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No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Ronaldo de Oliveira Custódio Filho - 2011.pdf: 1681583 bytes, checksum: 86134c8dda00821921051ca11db4ac89 (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-25 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Soil classification is a valuable tool in the ordination of its use and management, reducing the potential of this resource be used above or below its support capacity, and, thus, is a mechanism for its conservation. Contrasting with the conservation of soil, gullies are the most serious form of erosion and are generated by the concentration of runoff in rills, which expand and form large incisions. This form of soil degradation has several examples in the literature, which characterizes it as being an extensive problem. Thus, the development of technologies for the recovery and / or stabilization of gullies at low cost by using alternative materials so this practice has greater economic viability, is required. In this paper, the method used in the recovery of this erosion was the use of scrap tires as materials for its fill as well as use of mechanical, vegetative and soil management practices for its conservation. It was proceeded the evaluation of this recovery technique, and both the taxonomic classification of this soil, by Brazilian System of Soil Classification (Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação dos Solos, Embrapa, 2006) as the technique classification, by the Evaluation System of Agricultural Soil Suitability (Sistema de Avaliação da Aptidão Agrícola dos Solos, Ramalho Filho & Beek, 1995) of a soil of a lot of Agrarian Reform Settlement, in the city of Baliza – GO. This soil is degraded, and goes through an intensive process of linear erosion, both by rill as for gully erosion. The classification of this soil proved to be a valuable tool to determine its limitations and better use and management. With this tool was possible to determine the severe limitations that this soil have for agricultural use, as well as infer about the low level of technology under which this soil is handled that is taking it to its degradation. The technique adopted to halt this gully was efficient to contain the progress of erosion. Despite the adoption of an alternative technique for recovery the soil, a large amount of money was spent for the stabilization of soil erosion, which showed the severity of this problem. Despite the stabilization of this erosion have had the involvement of local residents, after the end of this intervention, they did not continue to adopt the practices of soil conservation that were recommended. Thus, the lack of maintenance, by the neighboring farmers to gully erosion, in the stabilized area, may propitiate the emergence of new erosion in that area. / A classificação do solo é uma ferramenta importante na ordenação de seu uso e manejo, reduzindo a possibilidade deste recurso ser usado acima ou aquém de sua capacidade de suporte, sendo, deste modo, um mecanismo de sua conservação. Contrapondo, com a conservação do solo, as voçorocas se constituem na forma mais grave da erosão e são geradas pela concentração do escoamento superficial em sulcos erosivos, que se expandem e formam grandes incisões. Esta forma de degradação do solo tem vários exemplos citados na literatura, o que a caracteriza como sendo abrangente. Deste modo, o desenvolvimento de tecnologias para a recuperação e/ou estabilização de voçorocas a baixo custo, com uso de materiais alternativos para que esta prática tenha maior viabilidade econômica, se faz necessário. No presente trabalho, o método utilizado na recuperação desta erosão foi o uso de pneus inservíveis como material para seu preenchimento, bem como uso de práticas mecânicas, vegetativas e edáficas de conservação do solo. Foi realizada a avaliação desta técnica de recuperação, bem como as classificações taxonômica, pelo Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação dos Solos (Embrapa, 2006) e técnica, pelo Sistema de Avaliação da Aptidão Agrícola dos Solos (Ramalho Filho & Beek, 1995), do solo de um lote de Assentamento de Reforma Agrária, no município de Baliza – GO, que se encontra degradado, e passa por processo intenso de erosão linear, tanto por sulco quanto voçoroca. A classificação deste solo demonstrou ser uma ferramenta importante para determinar suas limitações e seu melhor uso e manejo. Com esta ferramenta, foi possível determinar as severas limitações que este solo apresenta para o uso agrícola, bem como, inferir a respeito do baixo nível tecnológico sob o qual este solo é manejado que está levando-o a sua degradação. Apesar da adoção de uma técnica alternativa de recuperação, foi despendido um grande montante econômico para a estabilização da erosão, o que evidenciou a gravidade deste problema. A técnica adotada mostrou-se eficiente para conter o avanço da erosão. Apesar da estabilização desta erosão ter tido o envolvimento de moradores do local, depois de finalizada a intervenção, os mesmos não continuaram a adotar as práticas de conservação do solo recomendadas. Assim, a falta de manutenção na área estabilizada por parte dos agricultores vizinhos à voçoroca pode propiciar o surgimento de novos processos erosivos nessa área.

