Biological functioning of Brazilian Cerrado soils under different vegetation types

• Published in: Plant and soil 2012-10, Vol.359 (1/2), p.183-195
• Main Authors: de Carvalho Mendes, Ieda, Fernandes, Marcelo Ferreira, Chaer, Guilherme Montandon, dos Reis Junior, Fábio Bueno
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acid soils; Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Analysis; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Biochemistry and biology; Biological and medical sciences; Biology; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Carbon content; Cattle production; Cerrado; Chemical, physicochemical, biochemical and biological properties; Ecology; Enzymes; Forest soils; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agronomy. Plant production; Grassland soils; Grasslands; Indexing in process; Life Sciences; Microbiology; Physics, chemistry, biochemistry and biology of agricultural and forest soils; Physiognomy; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Rainy season; Rainy seasons; Regular Article; Savanna soils; Soil biochemistry; Soil biology; Soil microorganisms; Soil science; Soil Science & Conservation; Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility; Soil-plant relationships. Soil fertility. Fertilization. Amendments; Soils; Topsoil; Vegetation
• ISSN: 0032-079X; 1573-5036
• DOI: 10.1007/s11104-012-1195-6

Aims Over a 2 year period, we compared the soil biological functioning (SBF) of Cerrado physiognomies ranging from grassland-savannic to forest formations, sampling in the middle of the dry and rainy seasons. Methods Soil samples were collected at two depths (0 to 5 cm and 5 to 20 cm) under the following physiognomies: Campo Sujo, Cerrado Ralo, Cerrado sensu stricto, Cerradão and Mata de Galeria. The SBF was represented by the simultaneous analyses of microbial biomass carbon, soil basal respiration and the activity of enzymes linked to the C, P and S cycles (β-glucosidase, acid phosphatase and arylsulfatase, respectively). Results The results demonstrated that Cerrado physiognomies are a major determinant of SBF patterns. The forest-like physiognomies (Mata de Galeria and Cerradão) presented the highest biomass and activity compared to the grassland (Campo Sujo) and savanna physiognomies (Cerrado Ralo and Cerrado sensu stricto). These differences were more evident in the topsoil layer (0 to 5 cm), and the seasonal effect on the SBF of the Mata de Galeria and Cerradão was more pronounced than on the other physiognomies. Conclusions These results provide a benchmark for evaluating changes in SBF and related processes in Cerrado areas due to shifts toward agriculture and cattle production.