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Influence of different tree species on autotrophic and heterotrophic soil respiration in a mined area under reclamation
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  • Fernanda Valente,
  • Marllon Castro,
  • Lucas Gomes,
  • Julio Cesar Neves,
  • IVO Silva,
  • Teógenes de Oliveira
Fernanda Valente
Federal University of Viçosa

Corresponding Author:fdalmeidavalente@gmail.com

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Marllon Castro
Federal University of Viçosa
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Lucas Gomes
Federal University of Viçosa
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Julio Cesar Neves
Federal University of Viçosa
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IVO Silva
Federal University of Viçosa
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Teógenes de Oliveira
Federal University of Viçosa
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Abstract

Planting trees is one of the most effective activities in recovering soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks of degraded areas, but we still lack information on how different tree species can influence soil respiration, one of the main sources of dioxide carbon (CO2) to the atmosphere. This study aimed to explore the influence of different forest species on the autotrophic and heterotrophic components of the total soil respiration in a bauxite mining area under reclamation. We analysed the soil CO2 efflux under five treatments: i) monoculture of clonal Eucalyptus; ii) monoculture of Anadenanthera peregrina (L.); iii) a mixed plantation of 16 native forest species (Nat); iv) a mined area without vegetation cover; and v) a natural forest cover. This design allowed exploring the soil CO2 dynamics in a gradient of recovery, from a degraded area to natural vegetation. Additionally, we measured soil temperature, moisture and soil characteristics. Soil CO2 efflux increased with increasing forest species cover in the rainy months. There was no significant change in CO2 efflux among the tree species. Heterotrophic soil respiration contributed to 64% of total soil CO2 efflux and was associated with litter decomposition. Amongst the abiotic variables, increases in soil moisture had the most influence on CO2 efflux. Therefore, these results help to understand the factors that underpin the loss of SOC and can orient management practices to improve soil organic matter and restore soil quality in degraded areas.
18 Nov 2020Submitted to Land Degradation & Development
19 Nov 2020Submission Checks Completed
19 Nov 2020Assigned to Editor
05 Dec 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
20 Dec 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Jan 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Major
05 Feb 20211st Revision Received
08 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
08 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
11 Mar 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Mar 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
23 Apr 20212nd Revision Received
26 Apr 2021Submission Checks Completed
26 Apr 2021Assigned to Editor
23 May 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
10 Jul 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
13 Jul 2021Published in Land Degradation & Development. 10.1002/ldr.4035