Effect of Increased Salinity on Organic Matter (De)stabilization Processes in Mangrove Soil: Implications for Future Climate Scenarios

• Grant number: 24/07430-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Ruiz
• Grantee: Tainara Novaes Bispo
• Host Institution: Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10573-4 - Center for Carbon Research in Tropical Agriculture (CCARBON), AP.CEPID
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/00609-2 - Organomineral Interactions in Mangrove Soil under Different Salinity Conditions., BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Mangroves are coastal ecosystems that play a crucial role in climate regulation.However, they are threatened by the effects of climate change, such as rising of temperature,sea level, and salinity. Such impacts on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) are not yetfully understood. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the effects of increased salinity onthe biogeochemical processes that control the persistence of soil organic matter (SOM) inmangroves. To this end, we propose a mesocosm experiment using mangrove soil samples tosimulate conditions of increased salinity. Our goal is to describe the processes of(de)stabilization of SOM and predict the fate of SOC in mangroves under conditions ofincreasing salinity. We will measure CO2 emissions, evaluate changes in particulate organicmatter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM), soil enzymatic activity, andinvestigate changes in iron (Fe) biogeochemistry, focusing on organomineral interactions. Dataanalysis will include principal component analysis and structural equation modeling tounderstand the underlying processes contributing to SOM stability in mangroves underconditions of increasing salinity. We expect that this study will provide essential informationfor the management and conservation of mangroves in the face of climate change.