iCLF Systems Research Articles

Maize crop performance on different Agricultural Production Systems and co-inoculation with A. brasilense and T. asperellum

Considering the increasing global population and demand for food, it is crucial to adopt agricultural practices that ensure both food security and environmental preservation. In this context, plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM) and integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems (ICLF) have emerged as promising strategies for sustainable productive intensification. This research aimed to determine the effects of inoculating Azospirillum brasilense and Trichoderma asperellum on maize crops (Zea mays L.) grown in monocropping and ICLF systems. A complete randomized block design was performed in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement with three replications. The crop systems included maize monocrop (C), crop-livestock (CL), crop-forest (CF), and crop-livestock-forest (CLF). Concomitantly, the co-inoculation (A. brasilense + T. asperellum) was compared to the control management (with no PGPM). CL and C systems with co-inoculation showed the highest yields, while the CF and CLF systems, which include the arboreal component, showed lower yields because of tree shading. CL + co-inoculation treatment was the most significant with increases of 17.14% in shoot dry mass, 43% in 1000-grain weight, and 9.56% in yield (t ha-1) compared to the C + control treatment. Additionally, the CL + co-inoculation treatment overcame the CLF + control by 136.63% in yield. Results indicate that the PGPM co-inoculation in maize within the CL system is an effective strategy for optimizing crop production.

Crop, livestock, and forestry integration to reconcile soil health, food production, and climate change mitigation in the Brazilian Cerrado: A review

Integrated crop–livestock (ICL) and crop–livestock–forestry (ICLF) systems have been widely adopted in the Brazilian Cerrado. In this study, we gathered the publications regarding the effects of the ICL and ICLF systems on soil health, plant and animal production, and carbon (C) balance and then synthesized them in comparable terms, aiming to evaluate the sustainability of these systems in a broader and comprehensive approach. On the basis of the evidence from 65 peer-reviewed publications, it was observed that adopting integrated systems can improve soil health in the Brazilian Cerrado. With a few exceptions, positive effects on chemical, physical, and biological indicators of soil health were observed in most of the studies that comprised our data. Accordingly, the results showed that the ICL and ICLF systems can improve plant yield and animal production, but special attention regarding the grazing regime and tree management (e.g., spacing, pruning, and thinning) is required. Moreover, soil C accumulation fully offsets soil N2O emissions, underscoring the feasibility of using the ICL and ICLF systems for decreasing the C footprint of agricultural commodities in this region. The research assembled in this review has undoubtedly advanced our knowledge regarding integrated systems in the Brazilian Cerrado. However, there are still significant knowledge gaps that should be addressed, such as their effects on soil physics and biology. Despite these shortcomings, our literature review demonstrates that the ICL and ICLF systems are essential strategies to intensify agricultural production in the Brazilian Cerrado while ensuring sustainability.

Use of infrared thermography from a crewed aerial vehicle for remote sensing of tropical pasture areas with different levels of afforestation

Better livestock practices are needed to enable more efficient and sustainable food production. Integrated crop-livestock-forest (iCLF) production systems stand out among these. However, iCLF systems have not yet been monitored remotely using infrared thermography (IRT). Crewed overflights were conducted every 21 days for 14 months in São Carlos, Brazil (21°58′30″S, 47°51′07″W, 854 m AMSL) to (i) evaluate the efficiency of remote thermographic sensing of pastures for beef cattle and (ii) study the surface temperatures of pastures in monoculture/full sun (FS system) or iCLF (iCLF system). There was a significant correlation between air temperatures recorded at 1.5 m from the ground by automated meteorological stations and temperatures recorded using IRT, with the highest correlation coefficients observed in FS at 12:00 PM (r = 0.89; P = 0.0013) and in iCLF between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM (r = 0.77; P = 0.0142). The surface and air temperatures did not differ significantly in FS (2:00 PM–4:00 PM) and iCLF (8:00 AM–6:00 PM; P > 0.05). In all seasons, IRT revealed higher thermal classes more frequently in FS. Heat maps showed notable differences between the production systems, including two heterogeneous thermal zones. Circumscribed areas of varying sizes with higher surface temperatures (>35.0 °C) were also observed in spots (FS) or parallel bands in the east–west direction (iCLF). These areas had no trees and/or less vegetation cover. Infrared thermography remote sensing in crewed overflights ran concurrently with temperature readings from on-site meteorological stations. This enabled the precise identification of thermographic differences between pastures in monoculture and integrated systems, with the definition of heat islands and comfort zones. This study provides insights into the novel application of IRT for microclimatic assessments of livestock pastures, which can aid in decision-making to improve the welfare of free-range animals.

