Cerrado Environment Research Articles

Variations in the architecture and histochemistry of the gelatinous fibers in Eriosema (DC.) Desv. (Leguminosae) species from the Brazilian Cerrado

G-fibers have been widely studied in tension wood, but few studies are available on aerial and underground organs of shrub and subshrub, specially comparing those organs of the same plant. The goal of this study is to compare the general pattern of G-fibers distribution, and the structure and histochemistry of G-fibers walls between aerial and underground organs in 19 Eriosema taxa occurring in the tropical savanna, locally called cerrado. The samples were processed according to standard techniques in plant anatomy and histochemistry. G-fibers occurred throughout the vegetative body and were exclusively extraxylary in organs with primary growth and extraxylary and xylary in organs with incipient secondary growth. G-fibers were more abundant and had a thicker G-layer in the underground organs. In all the organs analyzed, the G-fibers were identified by the presence of a non-lignified internal translucent layer (G-layer) sometimes occupying the entire lumen of the fiber. The abundance and wide occurrence of G-fibers in the vegetative axis of Eriosema plants may represent an adaptive mechanism and may explain why plants that belong to this genus are able to survive in adverse Cerrado conditions. We suggest that the conditions of the Cerrado environment may stimulate the differentiation of gelatinous fibers in these plants. In addition, the ecophysiological significance of the G-fibers, we emphasize their taxonomic value as a unifying character of the Eriosema genus.

Transformation and ageing of biomass burning carbonaceous aerosol over tropical South America from aircraft in situ measurements during SAMBBA

Abstract. We present a range of airborne in situ observations of biomass burning carbonaceous aerosol over tropical South America, including a case study of a large tropical forest wildfire and a series of regional survey flights across the Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado. The study forms part of the South American Biomass Burning Analysis (SAMBBA) project, which was conducted during September and October 2012. We find limited evidence for net increases in aerosol mass through atmospheric ageing combined with substantial changes in the chemical properties of organic aerosol (OA). Oxidation of the OA increases significantly and rapidly on the scale of 2.5–3 h based on our case study analysis and is consistent with secondary organic aerosol production. The observations of limited net enhancement in OA coupled with such changes in chemical composition imply that evaporation of OA is also occurring to balance these changes. We observe significant coatings on black carbon particles at source, but with limited changes with ageing in both particle core size and coating thickness. We quantify variability in the ratio of OA to carbon monoxide across our study as a key parameter representing both initial fire conditions and an indicator of net aerosol production with atmospheric ageing. We observe ratios of 0.075–0.13 µgsm-3ppbv-1 in the west of our study region over the Amazon tropical forest in air masses less influenced by precipitation and a value of 0.095 µgsm-3ppbv-1 over the Cerrado environment in the east (where sm−3 refers to standard metre cubed). Such values are consistent with emission factors used by numerical models to represent biomass burning OA emissions. Black carbon particle core sizes typically range from mean mass diameters of 250 to 290 nm, while coating thicknesses range from 40 to 110 nm in air masses less influenced by precipitation. The primary driver of the variability we observe appears to be related to changes at the initial fire source. A key lesson from our study is that simply aggregating our observations as a function of atmospheric ageing would have been misleading due to the complex nature of the regional aerosol and its drivers, due to the many conflating and competing factors that are present. Our study explores and quantifies key uncertainties in the evolution of biomass burning aerosol at both near-field and regional scales. Our results suggest that the initial conditions of the fire are the primary driver of carbonaceous aerosol physical and chemical properties over tropical South America, aside from significant oxidation of OA during atmospheric ageing. Such findings imply that uncertainties in the magnitude of the aerosol burden and its impact on weather, climate, health and natural ecosystems most likely lie in quantifying emission sources, alongside atmospheric dispersion, transport and removal rather than chemical enhancements in mass.

Nitrogen fertilization in off-season corn crop in different Brazilian Cerrado environments

Abstract: The objective of this work was to assess the grain yield and the economic response of off-season corn (Zea mays) crop subjected to different combinations of starter and topdressing nitrogen fertilization, in the Brazilian Cerrado region. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design in a 3×4 factorial arrangement (0, 45, and 90 kg ha-1 N at sowing and 0, 22.5, 45, and 90 kg ha-1 N in topdressing as urea), in six environments, combining three sites and two sowing times. Grain yield was determined, and the response to total N applied as starter and topdressing was used to obtain a general model of the average trend of the technical and economic return of fertilization. The corn crop response varied according to the environment, and the observed yields were high. The application of N as a starter fertilizer increased corn yield and improved the effect of topdressing fertilization or even made it unnecessary. Fertilization with 90 kg ha-1 N as urea promotes greater yield and economic return and improves N balance in the soybean/off-season corn crop system.

