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The Brazilian Atlantic Forest has undergone adverse land-use change due to deforestation for urbanization and agriculture. Numerous restoration initiatives have been taken to restore its ecosystem services. Deforested areas have been restored through active intervention or natural regeneration. Understanding the impact of those different reforestation approaches on soil quality should provide important scientific and practical conclusions on increasing forest cover in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome. However, studies evaluating active planting versus natural regeneration in terms of soil recovery are scarce. We evaluate soil dynamics under those two contrasting strategies at an early stage (<10 years). Reforestation was conducted simultaneously on degraded lands previously used for cattle grazing and compared to an abandoned pasture as a reference system. We examined soil physicochemical properties such as: pH, soil organic matter content, soil moisture, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Cu, Al, and soil texture. We also present the costs of both methods. We found significant differences in restored areas regarding pH, Na, Fe, Mn content, and the cost. Soil moisture was significantly higher in pasture. Our research can contribute to better decision-making about which restoration strategy to adopt to maximize restoration success regarding soil quality and ecosystem services in the tropics.
Katarzyna Koryś; Agnieszka Latawiec; Maiara Mendes; Jerônimo Sansevero; Aline Rodrigues; Alvaro Iribarrem; Viviane Dib; Catarina Jakovac; Adriana Allek; Ingrid Pena; Eric Lino; Bernardo Strassburg. Early Response of Soil Properties under Different Restoration Strategies in Tropical Hotspot. Land 2021, 10, 768 .
AMA StyleKatarzyna Koryś, Agnieszka Latawiec, Maiara Mendes, Jerônimo Sansevero, Aline Rodrigues, Alvaro Iribarrem, Viviane Dib, Catarina Jakovac, Adriana Allek, Ingrid Pena, Eric Lino, Bernardo Strassburg. Early Response of Soil Properties under Different Restoration Strategies in Tropical Hotspot. Land. 2021; 10 (8):768.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Koryś; Agnieszka Latawiec; Maiara Mendes; Jerônimo Sansevero; Aline Rodrigues; Alvaro Iribarrem; Viviane Dib; Catarina Jakovac; Adriana Allek; Ingrid Pena; Eric Lino; Bernardo Strassburg. 2021. "Early Response of Soil Properties under Different Restoration Strategies in Tropical Hotspot." Land 10, no. 8: 768.
Soil ecosystem service (SES) approaches evidence the importance of soil for human well-being, contribute to improving dialogue between science and decision-making and encourage the translation of scientific results into public policies. Herein, through systematic review, we assess the state of the art of SES approaches in tropical regions. Through this review, 41 publications were identified; while most of these studies considered SES, a lack of a consistent framework to define SES was apparent. Most studies measured soil natural capital and processes, while only three studies undertook monetary valuation. Although the number of publications increased (from 1 to 41), between 2001 and 2019, the total number of publications for tropical regions is still small. Countries with the largest number of publications were Brazil ( n = 8), Colombia ( n = 6) and Mexico ( n = 4). This observation emphasizes an important knowledge gap pertaining to SES approaches and their link to tropical regions. With global momentum behind SES approaches, there is an opportunity to integrate SES approaches into policy and practice in tropical regions. The use of SES evaluation tools in tropical regions could transform how land use decisions are informed, mitigating soil degradation and protecting the ecosystems that soil underpins.
Aline F. Rodrigues; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Brian J. Reid; Alexandro Solórzano; Azeneth E. Schuler; Carine Lacerda; Elaine C. C. Fidalgo; Fabio R. Scarano; Fernanda Tubenchlak; Ingrid Pena; Jose Luis Vicente-Vicente; Katarzyna A. Korys; Miguel Cooper; Nelson F. Fernandes; Rachel B. Prado; Veronica Maioli; Viviane Dib; Wenceslau G. Teixeira. Systematic review of soil ecosystem services in tropical regions. Royal Society Open Science 2021, 8, 1 .
AMA StyleAline F. Rodrigues, Agnieszka E. Latawiec, Brian J. Reid, Alexandro Solórzano, Azeneth E. Schuler, Carine Lacerda, Elaine C. C. Fidalgo, Fabio R. Scarano, Fernanda Tubenchlak, Ingrid Pena, Jose Luis Vicente-Vicente, Katarzyna A. Korys, Miguel Cooper, Nelson F. Fernandes, Rachel B. Prado, Veronica Maioli, Viviane Dib, Wenceslau G. Teixeira. Systematic review of soil ecosystem services in tropical regions. Royal Society Open Science. 2021; 8 (3):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAline F. Rodrigues; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Brian J. Reid; Alexandro Solórzano; Azeneth E. Schuler; Carine Lacerda; Elaine C. C. Fidalgo; Fabio R. Scarano; Fernanda Tubenchlak; Ingrid Pena; Jose Luis Vicente-Vicente; Katarzyna A. Korys; Miguel Cooper; Nelson F. Fernandes; Rachel B. Prado; Veronica Maioli; Viviane Dib; Wenceslau G. Teixeira. 2021. "Systematic review of soil ecosystem services in tropical regions." Royal Society Open Science 8, no. 3: 1.
In 2010, the Convention on Biological Diversity adopted the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020. As international attention turns to the development of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, discussions are focusing on the way in which other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) should be reflected in the Framework. To inform this discussion, we gathered in-depth perspectives and expert elicitation on the opportunities and challenges that OECMs offer and present to biodiversity conservation. To do so, we conducted semi-structured interviews with experts involved in OECM-related deliberations. The explicit consideration of OECMs in conservation policy represents a recognition that there are sites outside of formal protected area networks that benefit biodiversity and ecosystems in important ways. However, these benefits and the future social and ecological impacts of OECMs will depend largely on robust guidelines for their identification, effective monitoring, and whether relevant actors report the areas they govern as OECMs.
