Erosive, hydrosedimentological and hydrochemical dynamics of the Mandaguari River basin and its implications for the geomorphological evolution of western São Paulo State

Abstract

Land use changes, converting areas of native vegetation into monocultures and pastures, cause substantial alterations in the flow of matter and energy. These changes directly influence the processes of surface geomorphological dynamics, leading to an increase in laminar water erosion and high sediment production, as well as compromising surface water quality. This increase in water erosion accelerates the denudation of the land, with a notable imbalance between morphogenesis and pedogenesis. The aim of this work is therefore to directly quantify laminar erosion by installing erosion plots, to evaluate the rates of loss of material carried out of the watershed through the flow of Total Suspended Solids over the course of a hydrological year and during extreme events, and finally to analyze the quality of surface water over the course of a hydrological year. The Mandaguari River basin, located in the region of Presidente Prudente, in the west of the state of São Paulo, will be used for this work. The results should contribute to an understanding of the current dynamics of the development of the regional landscape. In addition, the data can support actions to control erosion processes among rural producers, as well as actions for environmental management to be adopted by the public authorities. (AU)