Behavioural responses of beef cattle to different grazing systems and the influence of these responses on water productivity of livestock in a tropical savannah.

Environmental conditions and available forage on pastures greatly differ between different farming systems, which can affect the behaviour of grazing cattle. The interplay between environment-, forage-, and animal-related variables may affect the use of feed and water resources in grazing-based systems. Hence, our objectives were (i) to study the differences between grazing-based systems and seasons in environment- and pasture-related variables as well as the behaviour, feed intake, performance, and water productivity of Nellore heifers, and (ii) to understand the interrelationships between these variables. The measurements were performed in a conventional grazing system (CON), an integrated crop-livestock (ICL), and a crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems in the Brazilian Cerrado during the rainy and dry seasons. Ambient temperature and relative air humidity were hourly measured in both seasons. Forage biomass and sward height were determined every month. Forage samples were taken to determine the proportions of alive leaves, alive stems, and dead plant material and to analyse their nutritive value. Forage intake, drinking water intake, and liveweight changes were quantified in 12 Nellore heifers per system and season. Feeding behaviour was recorded by chewing sensors on nine continuous days in each season. Drinking water intake was measured by water meters attached to drinking water troughs, whereby trial cameras at the troughs recorded the frequency of drinking events of individual animals. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were estimated. The ICLF reduced the exposure time to high ambient temperatures so that heifers even grazed during the hottest hours. Forage biomass in ICL and CON had greater proportions of stem and dead plant material than in ICLF. Forage intake rate was greater and grazing events were longer for animals in ICLF than those in CON, whereas the daily number of grazing events was greater in CON. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were greater in integrated systems than in CON. Amongst studied variables, thermal environment and forage canopy structure with its proportions of dead plant material are the main driving factors for animal behaviour, forage intake rate, and animal performance. These variables reduce feed conversion efficiency and water productivity in grazing cattle. Further research should analyse strategies for promoting thermal comfort for the animals, increasing the proportions of alive biomass, and enhancing the nutritional value of pastures for more efficient use of forage and water resources in grazing-based systems.

The Characterization of Pastures by Grazing Cycle and Evaluation of Supplementation with Agro-Industry Co-Products on the Performance of Buffaloes in the Humid Tropics.

The objective was to characterize the pastures by grazing cycle, as well as to evaluate the performance of buffaloes in intensive rotational grazing in a silvopastoral system in the eastern Amazon supplemented with agro-industry co-products in order to characterize the grazing cycles, the composition of the fractions, and the carcass yield. Fifteen non-castrated, crossbred water buffaloes (Murrah × Mediterranean) were used. All animals used in the study were clinically healthy and weighed approximately 458 kg. The animals were grazed in a single group, and supplementation (1% of live weight-LW/day) was divided into three treatments: control (control-conventional ingredients); Cocos nucifera coconut cake (Cocos nucifera) (coconut cake-70%); and palm kernel cake (Guinean elaeis) (palm kernel cake-70% palm kernel cake). The chemical composition of the forage is different in each part of the plant, with higher protein values in the leaves (11.40%) and higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) values in the stems (50.03%). Among the ingredients of the supplement, corn has the highest percentage of indigestible protein (35.57%), most of the protein in palm kernel cake is B3 (49.11%), and in Coco, B2 (51.52%). Mombasa grass has a higher percentage of B3 and B2 proteins; the indigestible fraction is lower in the leaves (17.16%). The leaf/stem ratio also varied between grazing cycles, being better in the second cycle (2.11%) and with an overall average of 1.71. Supplement consumption varied between cycles and was higher in the control treatment, with an overall mean of 4.74. There was no difference in daily weight gain and carcass yield, with an average of 1 kg/day and 49.23%, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that including supplements based on by-products from the coconut and palm oil agro-industries promotes performance and carcass yields compatible with conventional supplements. Their use reduces production costs, optimizes the utilization of forage mass, enhances the sustainability of the production chain, and, therefore, is recommended.

The Microbial Community Structure in the Rhizosphere of Theobroma cacao L. and Euterpe oleracea Mart. Is Influenced by Agriculture System in the Brazilian Amazon.

This study tested the hypothesis that cocoa monoculture (MS) and cocoa-açai agroforestry systems (AFS) may influence the microbial community structure and populations of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR). Accordingly, the aim was to analyze the microbial community structure and PGPR populations in different agroecosystems in the Brazilian Amazon. To achieve this, the rhizosphere microbial community of cocoa and açai plants in both Amazonian seasons (dry and rainy) was analyzed using culture-dependent (PGPR screening) and -independent methods [PCR-DGGE based on rrs, alp, nifH gene, and intergenic region (ITS) of fungi]. Concerning PGPR screening, out of 48 isolated bacterial strains, 25% were capable of siderophore production, 29% of mineralized organic phosphate, 8% of inorganic phosphate solubilization, and 4% of indole acetic acid production. Moreover, 17% of isolates could inhibit the growth of various phytopathogenic fungi. Statistical analyses of DGGE fingerprints (p < 0.05) showed that bacterial and fungal community structures in the rhizosphere were influenced by the seasons, supporting the results of the physicochemical analysis of the environment. Furthermore, as hypothesized, microbial communities differed statistically when comparing the MS and AFS. These findings provide important insights into the influence of climate and cultivation systems on soil microbial communities to guide the development of sustainable agricultural practices.

A scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) causes tree mortality, delayed growth, and yield reduction in cacao with genotype-specific susceptibility to herbivory.

BACKGROUND: This study explored the impact of Leucothyreus femoratus, a previously unreported folivorous pest in cacao cultivation, on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. The study was conducted in an experimental cacao plot in the Colombian plains, it featured 20 cacao genotypes in an agroforestry system, with plantain and Mexican sunflower providing temporary shade, and yopo offering permanent shade. RESULTS: We found an infestation rate of 2.9 ± 0.3 adult beetles per cacao tree. L. femoratus larvae were discovered in association with the roots of all plants within the agroforestry arrangement; however, yopo and plantain exhibited the highest incidence of root-feeding larvae among these associated plants. Interestingly, male and female L. femoratus displayed distinct leaf consumption patterns in the laboratory, with females consuming more foliage relative to their body weight. Moreover, field observations highlighted the detrimental impact of L. femoratus herbivory on cacao tree survival and growth, leading to leaf skeletonization, reduced plant height, and stem diameter. Trees with over 50% leaf consumption suffered more than 20% mortality. Additionally, herbivory negatively affected cacao yield, correlating higher leaf surface damage with a decrease in harvested pods. The study also identified varying antixenotic resistance in different cacao genotypes, with some consistently displaying resistance while others showed variable levels during tree establishment and production stages. CONCLUSION: This research underscores the significant role of L. femoratus as a cacao pest, emphasizing its adverse effects on cacao tree survival, development, and yield. Consequently, implementing effective control measures is vital for ensuring sustainable cacao cultivation. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Yield, carbon stock, and price dynamics of agroforestry tree species in district Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Rendimento, estoque de carbono e dinâmica de preços das espécies de árvore agroflorestal no distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

A socio-economic study was conducted in district Mardan of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan to get a comprehensive knowledge of the agroforestry tree species grown on the farmlands, their yield, and carbon stock. For yield and carbon stock estimation, data were collected from 59 sample plots by measuring the diameter, height, volume, and biomass of selected agroforestry tree species through D-tape and Haga altimeter. A total of 59 sample plots were inventoried using 2.5 percent sampling intensity. Each sample plot has an area of 0.5 ha, where each tree with a Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ≥ 5 cm was inventoried. The calculated amount of volume of each tree species was then converted to biomass by multiplying it by the density of wood and the Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF). Total yield and C stock for the selected agroforestry tree species were 11535.2 metric tons and 2102.2 metric tons, respectively. Populus euroamericana is classified as the main tree with 28% growing stock prior to Morus alba by 21%, while Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix tetrasperma, and Bombax ceiba consist of 15%, 12%, 8%, 6%,7% and 3% growing stock respectively. Among the species found in different sampling plots the yield of Populus euroamericana was found to be 4747.5 metric tons and it was followed by the species Morus alba found at 2027.3 metric tons. Similarly, the volume for Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Salix spp, Boombox ceiba, and Acacia nilotica was 1532.2 tons,1503 ton,745.7,203.5ton, 555.4ton and 220.5ton, respectively. The carbon stock for Populus euroamericana was calculated as 777.8 ton/ha, while for Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melia azedarach, Morus alba, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix species, and Bombax ceiba it was calculated as 312.3ton/ha, 272.1ton/ha, 363ton/ha, 245.1ton/ha, 51.4ton/ha, 27.3ton/ha and 53.2ton/ha, respectively. The questionnaire survey conducted for price dynamics showed that the majority of respondents purchase timber from the market for construction. But they use farm trees with low-quality city construction. They dislike using local timber in the conventional building as timber from farm trees is liable to insect attack. Rs. 50,000-100000, (33.33%) of daily sales was concluded from 50% of the trader while (16.7%) of the traders have their sales between Rs.150,000-200,000. Therefore, it is concluded by the authors that both provincial and federal government should promote agroforestry in Pakistan through different incentives because it has the potential to cope with dilemma of deforestation of natural forests and improve the livelihood of local peoples. It is strongly recommended that special projects just like the Ten Billion Tree Afforestation Project (T-BTTP) should be launched for agroforestry plantation and promotion in the country to sustain the ecological harmony and uplift the socio-economic condition of the peoples of Pakistan.