Thermal comfort of Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) bulls kept in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system in a tropical climate

CONTEXTClimate change presents challenges for livestock productivity and animal health. Thus, management strategies to mitigate the effects of the global temperature increase on livestock production have become progressively relevant. However, the use of integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems to optimize the beef cattle thermal balance has not been examined more deeply. OBJECTIVEThe study aimed to evaluate the microclimate in a non-shaded pasture system (NS) and in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system (ICLF) and its influence on thermoregulatory and endocrine responses of zebu and composite bulls, during different climatic seasons. METHODSThe experiment was carried out in a tropical region, São Carlos-SP, Brazil (21°57′42″S, 47°50′28″W). Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus x 3/8 Bos indicus) bulls were equally allocated in a non-shaded system (NS; n = 32) or in an integrated crop-livestock-forestry system (ICLF; n = 32). The animals were monthly evaluated and the data were analyzed using a GLM Model. Means were compared using Tukey test (P < 0.05). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSThe ICLF system reduced the air temperature (−0.6 °C; P = 0.0010), the Black Globe Temperature and Humidity Index-BGHI (−3.8; P < 0.0001), and the Radiant Thermal Load (−104 W/m2; P < 0.0001) compared to the NS system. The infrared thermograms of NS bulls were characterized by higher temperatures on the surface of the back and in the trunk, during Autumn and Winter (P < 0.05). In addition, NS bulls presented higher respiratory rate (RR: 35.85 ± 0.88 vs 31.97 ± 0.88 breaths/min; P = 0.0210) and internal body temperature (BT: 39.54 ± 0.05 vs 39.35 ± 0.05 °C; P = 0.0057) during Autumn. There was a significant reduction in cortisol concentration (−12.13 ng/mL; P < 0.05) in both systems throughout the experiment. Nelore bulls had lower RR and BT, lower mean concentration of cortisol, and higher secretion of triiodothyronine than Canchim bulls. The ICLF system was effective in mitigating the microclimate of pastures due to the action of natural shading, providing greater thermal comfort, especially for composite animals, and favored the maintenance of homeothermy in the bulls. SIGNIFICANCEThis thesis has provided a deeper insight into the physiological mechanisms involved in the thermoregulation of cattle raised in integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems. The insights gained from this study may be of assistance to indicate ICLF as a suitable option for increasing animal welfare in tropical climates.

Thermal comfort and behavior of beef cattle in pasture-based systems monitored by visual observation and electronic device