Biomass burning aerosol over the Amazon: analysis of aircraft, surface and satellite observations using a global aerosol model

Abstract. Vegetation fires emit large quantities of aerosol into the atmosphere, impacting regional air quality and climate. Previous work has used comparisons of simulated and observed aerosol optical depth (AOD) in regions heavily impacted by fires to suggest that emissions of aerosol particles from fires may be underestimated by a factor of 2–5. Here we use surface, aircraft and satellite observations made over the Amazon during September 2012, along with a global aerosol model to improve understanding of aerosol emissions from vegetation fires. We apply three different satellite-derived fire emission datasets (FINN, GFED, GFAS) in the model. Daily mean aerosol emissions in these datasets vary by up to a factor of 3.7 over the Amazon during this period, highlighting the considerable uncertainty in emissions. We find variable agreement between the model and observed aerosol mass concentrations. The model reproduces observed aerosol concentrations over deforestation fires well in the western Amazon during dry season conditions with FINN or GFED emissions and during dry–wet transition season conditions with GFAS emissions. In contrast, the model underestimates aerosol concentrations over savanna fires in the Cerrado environment east of the Amazon Basin with all three fire emission datasets. The model generally underestimates AOD compared to satellite and ground stations, even when the model reproduces the observed vertical profile of aerosol mass concentration. We suggest it is likely caused by uncertainties in the calculation of AOD, which are as large as ∼90 %, with the largest sensitivities due to uncertainties in water uptake and relative humidity. Overall, we do not find evidence that particulate emissions from fires are systematically underestimated in the Amazon region and we caution against using comparison with AOD to constrain particulate emissions from fires.

Grain yield, adaptability and stability of soybean genotypes in different Cerrado environments of Piauí, Brazil

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the grain yield and the phenotypic adaptability and stability of soybean genotypes in different Cerrado environments of Piauí, Brazil, to provide indications for cultivation in the region. Therefore, we evaluated 23 soybean genotypes and three checks in three different site (Bom Jesus-PI, Monte Alegre-PI and Currais-PI) and environments (crop year 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13). Experiments were carried out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The behavior for the average grain yield of genotypes within and among environments was verified using the Scott Knott’s method of clustering of means (P <0.05). For the study of adaptability and stability, the methods of analysis of Eberhart and Russell and AMMI were used. Genotypes had the best performance of genetic potential in 2010/11 crop year. The best group in Bom Jesus-PI consisted of 16 genotypes and had an average grain yield higher than 3181.61 kg ha-1, what is well above the global average grain yield (2108.26 kg ha-1). G5 and G9 genotypes were the ones with greater adaptability and stability in the three environments with high average grain yield (2362.5 kg ha-1). Therefore, the identification of genotypes presenting such behavior is important for recommending cultivation in the studied environments or in similar areas. It was possible to identify genotypes that have high grain yield and that are stable and adapted for cultivation in the Cerrado at Piauí state.

Identification of Optimal Environments for Cotton Cultivars in the Brazilian Cerrado

Core Ideas There are genotype × environment interaction for cotton in Brazil Genotype + genotype × environment interaction identified essential environments in Cerrado. Brazilian Cerrado is divided in two mega‐environments. In Brazil, cotton cultivars are tested annually in different environments at the final stages of breeding programs. Thus, identifying groups of environments with similar edaphoclimatic characteristics is crucial to determine the environments with higher discriminating ability of genotypes, known as essential environments. This work aimed to divide the Brazilian Cerrado environments into mega‐environments in relation to fiber yield of cotton genotypes and identify essential environments for the conduction of trials in each mega‐environment. Fiber yield was evaluated in 19 competition trials of cotton cultivars in the 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 seasons. The experimental design was a randomized block with 12 treatments and four replications. After verifying significant genotype × environment (G×E) interaction, mega‐environments and essential environments were identified using the genotype + G×E (GGE) biplot method. Two mega‐environments were detected. Mega‐environment 1 was formed by Santa Helena do Goias–Goiás State (GO), Primavera do Leste–Mato Grosso State (MT), and São Desidério–Bahia State (BA). Mega‐environment 2 was formed by: Trindade–Minas Gerais (MG), Campo Verde–MT, Pedra Preta–MT, Luiz Eduardo Magalhães–BA, Magalhães de Almeida–Maranhão State (MA), Teresina–Piauí State (PI), and Chapadão do Sul–Mato Grosso do Sul State (MS). Primavera do Leste in mega‐environment 1 and Pedra Preta in mega‐environment 2 are the optimal sites to conduct trials with cotton genotypes because due to high yield discriminating ability and more representative. This information is useful for breeders to plan the next steps for trials in the Brazilian Cerrado, minimizing resources, such as labor and trial time.