Um estudo socioeconômico foi realizado no distrito de Mardan, da província de Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão, para obter maior conhecimento das espécies de árvores agroflorestais cultivadas em terras agrícolas, seu rendimento e estoque de carbono. Para a estimativa de produção e estoque de carbono, foram coletados os dados de 59 parcelas amostrais, medindo-se o diâmetro, a altura, o volume e a biomassa de espécies de árvores agroflorestais selecionadas por meio de fita D e altímetro Haga. Um total de 59 parcelas amostrais foi inventariado usando 2,5% de intensidade de amostragem. Cada parcela amostral possui uma área de 0,5 ha, em que cada árvore com Diâmetro à Altura do Peito (DAP) ≥ 5 cm foi inventariada. A quantidade calculada de volume de cada espécie de árvore foi então convertida em biomassa, multiplicando-a pela densidade da madeira e pelo Fator de Expansão da Biomassa (BEF). A produção total e o estoque de C para as espécies de árvores agroflorestais selecionadas foram 11.535,2 toneladas métricas e 2.102,2 toneladas métricas, respectivamente. Populus euroamericana foi classificada como a principal árvore com 28% de crescimento de estoque, seguida de Morus alba com 21%, enquanto Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix tetrasperma e Bombax ceiba apresentaram 15%, 12%, 8%, 6%, 7% e 3% de crescimento do estoque, respectivamente. Entre as espécies encontradas em diferentes parcelas de amostragem, o rendimento de Populus euroamericana foi de 4.747,5 toneladas, seguida pela espécie Morus alba, com rendimento de 2.027,3 toneladas. Da mesma forma, o volume de Melia azedarach, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Dalbergia sissoo, Salix spp, Bombax ceiba e Acacia nilotica foi de 1.532,2 toneladas, 1.503 toneladas, 745,7 toneladas, 555,4 toneladas e 220,5 toneladas, respectivamente. O estoque de carbono para Populus euroamericana foi calculado como 777,8 ton/ha, enquanto para Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Melia azedarach, Morus alba, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia nilotica, Salix species e Bombax ceiba foi calculado como 312,3 ton/ha, 272,1 ton/ha, 363 ton/ha, 245,1 ton/ha, 51,4 ton/ha, 27,3 ton/ha e 53,2 ton/ha, respectivamente. A pesquisa por questionário, realizada para a dinâmica de preços, mostrou que os entrevistados, em sua maioria, compram madeira do mercado para construção, mas usam árvores de fazenda em construções urbanas de baixa qualidade. Eles não gostam de utilizar a madeira local na construção convencional, pois ela é suscetível ao ataque de insetos. Em relação às vendas diárias, 50% dos comerciantes vendem entre Rs. 50.000-100.000, enquanto 16,7% têm suas vendas entre Rs.150.000-200.000. Portanto, conclui-se que tanto o governo provincial quanto o governo federal devem promover, por meio de diferentes incentivos, a agrossilvicultura no Paquistão, por ter o potencial de lidar com o dilema do desmatamento de florestas naturais e melhorar a subsistência das populações locais. É fortemente recomendado que projetos especiais, como o Projeto de Reflorestamento de Dez Bilhões de Árvores (T-BTTP), sejam lançados para plantio agroflorestal e promoção no país para sustentar a harmonia ecológica e elevar a condição socioeconômica dos povos do Paquistão.

Riqueza y diversidad de hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) según uso de suelo en dos paisajes agroforestales de Colombia / Richness and diversity of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) according to land use in two agroforestry landscapes of Colombia

Introducción: Las hormigas cumplen funciones ecológicas importantes en muchos ecosistemas, y son altamente sensibles a los cambios en el uso del suelo. Sin embargo, la respuesta ante estos cambios está poco documentada, a grandes escalas espaciales y en distintos usos de suelo, en ecosistemas poco estudiados como la Serranía del Perijá. Objetivo: Analizar la riqueza, diversidad y composición de las comunidades de hormigas en cuatro usos de suelo de dos paisajes agroforestales de la Serranía del Perijá, Cesar, Colombia. Métodos: En dos paisajes agroforestales (compensación y no compensación) se delimitaron dos ventanas de muestreo de 4 × 4 km. Dentro de cada ventana y paisaje se escogieron cuatro usos de suelo: bosques, sistemas agroforestales de café, regeneración natural y pastizales, en los cuales se aplicaron dos métodos de captura: trampas Pitfall y sacos Winkler. Se midieron seis variables ambientales: cobertura de dosel, altura de la hojarasca, densidad aparente, temperatura, humedad y dureza del suelo. El esfuerzo de muestreo fueron 384 trampas Pitfall y 192 m2 de extracción de hojarasca. El trabajo de campo se realizó entre febrero y marzo de 2021. Resultados: Las hormigas mostraron alta sensibilidad a los cambios en el uso del suelo. La diversidad y riqueza de especies disminuyó en los usos de suelo con menor cobertura vegetal natural, como los pastizales; mientras que los bosques, en ambos paisajes, conservaron la mayor riqueza de especies. La cobertura de dosel y la disponibilidad de hojarasca fueron los parámetros ambientales que favorecieron la diversidad y riqueza de las comunidades de hormigas en todos los usos de suelo. No se encontraron diferencias entre la composición de hormigas de los dos paisajes estudiados. Conclusiones: Las hormigas responden a los cambios de uso de suelo y en particular a la cobertura vegetal. Se confirmó nuestra hipótesis puesto que los usos de suelo con alta cobertura vegetal fueron los hábitats con mayor riqueza y diversidad de hormigas. La heterogeneidad ambiental, producto de la dinámica de transformación de los paisajes es un elemento que debe considerarse en futuras investigaciones.

