Carbon, Nitrogen and Natural Abundance of δ13C in Forest Cover

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the density (Ds) and content of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), carbon (Cstock) and nitrogen stock (Nstock), and the natural abundance of δ13C in the soil profile of an area of Semideciduous Forest (SF) converted to eucalyptus monoculture (Corymbia citriodora) (ERN) in order to elucidate the changes in these environments. For this purpose, soil samples were collected at depths up to one meter in each study area. The conversion of FES to monocultures reduced Ds, N and EstC in the surface layer. However, there was an increase in EstC in the deeper soil layers. The δ13C isotopic signal of the vegetation that once occupied areas of C. citriodora plantation was similar to that currently found in the area of SF, and the time of conversion was at the depth of 0,40 m in the soil profile.