Potencial econômico e produtivo da integração lavoura pecuária no semiárido

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the productive and economic potential of Crop- Livestock Integration (CLI) in the Brazilian semi-arid region, using maize intercropped

with two forage species: Andropogon gayanus cv. Planaltina and Urochloa brizantha cv. BRS Paiaguás. The experiment was conducted in the municipality of Jericó-PB, from January to June 2024, under typical soil and climatic conditions of the region, using a randomized block design with two types of intercropping (Maize-Andropogon and Maize-Paiaguás) and six replications. Variables related to green matter production (GMP), dry matter production (DMP), and the morphological composition of maize and forage plants were analyzed, along with an estimate of production costs and the benefit/cost (B/C) ratio. The results indicated that both integrated systems showed productive values consistent with those reported in the literature for CLI systems. A significant difference was observed for the maize stem percentage, which was higher (P = 0.0471) in the Maize-Andropogon intercrop compared to the Maize-Paiaguás intercrop, suggesting greater light competition and influence on plant morphology. In the economic analysis, regardless of the type of intercropping, the system aimed at silage production showed a higher financial return, with a B/C ratio of 4.03, while the grain harvest system, regardless of the intercropping type, achieved a B/C ratio of 1.93, highlighting the viability of both systems, with an advantage for silage production. The results reinforce the role of CLI as a strategic tool for establishing new pasture areas or rehabilitating degraded pastures, contributing to the sustainability of agricultural production in the semi-arid region through productivity gains, efficient land use, and system profitability. Therefore, it is recommended to adopt maize intercropping with Andropogon or maize intercropping with BRS Paiaguás as viable, adaptable, and profitable alternatives capable of integrating agricultural and livestock production in balance with the semi-arid region’s soil and climate conditions.