Agroenvironmental sustainability indices based on geotechnologies applied to small and medium sized rural properties

• Grant number: 24/02768-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Agreement: MCTI/MC
• Principal Investigator: Édson Luis Bolfe
• Grantee: Gustavo Klinke Neto
• Host Institution: Embrapa Agricultura Digital. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/09319-9 - Center of Science for Development in Digital Agriculture - CCD-AD/SemeAr, AP.CCD

Abstract

The extensive and intensive food production associated with the massive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and water causes a considerable environmental impact. These impacts generated from the agricultural production process have drawn the interest of researchers worldwide. Sustainable agricultural systems are described as systems capable of promoting the rational use of natural resources, implementing effective methods for agricultural production, and promoting the improvement of human health over time. In this scenario, the assessment of agricultural sustainability emerges as a critical tool to promote and validate the sustainability of agroecosystems, providing support for the incorporation of these principles in the preparation and implementation of agricultural policies. The conception of indicators to assess agricultural sustainability has been addressed by various authors, and despite decades of research, it continues to be debated. The selection of "essential" indicators is challenging and requires a clear and objective approach. Considering a wide range of indicators brings benefits to the analysis but increases the time and cost required for data collection, planning, and analysis. On the other hand, focusing solely on one indicator may not provide adequate results. Creating an acceptable set of indicators is considered an important and complex issue, as the indicators will represent the degree of sustainability. With the implementation of this doctoral scholarship, the plan is to identify the most relevant and feasible indicators to validate agroenvironmental sustainability in the production of small and medium-sized rural properties in the municipalities of Caconde (SP), Breves (PA), and Guia Lopes (MS), which are located within the AgroTechnological Districts (DATs) defined by the Center for Science for Digital Agriculture. They represent the biomes Atlantic Forest, Amazon Rainforest, and Cerrado, respectively. It is noteworthy that this project will promote an integration of two thematic axes present in the Center, Remote Sensing, and Certification and Traceability, enabling greater applicability and robustness of the results. The expected outcomes include the generation of a new methodology applied to the benefit of small and medium-sized producers, adding credibility to productions and consequently enabling a better valuation of their respective assets. Additionally, the objective is to produce qualified scientific publications and support the professional training of postgraduate students.