FUNÇÕES DO SOLO NO FLUXO DE ENERGIA E MATÉRIA EM ECOSSISTEMAS AGRÍCOLAS
FUNÇÕES DO SOLO NO FLUXO DE ENERGIA E MATÉRIA EM ECOSSISTEMAS AGRÍCOLAS
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8882630047
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Palavras-chave: Agroecossistemas; Fluxo de energia; Funções do solo; Matéria orgânica; Sustentabilidade agrícola.
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Keywords: Agroecosystems; Energy flow; Soil functions; Organic matter, Agricultural sustainability.
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Abstract: This chapter explores the essential function of soil in the energy flow within agricultural ecosystems, a process critical for sustaining life. It begins by contextualizing energy transfer and transformation through the laws of thermodynamics: the First Law, stating the conservation of solar energy converted into biomass via photosynthesis, and the Second Law, explaining inevitable energy dissipation and trophic level limitations. In agroecosystems, soil emerges as a fundamental mediator, where plant matter is transformed by microorganisms into organic compounds vital for nutrient cycling and system self-organization. Contemporary agricultural practices directly influence carbon input and output in the soil; unsustainable interventions can destabilize ecological balance, whereas practices such as crop rotation, agroforestry, and plant diversification are presented as essential strategies. These approaches promote soil revitalization and complexity, ensuring organic matter preservation, structural improvement, and carbon storage capacity. It is concluded that adopting good agricultural practices is indispensable for optimizing energy and matter flows, thereby guaranteeing soil health and the productive sustainability of agricultural systems.
- Murilo Fuentes Pelloso
- Higo Forlan Amaral
- Kátia Regina Freitas Schwan-Estrada