The results indicated that CO2–C emission, soil temperature, metabolic quotient, C/N ratio, labile and soluble
C were the most important soil quality indicators, reflecting the general biological properties of the soil.
Based on the SQI values, ACS is the most suitable management of coffee, since it preserves soil quality. Management
strategies that guarantee a continued and diversified input of organic matter enable the following:
(i) increased C soil storages, (ii) the stabilization of the microbial biomass C, (iii) a reduction in C loss through
CO2–C emissions and (iv) the best indices of soil quality. These are crucial targets in order to restore soil quality
in the Atlantic Rainforest Biome.