Análise dos agroecossistemas de uma propriedade agroecológica na região do Alto Paranaíba-MG.

Abstract

Several authors argue that it is important for family farming to rely on great productive diversity, diversity of marketing methods, cost reduction and risk reduction. Therefore, works that help rural producers to implement production systems, efficient marketing methods and more profitable types of crops are essential. Thus, the objective was to analyze the potential and feasibility of productive diversification, also evaluating the influence of companion plants in an agroforestry system with coffee and the potential of direct marketing channels, in the context of a family agroecological production. The property sells around 75 different items annually. The average annual income was R$ 45,734.30 year-1. The total annual production costs were estimated at R$ 29,650.00, corresponding to 64.8% of the gross sales value. The biggest cost is with personnel, R$ 13,800.00. In these values, the average annual value of R$ 16,084.30 remained for the property. However, as it is a family property, the amounts paid with people cannot be considered expenses, so the net income is R$ 29,884.30 annually. In the implementation of the agroforestry system, it was observed that the presence of castor bean, as a companion plant, reduced all growth parameters (plant height, crown width, number of plagiotropic branches, length of the primary plagiotropic branch, stem diameter), coffee seedlings significantly and expressively. It was also possible to evidence a significant effect of treatments on transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. In general, plants intercropped with pigeon pea had better performance compared to the other treatments. The property model studied can be considered viable and quite interesting for small family producers, considered sufficient to supply most of the financial and food demands. The planting of coffee intercropped with vegetables can be of great interest, ensuring food, financial and social security. Keywords: Agroecology, Family farming, Companion plant, Sustainable production.