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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Vegetation dynamics during the Holocene in a forest-savanna transition, Southern Amazon Basin, based on isotope and phytosociological studies

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Author(s):
Elaine Vidotto [1] ; Luiz Carlos Ruiz Pessenda [2] ; Adauto de Souza Ribeiro [3] ; Hermes Augusto de Freitas [4] ; José Albertino Bendassolli [5]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura - Brasil
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura - Brasil
[3] Universidade Federal de Sergipe. Departamento de Biologia - Brasil
[4] Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura - Brasil
[5] Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Acta Amazonica; v. 37, n. 3, p. 385-400, 2007-00-00.
Abstract

This paper presents a comparative study between organic soil horizons formed in depressions located at the forest/savanna boundary in the Southern Amazon Basin. The influence of the paleovegetation dynamics, based on carbon isotope (12C, 13C and 14C) data of soil organic matter (SOM) and plants was evaluated, as well as the present vegetation dynamics, inferred from the modern vegetation structure, composition and phytosociology. The uppermost soil horizon in savanna showed higher total carbon content than in forest. 13C and 14C data from soil samples indicated a predominance of C3 plants in the early Holocene. About 7000 to 3000 14C yr BP the influence of C4 plants increased, indicating savanna expansion probably related to a drier climate in the region. Since approximately 3000 14C yr BP, the carbon isotope data suggest the expansion of forest probably due to a wetter climate. The presence of typical boundary plant species (Sclerolobium paniculatum and Himatanthus sucuuba) in the savanna also suggested present forest expansion. (AU)