Soil carbon stocks evaluation due to management changes on sugarcane production

Abstract

In view of the increasing environmental and legal concerns, many discussions are being focusing on agricultural production associated with sustainability and environmental quality. In this way, Brazilian commodities, such as ethanol, are looking for sustainable production to suit the international market demands. An important parameter for assessing sustainability is the carbon footprint calculation of the product. Thus, studies of the variations in soil carbon stocks on the ethanol production are essential. Studies in relation of land use change are already been developed; however information about parameters of management changes on the sugarcane production is needed. The objective of this research will be the evaluation of soil carbon stocks in response to management change in sugarcane production. To do this, soil cores will be performed in areas when occurred management changes on sugarcane production considering vertical dimensions (depth) and temporal (cultivation time). Specific organic matter model will be used for the development of mathematical modeling results involving recent and future scenarios of the sugarcane. This information may be used as a basis for public policies decision which dealing of the land use and global warming. The scientific information obtained in this research will be included in carbon footprint calculation of ethanol production and its use as biofuel. (AU)