This thesis aimed at measuring the economic costs of soil degradation and to determine factors that influence the incidence and extent of adoption of soil conservation technologies by smallholder farmers in Malawi. A dynamic optimisation model was used to derive and analyse the optimal conditions for soil resource extraction and use in Malawi, while a selective tobit model was used to simulate the two-step decision-making process of farmers with respect to adoption of soil conservation technologies. Soil degradation has long-term consequences and static models, which form the bulk of studies that have so far been carried out in Africa on this topic, do not account for the inter-temporal dimension of optimal resource management. To deal with this shortcoming, this thesis used an inter-temporal optimisation framework, which considers soil in a time-dependent resource extraction perspective. This thesis has demonstrated that soil degradation is causing an enormous reduction in the productive value of smallholder land in Malawi. Current user cost of soil quality based on current practices of smallholder farmers, which represents annual loss in productive value of land, was estimated to be US$21 per hectare. Based on this value and land area under smallholder agriculture in Malawi, economic costs of soil degradation among smallholder farmers were estimated to amount to 14 per cent of the agricultural GDP. If left unabated, soil degradation threatens not only the future of smallholder agriculture but also, economic growth prospects of the nation. Although not operating on the SS optimal path in terms of soil resource management, current practices show that smallholder farmers in Malawi still consider, to certain degree, the dynamic costs in soil resource use. Hence, there is no strong evidence to suggest that current trends in land degradation are due to an institution failure (i.e., smallholder farmers have private incentives to conserve their soil resource). A result that suggests presence of other factors, most likely market distortions, behind existing deviations of farmers' practices from dynamic optimum. Government's serious support of the input and output market reforms is important not only to make the markets work but also, to make smallholder agriculture a profitable enterprise. It is only when smallholder agriculture becomes profitable that farmers can seriously invest in the soil resource. Agricultural support programs such as "food for work" if extended to include soil conservation, could lead to substantial curtailment of soil erosion since farmers can invest their labour in their own gardens during the critical times of land preparation. The sensitivity analysis indicated that increasing the discount rate to' 5%, SS solutions were close to current practice solutions. This suggests that one reason smallholder farmers are exploiting the soil resource is because they have a higher time preference. The high levels of poverty, especially among the smallholder subsistence farmers in Malawi, entail that farming households are more concerned with their survival now than their future well being. The study estimated an optimal output of 1.5tonlha and nitrogen fertiliser rate of 49 kg/ha at SS. The fertiliser estimates are based on smallholder farming system that incorporates soil conservation. In one of the most detailed studies on nitrogen use efficiency in Malawi, Itimu (1997) indicated that with the incorporation of manure, nitrogen fertiliser use dropped from 60 to 30 kg/ha to produce about 2.5 tons of maize. Malawi uses area specific recommendations for fertiliser application. However, using "best bet" technologies, at least 35kgN/ha is recommended for smallholder farmers on average. The SS optimum fertiliser estimated in the current study was somehow higher due to the fact that an inter-temporal framework, which considered the dynamic costs of soil nutrient extraction, was used. Results from fertiliser recommendation trials may be reinforced if researchers consider the inter-temporal nature and dynamic costs associated with the use of soil. The selective tobit model results indicate that factors that influence smallholder farmers' decisions to adopt soil conservation technologies may not necessarily be the same factors that influence subsequent decision on levels of adoption. The implication of this finding is that different policy prescriptions on soil conservation should strictly be guided by the goals the government wants to achieve. With fertiliser prices being out of the reach of most smallholder farmers in Malawi, soil conservation is one of the reliable options available to reduce soil degradation. However, any policy aimed at improving adoption of soil conservation technologies among smallholder farmers would succeed only if the various needs of smallholder farmers at the two decision stages are properly identified and addressed. / Thesis (PhD (Agricultural Economics))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development / unrestricted

