Carbono oxidável de solos sob diferentes graus de degradação no estado do Ceará

Abstract

The complex dynamics of soil and its integrity in the semi-arid context of Brazil are linked to socio-environmental vulnerabilities intrinsically associated with soil degradation. These vulnerabilities have the potential to directly impact the local population's security, especially in the face of uncertainties arising from global climate change. In this challenging scenario, there arises a need for reflection on future trajectories of regional development. Monitoring fluctuations in soil organic carbon content becomes a crucial indicator in providing ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration. Evaluating the quality of this carbon plays a fundamental role in identifying areas susceptible to degradation, implementing sustainable management practices, and preserving ecosystem services. In this context, the objective of this study was to analyze oxidizable carbon as a representative marker of soil quality in areas with different degrees of degradation in the locality of Mapuá, municipality of Jaguaribe-CE. Three distinct areas (Degraded, Recovery, and Control) were examined, subdivided into five plots each. These plots provided samples composed of five sub-samples, collected at a depth of 0 to 20 cm. In this context, total organic carbon (TOC), labile carbon (LC), non-labile carbon (NLC), as well as carbon lability (CL), carbon compartmentalization index, lability index (LI), carbon management index (CMI), and soil attributes were determined. The degraded area resulted in significant reductions in most analyzed variables, with notable decreases in TOC, particularly in recalcitrant fractions. The dynamics of oxidizable carbon emerged as an indicator of intrinsic value for assessing soil quality, highlighting its key role in understanding ecosystem health and vitality.