Understanding how the bioclimatic factors influence the animals homeothermy and behavior is essential to implement good practices for tropical livestock. Thus, the objective of this work was to study the effect of the incorporation of the arboreal component in pasture production systems in a tropical environment on thermal comfort and to analyze the influence of the integrated crop-livestock-forestry system on the behavior of beef cattle. The study was carried out in São Carlos-SP, Brazil, region of tropical altitude subtype, for 13 months. Sixty-four Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (5/8 Bos taurus x 3/8 Bos indicus) non-castrated males (26 months; 358 kg LW) were allocated to production systems with pastures in full sun (Group FS; n = 32) or with forested pastures (Group ICLF; n = 32). The microclimate of the pastures was permanently monitored by weather stations. The behavior of the animals was assessed through an observational method in monthly campaigns and a continuous electronic monitoring method based on the use of an accelerometer and acoustic sensor coupled to collars. Higher means of the black globe temperature index were registered in the morning and the afternoon, with a very challenging condition for the animals during the spring and summers, especially for the Group FS. The observational results showed that animals in the Group FS grazed longer in the morning than animals in the Group ICL, mainly in the warmer seasons (P < 0.05). The animals in FS remained lying down longer than the animals kept in the ICLF system, during rumination or resting (P < 0.05). The animals in the Group ICLF preferred the use of shaded areas within the forested system and their frequency of visits to the drinking fountain was reduced in the morning (−55 %) and afternoon (−26 %) shifts. Electronic monitoring showed that animals, regardless of the production system, spent 38.4 % of their time resting, 32.6 % in displacement, and 29.0 % in rumination. The animals in FS had a higher displacement time at night and dawn, and less time resting at night (22:00 h and 23:00 h) and dawn (2:00 h to 6:00 h), which affected their circadian rhythm and restricted the time devoted to restorative effects of rest. Therefore, the use of the arboreal component proved to be beneficial for obtaining a more favorable microclimate for raising cattle on pasture, being useful for increasing animal thermal comfort and for the expression of behavioral attitudes favorable to the maintenance of homeothermy in a tropical environment.

Growth, production and wood quality in integrated crop-livestock-forest and monoculture systems

This work aimed to evaluate the growth, production and wood quality a clonal hybrid (Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla) produced in integrated crop-livestock-forest systems (iCLF) and monoculture. The study was carried out in an iCLF system and a monoculture stand, both in the municipality of Sinop, state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Diameter (at 1.3 m height), total height and production (volume) of trees were evaluated, along with wood quality (growth strains and wood density). The parameters of the trees in the iCLF system were analyzed according to the different positions of the trees in the plantation (lines and between rows), and were compared with the quality of the wood produced in the traditional system (homogeneous plantation). The results indicated an approximate yield of 22.98 m-3 ha-1 year-1 for iCLF and 32.15 m-3 ha-1 year-1 for traditional planting. The longitudinal residual deformation LRD (growth stress) in the iCLF system was higher for the central trees of the stand. The canopy projection in monoculture plantation and the central line of the iCLF system presented more homogenous distribution in relation to the other planting lines. The trees produced in the integrated system presented greater wood density than those produced in the monoculture.

Reducing competition in a crop–livestock–forest integrated system by thinning eucalyptus trees

AbstractThe goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of thinning eucalyptus trees on yield and nutritive value of corn for silage and palisadegrass in a crop–livestock–forest integrated system and to evaluate the total aboveground biomass yield in systems with and without trees. Plant variables, as well as the incidence of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and soil moisture, were evaluated between October 2016 and March 2018 in São Carlos, Brazil, in a crop–livestock–forest and a crop–livestock system. In the crop–livestock–forest system, eucalyptus trees (Eucalyptus urograndis clone GG100) were planted in April 2011, in single rows, with 15 × 2 m spacing. In 2016, the trees were thinned, and the spacing was changed to 15 × 4 m. The treatments comprised measurements at 0.00, 3.75, 7.50, and 11.25 m from the trees of the North row in the integrated crop–livestock–forest (iCLF) system and integrated crop–livestock (iCL) system. Palisadegrass (Urochloa brizantha) was sown after harvesting the corn. Corn yields were similar between treatments, with an average of 13.6 Mg ha−1. Corn for silage presented a higher percentage of grain in total biomass in the crop–livestock–forest positions (41.4 and 42.1%) than in the crop–livestock system (35.6%). No differences in forage accumulation were observed. Crude protein content in corn for silage and palisadegrass was higher in the crop–livestock–forest treatments than in the crop–livestock system. Such results indicate that thinning was favorable to production in the crop–livestock–forest system. Total aboveground biomass yield was higher in the iCLF system, indicating better land use for this type of integrated system.

