Integrated systems: what they are, their advantages and limitations

Abstract

The agricultural sector has been undergoing major changes due to higher production costs and a more competitive market, requiring an increase in yields, quality and profitability, without harming the environment. In order to achieve these goals, an alternative that has gained increasing space in recent years is the use of integrated systems that incorporate crop, livestock and forestry farming in a temporal and/or spatial framework, seeking synergies among the agro-ecosystem components for the sustainability of the farm, including legal environmental compliance and valuation of natural capital (BALBINO et al., 2011).
This strategy systemic approach also incorporates other desirable attributes for the local agro-ecosystem regarding legal environmental compliance, when considering Brazil, the maintenance of Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) and Legal Natural Reserves (LR), recognizing the benefits of the environmental services provided by them to the production systems. Integrated systems are currently expanding, especially grain, fiber, energy, timber, meat and dairy farming depending on the region. Using integrated systems whenever suitable can greatly help recovering degraded agricultural areas.

Full text

11
The inTegraTion of crops, livesTock
and foresTry as a sysTem
The agricultural sector has been undergoing major changes due to higher production costs
and a more competitive market, requiring an increase in yields, quality and profitability, without
harming the environment. In order to achieve these goals, an alternative that has gained increas-
ing space in recent years is the use of integrated systems that incorporate crop, livestock and
forestry farming in a temporal and/or spatial framework, seeking synergies among the agro-eco-
system components for the sustainability of the farm, including legal environmental compliance
and valuation of natural capital (BALBINO et al., 2011).
This strategy systemic approach also incorporates other desirable attributes for the local agro-
ecosystem regarding legal environmental compliance, when considering Brazil, the maintenance
of Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) and Legal Natural Reserves (LR), recognizing the benefits
of the environmental services provided by them to the production systems.
Integrated systems are currently expanding, especially grain, fiber, energy, timber, meat and
dairy farming depending on the region. Using integrated systems whenever suitable can greatly
help recovering degraded agricultural areas.
According to Balbino et al. (2011), integrated systems in Brazil are basically classified into four
major groups:
1. Integrated Crop-Livestock or Agropastoral System: a production system that integrates
the crop and livestock components in succession, rotation, or combined in the same area
and in the same agricultural year or for several years, sequentially or alternating.
2. Integrated Forestry-Livestock or Silvipastoral System: a production system that inte-
grates the livestock (pasture and animal) and forest components, in association. This pro-
duction system is focused on areas where it is hard to grow crops and therefore only in-
cludes the forest and livestock components.
3. Integrated Crop-Forestry or Silviagriculture: a production system that integrates the
crop and forest components through a combination of tree species with annual or peren-
nial crops.
4. Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry or Agrosilvipastoral: a production system that
integrates the crop, livestock and forest components in rotation, succession or combined
in the same area. The crop component may or may not be restricted to the initial phase
of implementation of the forest component. There are a number of institutions and
scientists involved in further developing and expanding this system in Brazil. This initiative
is so consolidated that the system in Portuguese called “Integração Lavoura-Pecuária-
Floresta” became a concept and a trademark, as illustrated in Figure 2.1. For this reason,
Luiz Carlos Balbino
Armindo Neivo Kichel
Davi José Bungenstab
Roberto Giolo de Almeida
Integrated Systems:
What They Are, Their
Advantages and
Limitations
22
Chapter

Integrated systems: what they are, theIr advantages and lImItatIons chapter 2
12
the Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry systems, or agrosilvipastoral systems, which is
abbreviated as ICLF systems, following the scope of this publication, sometimes can be
abbreviated as ILPF, since many concepts and technologies presented are directly linked to
the Brazilian experience.
The ICLF system is becoming an established technology with good perspectives of expansion
in the whole country. Especially in cattle ranching areas, the use of Eucalyptus as tree component
and soybeans/maize crop combinations are becoming the most popular.
This system is the main focus of this publication, since the other in regard to the implementa-
tion of these systems, there are four distinct situations: the introduction of agriculture over pas-
ture areas, the introduction of pasture over cash crops areas and the introduction of forestry into
crop or pasture areas, followed by the use of the area for animal grazing.
Periods for crop, grazing or forest cultivation will depend on the system adopted. Livestock
can be used for periods of one month to five years, returning the area for crop cultivation for peri-
ods ranging from five months to five years. The forestry component can be used for one or more
cuts, depending on the species used.
In regions where both soil and weather are suitable for growing grains, livestock can be used
for periods of 6 to 18 months and crops for 2 to 5 years.
The main purposes of pasture introduction into predominantly cropping systems are:
• Crop rotation;
• Increased straw production for no-till crop cultivation;
• Restructuring soil physical components;
• Increased organic matter content in the soil;
• Reducing pests, diseases and weeds.
Figure 2.1
Brazilian ILPF trademark.

