Boden- und Wasserschutz in landwirtschaftlich genutzten Gebieten der Mata Atlantica Brasiliens

Soil loss caused by inappropriate soil preparation and cultivation techniques in the Mata Atlantica region of Brazil and its consequent damages were analysed in this research. The quality of surface water which suffers from the influence of human activities was analysed by using a transportable field laboratory. Based on rainfall simulator experiments and permanent runoff plots, a holistic and interdisciplinary approach was used to elaborate a way of sustainable protection of soil and water resources. Through the population of the coastal rainforest Mata Atlantica and the exploitation of its natural resources, 93% of the original forested areas have disappeared. The intensive agricultural use of the mostly steep areas for cultivation of annual crops with intensive use of fertilisers and pesticides leads to immense erosion damages and pollution of soil and water. In Brazil, research on erosion is mainly focused on the adaptation of the USLE to Brazilian conditions and concentrated on the immense agricultural areas in the southern states. The mostly marginal areas used by small farmers as well as off-site damages caused by soil erosion have rarely been given any importance. (orig.)Available from TIB Hannover: RA 2037(205)+a / FIZ - Fachinformationszzentrum Karlsruhe / TIB - Technische InformationsbibliothekSIGLEDEGerman