Aspectos fisiográficos e edafoclimáticos como subsídio para avaliação da qualidade ambiental de Vitória de Santo Antão-PE

Abstract

The degradation of ecosystems, intensified by practices such as deforestation and urbanization, has compromised environmental quality and soil fertility, especially in areas with intense agricultural activity like Vitória de Santo Antão, PE. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate environmental quality and edaphoclimatic factors, focusing on leaf litter decomposition, nitrogen release, and the role of soil macrofauna, while analyzing the impacts of land use on local ecosystems. The research was conducted in two main stages. In the first chapter, an analysis of the municipality's physiographic parameters was carried out using geotechnologies such as georeferencing and satellite imagery to characterize land use and land cover. In the second chapter, the influence of climatic seasonality on litter decomposition, nitrogen release, and macrofauna dynamics in different environments (bare soil and native vegetation) was assessed through field experiments and laboratory analyses of climatic, physical, and chemical soil variables. The results revealed significant changes in land use, with a reduction in healthy vegetation cover and increased habitat fragmentation, as confirmed by vegetation indices (NDVI). Total precipitation reached 1,696.59 mm, concentrated in the wet months, while the average temperature was 25.19°C. Residue decomposition was faster during the wet season, with significant mass losses in bare soil (50.44% on the surface and 34.13% in the subsurface). Macrofauna activity was higher in these areas, promoting nitrogen release and highlighting its importance in nutrient cycling and soil fertility. It is concluded that the interaction between edaphoclimatic factors and soil management practices directly influences the region's environmental quality. These findings reinforce the need for sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation, and integrated urban planning to preserve the environment and improve soil health in Vitória de Santo Antão.