Author(s): COUTINHO, H. L. da C.; PRADO, R. B.; DONAGEMMA, G. K.; GONÇALVES, A. O.; POLIDORO, J. C.; MIRANDA, J. P.; FERNANDES; CAMPOS, T. M. P.

Summary: Understanding how the inter-relations amongst natural resources in rural landscapes influence environmental services is a challenge for researchers worldwide. Integrated impacts of soil, water, and biodiversity, on erosion control, water regulation, and carbon sequestration was assessed. The area is characterized by a mosaic of land uses, containing forests, fallow fields, crops, and pastures. Soil and water quality of a watershed under shifting cultivation in the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil was analysed and the results were correlated. A digital terrain model and land use map were used for plan- ning the sampling. Soil loss parcels and an hydrosedimentologic monitoring station completed the field setup. The results highlight how landscape influences the impacts of agricultural use on natural resources. All crops impacted soil structure, microbial parameters, organic carbon and hydraulic conduc- tivity. Water quality in sites receiving greater contributions from cropped fields was compromised, and soil erosion enhanced. However, the hydrosedimentologic data taken downstream did not show signifi- cant alterations, suggesting that landscape attributes had an attenuating effect. Results suggest that environmental services evaluations should be carried out at the landscape scale, integrating data from the different components (soil, water, and biodiversity).

Publication year: 2006

Types of publication: Abstract in annals or event proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Soils

Keywords: Bacia Hidrográfica, Ecosystem services, Environmental impact, Impacto Ambiental, Serviços ambientais, Watersheds