Integração da Restauração Ecológica a Pecuária (IRPE): nova proposta metodológica

Abstract

The objective was to test the IRPE methodology to evaluate the effect of cattle grazing in an area undergoing ecological restoration. The experiment started in January/2017, with two treatments (T1: without cattle and T2: with cattle), where seedlings of seven native species were planted in a row. After four years, low stocking grazing reduced grass biomass by 77%/year, not affecting natural regeneration and allowing survival (T1 = 61% and T2 = 47%) and the development of seedlings of native species (T1 = 34 cm/year and T2 = 22 cm/year), both at rates with no significant difference between treatments. The presence of cattle increased the amount of chemical nutrients in the surface runoff, especially in periods of greater rainfall, however the values were presented in accordance with the Brazilian directive on water quality. From the analysis of results it was observed that the application of the IRPE methodology was successful, being possible to conclude that the grasses, under adequate grazing management, protected the soil from erosive process and the cattle, when reducing the vegetal biomass, reduced the probability of fire occurrence and expenses with firebreaks and clearing.