The study was carried out at Abujubeha area (10? 52 48.17 ‐11? 23 08.79 N and 30? 00 05.99 ‐ 31? 28 04.91’ E) in Northeast Nuba Mountain, South Kordofan region, Sudan. In order to investigate the soil degradation aspects in the study area, its causal, rate per time and mapping; the remote sensing and GIS technologies were used beside the routine soil survey and laboratory analyses. Quantitative information on soils degradation and vegetation cover changes was acquired. Using multi‐spectral satellite imagery the most dynamic land cover types have been able to be mapped with 64% accuracy (Dense Forest, Moderate Forest, Light Forest, Fallow and Bare soils). The result showed that 38% of the forested areas were lost in the last two decades at annual rate of 1.8%. Forest clearance in the last 5 (199‐2005) years equal two times the clearance happened in the previous 15 years (1986‐1999). The geostatistical characterization of soil variability showed that soil properties are highly spatially dependent, with significant sensitivity to soil‐forming factors. Soils dynamic are affected by land use system as well as with soil physiographic position. The Red soils (Gardud) are more dynamic than the Dark clayey soils. The Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) was used; the result revealed that the study area is potentially susceptible to be eroded by water. The Erosion rate was measured in term of erosion Risk Assessment. The model indicated that the overall average of soil loss is 1.32 t/ha /y.

Orientador: Marlene Cristina Alves / Banca: Mario Luiz Teixeira de Moraes / Banca: Hélio Ricardo Silva / Banca: Reges Heinrichs / Banca: Gilberto Colodro / Resumo: A utilização incorreta dos solos e grandes construções no meio rural vêm causando alterações no mesmo, tornando-os menos produtivos, aumentando assim as áreas degradadas. Técnicas que visam à restauração ecológica de solos degradados têm sido investigadas. Neste sentido investigaram-se as mudanças positivas no ambiente edáfico de um solo decapitado que está sob intervenção antrópica com técnicas para recuperação há 17 anos, tendo sido utilizado adubos verdes, correção do solo, gesso e pastagem. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com nove tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos implantados em 1992 foram: Solo mobilizado (vegetação espontânea); Mucuna-preta (MP); Guandu (G) até 1994, após substituído por Feijão-de-porco (FP); Calcário+MP; Calcário+Gesso até 1994, após substituído por FP; Calcário+Gesso+MP; Calcário+Gesso+G até 1994, após substituído por FP e, para controle duas testemunhas T1: solo exposto (sem práticas de recuperação) e T2: Vegetação nativa de Cerrado. Os tratamentos permaneceram por sete anos, e em 1999 implantou-se a B. decumbens em toda área experimental. No ano de 2010 e 2011, em três camadas do solo, de 0,00-0,10; 0,10-0,20 e de 0,20-0,40 m, foram estudadas as propriedades físicas: porosidade do solo; densidade do solo; distribuição e estabilidade dos agregados em água; retenção de água no solo, resistência do solo à penetração, umidade do solo, infiltração de água no solo, temperatura do solo, armazenamento de água no solo e, químicas: cátions trocáveis; C orgânico, nitrogênio, pH, matéria orgânica e acidez potencial, calculadas a SB, CTC e V %. Foram avaliados o desenvolvimento das espécies arbóreas, que se regeneraram naturalmente, e massa seca da parte aérea e das raízes da B. decumbens. Em relação aos organismos... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Incorrect use of land and large buildings in rural areas has caused the same changes, making them less productive, thus increasing the degraded areas. Techniques aimed at ecological restoration of degraded soils have been investigated. In this sense we investigated the positive changes in the soil environment of a soil that is beheaded in human intervention techniques for recovery for 17 years, having been used green manures, soil amendment, gypsum and pasture. The experimental design was completely randomized with nine treatments and four repetitions. The treatments were: control (soil mobilized) until 1999, after deployed Brachiaria decumbens; Stizolobium aterrimum (Piper & Tracy) until 1999, after replaced by B. decumbens; Cajanus cajan (L.) until 1994, after replaced by Canavalia ensiformis (L.) and from 1999 replaced by B. decumbens; Lime+S. aterrimum until 1999 when was replaced by B. decumbens; Lime+C. cajan until 1994, after replaced by C. ensiformis from 1999 and replaced by B. decumben; Lime+ Gypsum+S. aterrimum until 1999, after was replaced by B. decumbens; Lime+Gypsum+C. cajan until 1994, after replaced by C. ensiformis, and two witnesses: Soil exposed (without recovery technique) and native vegetation (savannah). These treatments were used for seven years and in 1999 Brachiaria decumbens was used throughout the experimental area. In 2010, in soil depths layers of 0.00-0.10; 0.10-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m, were evaluated for the following properties: total porosity, soil bulk density, stability of aggregates, water retention in the soil, and soil resistance to penetration and soil moisture, water infiltration into the soil, soil temperature, soil water storage, and chemical, exchangeable cations, organic C, pH, organic matter and potential acidity, calculated SB, CEC and V%. In relation to the plants... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Chan, Wing Shing. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 201-222). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Abstract --- p.i / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.iv / Acknowledgements --- p.vi / Table of contents --- p.viii / List of tables --- p.xii / List of figures --- p.xiv / List of plates --- p.xvi / Chapter Chapter One --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Research background --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Conceptual framework --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objectives of the study --- p.10 / Chapter 1.5 --- Significance of the study --- p.11 / Chapter 1.6 --- Organization of the thesis --- p.12 / Chapter Chapter Two --- Literature Review / Chapter 2.1 --- Land degradation: an overview --- p.14 / Chapter 2.2 --- Land degradation in Hong Kong --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3 --- Ecological rehabilitation --- p.20 / Chapter 2.4 --- Role of plantation in ecological rehabilitation --- p.22 / Chapter 2.5 --- Reforestation history in Hong Kong and species selection --- p.25 / Chapter 2.6 --- Nutrient requirements of native species --- p.31 / Chapter 2.7 --- The geology and soils of Hong Kong --- p.35 / Chapter 2.7.1 --- Geology --- p.35 / Chapter 2.7.2 --- Soils --- p.35 / Chapter 2.8 --- Greenhouse approach in nutrient requirement study --- p.37 / Chapter 2.9 --- Nitrogen mineralization --- p.38 / Chapter 2.10 --- Chlorophyll fluorescence --- p.40 / Chapter 2.11 --- Summary --- p.41 / Chapter Chapter Three --- Inherent Characteristics and Properties of Decomposed Granite and Fire-affected Soil / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.42 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Sources of soil and sampling --- p.43 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Soil pre-treatment --- p.44 / Chapter 3.3 --- Laboratory analysis --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Reaction pH and conductivity --- p.45 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Texture --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Organic carbon --- p.46 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Carbon: nitrogen ratio --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.6 --- Total phosphorus (TP) --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3.7 --- Exchangeable Al and H --- p.48 / Chapter 3.3.8 --- "Exchangeable cations, base saturation percentage (BSP) and exchangeable Al percentage" --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Texture --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Reaction pH and conductivity --- p.49 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- "Soil organic matter, total Kjeldhal nitrogen and total phosphorus" --- p.51 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Exchangeable cations --- p.52 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- DG as a representative soil of soil destruction sites --- p.54 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- FAS as a representative soil of vegetation disturbance