SOIL QUALITY UNDER AGROFORESTRY SYSTEMS AND TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE IN THE ATLANTIC FOREST BIOME

Patricia Dias Tavares,Vanessa Aparecida Freo,Cristiane Figueira Da Silva,Eliane Maria Ribeiro Da Silva,Marcos Gervasio Pereira,Wanderlei Bieluczyk

doi:10.1590/1983-21252018v31n418rc

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the present study, we evaluated the influence of agroforestry systems and traditional agriculture on the physical attributes and biologicals of soil, using as reference a native forest area in Paraty, RJ. Levels of total soil organic carbon, as well as oxidizable fractions and aggregate stability, were analyzed, in addition to the activity and carbon and nitrogen content in the soil microbial biomass, in the 0-5 cm layer, in two distinct seasons (dry and rainy seasons). The agroforestry systems and traditional agriculture maintain high levels of total organic carbon and its storage in more stable fractions. These systems provide the same conditions as those of the forest area for the aggregation of the soil. The microbial biomass was more responsive to variations in management and seasonality. The deployment of agroforestry systems contributes to the formation of a more diversified agricultural matrix, promoting improvements in the soil quality and connection with the remaining adjacent forest.

Highlights

The remnants of the Atlantic Forest, for the most part, are immersed in agricultural matrices, some of them in the form of conservation units
The implementation of agroforestry systems (AS) associated with traditional agriculture among areas of forest remnants, mark the profile of many of agroecosystems of the region of Paraty – Rio de Janeiro (RJ) (SOUZA; PIÑA-RODRIGUES, 2013; SILVA et al, 2012)
The study area has three agricultural systems, two agroforestry systems, and an area of traditional agriculture, which are located in the same position geographically, and next to a fragment of secondary forest

Summary

Introduction

The remnants of the Atlantic Forest, for the most part, are immersed in agricultural matrices, some of them in the form of conservation units. In the Costa Verde region of the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), the creation of conservation units has created conflicts with native populations, due to the restrictions for the maintenance of agricultural and extractive activities To minimize such conflicts and assist agricultural production, within and around these units, the use of agroforestry systems (AS) was encouraged, which are recognized by promoting biodiversity and environmental services through incorporation of forest components in livestock systems (FAO, 2013). With the deployment of AS, the agricultural matrix tends to become more diversified, offering shelter for animals and promoting connectivity between areas of forest remnants (PERFECTO; VANDERMEER 2010) This style of agriculture has the potential to support one of the emergencies of this century, i.e., to reconcile production of food with the conservation of natural resources (PERFECTO; VANDERMEER, 2010; SOUZA et al, 2012; FAO, 2013)

Methods

Results

Conclusion