Characterization of deposited sediments in riparian forest surrounding by agricultural areas

• Grant number: 16/01265-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2016
• End date: January 14, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Miguel Cooper
• Grantee: Matheus Ortega Gomes
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 13/50718-5 - Ecological restoration of riparian forests, native forest of economic production and of degraded forest fragments (in APP and RL) based on restoration ecology of reference ecosystems in order to scientifically test the precepts of the New Brazilian Forest Code, AP.BTA.TEM

Abstract

The uncontrolled expansion of agriculture in the areas of natural vegetation added to inadequate soil management has caused acceleration of erosion processes. Such acceleration generates an increase in the quantity of sediments that are deposited in the lower areas of the relief, which usually are water bodies. Riparian forests are crucial in trapping sediment as they prevent these, loaded with nutrients and pollutants reach water bodies thus avoiding processes such as eutrophication, increased water turbidity and siltation of reservoirs. Studies involving erosion and sediment deposition that integrate agricultural systems and riparian forests are essential for understanding the functional aspects of complex landscapes. The objective of this study is to evaluate in detail, through micromorphological studies, sediment within restored riparian vegetation, as well as the dynamics of sedimentation in these areas inserted in sugarcane landscapes of Usina São João, located in the city of Araras, SP. Due to the importance of riparian forests for maintaining the quality of water resources and biodiversity, this study is part of the thematic project n° 2013/50718-5 and aims to characterize the sediments found inside of restored riparian forests with agricultural surroundings.