DIVERSIDADE VEGETAL E ANIMAL EM INTEGRAÇÃO LAVOURA PECUÁRIA FLORESTA

Abstract

In the present study, an integrated agricultural production system was set up implemented on 6 hectares, with the consortium of Tectona grandis and Eucalyptus urograndis clone I144 as the forestry component, corn cultivation intercropped with tamani grass in the summer for silage production as the agricultural component, and dairy cows grazing during the winter as the livestock component. The first chapter highlights a case study about the process of system implementing the system, and the second chapter evaluates the consequences of the treatments applied during the livestock phase. The forest species were planted alternately in rows with 2-meter spacing between trees, using single-row strips planted along the contour lines with approximately 30-meter spacing. Timber production was assessed by measuring the diameter at breast height (DBH) and the height of trees at 823 days after planting, with the mortality rate determined at the same time. In addition, corn silage production, tamani grass forage, and soil chemical composition (at three depths: 0-10, 10-20, 20-40 cm) were measured at 14 georeferenced points distributed across the experimental area.The livestock component established the following treatments: 1) Tamani grass with dairy cattle grazing (monoculture); 2) Tamani grass intercropped with pigeon pea with dairy cattle grazing (consortium); 3) Tamani grass intercropped with pigeon pea with simultaneous dairy cattle and sheep grazing (biodiverse). Each treatment was represented by 4 repetitions (paddocks), totalling 12 paddocks of approximately 0.5 hectares (ha) each. Four lactating dairy cows were used for the monoculture and consortium treatments, and three cows and 11 sheep for the biodiverse treatment. After the livestock phase, the corn-tamani grass consortium for silage production was reestablished across the entire area. During the livestock phase, milk composition and production, forage availability and composition were analysed, and during the crop phase, silage production and composition were evaluated. Over the years, increases in organic matter, pH, cation exchange capacity, base saturation, magnesium, and calcium in the soil were observed. However, soil fertility could be further improved by increasing phosphorus and potassium doses. Silage production can be increased not only by increasing phosphorus and potassium doses but also by selecting a more resistant corn hybrid with greater yield potential, in addition to improving pest control. As for the livestock component, there were no differences in milk production per area, with the biodiverse system allowing for sheep grazing in addition to milk production. Therefore, the potential of this system to improve forage utilization and, consequently, land use efficiency is highlighted.