Title:	Spatial pattern of litter decomposition and soil carbon and nitrogen stocks in an agrosilvopastoral system in the cerrado biome.
Authors:	OLIVEIRA, J. de C. de FREITAS, I. C. de FERREIRA, E. A. DUARTE, A. C. S. RIBEIRO, J. M. BARBOSA, D. L. de A. OLIVEIRA, W. R. SIGNOR, D. GONTIJO NETO, M. M. TEIXEIRA, E. C. FERNANDES, L. A. FRAZÃO, L. A.
Affiliation:	JAQUELINE DE CÁSSIA DE OLIVEIRA, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MINAS GERAIS; IGOR COSTA DE FREITAS, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MINAS GERAIS; EVANDER ALVES FERREIRA, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MINAS GERAIS; ANA CLARA SANTOS DUARTE, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MINAS GERAIS; JULIANA MARTINS RIBEIRO, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MINAS GERAIS; DEMERSON LUIZ DE ALMEIDA BARBOSA, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DOS VALES DO JEQUITINHONHA E MUCURI; WARLEY RODRIGUES OLIVEIRA, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MINAS GERAIS; DIANA SIGNOR DEON, CPATSA; MIGUEL MARQUES GONTIJO NETO, CNPMS; ELAINE CRISTINA TEIXEIRA, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE SÃO JOÃO DEL-REY; LUIZ ARNALDO FERNANDES, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MINAS GERAIS; LEIDIVAN ALMEIDA FRAZÃO, UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE MINAS GERAIS.
Date Issued:	2026
Citation:	Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2026.
Description:	Purpose This study evaluated the effects of eucalyptus trees in an agrosilvopastoral (ASPS) system on litter dynamics, CO₂ efflux, soil fertility, and soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks, in order to understand how these factors contribute to nutrient cycling and the restoration of soil quality, comparing it with nominal pasture (NP) and native vegetation (NV). Methods Five treatments were assessed, including three locations within a nine years-old ASPS established with doublerow eucalyptus planting, based on proximity to the trees: P1 (area between the double rows), P2 (2.5 m), and P3 (7.0 m). Litter deposition and decomposition and CO2 efflux were monitored monthly for one year. Soil samples collected up to 50 cm depth were analyzed for bulk density, fertility attributes, and carbon and nitrogen stocks. Results Annual litter deposition was highest at P1 (5.85 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), decreasing with distance from trees. Decomposition rates were highest at P3 and P1, with faster turnover (half-life ~ 203–224 days), and lowest at P2 (279 days). CO₂ efflux was highest at P1 (6.798 µmol m⁻² s⁻¹), likely due to increased soil moisture near the trees. Litter input contributed to maintaining K and P levels, despite no fertilisers being applied after the first five years of ASPS establishment. Soil C and N stocks were highest in NV (115.4 and 11.3 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively), and similar between NP (92.4 and 8.7 Mg ha⁻¹) and ASPS (89.9 and 8.9 Mg ha⁻¹). The findings highlight the role of litter in nutrient cycling and maintaining soil C and N in ASPS. Conclusion Our findings highlight the significant potential of agrosilvopastoral systems to enhance soil fertility and boost carbon and nitrogen stocks in tropical environments. However, these benefits are strongly contingent upon the effective and integrated management of both tree and pasture components. Without appropriate management practices, the full benefits of such systems may not be achieved, limiting their potential to enhance soil quality over time compared to conventional pastures and native vegetation.
Thesagro:	Eucalipto Serapilheira Fertilidade do Solo Carbono Nitrogênio
NAL Thesaurus:	Eucalyptus Soil fertility
Keywords:	Integração pecuária-floresta Sistema agrossilvopastoril Ciclagem de nutrientes Bioma Cerrado Estoque de carbono
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1007/s42729-025-02985-w
Notes:	First online.
Type of Material:	Artigo de periódico
Access:	openAccess
Appears in Collections:	Artigo em periódico indexado (CPATSA)