Behavior of greenhouse gases emitted in the burning of natural pastures in Lages/SC

Abstract

In the municipality of Lages-SC, biomass burning for soil management is still widely utilized by producers and ranchers. However, despite being allowed in some situations, this practice may affect the quality of soils and vegetation, and becoming sources of emissions of pollutants, potentializing air pollution and increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases. In view of this, this study aimed to assess the behavior of greenhouse gases emitted in the burning of natural pastures, as well as showing the possible impacts caused by this practice. The samplings occurred in a Control Point without burnings and in three points where burnings were underway, during the stages of flame and smoke, utilizing portable measuring devices. Air samples were collected during afternoons in September 2020. The gases analyzed were CO, CO₂, NO, NO₂ and SO₂. Air temperature and relative humidity were also measured. The concentrations obtained in the sampling points during the stage of flame were lower than those registered during the stage of smoke. It could be noticed that the concentrations of the gases were influenced by meteorological factors, the characteristics of the predominant type of vegetation in each sampling point and by their dispersion by water vapor. Given the importance of the maintenance of natural pastures and the impacts from the emissions caused by burnings on the environment and human health, more studies that contribute for a better comprehension of the relation between these and the presence of fire are needed. However, this knowledge must be spread to support the creation of efficient public policies capable of mitigating environmental impacts.