Orchid bees (Apidae: Euglossini) in Cerrado remnants in northeast Brazil

ABSTRACTThere is a general lack of information concerning the diversity of bees belonging to the Euglossini tribe in Cerrado areas closest to the Brazilian Amazon. The state of Maranhão is situated in the northeast Brazilian Cerrado and has become the agricultural frontier of the country due to the advancement of monoculture and cattle farming. These activities have suppressed animal and plant populations in large areas of the Cerrado remnants, for which we have not yet obtained adequate scientific knowledge of local species. The objective of this study was to conduct a survey of Euglossini fauna in the northeast Cerrado. We evaluated the variation in species richness, composition and abundance between two distinct vegetation types: Cerrado sensu stricto (s.s.) and gallery forest. Male bees were captured from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. over two consecutive days. Captures were carried out once per month from July 2012 to December 2013, using a combination of passive and active collection techniques, including baited traps, as well as a collector with an entomological net to collect bees near traps. We collected a total of 766 Euglossini males belonging to 24 species and five genera. The most abundant species were Eulaema bombiformis, Eulaema nigrita and Eulaema cingulata for the gallery forest site, whereas Eulaema nigrita, Euglossa melanotricha and Euglossa cordata were more abundant in the Cerrado s.s. The gallery forest yielded a higher number of male Euglossini (n = 503, 21 species) compared with the Cerrado s.s. (n = 263, 16 species). The presence of seven exclusive species in the gallery forest and three in the Cerrado s.s. indicated that both environments are important for the maintenance of Euglossini species in this region and highlight the increasing need for conservation programmes for the protection of Cerrado environments.

Evidence of the effects of fire on branching and leaf development in cerrado trees

ABSTRACT We discuss evidence of effects of an accidental fire on shoot growth and leaf development in six cerrado tree species with distinct leaf phenologies. Buds of all six species were marked before shoot and leaf emergence in the dry season. After fire, leaf and shoot growth were monitored weekly and specific leaf area (SLA) was determined. Shoot order was determined in the growing season. Evergreens and semideciduous woody species had rapid leaf and shoot growth and decreased leaf life span (LLS) after fire compared with published data for evergreens in cerrado areas without fire. On the other hand, Kielmeyera variabilis, a deciduous species, showed intense branching and produced two orders of shoots in one growing season. Fires promote rapid leaf and shoot growth in evergreens owing to reserve accumulations that allow survivorship after disturbances. However, the leaves produced by evergreens after fire had high SLAs and were discarded before the next rainy season (short LLS). This leaf cohort was produced with less carbon per leaf, and the decreased LLS prevented herbivory and water loss during the dry season. Fire is an important factor of cerrado environments, influencing leaf production and shoot architecture in cerrado trees.

<b>The genus <i>Senna</i> Mill. (Leguminosae: Caesalpinioideae) in the Serra Geral of Licínio de Almeida, Bahia, Brazil

Senna includes about 300 species with circumtropical distribution, widely represented in the Americas, also occurring in Africa, Australia, Asia and Oceania. The genus is represented in Brazil by 80 species, of which 26 are endemic. The Serra Geral de Licinio de Almeida (SGLA), situated in the central portion of the Cadeia do Espinhaco, state of Bahia, Brazil, presents areas relatively little studied, with great potential for the registration of new information about Brazilian biodiversity. The floristic survey of Senna in the SGLA included analysis of specimens collected from February 2012 to October 2013. The analyses were supplemented with dried collections from the following herbaria: ALCB, BHCB, HUEFS, HUNEB, HRB, MBM and SPF.The genus is represented in the study area by 14 taxa, the most representative in the area were: S. silvestris subsp. bifaria var. bifaria , S. macranthera var. striata and S. macranthera var. nervosa , occurring principally in cerrado environments. The taxonomic treatment includes a key for the identification, descriptions, illustrations, photos, data of the geographical distribution, reproductive phenology and comments about the taxa.

