The role of deep roots in the hydrological and carbon cycles of Amazonian forests and pastures

• Published in: Nature (London) Vol. 372; no. 6507; pp. 666 - 669
• Main Authors: Nepstad, Daniel C, de Carvalho, Claudio R, Davidson, Eric A, Jipp, Peter H, Lefebvre, Paul A, Negreiros, Gustavo H, da Silva, Elson D, Stone, Thomas A, Trumbore, Susan E, Vieira, Simone
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing 15.12.1994; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Carbon; Carbon cycle; Carbon sequestration; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Dry season; Environmental degradation: ecosystems survey and restoration; Forests; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General agroecology; General agroecology. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development. Rural area planning. Landscaping; General agronomy. Plant production; Generalities. Agricultural and farming systems. Agricultural development; Hydrologic data; Pasture; Roots; Soils; Water; South America; Brazil; Amazon Basin; America; Brazil, Amazonia; South America, Amazonia; Deforestation; Forests; Root; Tropical zone; Biogeochemical cycle; Forest logging; Depth; Remote sensing; Carbon cycle; Hydrology; Pasture; Runoff; Seasonal variation; Evapotranspiration; Humidity; Drought
• ISSN: 0028-0836; 1476-4687
• DOI: 10.1038/372666a0

Research has determined, using rainfall data, satellite imagery and field studies, that half of the closed forests of Brazilian Amazonia depend on deep root systems to maintain green canopies during the dry season. Forest alteration that affects depth distributions of carbon inputs from roots may also affect net carbon storage in the soil.