Summary
This study evaluates the capacity of integrated crop–livestock–forest (ICLF) systems managed under no-till to restore soil organic carbon stocks in a Brazilian Ferralsol, using native Cerrado as a reference benchmark. By examining SOC distribution across water-stable aggregate fractions, the study provides evidence that ICLF systems — particularly those incorporating pasture or crop rotation — can improve aggregate stability and SOC accumulation relative to conventional continuous cropping. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting diversified, no-till agroforestry-integrated systems as a soil restoration strategy in tropical savanna contexts.
UK applicability
The study is conducted in a Brazilian Cerrado context on Ferralsol soils, which differ substantially from typical UK soil types and climatic conditions; however, the underlying principles regarding no-till management and diversified crop–livestock–tree integration for SOC restoration are relevant to UK discussions on agroforestry and integrated farming systems, particularly in the context of agri-environment schemes and soil health targets under the Environmental Land Management framework.
Key measures
Soil organic carbon content (g/kg or %); water-stable aggregate size class distribution; mean weight diameter of aggregates; SOC stocks (Mg/ha)
Outcomes reported
The study measured soil organic carbon (SOC) content across water-stable aggregate size classes under six long-term farming systems, including integrated crop–livestock–forest systems, conventional continuous cropping, permanent pasture, and native Cerrado. It assessed how SOC distribution within aggregate fractions influences aggregate formation and stability in a Ferralsol.
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