ASSESSMENT OF SOIL CO2 EMISSIONS IN CAATINGA ENVIRONMENTS, IN ALAGOAS, BRAZIL

Abstract

The CO₂ measured from the soil is the microbial activity provided by several biogeochemical processes and its investigation can answer about the factors associated with the environmental condition in the Caatinga. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the soil CO₂ emissions in two Caatinga environments, comparing them with the environmental conditions of the soil and climate, in the Alagoas' Semiarid. Microbial activity was evaluated through the CO₂ released from the soil, which was soaked up with a KOH solution. A rain gauge was installed to obtain precipitation data, in addition to soil temperature measurements at 10 cm from the surface. The water content, carbon content and soil organic matter were evaluated. The highest emission of CO₂ from the soil in the two evaluated areas occurred at night, due to the milder soil temperature; The release of CO₂ was variable, due to the properties of the soil, climate and vegetation; Soil carbon and organic matter showed high values in the Caatinga areas, demonstrating great biogeochemical and nutrient cycling activity; It is recommended that future studies on CO₂ kinetics be carried out, in order to compare values and better understand the dynamics of this environment.