Spatial and temporal evaluation of erosion processes and dendrogeomorphology at an Atlantic Forest fragment in Piracicaba-SP

Author(s)

Renata Cristina Bovi

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2013-05-07

Examining board members

Miguel Cooper; Ildegardis Bertol; Mario Tomazello Filho

• Advisor: Miguel Cooper

Abstract

Erosion is an important process of soil degradation, resulting in soil loss, breaking of soil structure and organic matter and nutrients decline, resulting in reduction of soil depth and fertility in arable lands. In tropical countries, as in Brazil, pluviometric indexes are high, with rains concentrated in certain seasons of the year, being the main responsible for the erosion process at these sites. In this study, conducted in Piracicaba - SP, conventional techniques of soil analysis were used, such as structural analysis, particle-size distribution in dispersive solution and water, micromorphologial analysis, density analysis and degree of flocculation and analysis of the sediment deposited in the study area. Furthermore, the technique of dendrogeomorphology wes used, this technique is a parallel method of measuring soil erosion based on the rate of eroded soil by the time of exposure, given by the erosion exposed roots. Through physical and morphological parameters of the soil it was possible to understand the distribution of soils and sediments deposited in the forest, as well as to differentiate the layers of sediments and soils. It was also possible to understand the type of particle transport along the study area and verify the concentrated areas of sedimentation. Dendrogeomorphological analyses were conducted on Schizolobium parahyba individuals, for erosive process dating, focusing on scars in exposed roots, established by water flow, sediments and debris. Schizolobium parahyba showed potential for dendrogeomorphological studies. The average erosion rate in the study area was 3.41 cm yr-1, which is considered moderate. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/05304-2 - Spacial and temporal erosion process evaluation using dendrogeomorphics techniques in Brazilian biomas: Amazonia Forest and Atlantic Forest
• Grantee: Renata Cristina Bovi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master