Helena Alves-Pinto; Jonas Geldmann; Harry Jonas; Veronica Maioli; Andrew Balmford; Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec; Renato Crouzeilles; Bernardo Strassburg. Opportunities and challenges of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) for biodiversity conservation. Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation 2021, 19, 115 -120.
AMA StyleHelena Alves-Pinto, Jonas Geldmann, Harry Jonas, Veronica Maioli, Andrew Balmford, Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec, Renato Crouzeilles, Bernardo Strassburg. Opportunities and challenges of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) for biodiversity conservation. Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation. 2021; 19 (2):115-120.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHelena Alves-Pinto; Jonas Geldmann; Harry Jonas; Veronica Maioli; Andrew Balmford; Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec; Renato Crouzeilles; Bernardo Strassburg. 2021. "Opportunities and challenges of other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) for biodiversity conservation." Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation 19, no. 2: 115-120.
Understanding perception about nature is paramount to understanding human behavior and decision making on the environment. We performed a survey-based study in Brazil and Poland to better understand the perception of land sparing for nature and the perceived value of nature. The countries were selected by intentional sampling and given their importance for local and global biodiversity conservation, and complex socio-ecological context of conservation versus agroforestry business. We performed an online questionnaire (N = 1030) in Brazil and face-to-face interviews in Poland (N = 322). We found that Brazilian respondents demonstrated more pro-environmental attitudes than Polish survey participants. Regarding the question: “How much nature that is left should be spared?”, nearly 51% of Brazilians answered “everything”, compared with 13% of Polish respondents. Just under half of the respondents from Poland (45.6%) indicated that half of the nature that is left should be spared. Brazilian respondents also perceived the intrinsic value of nature to a greater extent compared with Polish respondents; in total, 76% of Brazilians respondents entirely agreed that “Nature, its plants and animals have a value on their own, independent of their usefulness for us” versus 25% of Polish respondents. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the leverage points driving pro-environmental attitudes in both countries.
Agnieszka Latawiec; Rodrigo Penna-Firme; Ingrid Pena; Bernardo Strassburg; Adam Drosik; Maciej Kubon; Hubert Latala; Katarzyna Grotkiewicz; Krzysztof Kubon; Pedro Teixeira; Lucas Rodrigues; Alvaro Iribarrem; Stanisław Famielec; Dominika Springer; Isabella Lucas. Perception-Based Study on the Value of Nature to People and Land Sparing for Nature in Brazil and Poland. Sustainability 2020, 12, 8860 .
AMA StyleAgnieszka Latawiec, Rodrigo Penna-Firme, Ingrid Pena, Bernardo Strassburg, Adam Drosik, Maciej Kubon, Hubert Latala, Katarzyna Grotkiewicz, Krzysztof Kubon, Pedro Teixeira, Lucas Rodrigues, Alvaro Iribarrem, Stanisław Famielec, Dominika Springer, Isabella Lucas. Perception-Based Study on the Value of Nature to People and Land Sparing for Nature in Brazil and Poland. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (21):8860.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAgnieszka Latawiec; Rodrigo Penna-Firme; Ingrid Pena; Bernardo Strassburg; Adam Drosik; Maciej Kubon; Hubert Latala; Katarzyna Grotkiewicz; Krzysztof Kubon; Pedro Teixeira; Lucas Rodrigues; Alvaro Iribarrem; Stanisław Famielec; Dominika Springer; Isabella Lucas. 2020. "Perception-Based Study on the Value of Nature to People and Land Sparing for Nature in Brazil and Poland." Sustainability 12, no. 21: 8860.
Adequate management of biomass residues generated by agricultural and food industry can reduce their negative impacts on the environment. The alternative use for agricultural waste is production of biogas. Biomass feedstock intended as a substrate for the agricultural biogas plants may include energy crops, bio-waste, products of animal and plant origin and organic residues from food production. This study reviews the potential of selected biomass residues from the agri-food industry in terms of use for agricultural biogas production in Poland. The most common agri-food residues used as substrates for biogas plants in Poland are maize silage, slurry, and distillery waste. It is important that the input for the agricultural biogas installations can be based on local wastes and co-products that require appropriate disposal or storage conditions and might be burdensome for the environment. The study also discusses several limitations that might have an unfavourable impact regarding biogas plants development in Poland. Given the estimated biomass potential, the assumptions defining the scope of use of agricultural biogas and the undeniable benefits provided by biogas production, agricultural biogas plants should be considered as a promising branch of sustainable electricity and thermal energy production in Poland, especially in rural areas.
Katarzyna Anna Koryś; Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec; Katarzyna Grotkiewicz; Maciej Kuboń. The Review of Biomass Potential for Agricultural Biogas Production in Poland. Sustainability 2019, 11, 6515 .
AMA StyleKatarzyna Anna Koryś, Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec, Katarzyna Grotkiewicz, Maciej Kuboń. The Review of Biomass Potential for Agricultural Biogas Production in Poland. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (22):6515.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKatarzyna Anna Koryś; Agnieszka Ewa Latawiec; Katarzyna Grotkiewicz; Maciej Kuboń. 2019. "The Review of Biomass Potential for Agricultural Biogas Production in Poland." Sustainability 11, no. 22: 6515.
