Abstract
Integrated-crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems are currently promoted as a measure for sustainable intensification of agricultural production. However, due to complex interactions among ICLF components, we are still lacking evidence about the system’s resilience regarding water availability, especially for regions characterized by pronounced wet and dry seasons and frequent droughts. For a mature ICLF system in the Cerrado biome of central-west Brazil comprising rows of eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla, H13 clone) at a spacing of 22 m in combination with Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã pasture we continuously measured soil moisture (SM) until 1 m depth and supported this data with measurements of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and aboveground green grass biomass (AGBM) across transects between the tree rows for almost two years. Across the seasons a distinct gradient was observed with SM being lower close to the tree rows than in the space between them. During winter SM decreased to critical values near the tree lines in the topsoil. During spring and summer, incident PAR was 72% and 86% lower close to the trees than at the center point. For autumn and winter PAR was more evenly distributed between the tree rows due to inclination with notably up to four times more radiation input near the tree lines compared to spring and summer. AGBM showed a clear distribution with maximum values in the center and about half of the biomass close to the tree rows. Our data suggest that, restrictions in AGBM accumulation shifted among seasons between water limitations in winter and light limitations during summer. Interestingly, SM changes during wetting and drying events were most pronounced in subsoils near the tree rows, while the topsoil showed much less fluctuations. The subsoil in central position showed the lowest SM dynamics in response to drought maintaining a relative high and constant SM content, therefore functioning as important water reservoirs likely improving the resilience of the system to drought stress. Results of this study could help to improve management and the design of ICLF systems in view of sustainability and resistance to (water) crises but should be further supported by in depth analysis of soil water dynamics as affected by climate gradients, soil types and different management practices.
Highlights
The Brazilian Savannah, known as the Cerrado, covers an area of 204.7 million ha
photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) received by the grass canopy varied widely between the seasons, and between the tree rows, especially in spring and summer (Figure 3)
PAR was more evenly distributed between the sample points, with P1S receiving 43% and P6S 74% less PAR compared to the open field
Summary
The Brazilian Savannah, known as the Cerrado, covers an area of 204.7 million ha (about 22% of the Brazilian territory). According to Macedo [4], the planted pasture area in the Cerrado amounts to 60 million ha, of which. Integratedcrop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems combine crop and livestock in succession, rotation or by intercropping with trees in the same area [6], and are a reliable alternative to restore degraded pastures [7]. For this reason, integrated systems are currently considered an option for sustainable intensification, improving food security and environmental stability [8,9,10]. Increased soil water infiltration and water storage in ICLF systems led to their promotion as a promising land use option to reduce drought impacts on agricultural production, which may be more frequent due to climate change [13]
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