Introduction: Ants fulfill important ecological functions in many ecosystems and are highly sensitive to changes in land use. However, the response to these changes is poorly documented, at large spatial scales and in different land uses, in poorly studied ecosystems such as the Serranía del Perijá. Objective: To analyze the richness, diversity, and composition of ant communities in four land uses of two agroforestry landscapes of the Serranía del Perijá, Cesar, Colombia. Methods: Two sampling windows of 4 × 4 km were delimited in two agroforestry landscapes (compensation and non-compensation). In each window and landscape four land uses were chosen: forests, coffee agroforestry systems, natural regeneration and pastures, in which two trapping methods were applied: Pitfall traps and Winkler bags. Six environmental variables were measured: canopy cover, leaf litter height, bulk density, temperature, humidity and soil hardness. The sampling effort was 384 Pitfall traps and 192 m2 of leaf litter extraction. The fieldwork was conducted between February and March 2021. Results: Ants showed high sensitivity to changes in land use. Species diversity and richness decreased in land uses with less natural vegetation cover, such as pastures; while forests, in both landscapes, retained the highest species richness. Canopy cover and leaf litter availability were the environmental parameters that favored the diversity and richness of ant communities in all land uses. No differences were found between the ant composition of the two landscapes studied. Conclusions: Ants respond to changes in land use, particularly to vegetation cover. Our hypothesis was confirmed since land uses with high vegetation cover were the habitats with the greatest richness and diversity of ants. Environmental heterogeneity, a product of the dynamics of landscape transformation, is an element that should be considered in future research.

Agri-silvicultures of Mexican Arid America.

BACKGROUND: Agri-silvicultures (ASC) are biocultural practices procuring either the maintenance of wild diversity in predominantly agricultural spaces or introducing agrobiodiversity into forests. In the Mesoamerican region, ASC contribute to food sovereignty and territorial conservation and provide strategies for dealing with global changes. Previous inventories of ASC identified gaps in information about these systems in the Mexican Arid America region. This article raises the general question: How have human interactions between cultural, wild, and domesticated biodiversity in this territory? The particular questions in this paper are: (i) How have historical processes shaped human interactions between wild and domesticated biodiversity in the region? and (ii) What types of agri-silvicultures have emerged in Mexican Arid America since these relationships? METHODS: We trace a methodological border where archaeologists have identified the Mesoamerican region to define our study area as Arid America northern of this line in Mexico. We analyzed agriculturalization processes in Arid America through a historical review. Then, we carry out an inventory of Arid America ASC based on academic papers and other documented experiences. We constructed a spatial database and a typology to understand what kinds of agri-silviculture occur in the region. RESULTS: We identified several pre-Hispanic agri-silvicultural practices in the region, like hunting, fishing, terraces, gathering, and irrigation systems. The cultivation of native species of maize, beans, and squash even was registered. The Spanish colonization forced the agriculturization in arid northern Mexico, where itinerant hunting-gathering patterns predominated. In the twentieth century, the Green Revolution adopted this area as the principal setting for industrialized agriculture. The industrialized irrigated systems expansion and other political strategies provoked the simplification of productive landscapes. The practices that integrate wild and agricultural diversity systems were marginalized and invisibilized in such a context. Our research group proposes seven types of agri-silvicultural systems (natives agrisilvicultures, the oases agroforestry, Mesquite and Huisache ASC, homegardens and other traditional forms of agroforestry or agri-silvicultures). These agri-silvicultures provide food, medicine, fodder, and other contributions, as income to the families that practice them and protect native and exotic species. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The agriculturization of the arid environments initiated during Spanish colonization and the subsequent modernizing projects shaped dominant actors and ideologies in the arid north of Mexico. However, aridity has favored ancestral and agroecological relationships between cultures and biodiversity, emerging and subsisting Arid American agri-silvicultures. These agri-silvicultures deserve to be understood, adopted, and adapted to new contexts. They could be essential alternatives in the context of environmental changes.

Cadmium up Taking and Allocation in Wood Species Associated to Cacao Agroforestry Systems and Its Potential Role for Phytoextraction.

Trees in cacao Agroforestry systems (AFS) may present a high potential for cadmium (Cd) phytoextraction, helping to reduce Cd in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) plants grown in contaminated soils. To assess this potential, four forest fine-woody species commonly found in cacao high-productive sites in Colombia (Tabebuia rosea, Terminalia superba, Albizia guachapele, and Cariniana pyriformis) were exposed to contrasting CdCl2 contamination levels (0, 6, and 12 ppm) on a hydroponic medium. Growth dynamics, tolerance index (TI), and Cd concentration and allocation in leaves, stems, and roots were evaluated for up to 90 days after initial exposure. T. superba, A. guachapele, and C. pyriformis were classified as moderately tolerant (TI > 0.6), and T. rosea was considered a sensitive species (TI < 0.35) under 12 ppm Cd contamination. Despite showing a high stem Cd concentration, C. pyriformis also showed the lowest relative growth rate. Among the evaluated forest species, A. guachapele exhibited the highest Cd accumulation capacity per plant (2.02 mg plant-1) but also exhibited a higher Cd allocation to leaves (4%) and a strong decrease in leaf and stem dry mass after 90 days of exposure (~75% and 50% respectively, compared to control treatments). Taking together all the favorable features exhibited by T. superba as compared to other CAFS tree species and recognized phytoextractor tree species in the literature, such as Cd hyperaccumulation, high tolerance index, low Cd concentration in leaves, and high Cd allocation to the stem (harvestable as wood), this species is considered to have a high potential for cadmium phytoextraction in cocoa agroforestry systems.