Biochar was reported to improve the chemical and physical properties of soil. The use of biochar as a soil amendment have been found to improve the soil structure, increase the porosity, decrease bulk density, as well increase aggregation and water retention. Knowing that springtails (Collembola) are closely related to soil properties, the effect of biochar on morphological diversity of these organisms was evaluated. The main concept was the classification of springtails to the life-form groups and estimation of QBS-c index (biological quality index based on Collembola species). We conducted the field experiment where biochar was used as soil amendment in oilseed rape and maize crops. Wood-chip biochar from low-temperature (300 °C) flash pyrolysis was free from PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) and other toxic components. Results showed that all springtail life-form groups (epedaphic, hemiedaphic, and euedaphic) were positively affected after biochar application. The QBS-c index, which relates to springtails’ adaptation to living in the soil, was higher in treatments where biochar was applied. We can recommend the use of Collembola’s morphological diversity as a good tool for the bioindication of soil health.
Iwona Gruss; Jacek P. Twardowski; Agnieszka Latawiec; Jolanta Królczyk; Agnieszka Medyńska-Juraszek. The Effect of Biochar Used as Soil Amendment on Morphological Diversity of Collembola. Sustainability 2019, 11, 5126 .
AMA StyleIwona Gruss, Jacek P. Twardowski, Agnieszka Latawiec, Jolanta Królczyk, Agnieszka Medyńska-Juraszek. The Effect of Biochar Used as Soil Amendment on Morphological Diversity of Collembola. Sustainability. 2019; 11 (18):5126.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIwona Gruss; Jacek P. Twardowski; Agnieszka Latawiec; Jolanta Królczyk; Agnieszka Medyńska-Juraszek. 2019. "The Effect of Biochar Used as Soil Amendment on Morphological Diversity of Collembola." Sustainability 11, no. 18: 5126.
Most deforested lands in Brazil are occupied by low-productivity cattle ranching. Brazil is the second biggest meat producer worldwide and is projected to increase its agricultural output more than any other country. Biochar has been shown to improve soil properties and agricultural productivity when added to degraded soils, but these effects are context-dependent. The impact of biochar, fertilizer and inoculant on the productivity of forage grasses in Brazil (Brachiaria spp. and Panicum spp.) was investigated from environmental and socio-economic perspectives. We showed a 27% average increase in Brachiaria production over two years but no significant effects of amendment on Panicum yield. Biochar addition also increased the contents of macronutrients, soil pH and CEC. Each hectare amended with biochar saved 91 tonnes of CO2eq through land sparing effect, 13 tonnes of CO2eq sequestered in the soil, equating to U$455 in carbon payments. The costs of biochar production for smallholder farmers, mostly because of labour cost, outweighed the potential benefits of its use. Biochar is 617% more expensive than common fertilizers. Biochar could improve productivity of degraded pasturelands in Brazil if investments in efficient biochar production techniques are used and biochar is subsidized by low emission incentive schemes.
Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Bernardo B. N. Strassburg; André B. Junqueira; Ednaldo Araujo; Luiz Fernando D. De Moraes; Helena A. N. Pinto; Ana Castro; Marcio Rangel; Gustavo A. Malaguti; Aline F. Rodrigues; Luis Gustavo Barioni; Etelvino H. Novotny; Gerard Cornelissen; Maiara Mendes; Nilcileny Batista; Jose Guilherme Guerra; Everaldo Zonta; Catarina Jakovac; Sarah E. Hale. Biochar amendment improves degraded pasturelands in Brazil: environmental and cost-benefit analysis. Scientific Reports 2019, 9, 11993 -12.
AMA StyleAgnieszka E. Latawiec, Bernardo B. N. Strassburg, André B. Junqueira, Ednaldo Araujo, Luiz Fernando D. De Moraes, Helena A. N. Pinto, Ana Castro, Marcio Rangel, Gustavo A. Malaguti, Aline F. Rodrigues, Luis Gustavo Barioni, Etelvino H. Novotny, Gerard Cornelissen, Maiara Mendes, Nilcileny Batista, Jose Guilherme Guerra, Everaldo Zonta, Catarina Jakovac, Sarah E. Hale. Biochar amendment improves degraded pasturelands in Brazil: environmental and cost-benefit analysis. Scientific Reports. 2019; 9 (1):11993-12.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAgnieszka E. Latawiec; Bernardo B. N. Strassburg; André B. Junqueira; Ednaldo Araujo; Luiz Fernando D. De Moraes; Helena A. N. Pinto; Ana Castro; Marcio Rangel; Gustavo A. Malaguti; Aline F. Rodrigues; Luis Gustavo Barioni; Etelvino H. Novotny; Gerard Cornelissen; Maiara Mendes; Nilcileny Batista; Jose Guilherme Guerra; Everaldo Zonta; Catarina Jakovac; Sarah E. Hale. 2019. "Biochar amendment improves degraded pasturelands in Brazil: environmental and cost-benefit analysis." Scientific Reports 9, no. 1: 11993-12.
The Białowieża Forest World Heritage site is one of the last remaining primeval forests in lowland Europe and is a refuge for European Bison (Bison bonasus), the largest land mammal on the continent (Table 1). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Maciej Kuboń; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Fabio Rubio Scarano; Adam Drosik; Bernardo B.N. Strassburg; Włodzimierz Grzebieniowski; Juan Gomes Bastos. Searching for solutions to the conflict over Europe's oldest forest. Conservation Biology 2018, 33, 476 -479.
