Influence of native and exotic tree plantations on biophysical indicators in the Brazilian Savanna

Abstract

The monitoring of biophysical indicators can show the conservation or recovery status of a landscape. This study aimed to analyze the influence of tree plantations on the dynamics of biophysical indicators (albedo, NDVI, surface temperature and evapotranspiration), in an experimental area of the Cerrado biome (Brazilian Savanna), by applying remote sensing techniques and the SEBAL algorithm. The indicators dynamics were given as a function of changes in the land use, while assessing the response of the environment to the planting of tree species. SEBAL data on areas that underwent changes in land use and cover during this period were analyzed. In the surroundings of the experimental area, albedo and surface temperature decreased in agricultural and exposed soil areas converted to tree plantations, while the NDVI and evapotranspiration increased. The opposite happened in the conversion of native areas destined to agriculture and livestock. In the experimental area, it was confirmed that the plantations contributed not only to the decrease in the surface and albedo temperature, but also to the increase in the NDVI and evapotranspiration. This confirms the positive influence of tree planting in rural properties of the Cerrado as a support to environmental regularization and more sustainable agricultural systems. Moreover, it highlights the potential of the technique applied to assist in monitoring Cerrado ecosystems in areas larger than those commonly monitored in the field.