Applied nucleation under high biodiversity silvopastoral system as an adaptive strategy against microclimate extremes in pasture areas.

This study aimed to assess the influence of the high biodiversity silvopastoral system (SPSnu) on the microclimate, pasture production, and pasture chemical composition. Microclimate variables and pasture production and chemical composition were measured in pared paddocks under SPSnu and treeless pasture (TLP) in a commercial farm during four seasons in Southern Brazil. SPSnu measurements were subdivided into two areas: around the nuclei (AN) and area inter-nuclei (IN). In the TLP paddocks, we plotted fictitious nuclei with the same areas and distributions of SPSnu, however without trees. For the microclimate measurements, these areas were noted when shaded or unshaded by the nuclei trees. In each season, the microclimate variables air temperature (AT, °C), relative humidity (RH, %), illuminance (Ilu, lux), wind speed (WS, m/s), and soil surface temperature (SST, °C) were measured. In addition, botanical composition (%), pasture production (kg/DM/ ha), and pasture chemical composition were evaluated. The SPSnu provided the lowest values of microclimate variables in all seasons (p < 0.05), except for the relative humidity. Winter had the highest thermal amplitude in the systems. The highest difference between SPSnu and TLP for AT (4.3 °C) and SST (5.2 °C) was measured during the hot seasons (spring and summer). In contrast, during cold seasons (autumn and winter) it observed highest thermal amplitude between SPSnu and TLP. Overall, the highest annual pasture production was observed in the SPSnu (p < 0.05). During the summer, the SPSnu areas showed the highest values of crude protein and dry matter (p < 0.05). During the winter, the TLP showed the lowest values (p < 0.05) of pasture production and dry matter. It was observed that SPSnu improved the microclimate at the pasture level, influencing pasture production and pasture chemical composition. The enhanced microclimate can partially mitigate some of the effects of climate change on pastoral agroecosystems, creating conditions for ecological rehabilitation of ecosystem processes and services. These conditions could be amplified to a biome level through a payment for ecosystem services program.

Levantamento das espécies frutíferas em áreas de agricultura familiar no município de Santarém, Pará / Fruit species cultivated in family farms in the municipality of Santarém, Pará

As espécies frutíferas se apresentam como estratégia importante para garantia da segurança e soberania alimentar de populações tradicionais. Diante disso, o objetivo do trabalho foi estimar a riqueza e registrar as espécies frutíferas cultivadas em quintais de agricultura familiar no município de Santarém, Pará. O levantamento das espécies frutíferas foi realizado em 13 quintais das famílias visitadas, com registros de 520 indivíduos pertencentes a 39 espécies, 29gêneros e 16 famílias botânicas. Dentre os indivíduos avaliados, destacaram-se as famílias Arecaceae (6 spp.) e Myrtaceae (5 spp.). Em média, foram encontradas 14 espécies frutíferas por quintal, evidenciando que o cultivo dessas espécies está fortemente associado ao suprimento dademanda por alimentos para o consumo familiar. Das espécies frutíferas, as mais frequentes foram a Persea americana e Cocos nucifera com 100% de representatividade, seguidas pela Theobroma grandiflorum com 92%. A riqueza de espécies frutíferas encontradosnos quintais das famílias visitadas revela a importância desses ambientes na soberania e segurança alimentar e nutricional. Além disso, os quintais destacam-se pelo seu papel estratégico na introdução de árvores nas paisagens agrícolas. Diante disso, recomenda-se a execução de trabalhos futuros com foco no papel dos quintais na geração de alimentos de qualidade, visando subsidiar o fomento de políticas públicas com incentivo à produção de alimentos nesses ambientes.(AU)

Fruit species are an important strategy to guarantee food security and sovereignty for traditional populations. Therefore, the objective of this work was to estimate the richness and record the fruit species cultivated in family farms in the municipality of Santarém, Pará. The survey of fruit species was carried out in 13 homegardens of the families visited, with records of 520 individuals belonging to 39 species, 29 genera and 16 botanical families. Among the evaluated individuals, the families Arecaceae (6 spp.) and Myrtaceae (5 spp.) stood out. On average, 14 fruit species were found per yard, showing that the cultivation of these species is strongly associated with supplying the demand for food for family consumption. Of the fruit species, the most frequent were Persea americanaand Cocos nuciferawith 100% representation, followed by Theobroma grandiflorumwith 92%. The richness of fruit species found in the homegardens of the families visited revealsthe importance of these environments in food and nutrition sovereignty and security. In addition, homegardens stand out for their strategic role in introducing trees into agricultural landscapes. In view of this, it is recommended to carry out future workfocusing on the role of homegardens in the generation of quality food, aiming to subsidize the promotion of public policies to encourage the production of food in these environments.(AU)

Nitrogen Use Efficiency in an Agrisilviculture System with Gliricidia sepium in the Cerrado Region.

Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) is a tree legume that has great potential for use in agriculture because of its multiple-use characteristics. However, there is little information in the literature about the effect of agrisilvicultural systems on nitrogen (N) cycling. This study evaluated the effect of densities of gliricidia on N cycling under an agrisilvicultural system. The treatments were composed of different densities of gliricidia: 667, 1000 and 1333 plants ha-1, with a fixed spacing of 5 m between the alleys. The efficiency of N use was investigated by using the 15N isotope tracer. In each plot, a transect perpendicular to the tree rows was established in two positions: (i) in the corn (Zea mays) row adjacent to the trees, and (ii) in the corn row in the center of the alley. The N fertilizer recovery efficiency ranged from 39% in the density of 667 plants ha-1 to 89% with 1000 plants ha-1. The effect of gliricidia on the N uptake by corn was higher in the central position of the alley with 1000 plants ha-1. The agrisilvicultural system with 1000 plants ha-1 was highly efficient in the recovery of mineral N, representing an excellent option for integrated production systems in tropical regions.

Ecological quality as a coffee quality enhancer. A review.

As both coffee quality and sustainability become increasingly important, there is growing interest in understanding how ecological quality affects coffee quality. Here we analyze, for the first time, the state of evidence that ecological quality, in terms of biodiversity and ecosystem functions, impacts the quality of Coffea arabica and C. canephora, based on 78 studies. The following ecosystem functions were included: pollination; weed, disease, and pest control; water and soil fertility regulation. Biodiversity was described by the presence, percentage, and diversity of shade trees. Coffee quality was described by the green bean physical characteristics, biochemical compounds, and organoleptic characteristics. The presence and diversity of shade trees positively impacted bean size and weight and reduced the percentage of rejected beans, but these observations were not consistent over different altitudes. In fact, little is known about the diversity of shade trees and their influence on biochemical compounds. All biochemical compounds varied with the presence of shade, percentage of shade, and elevation. Coffee beans from more diverse tree shade plantations obtained higher scores for final total organoleptic quality than simplified tree shade and unshaded plantations. Decreasing ecological quality diminished ecosystem functions such as pollination, which in turn negatively affected bean quality. Shade affected pests and diseases in different ways, but weeds were reduced. High soil quality positively affected coffee quality. Shade improved the water use efficiency, such that coffee plants were not water stressed and coffee quality was improved. While knowledge on the influence of shade trees on overall coffee quality remains scarce, there is evidence that agroecosystem simplification is negatively correlated with coffee quality. Given global concerns about biodiversity and habitat loss, we recommend that the overall definition of coffee quality include measures of ecological quality, although these aspects are not always detectable in certain coffee quality characteristics or the final cup.

Functionality of methane cycling microbiome during methane flux hot moments from riparian buffer systems.

Riparian buffer systems (RBS) are a common agroforestry practice that involves maintaining a forested boundary adjacent to water bodies to protect the aquatic ecosystems in agricultural landscapes. While RBS have potential for carbon sequestration, they also can be sources of methane emissions. Our study site at Washington Creek in Southern Ontario, includes a rehabilitated tree buffer (RH), a grassed buffer (GRB), an undisturbed deciduous forest (UNF), an undisturbed coniferous forest (CF), and an adjacent agricultural field (AGR). The objective of this study was to assess the diversity and activity of CH4 cycling microbial communities in soils sampled during hot moments of methane fluxes (July 04 and August 15). We used qPCR and high-throughput amplicon sequencing from both DNA and cDNA to target methanogen and methanotroph communities. Methanogens, including the archaeal genera Methanosaeta, Methanosarcina, Methanomassiliicoccus, and Methanoreggula, were abundant in all RBSs, but they were significantly more active in UNF soils, where CH4 emissions were highest. Methylocystis was the most prevalent taxon among methanotrophs in all the riparian sites, except for AGR soils where the methanotrophs community was composed primarily of members of rice paddy clusters (RPCs and RPC-1) and upland soil clusters (TUSC and USCα). The main factors influencing the composition and assembly of methane-cycling microbiomes were soil carbon and moisture content. We concluded that the differences in CH4 fluxes observed between RBSs were primarily caused by differences in the presence and activity of methanogens, which were influenced by total soil carbon and water content. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of understanding the microbial drivers of CH4 fluxes in RBSs in order to maximize RBS environmental benefits.

A systematic review of the effects of silvopastoral system on thermal environment and dairy cows' behavioral and physiological responses.

Does the silvopastoral system (SPS) promote a satisfactory thermal environment for dairy cows to perform their natural behaviors and perform a suitable thermoregulatory function? To answer this, peer-reviewed articles, written in English and evaluating the effects of silvopastoral systems on thermal environment, dairy cows' behavior, and physiology were used in this systematic review; additionally, a bibliometric approach was performed. Web of Science and Google Scholar were used to compile the literature. The resulting articles (1448) underwent a 4-step appraisal process and resulted in 19 articles that fitted our inclusion criteria. Microclimate variables and thermal comfort indicators were the most researched topics (discussed in 89% of studies); 47% of studies addressed cattle behavior and 36% physiological responses. Our review highlights different benefits of silvopastoral systems for grazing dairy cows. For example, the SPS provides a more comfortable thermal environment than treeless pasture, which increases feeding behaviors; furthermore, dairy cows in SPS show lower drinking events, surface temperature, and respiratory rate than cows raised in treeless pasture. However, for nine of the variables related to cows' behavior (e.g., resting, rumination) and physiology responses (e.g., internal temperature), the results of the studies were unclear. Furthermore, behaviors associated with lying down (e.g., idling and rumination) and milk production in SPS were explored only in six and two studies, respectively. These findings provide consistent evidence that the silvopastoral systems are beneficial to thermal comfort of dairy cows; nonetheless, the effect on cows' behavioral and physiological responses is still scarce and unclear.