AMA StyleMaciej Kuboń, Agnieszka E. Latawiec, Fabio Rubio Scarano, Adam Drosik, Bernardo B.N. Strassburg, Włodzimierz Grzebieniowski, Juan Gomes Bastos. Searching for solutions to the conflict over Europe's oldest forest. Conservation Biology. 2018; 33 (2):476-479.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaciej Kuboń; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Fabio Rubio Scarano; Adam Drosik; Bernardo B.N. Strassburg; Włodzimierz Grzebieniowski; Juan Gomes Bastos. 2018. "Searching for solutions to the conflict over Europe's oldest forest." Conservation Biology 33, no. 2: 476-479.
Consideration of soil quality indicators is fundamental for understanding and managing ecosystems. Despite the evidence regarding the importance of soil for provision of local and global ecosystem services, such as water regulation and carbon sequestration, soil remains an under‐investigated and undermined aspect of the environment. Here we evaluate to what extent soil indicators are taken into account in restoration. We focused on the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a highly fragmented biome and a global biodiversity hotspot. We conducted a systematic literature review and we showed that the majority (59%) of the studies on restoration did not consider any soil indicator. Studies that demonstrated the importance of soil indicators most commonly reported soil pH (71%, n = 44), followed by potassium content (66%, n = 41) and phosphorus (64.5%, n = 40), while the least reported indicator was water retention (6.5%, n = 4). Only 40% of the retrieved studies included information about reference sites or project baseline information. We complement our literature review with a case study on restoration in two areas of the Atlantic Forest. We found a relation between soil indicators such as soil organic matter, nitrogen, sodium and sand content, and aboveground indicators, confirming a necessity to include soil screening in restoration. Moreover, we found that prior to restoration none of these soil indicators were analyzed. This study highlights the gap that exists in soil data in restoration in studies on the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We urge scientists and practitioners to include basic soil analysis to maximize the successful outcomes of restoration.
Maiara S. Mendes; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Jerônimo Sansevero; Renato Crouzeilles; Luiz F. D. Moraes; Ana Castro; Helena N. Alves-Pinto; Pedro H. S. Brancalion; Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues; Robin L. Chazdon; Felipe S. M. Barros; Juliana Santos; Alvaro Iribarrem; Stella Mata; Luisa Lemgruber; Aline Rodrigues; Katarzyna Korys; Bernardo B. N. Strassburg. Look down-there is a gap-the need to include soil data in Atlantic Forest restoration. Restoration Ecology 2018, 27, 361 -370.
AMA StyleMaiara S. Mendes, Agnieszka E. Latawiec, Jerônimo Sansevero, Renato Crouzeilles, Luiz F. D. Moraes, Ana Castro, Helena N. Alves-Pinto, Pedro H. S. Brancalion, Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues, Robin L. Chazdon, Felipe S. M. Barros, Juliana Santos, Alvaro Iribarrem, Stella Mata, Luisa Lemgruber, Aline Rodrigues, Katarzyna Korys, Bernardo B. N. Strassburg. Look down-there is a gap-the need to include soil data in Atlantic Forest restoration. Restoration Ecology. 2018; 27 (2):361-370.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMaiara S. Mendes; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Jerônimo Sansevero; Renato Crouzeilles; Luiz F. D. Moraes; Ana Castro; Helena N. Alves-Pinto; Pedro H. S. Brancalion; Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues; Robin L. Chazdon; Felipe S. M. Barros; Juliana Santos; Alvaro Iribarrem; Stella Mata; Luisa Lemgruber; Aline Rodrigues; Katarzyna Korys; Bernardo B. N. Strassburg. 2018. "Look down-there is a gap-the need to include soil data in Atlantic Forest restoration." Restoration Ecology 27, no. 2: 361-370.
Agriculture in Brazil is booming. Brazil has the world’s second largest cattle herd and is the second largest producer of soybeans, with the production of beef, soybeans, and bioethanol forecast to increase further. Questions remain, however, about how Brazil can reconcile increases in agricultural production with protection of its remaining natural vegetation. While high hopes have been placed on the potential for intensification of low-productivity cattle ranching to spare land for other agricultural uses, cattle productivity in the Amazon biome (29% of the Brazilian cattle herd) remains stubbornly low, and it is not clear how to realize theoretical productivity gains in practice. We provide results from six initiatives in the Brazilian Amazon, which are successfully improving cattle productivity in beef and dairy production on more than 500,000 hectares of pastureland, while supporting compliance with the Brazilian Forest Code. Spread across diverse geographies, and using a wide range of technologies, participating farms have improved productivity by 30–490%. High-productivity cattle ranching requires some initial investment (R$1300–6900/ha or US$410–2180/ha), with average pay-back times of 2.5–8.5 years. We conclude by reflecting on the challenges that must be overcome to scale up these young initiatives, avoid rebound increases in deforestation, and mainstream sustainable cattle ranching in the Amazon.
Erasmus K.H.J. Zu Ermgassen; Melquesedek Pereira De Alcântara; Andrew Balmford; Luis Barioni; Francisco Beduschi Neto; Murilo M. F. Bettarello; Genivaldo De Brito; Gabriel C. Carrero; Eduardo De A.S. Florence; Edenise Garcia; Eduardo Trevisan Gonçalves; Casio Trajano Da Luz; Giovanni M. Mallman; Bernardo B.N. Strassburg; Judson F. Valentim; Agnieszka Latawiec. Results from On-The-Ground Efforts to Promote Sustainable Cattle Ranching in the Brazilian Amazon. Sustainability 2018, 10, 1301 .
