e 180 kg ha-1 de N, observou-se maiores emissões para o nitrato de amônio nas maiores doses. Um terceiro experimento, conduzido no campo, avaliou a influência destas mesmas fontes e doses de N nas emissões de CO2. Alterações nas emissões de CO2 foram observadas apenas em parcelas que receberam adição de uréia, embora a variabilidade dos dados tenha sido grande, comprometendo o ajuste da curva de regressão. / Concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), have increased since Industrial Revolution and the agricultural sector significantly contributes to the mentioned increase. Soils are important sinks of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) and management practices could release part of these pools to the atmosphere and contribute to the increase of GHG concentrations in the atmosphere. However, some management practices promote increase in soil C and N stocks and are very important in mitigating global warming. No burning sugarcane harvest system is a practice that increases straw deposition at the soil surface and affects soil C and N stocks, while nitrogen fertilization could influence CO2 and N2O emissions from soils. The first part of this work compared C and N stocks and microbial biomass C content in sugarcane areas harvested with and without straw burning. In the 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layers, C and N stocks were higher under no-burning system. In 0-30 cm layer, C stocks represented 60 and 53 % and N stocks accounted for 55 and 50 % of the total stocks accumulated in 0-100 cm depth, for areas under no-burning and burning systems, respectively. Due to no-burning adoption, soil C accumulation rate was 0.7 Mg ha-1 year-1, while N presented losses of 0.25 Mg ha-1 year-1. Carbon content in the microbial biomass for the 0-20 cm depth varied from 184.20 to 349.27 mg kg-1 at no-burning areas and from 198.85 to 291.77 mg kg-1 at burning sites. The period of time under no-burning favored an increase in the soil microbial C. The second part of this work consisted in the evaluation of GHG emissions from nitrogen fertilization under sugarcane cultivation. Three experiments were carried out, where the effects of two mineral N sources were compared: urea and ammonium nitrate. At laboratory conditions, the rates of 60, 80 and 120 kg ha-1 N were evaluated. Influences of sources and rates of N addition to the N2O emissions were observed and the greater emissions were associated with urea. At the field conditions, testing rates of 60, 90, 120 and 180 kg ha-1 of N, showed greater emissions for ammonium nitrate at the bigger rates. A third experiment, carried out under field conditions, evaluated the influences of the same N sources and addition rates in the CO2 emissions. Alterations in the emissions were observed only in plots that received urea, despite the large data dispersion, which compromises the regression adjustment.