Construção do conhecimento agroecológico no Quilombo Cachoeira, região Central de Minas Gerais

Abstract

The present work was performed with traditional (quilombola) farmers from the Rural Community Association of Cachoeira, Xambá and Ribeirão - ASCAXAR QUILOMBOLA, located at the municipality of Dom Joaquim, in the Central region of the state of Minas Gerais. The work aimed to evaluate soil management strategies for agroecological production of common bean, using as green manure the legume sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) as a multifunctional and soil management practice, and the use of fine nodulated root preparation, aiming to improve the efficiency of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). In this sense, a Demonstrative Unit was implemented in the collective production area of the ASCAXAR QUILOMBOLA, as a space for dialogue and awareness of the worked practices. The study was divided into two stages. The first one was the implementation of four plots with different uses for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in succession, with the following procedures: a) sunn hemp mowed and left on the soil surface as mulching; b) sunn hemp incorporated into the soil; c) mineral fertilization with NPK formulation 4-14-8 and d) control. During the second stage, it was carried out a field day about the technique of seed inoculation with the prepared of fine nodulated roots, as well as the planting of common bean, subdividing each plot of the first stage into two. It was evaluated the planting treated with the use of the alternative inoculant and the control, using indicators of soil quality and crop health in a participatory manner. It was carried out semi-structured interviews with farmer families, aiming to evaluate how these practices were used. From the farmer’s perception, the use of green manure with sunn hemp promoted the biomass production in the cultivated area, allowing soil cover and moisture retention. It was highlighted the strategic role of BNF both by the green manure and the common bean, improving agriculture sustainability. This practice enabled technological innovation at low cost and with the use of local resources. The use of sustainability indicators was efficient in raising farmers' awareness, as well as an important decision-making tool associated with the agroecological transition process.