AMA StyleErasmus K.H.J. Zu Ermgassen, Melquesedek Pereira De Alcântara, Andrew Balmford, Luis Barioni, Francisco Beduschi Neto, Murilo M. F. Bettarello, Genivaldo De Brito, Gabriel C. Carrero, Eduardo De A.S. Florence, Edenise Garcia, Eduardo Trevisan Gonçalves, Casio Trajano Da Luz, Giovanni M. Mallman, Bernardo B.N. Strassburg, Judson F. Valentim, Agnieszka Latawiec. Results from On-The-Ground Efforts to Promote Sustainable Cattle Ranching in the Brazilian Amazon. Sustainability. 2018; 10 (4):1301.
Chicago/Turabian StyleErasmus K.H.J. Zu Ermgassen; Melquesedek Pereira De Alcântara; Andrew Balmford; Luis Barioni; Francisco Beduschi Neto; Murilo M. F. Bettarello; Genivaldo De Brito; Gabriel C. Carrero; Eduardo De A.S. Florence; Edenise Garcia; Eduardo Trevisan Gonçalves; Casio Trajano Da Luz; Giovanni M. Mallman; Bernardo B.N. Strassburg; Judson F. Valentim; Agnieszka Latawiec. 2018. "Results from On-The-Ground Efforts to Promote Sustainable Cattle Ranching in the Brazilian Amazon." Sustainability 10, no. 4: 1301.
Agnieszka Latawiec. Rethinking Organic Residues: The great Potential of Biomass in Brazil. Modern Concepts & Developments in Agronomy 2018, 1, 1 -5.
AMA StyleAgnieszka Latawiec. Rethinking Organic Residues: The great Potential of Biomass in Brazil. Modern Concepts & Developments in Agronomy. 2018; 1 (4):1-5.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAgnieszka Latawiec. 2018. "Rethinking Organic Residues: The great Potential of Biomass in Brazil." Modern Concepts & Developments in Agronomy 1, no. 4: 1-5.
The addition of biochar to soils can improve soil fertility and increase agricultural productivity. We carried out a field experiment in which biochar produced from Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp. was added to low-fertility Brazilian planosol and tested to increase the yield of maize (Zea mays) and snap beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in sequential, organic cultivation. Biochar was applied at a 15 t/ha rate, combined or not with Azospirillum Brasiliense inoculation and organic fertilizer (Bokashi). The application of biochar resulted in an increase in soil pH and of the content of macronutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. Contrary to evidence from elsewhere, biochar had a limited effect on increasing maize yield. In the case of beans, when combined with fertilizer, biochar increased the production of beans pods and biomass, but the significant increase was observed only for inoculation. Beans are the principal component of Brazilian diet and increasing productivity of beans is of upmost importance for the poorest in Brazil, and in other tropical countries.
Ana Castro; Nilcileny Da Silva Batista; Agnieszka Latawiec; Aline Rodrigues; Bernardo Strassburg; Daniel Silva; Ednaldo Araujo; Luiz De Moraes; Jose Guerra; Gabriel Galvão; Helena Alves-Pinto; Maiara Mendes; Juliana Dos Santos; Marcio Rangel; Mariela Figueredo; Gerard Cornelissen; Sarah Hale. The Effects of Gliricidia-Derived Biochar on Sequential Maize and Bean Farming. Sustainability 2018, 10, 578 .
AMA StyleAna Castro, Nilcileny Da Silva Batista, Agnieszka Latawiec, Aline Rodrigues, Bernardo Strassburg, Daniel Silva, Ednaldo Araujo, Luiz De Moraes, Jose Guerra, Gabriel Galvão, Helena Alves-Pinto, Maiara Mendes, Juliana Dos Santos, Marcio Rangel, Mariela Figueredo, Gerard Cornelissen, Sarah Hale. The Effects of Gliricidia-Derived Biochar on Sequential Maize and Bean Farming. Sustainability. 2018; 10 (3):578.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAna Castro; Nilcileny Da Silva Batista; Agnieszka Latawiec; Aline Rodrigues; Bernardo Strassburg; Daniel Silva; Ednaldo Araujo; Luiz De Moraes; Jose Guerra; Gabriel Galvão; Helena Alves-Pinto; Maiara Mendes; Juliana Dos Santos; Marcio Rangel; Mariela Figueredo; Gerard Cornelissen; Sarah Hale. 2018. "The Effects of Gliricidia-Derived Biochar on Sequential Maize and Bean Farming." Sustainability 10, no. 3: 578.
Although increasing numbers of research papers regarding biochar are being published worldwide, in some countries growing interest in biochar has only recently been observed; this is true of Poland. We analysed information on biochar research in Poland alongside lessons learned elsewhere in order to identify the significant opportunities and risks associated with biochar use. This data fed into a GIS-based multicriteria analysis to identify areas where biochar application could deliver greatest benefit. We found that 21.8% of agricultural land in Poland has at least moderate indication for biochar use (soil organic matter below 2% and ph below 5.5), while 1.5% was categorized as a priority as it also exhibited contamination. Potential barriers identified included biomass availability and associated risks of indirect land-use change due to possible national and transnational biomass production displacement. Biochar use could have positive global consequences as a climate change mitigation strategy, particularly relevant in a country with limited alternatives. Scaling up a mitigation technology that is viable on account of its co-benefits might be cost-effective, which could, in turn, adjust national perspectives and stronger involvement in developing mitigation policies at the regional level. Biochar has much promise in temperate conditions and further research should therefore be assigned to explore biochar’s environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Agnieszka E Latawiec International Institute for Sustainability Estrada Dona Castorina - Rio de Janeiro Brazil Rio Conservation and Sustainability Science Centre Department of Geography and the Environment Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro . A RECONNAISSANCE-SCALE GIS-BASED MULTICRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE BIOCHAR USE: POLAND AS A CASE STUDY. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management 2017, 25, 208 -222.
