Edaphic Attributes and the Provision of Ecosystem Services under Different Land Use and Management Systems

Soil functions are directly linked to the provision of ecosystem services. However, land-use changes can alter soil physical and chemical properties, affecting its functional capacity. This study evaluates how edaphic attributes regulate soil functions and the provision of ecosystem services, with emphasis on provisioning and regulating services, particularly nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration, under different land-use systems in Monteiro Lobato (São Paulo, Brazil), in the Serra da Mantiqueira region. Four systems were evaluated: two agroforestry systems (AFS), a native forest undergoing natural regeneration, and an active pasture. Soil samples were collected at different slope positions and analyzed for fertility-related chemical attributes (pH, exchangeable bases, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, and potential acidity), soil organic matter (SOM), and particle-size distribution. Preliminary results indicate that the native forest exhibits the highest SOM contents, although differences were not statistically significant. Pasture and agroforestry systems showed similar SOM values; however, AFS presented significantly higher calcium contents and a greater proportion of fine particles compared to pasture. These factors favor SOM stabilization, suggesting a greater potential for carbon sequestration and climate regulation in agroforestry systems. Fertility-related attributes, such as CEC, base saturation, and exchangeable cations, were generally higher in forested systems, with AFS approaching or even surpassing native forest values for some nutrients. These results indicate enhanced nutrient cycling and reduced dependence on external inputs. Overall, agroforestry systems demonstrated greater potential to sustain regulating and provisioning ecosystem services, highlighting their role as sustainable land-use strategies for soil conservation and socio-environmental benefits.