sites --- p.56 / Chapter 3.5 --- Summary --- p.58 / Chapter Chapter Four --- Nitrogen Fluxes of Decomposed Granite and Fire-affected Soil Amended with Urea / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.59 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Experimental design --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Soil incubation and sampling --- p.63 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Analysis of mineral nitrogen (NH4-N and NO3-N) --- p.64 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Variation of NH4-N in DG and FAS --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Variation of N03-N in DG and FAS --- p.68 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Variation of mineral N in DG and FAS --- p.74 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- NH4-N fluxes in DG and FAS --- p.78 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- NO3-N fluxes in DG and FAS --- p.80 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- Mineral N fluxes in DG and FAS --- p.82 / Chapter 4.4 --- Summary --- p.86 / Chapter Chapter Five --- Growth Performance of Native Species in Decomposed Granite and Fire-affected Soil / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.88 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Experimental design --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Nitrogen treatments --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Post-planting care --- p.95 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- "Measurement of survival rate, height, basal diameter, aboveground biomass and foliar nitrogen" --- p.95 / Chapter 5.2.4.1 --- Survival rate --- p.96 / Chapter 5.2.4.2 --- Height and basal diameter --- p.96 / Chapter 5.2.4.3 --- Aboveground biomass --- p.96 / Chapter 5.2.4.4 --- Foliar sampling --- p.97 / Chapter 5.2.4.5 --- Determination of foliar nitrogen --- p.97 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.97 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.98 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Survival rate --- p.98 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Height growth of species in DG --- p.105 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Effect of nitrogen on species height growth in DG --- p.112 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Height growth of species in FAS --- p.117 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Effect of nitrogen on species height growth in FAS --- p.118 / Chapter 5.3.6 --- Effect of DG and FAS on species height growth --- p.120 / Chapter 5.3.7 --- Basal diameter growth of species in DG --- p.122 / Chapter 5.3.8 --- Effect of N on basal diameter growth of species in DG --- p.124 / Chapter 5.3.9 --- Basal diameter growth of species in FAS --- p.126 / Chapter 5.3.10 --- Effect of N on basal diameter growth of species in FAS --- p.127 / Chapter 5.3.11 --- Effect of DG and FAS on species basal diameter growth --- p.127 / Chapter 5.3.12 --- Overall height and basal diameter growth of species in DG . --- p.129 / Chapter 5.3.13 --- Overall height and basal diameter growth of species in FAS --- p.131 / Chapter 5.3.14 --- Aboveground biomass of species in DG --- p.133 / Chapter 5.3.15 --- Effect of N on aboveground biomass of species in DG --- p.135 / Chapter 5.3.16 --- Aboveground biomass production in FAS --- p.138 / Chapter 5.3.17 --- Effect of N on aboveground biomass of species in FAS --- p.139 / Chapter 5.3.18 --- Effect of DG and FAS on aboveground biomass of species --- p.141 / Chapter 5.3.19 --- Foliar nitrogen --- p.143 / Chapter 5.3.19.1 --- Foliar N of species grown in DG --- p.143 / Chapter 5.3.19.2 --- Effect of N amendment on foliar N of species in DG --- p.147 / Chapter 5.3.19.3 --- Foliar N of species in FAS --- p.149 / Chapter 5.3.19.4 --- Effect of N amendment on foliar N of species in FAS --- p.151 / Chapter 5.3.19.5 --- Effect of DG and FAS on the foliar N of species --- p.152 / Chapter 5.4 --- Summary --- p.155 / Chapter Chapter Six --- Photosynthetic Efficiency of Native Species / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.158 / Chapter 6.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.160 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Measurement of chlorophyll fluorescence --- p.160 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Statistical analysis --- p.162 / Chapter 6.