Soil quality in integrated crop-livestock-forestry systems and intensive grazing systems

• Grant number: 25/06887-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: José Ricardo Macedo Pezzopane
• Grantee: Marina Justi
• Host Institution: Embrapa Pecuária Sudeste. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/02444-5 - Understanding intensified and integrated production systems: from the quantum world to low-carbon agriculture, AP.PFPMCG.TEM

Abstract

Integrated production systems are sustainable land-use strategies that can support increased agricultural productivity while simultaneously restoring and preserving the environment. The adoption of integrated systems represents a significant advancement in the pursuit of sustainable agriculture in Brazil. The changes induced by integrated systems in the soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties are reflected in the quantity and quality of soil organic carbon. In this context, this proposal aims to assess soil quality in integrated crop-livestock production systems and intensive production systems using field, laboratory, and digital techniques, in addition to analyzing the correlations between the evaluated parameters. Thus, this project is expected to provide valuable insights into soil quality and health in integrated systems and intensive pasture management, linking them to soil carbon contributions. This topic is highly relevant in the context of sustainable agriculture and climate change and is also one of Brazil's key strategies for decarbonizing the agricultural sector. (AU)