Litter inputs and standing stocks in riparian zones and streams under secondary forest and managed and abandoned cocoa agroforestry systems.

Background: Cocoa is an important tropical tree crop that is mainly cultivated in agroforestry systems (AFS). This system, known as cabruca in northeastern Brazil, holds promise to reconcile biodiversity conservation and economic development. However, since cocoa AFS alters forest structure composition, it can affect litter dynamics in riparian zones and streams. Thus, our objective was to determine litter inputs and standing stocks in riparian zones and streams under three types of forest: managed cocoa AFS, abandoned cocoa AFS, and secondary forest. Methods: We determined terrestrial litter fall (TI), vertical (VI) and lateral (LI) litter inputs to streams, and litter standing stocks on streambeds (BS) in the Atlantic Forest of northeastern Brazil. Litter was collected every 30 days from August 2018 to July 2019 using custom-made traps. The litter was dried, separated into four fractions (leaves, branches, reproductive organs, and miscellaneous material) and weighed. Results: Terrestrial litter fall was similar in all forests, ranging from 89 g m-2 month-1 in secondary forest (SF) to 96 g m-2 month-1 in abandoned cocoa AFS (AC). Vertical input were higher in AC (82 g m-2 month-1) and MC (69 g m-2 month-1) than in SF (40 g m-2 month-1), whereas lateral input were higher in MC (43 g m-2 month-1) than in AC (15 g m-2 month-1) and SF (24 g m-2 month-1). Standing stocks followed the order SF > AC > MC, corresponding to 425, 299 and 152 g m-2. Leaves contributed most to all litter fractions in all forests. Reproductive plant parts accounted for a larger proportion in managed AFS. Branches and miscellaneous litter were also similar in all forests, except for higher benthic standing stocks of miscellaneous litter in the SF. Despite differences in the amounts of litter inputs and standing stocks among the forests, seasonal patterns in the abandoned AFS (AC) were more similar to those of the secondary forest (SF) than the managed AFS, suggesting potential of abandoned AFS to restore litter dynamics resembling those of secondary forests.

Hidden Tenants: Microbiota of the Rhizosphere and Phyllosphere of Cordia dodecandra Trees in Mayan Forests and Homegardens.

During domestication, the selection of cultivated plants often reduces microbiota diversity compared with their wild ancestors. Microbiota in compartments such as the phyllosphere or rhizosphere can promote fruit tree health, growth, and development. Cordia dodecandra is a deciduous tree used by Maya people for its fruit and wood, growing, to date, in remnant forest fragments and homegardens (traditional agroforestry systems) in Yucatán. In this work, we evaluated the microbiota's alpha and beta diversity per compartment (phyllosphere and rhizosphere) and per population (forest and homegarden) in the Northeast and Southwest Yucatán regions. Eight composite DNA samples (per compartment/population/region combination) were amplified for 16S-RNA (bacteria) and ITS1-2 (fungi) and sequenced by Illumina MiSeq. Bioinformatic analyses were performed with QIIME and phyloseq. For bacteria and fungi, from 107,947 and 128,786 assembled sequences, 618 and 1092 operating taxonomic units (OTUs) were assigned, respectively. The alpha diversity of bacteria and fungi was highly variable among samples and was similar among compartments and populations. A significant species turnover among populations and regions was observed in the rhizosphere. The core microbiota from the phyllosphere was similar among populations and regions. Forests and homegarden populations are reservoirs of the C. dodecandra phyllosphere core microbiome and significant rhizosphere biodiversity.

Silvopastoral systems for offsetting livestock emissions in the tropics: a case study of a dairy farm in Costa Rica.

Ways are being sought to reduce the environmental impact of ruminant livestock farming. Integration of trees into farming systems has been advocated as a measure to deliver ecosystem services, inter alia climate regulation and adaptation, water quality regulation, provisioning of fibre, fuel and habitats to support biodiversity. Despite the rapid expansion of cattle farming in the tropics, notably in Latin America, there is little robust evidence on the extent to which trees are able to mitigate the effects of cattle farming in this ecological zone. This article describes a case study conducted on a large, specialised dairy farm in Costa Rica, where two-thirds of the field boundaries are live tree fences. For the first time, this study quantifies the offset potential of trees by estimating rate of carbon sequestration in a silvopastoral system (SPS) in the tropics. It was found that over a 30-month interval, trees sequestered 1.43 Mg C ha-1 year-1 above and below ground. Attributional life cycle assessment (LCA) (cradle to farm gate) was applied to calculate the carbon footprint of milk produced on the farm for the years 2016 to 2018. Trees in live fences offset 21-37% of milk footprints, resulting in residual net footprints of 0.75±0.25 to 0.84±0.26 kg CO2 eq. kg-1 milk. Exclusion of life cycle emissions that may not fall within national emission inventory accounting (e.g. fertiliser manufacture and feed production) increased the mean offset from 27 to 34% of gross milk footprint. Although based on temporally limited data (30 months), our findings indicate that a live fence SPS could play an important role in short- to medium-term climate mitigation from livestock production, buying time for deployment of long-term mitigation and adaptation planning. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13593-022-00834-z.