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.162 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Photosynthetic efficiency of species in DG --- p.162 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Photosynthetic efficiency of species in FAS --- p.170 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- Effect of DG and FAS on photosynthetic efficiency of Species --- p.172 / Chapter 6.4 --- Summary --- p.175 / Chapter Chapter Seven --- Conclusions / Chapter 7.1 --- Introduction --- p.178 / Chapter 7.2 --- Summary of major findings --- p.179 / Chapter 7.3 --- Implications of the study --- p.187 / Chapter 7.3.1 --- Species selection for the rehabilitation of soil destruction sites --- p.187 / Chapter 7.3.2 --- Species selection for the rehabilitation of vegetation disturbance sites --- p.191 / Chapter 7.3.3 --- Fertilization practice in different degraded lands --- p.193 / Chapter 7.3.4 --- The importance of soil test in ecological rehabilitation Planting --- p.195 / Chapter 7.4 --- Limitations of the study --- p.197 / Chapter 7.5 --- Suggestions for further study --- p.198 / References --- p.201 / Appendices --- p.223

O encrostamento superficial é um dos fatores de favorecimento da erosão e degradação dos solos. O estudo e monitoramento das crostas superficiais são importantes para o manejo e conservação do solo e da água, principalmente em regiões de clima tropical, onde a degradação do solo é mais intensa e percebe-se um descuido em relação à proteção do ambiente. O presente projeto teve como objetivo o monitoramento da formação e evolução das crostas superficiais para solos de texturas contrastantes. Foram monitoradas as modificações ocorridas nos solos escolhidos para cada evento chuvoso acima de 25 mm/h durante os meses de dezembro de 2008 a maio de 2009. O projeto foi composto por três tipos de solo Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo de textura média, Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo e Nitossolo Vermelho eutroférrico argiloso e ocorreram concomitantemente em diferentes áreas. O delineamento experimental escolhido foi blocos ao acaso. Para monitoramento da formação de crosta associada a ocorrência de eventos chuvosos foram coletadas amostras deformadas e indeformadas para análises físicas e químicas de rotina, medidas da densidade do solo, confecção de curvas de retenção de água e para análises micromorfológicas e de imagens. Em campo foi realizado o monitoramento da infiltração de água e da rugosidade superficial do solo. A redução na rugosidade do solo pode ser observada já nas primeiras chuvas e ocorreu de maneira rápida para todos os tipos de solo. As crostas superficiais foram formadas para todos os solos, porém sem causar modificações significativas na porosidade total, na condutividade hidráulica e nas curvas de retenção de água. Sendo assim, as crostas observadas para os solos estudados são formadas pela reorganização estrutural e mobilização do material do solo sem, no entanto, interferir nas características hídricas dos solos. / Soil crusting is one of the main negative effects of human beings on soil degradation. This process of physical origin diminishes soil water infiltration increasing runoff and consequently soil loss by water erosion and soil degradation. The study and monitoring of soil crusts is important for soil management and conservation, mainly in tropical regions in which research is scarce in this field of study. The purpose of this study was to monitor the formation and evolution of crusts in soils with contrasting particle size distributions. Soil crusts were monitored on a sandy/sandy loam Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (Typic Hapludult), sandy loam Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo (Typic Hapludox) and a clayey Nitossolo Vermelho eutroférrico (Rhodic Kandiudalf). Sampling and soil data were taken after 0, 3, 5 and 10 rain storms with intensities above 25 mm.h-1 during the period from December 2008 to May 2009. Soil routine chemical and particle size distribution analysis were performed for soil characterization. To monitor the soil changes caused by the rainfall determination of the soil roughness, hydraulic conductivity, soil water characteristic curves and micromorphological analysis were performed. The reduction of soil roughness and the formation of soil crusts were observed for all the studied soils during the different rainfall events. The formation of the soil crusts did not significantly change the total porosity and pore morphology and distribution, and, consequently, the hydraulic conductivity and soil water retention of the surface layers of the studied soils.