Trabeculae and Al-accumulation in the wood cells of Melastomataceae species from Brazilian savanna

Family Melastomataceae is an important component of the Brazilian Cerrado flora, inhabiting different environments from those with well-drained soils to swamp soil sites. Several members of this family are recognized as aluminum (Al)-accumulating. We studied the wood anatomy of six species of Melastomataceae (Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana, M. fallax DC., M. chamissois Naudin, M. ligustroides (DC.) Naudin, Microlepis oleaefolia (DC.) Triana, Rhynchanthera dichotoma DC.), growing in different environments of Cerrado, exploring the occurrence of trabeculae and Al-accumulation sites. We processed the material following the usual techniques in wood anatomy and histochemistry. We used a chrome azurol-S spot-test in fresh material to detect Al-accumulation. The common features were diffuse porosity, vessel elements with simple perforation plates and vestured pits, abundant parenchyma-like fiber bands and septate fibers, axial parenchyma scanty to vasicentric, and heterocellular rays. The presence of trabeculae in vessel elements, septa in parenchyma cells, and aluminum in the G-layer of the gelatinous fiber walls, in the septa of fibers, in cambial initials and derivatives cell walls, and in the vacuole of ray cells are recorded for the first time for Melastomataceae. The results of this study indicate an additional role for gelatinous fibers in Al-accumulation, and offer a new perspective on Al-compartmentalization in the wood cells from Cerrado species.

Structural aspects of germination control in pyrenes of Caryocar brasiliense (Caryocaraceae)

Germination in oleaginous tree Caryocar brasiliense is controlled by complex interactions between pyrene components, contributing to the reproductive success of the species in the seasonal environment of the Cerrado biome. Caryocar brasiliense is an arboreal species widely distributed in the highly seasonal Cerrado (neotropical savanna) biome. The oleaginous fruits of this species are important to the local fauna and as a source of income for traditional human populations. As the diaspores have peculiar structures and pronounced dormancy, we sought to examine the interactions between the morphoanatomy of the pyrene (the seed enveloped by the endocarp) and physiological aspects of germination. We describe here the morphology of the pyrene, the anatomy, histochemistry, and ultrastructure of the seed during the germination process, and evaluate the effect of gibberellic acid (GA3) on the germination of isolated seeds or those still contained within the endocarp. The hard and aculeate endocarp protects the embryo and retards water absorption—thereby controlling germination under natural conditions. The seed coat is thin, unlignified, and rich in phenolic compounds. The embryo is hypocotyledonary, has differentiated vascular bundles, and abundant proteic and lipidc reserves. The physiological dormancy of this species is related to the low growth potential of its embryo and mechanical restraints imposed by the endocarp. Germination is associated with hypocotyl growth through cell expansion (stimulated by GA3)—which promotes the cracking of the endocarp, and thus allows radicle and plumule protrusion. The anatomical characteristics and physiological dormancy of C. brasiliense pyrenes restrict germination to the most propitious occasions and favor the establishment of seedlings in Cerrado environments.

Beans Genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of the Black Group in the Cerrado Environment, Brazil

Beans Genotypes (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) of the Black Group in the Cerrado Environment, Brazil

Comparison of Reference Evapotranspiration Estimates Obtained by Different Methods in Relation to the Penman-Montheith Method in Cerrado Environment, Brazil

Comparison of Reference Evapotranspiration Estimates Obtained by Different Methods in Relation to the Penman-Montheith Method in Cerrado Environment, Brazil

Communities and occurrences of Squamata reptiles in different vegetation types of the Serra de São José, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract The objective of the present study was to learn which species of Squamata reptiles occur in Protected Area São José, in Tiradentes, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Between November 2009 and December 2010 reptiles were captured. In total 157 specimens were recorded of 29 species, 16 snakes, 12 lizards and one amphisbaena. Among the snakes, Dipsadidae showed the greatest richness, with a total of nine species. The group of snakes had the highest number of species present in the community, but 79% of sampled specimens were lizards, Enyalius bilineatus being the most abundant species, with 21% of occurrence. The area with the highest richness was the Cerradão. The lower abundance was found in the Gallery Forest area (n=14), but it was the vegetation type with the highest equitability. Areas of Cerradão and Cerrado sensu strictu showed the most similarity. In these areas five species were recorded in common, Bothrops neuwiedi (n=3) being the only species of snake, and the two species of lizards most abundant in both environments were Enyalius bilineatus (n=32) and Ameivula ocellifera (n=19). Ophiodes striatus and Xenodon merremii were common to Cerradão and Dirty Field areas. There was no species recorded that were common to the environments of Cerrado and Dirty Field but two species not sympatric were found of the same genus, Tropidurus torquatus, which was found only in the Cerrado sensu strictu and Tropidurus itambere exclusively in Dirty Field. Since none of the rarefaction curves reached full asymptote, this highlights the need for further study due to the high probability of new species being recorded for the studied area.

The seasonal carbon and water balances of the Cerrado environment of Brazil: Past, present, and future influences of land cover and land use

The Brazilian savanna (known as Cerrado) is an upland biome made up of various vegetation types from herbaceous to arboreal. In this paper, MODIS remote sensing vegetation greenness from the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and evapotranspiration (ET) data for the 2000–2012 period were analyzed to understand the differences in the net primary productivity (NPP-proxy), carbon, and the evaporative flux of the major Cerrado natural and anthropic landscapes. The understanding of the carbon and evaporative fluxes of the main natural and anthropic vegetation types is of fundamental importance in studies regarding the impacts of land cover and land use changes in the regional and global climate. The seasonal dynamics of EVI and ET of the main natural and anthropic vegetation types of the Cerrado biome were analyzed using a total of 35 satellite-based samples distributed over representative Cerrado landscapes. Carbon and water fluxes were estimated for different scenarios, such as, a hypothetical unconverted Cerrado, 2002 and 2050 scenarios based on values derived from literature and on the PROBIO land cover and land use map for the Cerrado. The total growing season biomass for 2002 in the Cerrado region was estimated to be 28gigatons of carbon and the evapotranspiration was 1336gigatons of water. The mean estimated growing season evapotranspiration and biomass for 2002 was 576Gt of water and 12Gt of carbon for pasture and croplands compared to 760Gt of water and 15Gt of carbon for the Cerrado natural vegetation. In a modeled future scenario for the year 2050, the ET flux from natural Cerrado vegetation was 394Gt less than in 2002 and 991Gt less than in an unconverted scenario, with only natural vegetation, while the carbon was 8Gt less than in 2002 and 21Gt less than in this hypothetical pre-conversion Cerrado. On the other hand, the sum of the pasture and cropland ET flux increased by 405Gt in 2050 relative to 2002 and the carbon by 11Gt of carbon. Given the increasing global demand for agricultural products and the insufficient protected areas in the Cerrado (with a significant area of remaining native vegetation in privately owned lands that may be legally deforested), our analyses suggest that potential future changes to the water and carbon balances are likely to be highly significant in the severely threatened Cerrado biome. On the other hand, our results also suggest that the recovery of degraded pastures can have a positive impact on climate, due to the higher rates of carbon sequestration and water transfer to the atmosphere.

Living Lists: How the Indigenous Canela Come to Know Plants Through Ethnobotanical Classification

Abstract This paper explores how members of the indigenous Canela community of northeast Brazil value and make meaningful their engagements with cultivated plants in their local Cerrado (“savannah”) environment through the recent creation of written ethnobotanical lists and through more traditional multi-sensory, embodied approaches. It compares the traditional approach of Canela gardeners coming to know and “becoming with” growing plants through caring, affectionate activities such as garden visits, ritual singing, food sharing, and shamanic communication, with that of the recent written documentation of ethnobotanical knowledge that is associated with people and things coming from a world “outside” the community. Through the creation of fluid and dynamic living lists, Canela gardener parents are seeking new and innovative ways to engage with and know the plant children growing in their gardens. Both the traditional and newer approaches to plant knowledge can and do co-exist in the community. Moreover, C...

Long-term man–environment interactions in the Bolivian Amazon: 8000 years of vegetation dynamics

Only few studies documenting the vegetation history of the Llanos de Moxos, one of the largest seasonally flooded wetland areas in South America, are available and little is known about the environmental impact of pre-Columbian settlements. We use radiocarbon-dated terrestrial plant macrofossils to establish a sound chronology and palynological analyses to reconstruct the vegetation and fire history of the Lago Rogaguado area. The sedimentary pollen and spore record suggests that wetland and wooded savannah (Cerrado) environments occurred around the lake between 8100 and 5800 cal BP. Fire activity was high during this period and was probably connected to the dry Cerrado environments. The pollen evidence suggests early plant cultivation (Zea mays, Annonaceae and Cucurbitaceae) from 6500 cal BP onwards, which is significantly earlier than hitherto assumed for Amazonia. Gallery forests expanded after 5800 cal BP, when fire activity strongly declined. Forest expansion intensified around 2800 cal BP and continued until 2000 cal BP, when forest cover reached its maximum and fire activity its minimum. The late-Holocene forest expansion to the south and the decrease of fire activity may have resulted from a climatic shift to moister conditions (possibly a shorter dry season). New crops (e.g. Avena-type) or adventive plants (e.g. Rumex acetosella-type) document the impact of European economies after ca. 500 cal BP. Land use intensity remained rather stable over the most recent centuries, arguing against a collapse of settlements in response to the arrival of Europeans, as reconstructed from other Amazonian pollen records.

Antracologia de fogueiras paleoíndias do Brasil central: considerações tecnológicas e paleoetnobotânicas sobre o uso de recursos florestais no abrigo rupestre Lapa do Santo, Minas Gerais, Brasil

This study identified the species of wood in charcoal recovered from Paleo-Indian bonfires in the Lapa do Santo archaeological site, Minas Gerais / Brazil, dated 4140 ± 40-8900 ± 40 AP. Eight different species of wood were identified, mainly species occurring in cerrado environments and gallery forests. The different types of wood analyzed presented characteristics that would have favored their use in rudimentary structures for combustion, indicating foraging strategies for the selective collection of forest resources for fuel wood possessing physical and chemical properties known to facilitate burning.

Estimates for Carbon Stocks in Soil under Humid Grassland Areas in the Federal District of Brazil

The soils that lay below humid ecosystems are characterized as being significant holders of carbon. Because of the great susceptibility of this type of environment to anthropic changes, expressive quantities of carbon stored in the soil can be released into the atmosphere. In the Cerrado biome (Brazil), only a few types of vegetation have had carbon storage levels in their soil estimated. The main purpose of this study was to obtain basic quantitative parameters for carbon storage and to identify the general aspects of soil in regions where there exists Humid Grasslands (Campo Limpo úmido), a kind of humid area phytophysiognomy found in the Cerrado. We selected 6 regions of the Federal District with this kind of vegetation formation, characterized by low anthropic impact and located either in the interior or in the proximity of specially protected areas. In each one of the sampled regions, we marked a transect with 4 equidistant points and collected material at 7 different levels of depth: 0 - 5, 5 - 10, 10 - 20, 20 - 30, 30 - 40, 40 - 50 and 50 - 60 cm. We obtained 168 samples, with 84 related to Humid Grassland areas in gleysols and 84 samples related to areas in plinthosols—types of soil dominant in this environment. We determined the texture, bulk density and concentration of nitrogen and carbon at each depth. The average concentration of carbon for Humid Grassland areas was 55.19 g.kg-1, with an average of 61.65 g.kg-1 for Gleysols and 48.73 g.kg-1 for Plinthosols. The soil samples displayed distinct textural differences between gleysols and plinthosols. There were no significant differences in soil density (0.75 kg.dm-3 for Gleysols and 0.72 kg.dm-3 for Plinthosols). The average concentration of nitrogen was 20.66 g.kg-1, with 23.98 g.kg-1 for Gleysols and 17.34 g.kg-1 for Plinthosols. The average carbon storage for Humid Grassland areas, down to 60 cm deep, was 244.17 mg C ha-1 and the total estimated stock for these areas in the Federal District was 206.71 Gg.C. In general, the samples obtained in gleysols showed a carbon content and nitrogen level superior to those in plinthosols, although a greater sampling effort is needed to confirm the differences observed. The density values of stored carbon in the soil beneath Humid Grassland areas proved to be superior to those values observed for other types of vegetation typical for the Cerrado environment.

IMPACTOS DA EXPANSÃO URBANA EM UM MUNICÍPIO METROPOLITANO: ANÁLISE DA RETIRADA DA COBERTURA VEGETAL DE APARECIDA DE GOIÂNIA, ENTRE 1985 E 2010

The goal of this paper was to highlight the urban sprawl of Aparecida de Goiânia, between 1985 and 2010, and to establish its relation with the environmental degradation, with special regard to the vegetation cover removal. In addition, the methodology used comprised the bibliographic survey about the theme, mainly concerning the periodization of this municipality. Besides, cartographic materials were elaborated from the quantified analysis done in the urbanized areas. To sum up, this study intended to cooperate with the discussion surrounding the urban sprawl of Aparecida de Goiânia through a different perspective, in other words, the degradation of the Brazilian Cerrado environment of this municipality.