Geotatistics analysis of CO2 emissions and carbon stocks in forest plantation and silvopastoral system after 30 years of conversion in the Cerrado

Abstract

To reduce the greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, especially CO2, several studies have been developed to find an alternative to turn soils not a source but a sink of GHG. In this context, crops that provide soil carbon accumulation and reduce soil CO2 emissions are targeted, as crop-forest and silvopastoral systems, since those are contributing to sustainability, biodiversity and soil and water conservation. Currently the soil does not behave as a homogeneous system, hence it is also important to take into account the spatial variability of its attributes to define specific management areas. The aim of the project is to study the spatial variability of carbon stocks and soil CO2 emission in planted forest areas (eucalyptus) and silvopastoral system (consortium with Aroeira-vermelha with pasture), in the Cerrado region of Mato Grosso do Sul. Soil CO2 emission will be measured by a LI-8100 dynamic system with the determination of soil temperature and soil moisture. Soil chemical and physical attributes will be determined, and subsequently the calculus of carbon stocks in both areas will be performed. The spatial variability of the variables will be studied using geostatistical techniques: variogram analysis, interpolation by ordinary kriging and sequential Gaussian simulation, followed by analysis of uncertainties. (AU)