Arthur Prudêncio

Life Sciences

A passionate musician and dedicated soil engineer, Arthur finds solace in playing guitar and cavaquinho when he’s not immersed in environmental restoration and deforestation. With a degree in agricultural engineering from the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco and a master’s and PhD in soil and plant nutrition from the University of São Paulo, where he is also a postdoctoral researcher, Arthur dedicates his research to understanding the microorganisms that form biological crusts in desertified soils, hoping to use this knowledge to combat desertification.  

In his spare time, he enjoys cheering on his favorite soccer team, Palmeiras, running, and exploring new beaches. 

Open Calls

Science Call 7

Projects

Can we heal Brazil’s drylands with the help of biological soil crusts?
Science / Life Sciences

Desertification, a process of land degradation fueled by climate change and unsustainable human activities such as deforestation, is a growing threat to the Caatinga and other dryland ecosystems worldwide. This degradation is stripping the land of its native vegetation and impoverishing the soil. Yet even under these harsh conditions, life persists. Biological soil crusts, composed of a diverse community of bacteria, fungi and other organisms, form a living “skin” on the soil surface and act as oases of life by stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion. This project aims to elucidate the composition and evolution of these remarkable crusts in the desertified areas of the Caatinga. We will identify the key microorganisms involved and their morphology, genetics and physiology using traditional techniques (in vitro cultivation, laboratory analysis) and state-of-the-art genetic sequencing. Our ultimate goal is to develop methods to induce the growth of biological soil crusts and harness their potential as a nature-based solution to combat desertification and restore the health of the Caatinga.

Amount invested

Grant Serrapilheira: R$ 600.000,00 (R$ 450.000,00 + R$ 150.000,00 optional bonuses aimed at the integration and training of individuals from underrepresented groups in science)
  • Topics
  • Desertification