Production and nutritive value of pastures in integrated livestock production systems: shading and management effects

This study aimed to evaluate the production characteristics of pastures in integrated livestock production systems. For that, an experiment was carried out in São Carlos, SP, Brazil, from 2013 to 2015. Forage development, production and nutritive value were evaluated in five beef cattle production systems: extensive continuous stocking (Urochloa decumbens) = EXT; intensive = INT; crop-livestock = iCL; livestock-forest = iLF and crop-livestock-forest = iCLF. Rotational stocking pastures in INT, iCL, iLF and iCLF systems were established with Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Piatã. In iCL and iCLF, pastures were renovated by resowing the grass simultaneously with corn. In iLF and iCLF, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urograndis clone GG100) was planted in Apr 2011 in single rows with 15 × 2 m spacing. In the 2013/2014 crop season, INT, iCL, and iCLF pastures were more productive than in iLF and EXT. Shading increase in the 2014/2015 season reduced pasture production in iLF and iCLF, compared with INT and iCL, but increased crude protein content and digestibility. In the shaded systems, pasture production was affected by proximity to trees, mainly due to reductions in solar radiation transmission. The principal component analyses showed that forage accumulation and leaf area index were associated with the position in the middle of the inter-row, and nutritive value was associated with the position at 1.5 m from the trees. In iCLF, solar radiation transmission greater than 60 % maintained forage accumulation similar to iCL, while in iLF, it reduced forage accumulation, evidencing that pasture renovation minimized shading effects in these systems.

Physical–mechanical properties of wood from a eucalyptus clone planted in an integrated crop-livestock-forest system

ABSTRACTIntegrated crop-livestock-forest (iCLF) systems are consolidated as alternatives for multiple use of agricultural lands to produce grains, meat, milk, timber and non-timber products. This article reports the analysis of the wood quality of a eucalyptus clone grown in conventional homogenous plantation and iCLF system and evaluated at 7-year age. For this purpose, 12 and 36 trees, respectively, from a conventional plantation and the iCLF system, were collected and sampled to determine their chemical composition (ashes, extractives, total carbohydrates and lignin contents) and physical–mechanical properties. Higher contents of ashes, extractives and holocellulose were found in wood from the iCLF system. Wood from that system had higher density and both static bending and compressive strength. Linear and volumetric shrinkage as well as the anisotropic factor were not influenced by the management system. Despite being juvenile, the wood from iCLF can be employed for industrial uses, notably sawn lumber and firewood.

PHYSICAL QUALITY OF SOILS UNDER A CROP-LIVESTOCK-FOREST SYSTEM IN THE CERRADO/AMAZON TRANSITION REGION

ABSTRACT Integrated crop-livestock-forest (iCLF) systems have gained prominence in the past decades as an alternative of sustainable land use, particularly in regions in which there is pressure against agricultural expansion in protected ecosystems such as the Brazilian Amazon. In this context, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of one year of use of the iCLF system in the Cerrado/Amazon transition region to determine its impact on soil quality compared to other traditional land uses in the region (planted forest, crop, forage, and native forest). The results indicated that the iCLF system did not jeopardize the soil physical quality, and only the crop land use affected the soil physical attributes. The land uses with the lowest impact on the physical condition of the soil were the iCLF system and the planted forest.

Carbon Stocks and Soil Organic Matter Quality Under Different of Land Uses in the Maranhense Amazon

In the face of the traditional model of succession of native environments in pastures or agricultural areas, followed by superpastejo and the concern with emissions of greenhouse gases in the Brazilian Amazon region, this work aims to determine the influence of different land uses on carbon sequestration and soil organic matter changes in the municipality of Pindaré-Mirim, in state of Maranhão. This study evaluated different uses of the soil: native forest; secondary vegetation (capoeira); degraded pasture and CLFI (Crop-Livestock-Forest Integration) system. The deformed and undisturbed samples were collected at depths: 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30, 0.30-0.40, 0.40-0.60, 0.60-0.80 and 0.80-1.00 m. Soil densities were determined by the volumetric ring method, the carbon stocks by the carbon content in the soil evaluating the dry combustion, and the accumulated carbon stocks were calculated in 1.00 m. The physical fractions of the organic matter were determined by means of the granulometric method. At depth 0.0-0.10 m, the soil density in the native forest (1.17 g cm-3) was lower than the average of degraded pasture (1.40 g cm-3). There was no difference in the carbon content between all the land uses up to 0.40 m depth. The accumulated carbon stocks up to 1.00 m ranged from 49.52 Mg ha-1 to 64.41 Mg ha-1 and were higher in the native forest compared to capoeira and the ICLF system. In relation to the accumulated carbon stock, the native forest and degraded pasture were the ones that obtained the highest levels, followed by the capoeira and the CLFI system.

