Mapeamento de funções do solo em bacia hidrográfica no bioma Mata Atlântica

Abstract

The loss of native vegetation and unsustainable changes in land use promote the reduction of ecosystem services. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure adequate soil coverage and appropriate management to improve water infiltration and prevent erosion problems. Digital soil mapping allows for a comprehensive understanding of soil conditions by establishing mathematical relationships between environmental variables and the variables of interest. The use of digital mapping to spatialize soil physical quality indices in a river basin offers the possibility of visualizing and understanding the distribution of these indices throughout the area. In this way, providing better planning in the management to be practiced. The Soil Physical Quality Index (IQFS) was evaluated in a river basin located on the campus of the Federal University of Lavras (MG, Brazil), with the objective of mapping soil functions and IQFS related to soil ecosystem services to identify areas conducive to water recharge. 17 georeferenced points were selected in a regular grid, covering an area of 9 hectares, and sampling was carried out in areas of forest regeneration and agriculture. Each sampling point was spaced 70 meters apart and evaluated for indicators such as soil density, texture, hydraulic conductivity, organic matter, porosity, resistance to penetration and water infiltration. The indices were calculated and maps were generated using the Inverse Distance Weighting method, which indicated the most suitable areas for water recharge in the basin on an ultra-detailed scale (1:2,000). It was observed that the highest IQPS values at a depth of 0-10 cm in the soil occurred in a region covered by regeneration forest. This area exerted a positive influence on several soil functions, such as gas exchange, water supply for plants, erosion resistance, recharge potential, basic infiltration rate, thickness of the A horizon and carbon stock, resulting in a better Index of Soil Physical Quality.