AMA StyleAgnieszka E Latawiec International Institute for Sustainability Estrada Dona Castorina - Rio de Janeiro Brazil Rio Conservation and Sustainability Science Centre Department of Geography and the Environment Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro . A RECONNAISSANCE-SCALE GIS-BASED MULTICRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE BIOCHAR USE: POLAND AS A CASE STUDY. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management. 2017; 25 (2):208-222.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAgnieszka E Latawiec International Institute for Sustainability Estrada Dona Castorina - Rio de Janeiro Brazil Rio Conservation and Sustainability Science Centre Department of Geography and the Environment Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro . 2017. "A RECONNAISSANCE-SCALE GIS-BASED MULTICRITERIA DECISION ANALYSIS TO SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE BIOCHAR USE: POLAND AS A CASE STUDY." Journal of Environmental Engineering and Landscape Management 25, no. 2: 208-222.
Most research on biochar has focused either on the mechanistic or the biophysical aspects, and there has been relatively little research into the social applicability and acceptance of biochar as a soil enhancer in agriculture. However, whether to adopt biochar in their practice is ultimately the farmers’ decision, and their willingness to do so is crucial. Here, we show the producer’s perspective on adopting biochar, using Polish farmers as a case study. Poland is an interesting case study because biochar has only recently attracted the attention of researchers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders there. We performed standardized, semi-structured interviews with 161 Polish farmers to evaluate the socioeconomic potential of biochar application in practice. We found that 27% of the respondents claimed to be familiar with biochar. The respondents with a technical, non-agricultural level of education were most familiar with the term ‘biochar’ (36%), followed by the group of respondents with a higher-level agricultural education (31%). It was surprising that among the latter respondents, the majority (69%) did not know the term ‘biochar’, either in the context used for this study or in any other context. Twenty percent of the respondents expressed an interest in using biochar, while 43% were not willing to adopt it in their agricultural practice (37% ‘did not know yet’). If a farmer was familiar with the concept of sustainable agriculture, the probability of familiarity with biochar increased by 16% (p < 0.05). In addition, farmers interested in using biochar indicated that sustainable agriculture might improve the financial situation of their farms (52%). The perceived benefits of biochar that drive the willingness to adopt it included improved soil quality and increased income due to increased yields, while the constraints on its adoption were associated mainly with high costs. Our results also point to the necessity of information flow as well as engaging farmers in participatory research to adjust the research to their needs. Furthermore, our results highlight the importance of transparency with the farmers and appropriate dissemination and presentation of both the positive and the negative aspects of biochar adoption. We urge those studying biochar to engage in more interdisciplinary research and to go beyond laboratory and field research. Many innovations, even those that work, will not be adopted if socioeconomic considerations are not incorporated into the research.
Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Jolanta B. Królczyk; Maciej Kuboń; Katarzyna Szwedziak; Adam Drosik; Ewa Polańczyk; Katarzyna Grotkiewicz; Bernardo B. N. Strassburg. Willingness to Adopt Biochar in Agriculture: The Producer’s Perspective. Sustainability 2017, 9, 655 .
AMA StyleAgnieszka E. Latawiec, Jolanta B. Królczyk, Maciej Kuboń, Katarzyna Szwedziak, Adam Drosik, Ewa Polańczyk, Katarzyna Grotkiewicz, Bernardo B. N. Strassburg. Willingness to Adopt Biochar in Agriculture: The Producer’s Perspective. Sustainability. 2017; 9 (4):655.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAgnieszka E. Latawiec; Jolanta B. Królczyk; Maciej Kuboń; Katarzyna Szwedziak; Adam Drosik; Ewa Polańczyk; Katarzyna Grotkiewicz; Bernardo B. N. Strassburg. 2017. "Willingness to Adopt Biochar in Agriculture: The Producer’s Perspective." Sustainability 9, no. 4: 655.
Despite projections of a severe extinction event, a window of opportunity is now open for a mix of policies to avoid biodiversity collapse in the Cerrado hotspot
Bernardo B. N. Strassburg; Thomas Brooks; Rafael Feltran-Barbieri; Alvaro Iribarrem; Renato Crouzeilles; Rafael Loyola; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Francisco J. B. Oliveira Filho; Carlos A. De M. Scaramuzza; Fabio Scarano; Britaldo Soares-Filho; Andrew Balmford. Moment of truth for the Cerrado hotspot. Nature Ecology & Evolution 2017, 1, 99 -99.
AMA StyleBernardo B. N. Strassburg, Thomas Brooks, Rafael Feltran-Barbieri, Alvaro Iribarrem, Renato Crouzeilles, Rafael Loyola, Agnieszka E. Latawiec, Francisco J. B. Oliveira Filho, Carlos A. De M. Scaramuzza, Fabio Scarano, Britaldo Soares-Filho, Andrew Balmford. Moment of truth for the Cerrado hotspot. Nature Ecology & Evolution. 2017; 1 (4):99-99.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBernardo B. N. Strassburg; Thomas Brooks; Rafael Feltran-Barbieri; Alvaro Iribarrem; Renato Crouzeilles; Rafael Loyola; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Francisco J. B. Oliveira Filho; Carlos A. De M. Scaramuzza; Fabio Scarano; Britaldo Soares-Filho; Andrew Balmford. 2017. "Moment of truth for the Cerrado hotspot." Nature Ecology & Evolution 1, no. 4: 99-99.
Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Bernardo B.N. Strassburg; Daniel Silva; Helena Nery Alves-Pinto; Rafael Feltran-Barbieri; Ana Castro; Alvaro Iribarrem; Márcio Cordeiro Rangel; Kemel Amin B. Kalif; Toby Gardner; Francisco Beduschi. Improving land management in Brazil: A perspective from producers. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 2017, 240, 276 -286.
AMA StyleAgnieszka E. Latawiec, Bernardo B.N. Strassburg, Daniel Silva, Helena Nery Alves-Pinto, Rafael Feltran-Barbieri, Ana Castro, Alvaro Iribarrem, Márcio Cordeiro Rangel, Kemel Amin B. Kalif, Toby Gardner, Francisco Beduschi. Improving land management in Brazil: A perspective from producers. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 2017; 240 ():276-286.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAgnieszka E. Latawiec; Bernardo B.N. Strassburg; Daniel Silva; Helena Nery Alves-Pinto; Rafael Feltran-Barbieri; Ana Castro; Alvaro Iribarrem; Márcio Cordeiro Rangel; Kemel Amin B. Kalif; Toby Gardner; Francisco Beduschi. 2017. "Improving land management in Brazil: A perspective from producers." Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 240, no. : 276-286.
Increased demand for both agricultural production and forest restoration may lead to increased competition for land in the next decades. Sustainably increasing cattle ranching productivity is a potential solution to reconcile different land uses, while also improving biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services. If not strategically implemented in integration with complementary policies, sustainable intensification can however result in negative environmental, economic and social effects. We analyzed the potential for sustainable intensification as a solution for a conflict between agricultural expansion and forest restoration in the Paraitinga Watershed at the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a global biodiversity hotspot. In addition, we provide policy recommendations for sustainable development in the region, based on interviews with producers and local actors. We found that the Paraitinga Watershed has the potential to increase its cattle-ranching productivity and, as a result, relinquish spared land for other uses. This was true even in the most conservative intensification scenario considered (50% of the maximum potential productivity reached), in which 76,702 ha of pastures can be spared for other uses (46% of total pasture area). We found that restoration, apiculture and rural tourism are promising activities to promote sustainable development in the region, thus potentially increasing food production and mitigating competition for land. Our study shows that results from socioeconomic interviews and biophysical modelling of potential productivity increases offer robust insights into practical solutions on how to pursue sustainable development in one of the world’s most threatened biodiversity hotspots
Helena N. Alves-Pinto; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Bernardo B.N. Strassburg; Felipe S.M. Barros; Jerônimo Sansevero; Alvaro Iribarrem; Renato Crouzeilles; Luisa Lemgruber; Marcio C. Rangel; Augusto C.P. Silva. Reconciling rural development and ecological restoration: Strategies and policy recommendations for the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Land Use Policy 2017, 60, 419 -426.
AMA StyleHelena N. Alves-Pinto, Agnieszka E. Latawiec, Bernardo B.N. Strassburg, Felipe S.M. Barros, Jerônimo Sansevero, Alvaro Iribarrem, Renato Crouzeilles, Luisa Lemgruber, Marcio C. Rangel, Augusto C.P. Silva. Reconciling rural development and ecological restoration: Strategies and policy recommendations for the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Land Use Policy. 2017; 60 ():419-426.
Chicago/Turabian StyleHelena N. Alves-Pinto; Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Bernardo B.N. Strassburg; Felipe S.M. Barros; Jerônimo Sansevero; Alvaro Iribarrem; Renato Crouzeilles; Luisa Lemgruber; Marcio C. Rangel; Augusto C.P. Silva. 2017. "Reconciling rural development and ecological restoration: Strategies and policy recommendations for the Brazilian Atlantic Forest." Land Use Policy 60, no. : 419-426.
Natural regeneration provides multiple benefits to nature and human societies, and can play a major role in global and national restoration targets. However, these benefits are context specific and impacted by both biophysical and socioeconomic heterogeneity across landscapes. Here, we investigate the benefits of natural regeneration for climate change mitigation, sediment retention and biodiversity conservation in a spatially explicit way at very high resolution for a region within the global biodiversity hotspot of the Atlantic Forest. We classified current land-use cover in the region and simulated a natural regeneration scenario in abandoned pasturelands, areas where potential conflicts with agricultural production would be minimized and where some early stage regeneration is already occurring. We then modeled changes in biophysical functions for climate change mitigation and sediment retention, and performed an economic valuation of both ecosystem services. We also modeled how land-use changes affect habitat availability for species. We found that natural regeneration can provide significant ecological and social benefits. Economic values of climate change mitigation and sediment retention alone could completely compensate for the opportunity costs of agricultural production over 20 yr. Habitat availability is improved for three species with different dispersal abilities, although by different magnitudes. Improving the understanding of how costs and benefits of natural regeneration are distributed can be useful to design incentive structures that bring farmers’ decision making more in line with societal benefits. This alignment is crucial for natural regeneration to fulfill its potential as a large-scale solution for pressing local and global environmental challenges.