Expanding the environmental virome: Infection profile in a native rainforest tree species.

Agroforestry systems (AFS) for cocoa production combine traditional land-use practices with local biodiversity conservation, resulting in both ecological and agricultural benefits. The cacao-cabruca AFS model is widely implemented in regions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Carpotroche brasiliensis (Raddi) A. Gray (Achariaceae) is a tree found in cabruca landscapes that is often used for reforestation and biotechnological applications. Despite its importance, we still lack information about viruses circulating in C. brasiliensis, particularly considering the possibility of spillover that could affect cocoa production. In our study, we analyzed the Carpotroche brasiliensis virome from Atlantic Forest and cacao-cabruca AFS regions using metatranscriptomics from several vegetative and reproductive organs. Our results revealed a diverse virome detecting near-complete or partial coding sequences of single- and double-stranded DNA and RNA viruses classified into at least six families (Botourmiaviridae, Bromoviridae, Caulimoviridae, Genomoviridae, Mitoviridae, and Rhabdoviridae) plus unclassified elements. We described with high confidence the near-complete and the partial genomes of two tentative novel viruses: Carpotroche-associated ilarvirus and Carpotroche-associated genomovirus, respectively. Interestingly, we also described sequences likely derived from a rhabdovirus, which could represent a novel member of the genus Gammanucleorhabdovirus. We observed higher viral diversity in cacao-cabruca AFS and reproductive organs of C. brasiliensis with preferential tropism to fruits, which could directly affect production. Altogether, our results provide data to better understand the virome in this unexplored agroecological interface, such as cacao-cabruca AFS and forest ecosystem, providing information on the aspects of virus-plant interactions.

Adaptation and biocultural conservation of traditional agroforestry systems in the Tehuacán Valley: access to resources and livelihoods strategies.

Traditional agroforestry systems (TAFS) are important areas for conserving biodiversity, ecosystems benefits and biocultural heritage, outstandingly local knowledge, management techniques, and domestication processes. These systems have adapted to environmental, social, technological, and cultural changes throughout history. However, contemporary drastic socio-environmental changes as climate variability, economic inequality, migration, among others, have caused a productive crisis, with several consequences as productive land abandonment, threaten the sustainability of TAFS and vulnerating livelihoods. In such context, the question arises of what kind of adaptations are needed to face these changes, and how access to water and land, should be managed to improve adaptation of TAFS? The study analyzes TAFS in the Tehuacán Valley, a region with high biological and cultural diversity and early signs of agriculture in Mexico, where TAFS have remained active until present. The study analyzes the capacity of TAFS to conserve biodiversity and sustain local livelihoods, despite socio-environmental threats. It is based on a political ecology approach, which proposes that socio-ecological systems degradation is linked to unequal access to land and natural resources. Looking for an integral study of adaptations of TAFS to socio-environmental changes, this study combines qualitative and historical research methodology with quantitative methods evaluating plant diversity and spatial analysis. The study findings show that differentiated access to resources, water, land, and forest, is a key factor that limits adaptation of TAFS, impacting livelihood strategies, changing management patterns, and constraining social capacities for coping with socio-environmental changes. TAFS have significantly higher species richness than forests but lower diversity. The main contribution of the study is the methodological approach looking for an integral analysis of natural resources management and biocultural conservation in agroecosystems, and the identification of the unequal access to resources, as a keystone to understand and act for improving adaptive strategies of TAFS to socio-environmental changes.

The potential of natural shade provided by Brazilian savanna trees for thermal comfort and carbon sink.

This study looked at the potential of thermal comfort provided to animals by four different Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) native trees, as well as their potential for carbon sink. The evaluations were carried out during the summer of 2020, which consisted of the collection of microclimate variables. The Mean Radiant Temperature (TMR, °C) was derived from the shaded and unshaded areas under the trees, and from that, the Radiant Heat Load (RHL, W m-2) was calculated as an index of thermal comfort. Solar radiation was estimated considering the sum of the direct, diffuse, and reflected components (W m-2), and carbon stock from trees biomass for CO2 sequestration was estimated from an allometric model applied to the native Cerrado tree species. The shade of the native trees reduced the meteorological variables such as dry bulb and black globe temperatures, to values considered adequate for the thermal comfort of animals, with an average reduction respectively equal to 1.3 °C and 6.4 °C. This represents a significant difference compared to the unshaded area as well as among tree species (P < 0.05), reflecting in lower values of TMR and RHL in the shaded area provided by each species. Carbon sequestration individually estimated by each native tree species was on average 8.85 Mg per tree. These results demonstrate the great potential for native tree species in the Cerrado biome to be used in agroforestry systems to provide higher levels of thermal comfort to animals and to combat climate change through their aptitude of CO2 sink.