Thesis (MTech (Chemistry))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2016. / Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are an alarming group of organic substances for humans and environmental organisms due to their ubiquitous presence, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. They are semi-volatile substances which result from the fusion of carbon and hydrogen atoms and constitute a large group of compounds containing two to several aromatic rings in their molecule. Natural processes and several anthropogenic activities involving complete or incomplete combustion of organic substances such as coal, fossil fuel, tobacco and other thermal processes, generally result in the release of the PAHs into the environment. However, the fate of the PAHs is of great environmental concern due to their tendency to accumulate and their persistence in different environmental matrices and their toxicity. Animal studies have revealed that an excessive exposure to PAHs can be harmful. Evidence of their carcinogenic, mutagenic, and immune-suppressive effects has been reported in the literature. In the soil environment, they have the tendency to be absorbed by plants grown on soil being contaminated by the PAHs. It is, therefore, important to evaluate their occurrence levels in different environmental matrices such as soil concentrations.

A dinâmica dos sistemas naturais se constrói na integração de todos os elementos pertencentes ao ambiente. Caso o conhecimento do meio físico e da influência das atividades antrópicas nesta dinâmica não sejam considerados em conjunto com o uso e ocupação, problemas ambientais de difícil recuperação, como as voçorocas, podem ser gerados, prejudicando a própria manutenção e expansão das atividades humanas. Neste sentido, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar de forma integrada os condicionantes geológicos e geotécnicos e as propriedades que interferem na drenagem da água superficial e subsuperficial em uma voçoroca do município de Nazareno, no estado de Minas Gerais (voçoroca do Córrego do Cravo). Diante disso, foram elaborados mapas com a utilização de SIG para levantamento e análise das características da bacia do Córrego do Cravo e da bacia de contribuição da voçoroca. Ensaios em laboratório (permeabilidade, erodibilidade, parâmetros físico-químicos, matéria orgânica, MCT e MEV/EDS) foram realizados para caracterização geológica e geotécnica, assim como o tratamento de dados pluviométricos e o programa ABC 6, para estudo do comportamento e da vazão das chuvas. Por fim, para avaliação das propostas de macrodrenagem na bacia de contribuição da voçoroca do Córrego do Cravo, utilizou-se o programa Canal. Os resultados apontaram que, nesta região, as elevadas declividades e susceptibilidade do solo saprolítico (Cambissolo) são os principais condicionantes do ambiente, sendo a intensidade das chuvas, as direções do fluxo superficial, sua concentração (originada pela retirada da cobertura vegetal e manejo inadequado do solo tanto pelas atividades agropecuárias como pela implantação de obras de infraestrutura, como estradas, por exemplo), e a exposição do nível d\'água subterrâneo no interior da voçoroca, os principais fatores que proporcionam o desenvolvimento e retorno dos processos erosivos. Dessa forma, a redução do volume e da energia do escoamento superficial em direção ao solo saprolítico, concomitante ao recolhimento e disciplinamento da água subsuperficial no interior da voçoroca, são consideradas imprescindíveis à estabilização dos processos erosivos. As propostas de macrodrenagem, de maneira geral, poderão ser aplicadas, não somente na voçoroca do Córrego do Cravo, mas também em outras voçorocas de Nazareno com propriedades geológicas-geotécnicas similares. / The dynamics of natural systems are based on the integration of all environmental elements. If the knowledge of physical conditions and of the influence of anthropogenic activities are not considered jointly with land use difficult environmental problems, as gullies, are generated and may cause damages both on maintenance and on expansion of human activities. Thus, this research aims to evaluate the geological and geotechnical constraints and properties which interfere in the superficial and subsuperficial drainage systems of a gully in the Nazareno municipality, at Minas Gerais state, Brazil (Córrego do Cravo gully). Therefore, maps to survey data from the Córrego do Cravo basin and the gully contribution area were made, using GIS tools. In addition, laboratory tests (permeability, erodibility, physical-chemical parameters, organic matter, MCT and SEM/EDS) were conducted for a geological and geotechnical characterization, as well as a study of the precipitation data was done and the software ABC 6 was used to evaluate rainfall and flow. Finally, for the macro drainage system assessment the software Canal was used. The results showed that the steep slopes and the saprolite soil susceptibility (Cambisol) are the main environmental constraints, and the rainfall intensity, the flow directions and its concentration (that is generated by the removal of vegetation and inadequate land use, both urban and agricultural), and the exposure of the water table level in the gully are the main factors that developed and brought the erosive processes back. Hence, both flow volume and energy towards the saprolite soil, in addition with subsuperficial water collection and its discipline inside the gully, are considered indispensable to stabilize of the erosive processes. The macro drainage system proposition can be applied in other gullie areas with similar geological and geotechnical properties.