Productive and nutritional characteristics of Piatã-grass in integrated systems

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the pasture productive and nutritional characteristics of Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã in integrated systems with different densities of trees. Considering as plot the systems: integrated crop-livestock-forest with rows of trees (eucalyptus) spaced at 14 m and 357 trees ha-1 (ICLF-14m), ICLF with rows of trees spaced at 22 m and 227 trees ha-1 (ICLF-22m) and the integrated crop-livestock (ICL) with five remaining native trees ha-1; period of the year as subplots, and sampling points as subsubplots (A, B C, D, and E) arranged perpendicular to trees alleys. It was evaluated the production of forage and leaf blade dry mass, leaf:stem ratio, soil coverage, radiation photosynthetically active interception, canopy height, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM) of the leaf blade, and stem associated with the leaf sheath. There was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) for all variables due to the month within the integrated systems. Mainly in January and March, showing the forage and leaf blade dry mass reduction due to a higher trees density. System with higher trees density showed the lowest soil coverage and canopy height sampling points A and E in ICLF-22m showed lower forage and leaf blade dry mass production and soil coverage. The system with higher trees density showed lower value of NDF of the leaf blade, and higher CP contents. The IVDOM of the leaf blade was higher in ICLF systems. For the evaluated parameters the best results were for the ICLF-22m.

Soil Chemical Attributes under Crop-Livestock-Forest Integration System and in Different Land Uses in Mata dos Cocais Region

The sustainability of ecosystems is closely linked with the assessment of soil properties that estimate their quality. This work proposes to evaluate soil chemical attributes as a function of the implantation of a crop-livestock-forest integration system (ICLF) in the region of Mata dos Cocais in the state of Maranhão, Northeast Brazil. The four different land uses evaluated were native vegetation with babassu, capoeira vegetation, degraded pasture and area under ICLF system (with marandu grass, maize and eucalyptus consortium). The samples were collected up to one meter deep, comprising seven layers: 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30, 0.30-0.40, 0.40-0.60, 0.60-0.80 and 0.80-1.0 m. The chemical attributes evaluated were pH, Ca, Mg, Al, P, K and Na, potential acidity, base sum, base saturation and soil cation exchange capacity (CEC). The levels of P, in the 0.00-0.10 m layer, were higher in the ICLF system than those of the native forest with babassu. The levels of K in the ICLF system and degraded pasture were higher than the other land uses up to a depth of 0.40 m, ranging from 0.92 cmolc dm-3 to 0.62 cmolc dm-3 and 1.04 cmolc dm-3 and 0.67 cmolc dm-3, respectively. Base saturation was higher in soils under ICLF system and degraded pasture than those observed in native forest and capoeira vegetation. There was an effect in chemical attributes of the soil such as a function of land use and, in general, the highest values were found in areas with degraded pasture and ICLF.

Urochloa decumbens grown with different Eucalyptus clones in an integrated crop-livestock-forest system

The objective of this study is to evaluate the forage mass, chemical composition, mineral content, and mineral absorption in signal grass (Urochloa decumbens) grown with different eucalypt clones in an integrated crop-livestock-forest (iCLF) system. The split-split-plot scheme included three replicates arranged in a completely randomized block design. The eucalyptus clones GG 100 and I 144 (Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla) and VM 58 (Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus camaldulensis) were distributed in the plots. The split plots corresponded to the growth ages of signal grass (10, 17, 24, 31, 38, 45, and 52 days after corn harvest for silage). The split-split plots corresponded to two sampling sites: center of the inter-row and soil under the Eucalyptus canopy. The Eucalyptus clones did not affect the forage mass of the grass. Forage mass was increased linearly as the grass matured and was more readily available in the center of the inter-row than under the tree canopy. The grass grown with clone I 144 presented better chemical composition, with higher levels of crude protein and phosphorus and lower levels of neutral detergent fiber. The Eucalyptus clones did not significantly affect mineral absorption. However, the Eucalyptus clones, grass age, and sampling sites significantly changed potassium absorption. It is concluded that the forage mass of signal grass is suitable for use in grazing at 38 to 52 days after corn harvest in the iCLF system in the autumn season in the Midwest region of Minas Gerais, without compromising the chemical composition of the grass.