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chapter 2 Integrated systems: what they are, theIr advantages and lImItatIons
In regions with no infrastructure, unfavorable weather, marginal soil, little agricultural tradi-
tion and grain crops restrictions, it is necessary to check agricultural zoning in order to restrict
cultivation to more resistant crops, like sorghum instead of maize. In these cases, livestock should
remain for longer periods. In such systems, grain crops are used to recover degraded or degrad-
ing pastures. New pasture is subsequently sown, benefiting from improved soil fertility, which
results in increased yields and forage quality, especially in the most critical dry periods of the year,
i.e. between May and October in most Brazilian regions.
Some examples of practical alternatives for these systems are:
• Area renewal by improving the soil through a cash crop for one or more years, followed by
grass seeding after harvest or mixed with the crop, using pasture for one or more years and
then returning to crop for a given period;
• Pasture recovery introducing the forestry component in a region where both soil and
weather are favorable for grain cultivation. In this system, cash crops are usually grown
for two years allowing forest to establish, afterwards grass sowing and animal grazing are
introduced for several years until trees are harvested;
• Pasture recovery solely with implementation of the forestry component. In regions tech-
nically unsuitable for grains, fiber and energy crops, the silvipastoral system is the most
viable option. In this system, trees are planted in recovered or renewed grazing areas.
In the first years, forage can be used to produce hay or silage until the trees are estab-
lished, protecting them from animal browsing. Depending on the size of the area, elec-
tric fences can be used, allowing animals to use the area as soon as the first year. In the
case of Eucalyptus for example, animals can graze already on the second year, especially
by younger categories.
These integrated system models are defined based on the environmental and socioeconomic
aspects of the different agro-ecosystems as shown in Figure 2.2 comprising different alternatives
and solutions for the main farm problems. Expected results reflect entrepreneurial farmers im-
mediate expectations and are focused on the development of sustainable agriculture (BALBINO
et al., 2011).
With the introduction of ICLF systems, in addition to land use intensification and increased
efficiency, other environmental benefits are generated, including higher carbon sequestration,
increased soil organic matter, reduced erosion, improved microclimate conditions and animal
well-being. Economic benefits generated by diversification include lower production costs, in-
creasing yields and leveling risks inherent to agriculture especially related to weather and mar-
ket variations.
Regarding research and development for sustainable production of food, fiber, energy and
environmental services, according to Balbino et al. (2011), integrated systems play an essential
With the introduction of ICLF systems,
in addition to land use intensication
and increased eciency, other
environmental benets are generated.

Integrated systems: what they are, theIr advantages and lImItatIons chapter 2
14
role and investigation is focused on developing agricultural systems that use especially the fol-
lowing items:
• Economically viable farming systems, with food security assurance;
• Search for alternative environmentally safe inputs, reducing contaminants;
• High precision technologies, reducing input wastes;
• Environmental management practices and modern equipment, improving systems’ effi-
ciency and facilitating monitoring;
• Agroecological technologies, with new designs and the integration of production systems;
• Systems that increase biological diversity and internal synergies;
• Regeneration/bioremediation technologies that allow reclaiming degraded/contami -
nated areas.
Figure 2.2
Immediate goals and results of integrated
systems application in agro-ecosystems
(adapted from Balbino et al., 2011).
Socioeconomic and environmental context of agro-ecosystems
Breaking the cycle of
pests and diseases
Environmental
suitability
Ecient use
of inputs, labor
and resources
Soil and water
conservation and
improvement Increased income
and better quality of
life for farmers
Diversication
of production
systems
Rehabilitation
of degraded
pastures
Intensication
of land use
Models:
Agropastoral
Agrosilvipastoral
Silvipastoral

