Efeito de frequência de queimadas na qualidade de solos no Parque Nacional de Maputo

Abstract

Maputo National Park (PNAM), like most conservation areas in Mozambique, faces periodic fires due to several factors, such as the opening of new areas for cultivation, hunting activities, accidental fires, among others. Located in Maputo Province, Matutuíne District, these fires can impact local biodiversity and soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fire frequency on soil quality through physical-chemical indicators in PNAM. Sampling was carried out between 1 and 15 October 2021, considering three levels of fire frequency (High, Medium and Low), defined based on the frequency of occurrence. For soil physical-chemical indicators, a sample size of n=18 was used, while soil macrofauna (biological indicators) was sampled in 9 independent 30x30 m squares. The data were statistically analyzed with the Statistica software version 8.0, using ANOVA with a significance level of 5%. The results indicated that almost all the physicochemical indicators of soil quality in the PNAM did not present statistically significant differences, with the exception of pH in H 2 O (ANOVA, F=42.7: (p<0.05). The biological indicators of the soil, such as abundance and diversity, also did not show significant differences between the levels of frequency of burning (p>0.05). Thus, the results suggest that there is no statistical evidence that the frequency of burning significantly affects soil quality in the Maputo National Park, during the period studied(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)