Sistematização de experiências na implantação de sistemas agroflorestais no domínio da Mata Atlântica

Abstract

The Brazilian New Forestry Law establishes a farmer’s commitment with environmental adequacy of its properties. The Permanent Preservation Areas, currently used in the properties with crops and pastures in many cases need to a restauration techniques. The new law allows the exploration of agroforestry systems (AFS) even in areas of permanent preservation, since do not mischaracterize the native preexisting vegetation either not being detrimental to environmental function to protecting water springs, erosion protection and increasing biodiversity. This study aimed to systematize the author's personal experiences with agroforestry systems in the Atlantic Forest domain regions and show different techniques and implantation strategies and management of agroforestry systems that can be employed day to day by farmers, especially the small family farmer. The different AFS deployed were based on biodiversity and plant succession, with low use of inputs and capital resources. The structure of the recommended systems was grounded on labor, family labor, in multistrata systems and the use of common plants in each location with high biomass production potential to enhance nutrient cycling. On average, more than 30 species were introduced in each AFS and the issues related to the choice of species to plant recognizing the soil quality from indicator plants were discussed. In addition, how to plan and distribute the plants in agroforestry designs were also described in detail. The best ways of how to plant and manage, with pruning, different species in biodiverse agroforestry systems included in this dissertation were presented from about 20 years of the author's experience in order to assist all those interested in working with this theme.