Dynamic and stability of the organic matter in areas with potential for carbon sequestration in the soil

Abstract

Throughout the world, scientifically and economically viable solutions have been studied with the view of reducing the emission into the atmosphere of CO2, CH4 and N2O gases, responsible for the greenhouse effect. Most notable among them is carbon sequestration (C) by the soil, for which Brazil displays great potential, due to its territorial expanse and agricultural/forestry aptitude. Reforestation and recuperation of degraded areas, with the use of promising gramineous or leguminous plants, are envisaged by the Kyoto protocol as alternatives capable of substantially increasing the sequestration of C. Other notable practices are the rotation of crops (gramineous-leguminous) and the system of no-till planting, the use of which has been increasing in the country and which has provided greater additions of organic matter to the soil compared to the conventional system. However, with the use of these alternatives, there is the need for a better understanding of the dynamic (additions and losses of C) and the stability (sequestration time of C) of the organic material in Brazilian soils, as well as under different vegetation/crop systems of management, guaranteeing at the same time the sustainability of production and the sequestration of C. The present Project proposes to meet that need, aiming for a better understanding of the behavior of organic matter in areas with potential for C sequestration, through the evaluation of the stocks of carbon in the soil and of the use of fractioning techniques followed by spectroscopic techniques. (AU)