Impacts of reforestation on soil and soil organic carbon losses

ABSTRACT Water erosion is a serious environmental problem that causes soil degradation, compromises its fertility and organic carbon (SOC) losses. Reforestation, encouraged by Brazilian legislation, way to reduce water erosion. However, in tropical subtropical regions, there little information on the impact of reforestation loss rates SOC. Therefore, this study aimed apply Erosion Potential Method, combined with multitemporal data from samples collected situ, estimate spatialize SOC losses predominantly agricultural watershed showed high period studied 2011 2019. The determination EPM parameters was carried out aid Geographic Information System validated hydrosedimentological collection station. results between 2019 reduced 27.5%, while were 32.7%. Among evaluated crops, corn highest losses, coffee forest areas exhibited lowest rates. Reforestation basin main factor responsible for reduction This process initiated seeking meet requirements Forest Code, which highlights positive role public policies can play conservation when respected well applied.