Bernardo B. N. Strassburg; Felipe S. M. Barros; Renato Crouzeilles; Alvaro Iribarrem; Juliana Silveira Dos Santos; Daniel Silva; Jerônimo Sansevero; Helena N. Alves-Pinto; Rafael Feltran-Barbieri; Agnieszka E. Latawiec. The role of natural regeneration to ecosystem services provision and habitat availability: a case study in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Biotropica 2016, 48, 890 -899.
AMA StyleBernardo B. N. Strassburg, Felipe S. M. Barros, Renato Crouzeilles, Alvaro Iribarrem, Juliana Silveira Dos Santos, Daniel Silva, Jerônimo Sansevero, Helena N. Alves-Pinto, Rafael Feltran-Barbieri, Agnieszka E. Latawiec. The role of natural regeneration to ecosystem services provision and habitat availability: a case study in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Biotropica. 2016; 48 (6):890-899.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBernardo B. N. Strassburg; Felipe S. M. Barros; Renato Crouzeilles; Alvaro Iribarrem; Juliana Silveira Dos Santos; Daniel Silva; Jerônimo Sansevero; Helena N. Alves-Pinto; Rafael Feltran-Barbieri; Agnieszka E. Latawiec. 2016. "The role of natural regeneration to ecosystem services provision and habitat availability: a case study in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest." Biotropica 48, no. 6: 890-899.
Natural regeneration offers a cheaper alternative to active reforestation and has the potential to become the predominant way of restoring degraded tropical landscapes at large-scale. We conducted a meta-analysis for tropical regions and quantified the relationships between both ecological and socioeconomic factors and biodiversity responses in naturally regenerating areas. Biogeographic realms, past disturbance, and the human development index (HDI) were used as explanatory variables for biodiversity responses. In addition, we present a case study of large-scale natural regeneration in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and identify areas where different forms of restoration would be most suitable. Using our dataset for tropical regions, we showed that natural regeneration was predominantly reported within: the Neotropical realm; areas that were intensively disturbed; and countries with medium HDI. We also found that biodiversity in regenerating forests was more similar to the values found in old growth forests in: countries with either low, high, or very high HDI; less biodiverse realms; and areas of less intensive past disturbance. Our case study from Brazil showed that the level of forest gain resulting from environmental legislation, in particular the Brazilian Forest Code, has been reduced, but remains substantial. Complementary market incentives and financial mechanisms to promote large-scale natural regeneration in human-modified agricultural landscapes are also needed. Our analysis provides insights into the factors that promote or limit the recovery of biodiversity in naturally regenerating areas, and aids to identify areas with higher potential for natural regeneration. A regeneração natural oferece uma alternativa mais barata do que a restauração ativa e tem o potencial de se tornar o modelo predominante de restauração em larga escala para paisagens tropicais degradadas. Nós realizamos uma meta-análise para regiões tropicais e quantificamos a relação entre ambos os fatores ecológicos e socioeconômicos e a respostas da biodiversidade em áreas de regeneração natural. Nós utilizamos as ecorregiões, o distúrbio passado, e o índice de desenvolvimento humano (IDH) como variáveis explicativas para a resposta da biodiversidade. Além disso, nós apresentamos um estudo de caso da regeneração natural em larga escala na Mata Atlântica brasileira e identificamos as áreas onde diferentes formas de restauração seriam mais adequadas. Usando nosso conjunto de dados para regiões tropicais, nós mostramos que a regeneração natural foi predominantemente estudada em: (i) regiões Neotropicais, (ii) as áreas que foram intensamente perturbadas, e (iii) países com IDH médio. Nós também revelamos que a biodiversidade em áreas de regeneração natural era mais similar a encontrada em florestas maduras em: (i) países com baixo, alto ou muito alto IDH; (ii) ecorregiões menos biodiversas; e (iii) áreas com distúrbio passado menos intensivo. Nosso estudo de caso revelou que o ganho florestal resultante da legislação ambiental, em especial do Código Florestal Brasileiro, foi reduzido, mas continua a ser substancial. Incentivos complementares de mercado e mecanismos financeiros são necessários para que a regeneração natural ocorra em larga escala em paisagens modificadas por ações antrópicas. Nossas análises ajudam a identifcar os fatores que promovem ou limitam a recuperação da biodiversidade em áreas de regeneração natural, e auxiliam a identificar as áreas com maior potencial de regeneração natural.
Agnieszka E. Latawiec; Renato Crouzeilles; Pedro Brancalion; Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues; Jerônimo Sansevero; Juliana Silveira Dos Santos; Morena Mills; André Gustavo Nave; Bernardo B. Strassburg. Natural regeneration and biodiversity: a global meta-analysis and implications for spatial planning. Biotropica 2016, 48, 844 -855.
AMA StyleAgnieszka E. Latawiec, Renato Crouzeilles, Pedro Brancalion, Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues, Jerônimo Sansevero, Juliana Silveira Dos Santos, Morena Mills, André Gustavo Nave, Bernardo B. Strassburg. Natural regeneration and biodiversity: a global meta-analysis and implications for spatial planning. Biotropica. 2016; 48 (6):844-855.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAgnieszka E. Latawiec; Renato Crouzeilles; Pedro Brancalion; Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues; Jerônimo Sansevero; Juliana Silveira Dos Santos; Morena Mills; André Gustavo Nave; Bernardo B. Strassburg. 2016. "Natural regeneration and biodiversity: a global meta-analysis and implications for spatial planning." Biotropica 48, no. 6: 844-855.