Forage productivity and nutritive value during pasture renovation in integrated systems

Integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems are strategies to diversify production in the same area, aiming at higher sustainability. Corn is one of the most used crops in integrated systems due to its multiple uses on the farm. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of light restriction on morphological and productive characteristics of the forage components (corn for silage and pastures) in integrated livestock production systems. The experiment was carried out on Embrapa’s integrated systems in Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil, during two growing seasons. In the integrated crop-livestock (iCL) system corn was sown simultaneously with Piata-grass. In the integrated crop-livestock- forestry (iCLF) system, besides corn and Piata-grass, Eucalyptus urograndis trees were planted in single 15 × 2 m rows. Corn productivity and pasture yield and nutritive value were evaluated in iCL and iCLF systems. In iCLF, evaluations were made in four positions relative to the tree lines: 1.5, 3.75, 7.5, and 11.25 m. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmission by trees was also measured in the same positions. Results of the corn crop indicated that the position relative to the tree lines affected (P < 0.001) all morphological characteristics and production parameters. Production was not affected by position relative to the tree lines in the first year but was lower in the position closer to the trees in the second year. As an average of all positions evaluated in iCLF, corn DM production in the first agricultural year was 43.3% inferior compared to the second year (5266.1 vs. 9816.7 kg DM ha−1). In iCL, the average corn DM production for the two years was 10082 kg DM ha−1. For the corn, the relationship between PAR transmission and the relative yield (production in each position in iCLF divided by the production in iCL) was influenced by drought in the 2013/2014 growing season. Considering the results for the renovated pastures, position relative to the tree lines affected pasture height (P < 0.0001), specific leaf area (P < 0.0012), digestibility (P < 0.0085) and crude protein (P < 0.0001).

SOIL CHEMICAL PROPERTIES IN AN INTEGRATED CROP-LIVESTOCK-FORESTRY SYSTEM

The experiment was conducted in Eutrophic Red-Yellow Ultisol, and aimed to evaluate soil chemical properties in Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry Systems (ICLF) in comparison to other types of soil use. The study assessed ICLF systems, monocultures of acacia (Acacia mangium), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urophylla x E. grandis), Urochloa brizantha, Urochloa decumbens, Sorghum bicolor and Panicum maximum, with crop variations in three agricultural cycles in a 2 year period, in comparison to native vegetation, 8-year-old U. brizantha pasture and degraded pasture of P. maximum with exposed soil areas. In contrast to native forest and well-managed pastures and ICLF systems, contents of organic matter and calcium in the soil were lower in monocultures of eucalyptus, acacia and forage. The good fertility of the soil contributed to the total CEC, pH, K and Mg variables evaluated and these did not show any distinction between the environments analyzed. Soil organic matter and Ca contents were higher in native vegetation and managed pasture environments. These can be used in the evaluation of implemented systems ICLF few years before, in order to determine the feasibility of systems.

Changes in Soil Carbon Stocks under Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest System in the Brazilian Amazon Region

Several studies indicate that the use of integrated production systems, such as integrated crop-livestock-forest systems (ICLF), improves the quality of the soil and consequently the sequestration of organic carbon in the soil. In this way, this work aims to evaluate the carbon stocks in soil under different management systems in the Cerrado/Amazonia transition zone, namely: ICLF, no-tillage, pasture and eucalyptus plantation. For this, two soil samplings were done in 2011 and 2014, in the 0 - 5, 5 - 10 and 10 - 30 cm layers. Soil carbon and nitrogen stocks were analyzed. ICLF system was the treatment that obtained the highest percentage of carbon gain (7.8%) after three years of establishment which represents to an increase of 5.5 Mg·ha-1. Management systems, such as ICLF, with minimal soil disturbance combined with crop rotations that contribute to the quantity and quality of residues input, increase soil organic matter content. Carbon stock data show the potential of ICLF systems to increase soil carbon stocks.

