Tropical crop-livestock systems in conservation agriculture

This publication describes how pasture, fodder and livestock production have been integrated into conservation agriculture systems in Brazil's tropical zones. Vast areas of forest have been cleared in the tropical areas of Brazil for establishment of pastures that become unproductive once the native fertility of the soil is exhausted; this leads to yet more forest clearing. Integrated crop-livestock zero tillage systems allow for the sustainable production of high-yielding pasture without further deforestation; in this system, grazing livestock convert both pastures and crop residues into cash. The ability of pasture to build up the fertility and biological activity of the topsoil is well known. The economies of the system are discussed and its very positive ecological effects are described at lengths. This publication is geared towards agronomists, advanced farmers, extension workers and agricultural decision-makers throughout the tropics and sub-tropics.