Soil Organic Carbon as Response to Reforestation Age and Land Use Changes: A Qualitative Approach to Ecosystem Services

The proper management of soil, in order to improve ecosystem services, requires knowledge how different fractions carbon respond land use/land cover changes. This study aimed evaluate the responses total soil organic carbon, and its fractions, reforestation age use changes an Ultisol Posses catchment, a pilot area Brazilian program Payment for Environmental Services, located Southeastern Brazil. was conducted using field plots with various treatments, including native forest, old young reforestation, well-managed pasture, subsistence farming, degraded bare soil. Results showed that increased original stocks were restored after eight years reforestation. Short-time pasture pool by 10% compared pasture. Carbon Management Index (CMI) able distinguish effects converting either farming or CMI is useful tool determining changes, age, forest preservation on quality. Adequate fertilization immediate option restoring quality Ultisols under pastures sub-basin.