Mixed Plantations of Eucalyptus and Leguminous Trees: Soil, Microbiology, and Ecosystem Services

Abstract

Forests may provide ecosystem services (ES) at different levels. The current trend of reduction in natural forest cover and expansion of forest plantations forces the forest managers to implement plans that maximize the provision of multiple socioeconomic and ecological benefits. Intensively managed forests are systems that can no longer be understood as eucalyptus plantations only, especially from the perspective of ES. The mosaic of exotic planted and native forests in the rural landscape matrix brings immeasurable benefits to these sustainability dimensions. When these plantations become more diverse, a greater variety of ecosystem services appears. Mixed planted forests are an alternative to traditional cropping and allow a right balance between production (wood) and ecological benefits. This chapter raises a discussion about the ecosystem services brought by three basic types of forests planted in Brazil: commercial planted forests dominated by Eucalyptus monocultures under short rotation regimes; mixed low-diversity plantations such as those of Eucalyptus and Acacia mangium; and the high-diversity mixed plantation forests. Multifunctional landscapes are expected to reduce biodiversity loss and maintain a stable supply of ecosystem services, while under commercial level with increased rotation length, multiple uses, alternative species or clone arrangements (as mixed with N2-fixing trees), as well as conservative soil practices.