Organic Yerba Mate, Ilex paraguariensis, in Association with Native Species: A Sustainable Production Alternative

Abstract

Ilex paraguariensis A. St.Hil., Aquifoliaceae (“yerba mate”) is a native plant from South America whose leaves are used to prepare an infusion or tea of popular consumption. Its market has been expanding internationally, because yerba mate is nutritious, energizing, and it contains antioxidants. Yerba mate trees are usually grown in monocultures (known as yerbales), where the leaves are harvested several times a year. This conventional management results in decreased plant productivity and soil erosion in the long term. Since yerba mate grows naturally in subtropical forest and is shade tolerant, it is adequate for growing under the canopy of other tree species as a component of agroforestry systems (AFS). Incorporating trees in degraded yerbales in the province of Misiones has been shown to provide environmental and economic benefits. This chapter provides a list of native species that have been tested in different experimental areas and are suitable for growing in association with yerba mate. The following tree species are recommended for yerba mate AFS as they have shown good growth performance and provide high quality timber: Cordia trichotoma, Balfourodendron riedelianum, Bastardiopsis densiflora, Nectandra lanceolata, Araucaria angustifolia, Aspidosperma polyneuron, Eugenia involucrata, Cedrela fissilis, and Jacaranda micrantha. All of these species have monopodic growth (i.e., form a single stem as a result of apical dominance and lack of branching), and are self-pruning. Other tree species with sympodial growth (i.e. with lateral branching) and large crown which have attributes that are valuable for restoration purposes include: Handroanthus heptaphyllus, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Peltophorum dubium and Anadenanthera colubrina. Species that provide fruit, or have medicinal, honey, landscape, or ornamental values such as the multi-purpose palm Euterpe edulis, are also recommended. These species can also increase AFS diversification and landscape biodiversity. Finally, results of an economic evaluation indicated that yerba mate AFS can be financially attractive to farmers.