ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the soil carbon stock (Stock C) and bulk density, the chemical and granulometric fractions of the organic matter and the isotopic signal of the soil δ13C in forest fragments and a mixed managed pasture (MMP). The study was carried out in the municipality of Pinheiral, State of Rio de Janeiro. The evaluated areas were: fragment of secondary forest in initial stage (SFIS) with 20 years of regeneration; fragment of secondary forest in intermediate stage (SFINS), with 25 years of regeneration; advanced secondary forest fragment (SFAS) with 60 years of regeneration and mixed pasture managed (MHP). The attributes related to soil carbon showed significant responses to the effects of land degradation / recovery processes, especially for the following indicators: total organic carbon, organic matter stock and particulate organic matter. No significant alterations for humic substances, and prevalence of the humin fraction was found. The most significant changes in δ13C values occurred up to the depth of 60 cm. In the grassland area, at 0-10 cm, 67% of the carbon stock comes from C4 plants, reducing in the subsequent layers. In SFINS and SFAS areas, at 0-10 cm, the contribution of C3 plants was significant, with minor changes in depth.
Keywords:
Organic carbono; Soil carbon fractions; Isotopic composition; Atlantic forest