Assessing the recovery process of severely degraded area after the reintroduction of organic residues and brushwood transposition

• Grant number: 24/04279-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2024
• End date: June 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Thaís Soto Boni
• Grantee: Matheus Garcia Candil
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Cerrado, Brazil's second largest biome, has a great diversity of plants and is crucial to the water security of Brazil and South America. However, the biome has undergone significant changes since the 1950s, resulting in large areas with varying degrees of degradation. This project aims to assess changes in soil microbiological properties, soil cover, and soil temperature in a borrow area for the construction of the Ilha Solteira hydroelectric plant. Initial interventions were carried out in 2017 to reclaim this exposed subsoil, which is in the process of being reclaimed. To intensify the reclaiming process, organic residue (sheep manure) was also reintroduced and branches were brought to the surface. The activity plan includes the evaluation of microbiological indicators, such as the analysis of basal soil respiration, microbial biomass carbon, enzymatic activities, and root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and melanized septate endophytes, after the addition of sheep residue and the brushwood transposition. In addition, changes in soil cover due to vegetation, soil temperature, and humidity will be assessed. It is hoped that this study will contribute to the advancement of knowledge about the recovery of severely degraded areas, providing valuable input for decision-making regarding the use of more sustainable management practices, interdisciplinary assessments, and environmental conservation.