Edaphic properties in a eucalyptusforest ecotone in the Nova Baden State Park, Southeastern Brazil

HIGHLIGHTS

State parks are integral protection units created to protect ecosystems.

Studies on soil properties in ecotone areas are still scarce.

Higher litter and soil organic matter content were observed in eucalyptus area.

Edaphic properties in the ecotone area were more similar to orest fragment.

Biogenic aggregates showed highest organic carbon values and its fractions.

ABSTRACT

State parks are integral protection units created to protect ecosystems. However, anthropic activities may have been previously performed before their creation, forming transitional areas. Studies that evaluate the modifications of edaphic properties in these environments are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in soil properties and litter stock in areas of eucalyptus-forest ecotones. Litter stock (Stock_litter) and total soil organic carbon content and stock (TOC_soil), weighted mean diameter (MWD), origin of aggregates (biogenic or physicogenic) and respective content of total organic carbon (TOC_Bio and TOC_Phy), total organic carbon (TOC_AG), soil organic matter chemical fractions [fulvic acid (FAC), humic (HAC), and humin (HUMC)], and particulate, mineral-associated, free light and intra-aggregate light (POC, MAOC, FLFC, and ILFC) soil organic matter, fertility, and glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) fractions were evaluated in aggregates (layer 0.00-0.10 m) in areas of eucalyptus-forest ecotone (Eco), preserved forest fragment (For), and eucalyptus plantation (Euc), in Nova Baden State Park, Lambari–MG. In the Euc and Eco areas, the highest Stock_litter content was found. Higher values of TOC_soil, TOC_AG, GRSP, and MWD were observed in the Euc area. In the biogenic aggregates, the highest content of TOC_Bio, HAC, HUMC, POC, MAOC, FLFC, and ILFC was determined in detriment of the physicogenic ones. The dynamics of edaphic properties in the Eco area showed greater similarity with the For area than in the Euc area. In general, all vegetation covers contribute to the maintenance of soil quality.

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