Designing optimal agrosilvopastoral landscape by the potential for conservation use in Brazil

Abstract

Land classification offers decision-makers a baseline to act assertively, improving the relationship between production and the conservation of natural resources. This work characterises the potential of land use concerning agrosilvopastoral use, soil conservation, and water production through a proof of concept to support landscape planning at the State level. The indexes range from low (1) to high (5) aptitude for agrosilvopastoral or conservation use in Google Earth Engine. We crossed land use classification from MapBiomas, Collection 5 (2019) with the PCU map to obtain areas suitable for agrosilvopastoral use (PCU≥3) or conservation use and the percentual of used land considering administrative, watershed, and municipality divisions. The balance observed between administrative regions regarding the potential for conservation use does not repeat when analysing watershed districts or municipalities, reinforcing that hydric management committees and cities must plan territorial use. Livestock has the highest percentage of land use in low PCU areas, followed by silviculture and agriculture, indicating the priority to include conservation use in the sustainable agriculture agenda. In Brazil, Minas Gerais State provides ecosystem services related to water supply beyond the state borders. Payment for environmental services is an alternative to increasing agrosilvopastoral activities' environmental performance. Well-designing the landscape use may promote productivity and reduce pressure under new areas for crop production.