Characterization of properties and main processes related to the genesis and evolution of tropical mountain mires from Serra do Espinhaco Meridional, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Author(s)

Horak-Terra, Ingrid ^[1] ; Martinez Cortizas, Antonio ^[2] ; de Camargo, Plinio B. ^[3] ; Silva, Alexandre C. ^[4] ; Vidal-Torrado, Pablo ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Escola Super Agr Luiz de Queiroz ESALQ USP, Dept Ciencia Solo, BR-13418900 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] Univ Santiago USC, Dept Edafol & Quim Agr, Santiago De Compostela 15782 - Spain

^[3] Ctr Energia Nucl Agr CENA USP, Lab Ecol Isotop, BR-13416903 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Fed Vales Jequitinhonha & Mucuri, Dept Engn Florestal, BR-39100000 Diamantina, MG - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Geoderma; v. 232, p. 183-197, NOV 2014.
• Web of Science Citations: 13

Abstract

The properties and components of the peat allow peatlands to function as water reservoirs which participate in the hydrological cycle by modulating water discharge. In particular, mountain peatlands from Serra do Espinhaco Meridional (Minas Gerais State, Brazil) provide water of good quality for the nearby cities and also serve as habitats for wildlife and flora, with unique endemic species. In this paper, we present the characterization of four mountain mires (Pau de Fruta, Sao Joao da Chapada, Pinheiros and Sempre Viva) based on morphological, physical, chemical, and elemental properties analyzed in five selected peat cores (PdF-I, PdF-II, SJC, PI and SV). Radiocarbon dating indicates that they started to form during the late Pleistocene. Principal components analysis was applied to synthesize their main peat properties and underlying processes. The first principal component, PC1, is related to the relative content in inorganic versus organic matter of the peat, most probably related to the evolution of the soils of the mires' catchments (i.e. soil erosion); PC2 seems to be related to the incorporation of inorganic material by deposition of dust from regional sources; PO reflects the content and preservation of plant remains; and PC4 indicates the degree of peat decomposition. Our results suggest that mountain tropical mires from Serra do Espinhaco Meridional are complex peatland ecosytems, with a large potential for the reconstruction of environmental changes (i.e. climate change) occurred since the late Pleistocene, and that they should be fully protected. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/00676-1 - Geochemical evidence of environmental changes during the quaternary in the Montain range of the southern Espinhaço, Minas Gerais
• Grantee: Ingrid Horák Terra
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate