Abstract
As a consequence of increasing impact of climate change, particularly uncovered soils in Brazil are significantly vulnerable to soil erosion. Soil erosion, especially at sloped pastures leads to a loss of productive base for agriculture which negatively influences economy. Furthermore, these bare and compacted soils promote floods after heavy rainfall events. The application of efficient bioengineered measures adapted to local conditions can prevent expansion of soil degradation at exposed agriculture sites (pasture land). The objective is to regain a resilient soil covered by protective vegetation by less extended measures. A pasture at a slope of about 3.3 ha in Itaocara (Rio de Janeiro) is used for pilot test. The pasture land is highly affected by soil degradation, due to unsuitable soil management and overgrazing. Based on the results of geodetic survey by University of Leipzig suitable bioengineered measures were conducted using local available and inexpensive materials. Measures include installation of palisades made from eucalyptus and bamboo, development of bush layer/hedge terraces (pre-cultivated bushes placed on a terrace along contours) and transplantation of grass sods. All developed techniques are monitored for control of efficiency and sustainability.
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Acknowledgements
Described pilot investigations were undertaken by Vita 34 (business Unit BioPlanta) in close collaboration with University of Leipzig. The project was co-financed by Federal Ministry for Education and Science of Germany (BMBF, support code: 033L162G). We like to thank BMBF and the Rio de Janeiro State Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock (SEAPEC) which hosted the Rio Rural project for assistance. Further thanks belong to teams of EMATER-Rio, PESAGRO-Rio and EMBRAPA Solos for their support.
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Hebner, A. et al. (2018). Bioengineered Measures for Prevention of Proceeding Soil Degradation as a Result of Climate Change in South East Brazil. In: Leal Filho, W., Esteves de Freitas, L. (eds) Climate Change Adaptation in Latin America. Climate Change Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56946-8_5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56946-8_5
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