DINÂMICA E ESTOQUE DE CARBONO ORGÂNICO DO SOLO SOB DIFERENTES SISTEMAS DE USO NA ÁREA DO INSTITUTO FEDERAL GOIANO – CAMPUS MORRINHOS

Abstract

Soil organic carbon is an important indicator of environmental quality and sustainability, being directly influenced by management practices and vegetation cover. This study aimed to evaluate the contents and fractions of total organic carbon (TOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) in different land-use systems at the Instituto Federal Goiano – Campus Morrinhos, comparing them with the native Cerrado vegetation (VC03). Soil samples were collected at depths of 0–5 cm and 5–10 cm in four distinct systems: soybean–corn succession (SSM03), livestock–forest integration (IPF03), pasture (PA03), and native Cerrado vegetation (VC03). The results showed significant differences among systems, with the highest carbon levels observed in the livestock–forest integration area (IPF03), followed by the soybean–corn succession (SSM03) and the pasture system (PA03). The IPF03 system presented the highest TOC and MAOC values, indicating greater stability and efficiency in carbon retention, while the SSM03 system showed higher POC content, associated with continuous residue input and faster organic matter cycling. Compared to native Cerrado vegetation, cultivated systems promoted an increase in soil carbon accumulation, although with different intensities and stability levels. It is concluded that integrated and diversified management represents an effective strategy for carbon sequestration and conservation, contributing to the sustainability and improvement of soil quality in the Cerrado biome.