O sistema Integração Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta (ILPF) no Estado de São Paulo.

This study sought to identify and assess both the contribution of integration systems to São Paulo state’s forestry capital, and the extent of their adoption by producers. Due to lacking data, a survey on iCLF systems with forest planting was conducted with technical personnel of the Coordination for Integral Technical Assistance (CATI). Also considered were data from reports of the “Integra SP” state program, as well as from Brazil’s central bank’s rural credit data of the ABC program and credit lines operated by the Agribusiness Expansion Fund (FEAP) and the Family Agribusiness Bank (BANAGRO). In addition, we examined relevant information from federal and state government plans and actions about these systems development process and their evolution, as well as their challenges and prospects - especially in the state of São Paulo. Our results show that iCLF systems represent 7% of Brazil’s total agricultural and forest area, with only 0.7% in São Paulo state. Obstacles usually refer to implantation costs and producers’ lack of knowledge to change their production system. Once these obstacles are resolved, the trend is towards the adoption of these systems, an expectation also fostered by public policies to promote good agricultural practices, such as those advocated by low carbon agriculture. Difficulties arise at various levels depending on the region, climate, soil and the peculiarities of the adopting establishment, in general related to a greater complexity in property management and production aspects. Changes in the production system require producers to acquire new knowledge regarding spacing, species, inputs, planting times, etc. and therefore cause resistance to adoption and lead to the need to intensify technical assistance and rural widespread of existing knowledge, besides the development of research that reveals the efficient socio-economic and environmentally sustainable combinations for the different biomes and producers. Facilitating actions include: informational material, technical agronomists, technical finance personnel, site visiting and building of reference technological units (URTs).

Fluxos de óxido nitroso em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial de mitigação de óxido nitroso (N2O) em sistema de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta (ILPF), em comparação ao monocultivo, e identificar os principais fatores que regulam as emissões deste gás. O experimento foi realizado em Sinop, MT, entre as safras 2012/2013 e 2013/2014, e avaliou os seguintes tratamentos: floresta, lavoura e pastagem, além do ILPF. Durante a realização do experimento, não houve presença de bovinos nas áreas com pastagem. Amostras de óxido nitroso foram coletadas semanalmente, com uso de câmaras estáticas, modelo topo-base. As concentrações do gás foram determinadas por meio de cromatografia gasosa. A precipitação pluvial e a disponibilidade de N foram os principais fatores reguladores das emissões de N2O. O sistema de ILPF apresenta potencial promissor para mitigar as emissões de N2O, com emissão acumulada de 0,367 kg ha-1 de N, em comparação a de 1,401 kg ha-1 emitidas pela lavoura; de 0,298 kg ha-1, pela pastagem; e de 0,165 kg ha-1, pela floresta.

Impacts of integrated crop-livestock-forest on microbiological indicators of soil

The integrated systems are management practices that maximize the area use through the integration of crops with forest species. Impacts on the microbial biomass in an integrated crop-livestock-forest (iCLF) system are evaluated. The latter consists of simple, double and triple rows of eucalyptus and soil with soybean/pasture alternation with a native forest for comparison. Soil was collected at a depth of 0-0.05 m during the rainy and dry periods (March and October/2010). Evaluated microbiological indexes were biomass carbon, basal respiration, metabolic and microbial quotients, activity of acid and alkaline phosphatase enzymes and ?-glucosidase. General means of biomass microbial carbon and microbial quotients were higher during the dry period, whereas variables basal respiration and metabolic quotients were higher during the rainy period, and in both cases activities in iCLF soil with single eucalyptus rows. Enzyme activities were more stable in integrated crop-livestock-forest soil between the two periods and slightly higher than the other systems. As a rule, iCLF systems had a positive impact on the microbiology of soil.