Stocks of elements in radicular biomasses in different coverages in the cerrado of tocantins, Brazil

ABSTRACT Root biomass plays a vital role in nutrient cycling for the maintenance and functioning of different ecosystems. In this context, this study aimed to determine the stocks of elements in root biomass under different covers in the Cerrado of Tocantins, Brazil. The research was conducted in different vegetal coverings: agriculture, pasture, Eucalyptus sp., and native Cerrado forest. Root biomass was collected in six trenches, 70 x 70 cm, and a depth of 50 cm through sieving. Macro and microelement stocks were determined in root biomass. Macros and microelements showed higher average values for the native forest. With the change in vegetation cover, N, P, and S were higher in agriculture, with stocks of 1.82 Mg ha-1, 1.83 Mg ha-1, and 9.6 Mg ha-1. In a planted forest of Eucalyptus sp., macroelements K, Ca, and Mg were higher, with stock values of 16.06 Mg ha-1, 25.91 Mg ha-1, and 5.02 Mg ha-1, and microelements, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn with values of 0.05 Mg ha-1, 0.04 Mg ha-1, 5 Mg ha-1, 0.7 Mg ha-1, and 0.08 Mg ha-1 in root biomass, respectively. Thus, the planted forest of Eucalyptus sp. promoted greater stocks and cycling of elements, with greater stability of the organic material.