Agrosilvopastoral systems as an alternative for the preservation of Orbignya phalerata in rural properties in Pindaré Mirim-MA

Abstract

The largest concentration of babassu palms in Brazil is found in the state of Maranhão, most of which are located on private rural properties. The owners of these lands, in turn, end up discrediting the presence of babassu in their production areas and routinely opt for its removal. In parallel to this are the coconut breakers, who through the collection and/or processing of babassu obtain their income, which can be compromised if the palm is eradicated. Currently, there is Law nº 4734 of June 18, 1986, the free babassu law, aimed at the preservation of babassu trees and, to ensure compliance with the laws within agricultural properties, alternatives are sought that reconcile the presence of babassu and a productive system. In this sense, the agrosilvopastoral system has great potential to promote profitable and sustainable production, showing itself as a viable alternative for the development of livestock in the face of babassu preservation. Thus, the objective of this research was to identify the challenges, advantages and reflexes of agrosilvopastoral systems in areas with a predominance of babassu and livestock in Pindaré Mirim-MA. For that, the methodology used presents a qualitative approach research, as for the purposes it is a descriptive research, as for the means it was developed from a bibliographic survey that allowed a more detailed approach to the subject in question. Therefore, the results show that the preservation of babassu and the implementation of the agrosilvopastoral system present several benefits of an environmental, social and economic nature, such as the diversification of production, reduction of soil degradation, increase in biodiversity, carbon sequestration, recycling of nutrients, maintenance of coconut breakers' income, etc. In this context, it is evident that the permanence of babassu in pastures reflects in advantages for both coconut breakers and ranchers. Therefore, it was evidenced through the above how advantageous can be the adhesion and use of the agrosilvopastoral system in areas with predominance of babassu and livestock production.