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chapter 2 Integrated systems: what they are, theIr advantages and lImItatIons
• Land use classification, improving its monitoring and optimizing use of natural resources;
• Alternative energy sources (ethanol, wood, fibers and biodiesel);
• Environmental certification and management systems that strengthen competitiveness
based on preventive strategies and anticipation of environmental problems;
• New institutional arrangements, farming and management as elements for market com-
petitiveness;
• Valuation of environmental services provided by agricultural systems and their sur
roundings.
In the development process of integrated systems, support technologies and different com-
binations and arrangements of components, it was possible to identify and assess their various
advantages as well as upcoming challenges, especially in regard to their implementation. The
main benefits and challenges mentioned by Balbino et al. (2011) and Kichel et al. (2011) are listed
herein. It is important to mention that because of their integrated characteristics and depen-
dence on local conditions, all factors listed below neither are arranged by system component nor
follow a hierarchy of importance.
main advanTages of inTegraTed sysTems
• Can be applied to small holders, medium and large farms;
• More efficient control of insects, diseases and weeds, leading to lower pesticide use;
• Improved microclimatic conditions thanks to the tree component reducing thermal ampli-
tude, increasing air humidity and lowering wind intensity;
• Increased animal well-being due to improved thermal comfort;
• Possibility of using the most suitable species and cultivars for each region;
• Possibility of reducing pressure for clearing natural vegetation areas;
• Unwanted plants, which normally occur in young forest plantations, are replaced by crops
and/or forage, making maintenance less expensive;
• Global warming mitigation through carbon sequestration especially by forest and forage
components;
• Supporting biodiversity protection, especially due to the abundance of “border effects” or
interfaces, improving synergy through new niches and habitats for crop pollinators and
natural enemies of pests and diseases;
• Intensification of nutrient cycling;
Integrated systems can be applied to
small holders, medium and large farms.

Integrated systems: what they are, theIr advantages and lImItatIons chapter 2
16
• Creation of attractive landscapes that may favor rural tourism activities;
• Increased regional production of grains, beef, milk, fibers, timber and energy;
• Increased competitiveness of the beef chain in domestic and international markets, with
better quality carcasses and shorter-cycle cattle raising, based on feed quality, sanitary con-
trol and genetic improvement;
• Enhanced milk yield and quality, even for grazing systems in the low season (dry period),
especially for small and medium farmers;
• Higher turnover for several segments of local economy;
• Reduction of operating and market risks due to improved farming conditions and diversifi-
cation of commercial activities;
• Slowing down migration processes and increasing social benefits through jobs and in-
come generation;
• Motivation for improving professional skills;
• Facilitating participation of organized civil society;
• Diversification of farm activities, improving year-round labor demand;
• Increased soil cover from crops and pasture residues. This interaction prevents losses
through erosion (soil, water sources, organic matter and nutrients), stimulating the biota
and its physical recovery;
• Recovery of nutrients that have leached or drained to deeper soil layers, especially through
tree and forage roots , increase of soil organic matter through litter and decaying plant
residues;
• Potential for partnerships with more benefits for both, landowners and tenants.
• Lower costs for afforestation through pasture and/or annual crops cultivation;
• Alternative for introducing commercial forestry and cash crops in grazing areas with higher
agricultural potential. As a result, agriculture expansion is maintained on a sustainable ba-
sis, helping reduce pressure to clear new areas for crops;
• Increased pasture carrying capacity due to improved soil fertility and more frequent main-
tenance;
• Encouragement to replace available forage with more productive species or cultivars;
• Compared to forestry, accelerated individual tree growth in terms of diameter, due to wider
spacing;
With ICLF systems, agriculture
expansion is maintained on a
sustainable basis, helping reduce
pressure to clear new areas.

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chapter 2 Integrated systems: what they are, theIr advantages and lImItatIons
• Financing or reducing forestry and/or pasture implementation costs, due to the lower
number of trees planted (in some arrangements) and alternative income from crops and
livestock components;
• Improved timber quality, due to more regular thickness of growth rings, more adequate for
industrial processing;
• Possible reduction of fire accidents due to crops presence reduce straw trough animal
grazing;
• Potential for high quality timber, with tree species that are little used in traditional forest
plantations, but have high value in medium- and long-term ICLF projects;
• Direct and indirect benefits generated by biodiversity preservation, such as crop pollination;
• