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International Journal of Environmental Research
University of Tehran
ISSN: 1735-6865 EISSN: 1735-6865
Vol. 3, No. 3, 2009, pp. 435-440
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Bioline Code: er09046
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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International Journal of Environmental Research, Vol. 3, No. 3, 2009, pp. 435-440
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Carbon Stocks and Isotopic Composition of the Organic Matter in Soils Covered by Native Vegetation and Pasture in Sorocaba, SP, Brazil
Silva, A. M.; Nogueira, D. P.; Ikematsu, P.; Silveira, F. M.; Bomback, M.; Alves, S. H.; Paula, F. P. & Camargo, P. B.
Abstract
Land cover change constitutes one of main way of alteration of soil organic matter in
both quantitative and qualitative terms. The goal of this study was to compare the carbon stock and
the isotopic signature of the organic matter in the soil of areas with different land use, covered with
forest and grass (pasture). The study area is located at Sorocaba, SP, Brazil. Using un-deformed soil
samples, we measured the carbon content and bulk density. The isotopic signature of soil carbon
was determined through the analysis of isotopic ratio 12C/13C. The pasture soil stocks 48% less
carbon than the soil covered by natural forest. The isotopic signature indicated that 42.2% of
organic matter of the soil covered by pasture is originated from grasses. This characterizes a highly
degradation of organic matter in the environment, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Hence,
some guidelines of recuperation are described in order to restore the soil organic matter, structure
and porosity.
Keywords
Soil organic matter, Soil carbon stock, Carbon isotope, Soil management, Recuperation of degraded soil
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