O encrostamento superficial é um dos fatores de favorecimento da erosão e degradação dos solos. O estudo e monitoramento das crostas superficiais são importantes para o manejo e conservação do solo e da água, principalmente em regiões de clima tropical, onde a degradação do solo é mais intensa e percebe-se um descuido em relação à proteção do ambiente. O presente projeto teve como objetivo o monitoramento da formação e evolução das crostas superficiais para solos de texturas contrastantes. Foram monitoradas as modificações ocorridas nos solos escolhidos para cada evento chuvoso acima de 25 mm/h durante os meses de dezembro de 2008 a maio de 2009. O projeto foi composto por três tipos de solo Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo de textura média, Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo e Nitossolo Vermelho eutroférrico argiloso e ocorreram concomitantemente em diferentes áreas. O delineamento experimental escolhido foi blocos ao acaso. Para monitoramento da formação de crosta associada a ocorrência de eventos chuvosos foram coletadas amostras deformadas e indeformadas para análises físicas e químicas de rotina, medidas da densidade do solo, confecção de curvas de retenção de água e para análises micromorfológicas e de imagens. Em campo foi realizado o monitoramento da infiltração de água e da rugosidade superficial do solo. A redução na rugosidade do solo pode ser observada já nas primeiras chuvas e ocorreu de maneira rápida para todos os tipos de solo. As crostas superficiais foram formadas para todos os solos, porém sem causar modificações significativas na porosidade total, na condutividade hidráulica e nas curvas de retenção de água. Sendo assim, as crostas observadas para os solos estudados são formadas pela reorganização estrutural e mobilização do material do solo sem, no entanto, interferir nas características hídricas dos solos. / Soil crusting is one of the main negative effects of human beings on soil degradation. This process of physical origin diminishes soil water infiltration increasing runoff and consequently soil loss by water erosion and soil degradation. The study and monitoring of soil crusts is important for soil management and conservation, mainly in tropical regions in which research is scarce in this field of study. The purpose of this study was to monitor the formation and evolution of crusts in soils with contrasting particle size distributions. Soil crusts were monitored on a sandy/sandy loam Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo (Typic Hapludult), sandy loam Latossolo Vermelho-Amarelo (Typic Hapludox) and a clayey Nitossolo Vermelho eutroférrico (Rhodic Kandiudalf). Sampling and soil data were taken after 0, 3, 5 and 10 rain storms with intensities above 25 mm.h-1 during the period from December 2008 to May 2009. Soil routine chemical and particle size distribution analysis were performed for soil characterization. To monitor the soil changes caused by the rainfall determination of the soil roughness, hydraulic conductivity, soil water characteristic curves and micromorphological analysis were performed. The reduction of soil roughness and the formation of soil crusts were observed for all the studied soils during the different rainfall events. The formation of the soil crusts did not significantly change the total porosity and pore morphology and distribution, and, consequently, the hydraulic conductivity and soil water retention of the surface layers of the studied soils.

The aim of this research is to assess various options for the management of topsoil stockpiles on disturbed lands and to evaluate the viability and germinability over time of the seedbanks in these stockpiles for use in rehabilitation. To predict their success, experimental trials were designed and conducted.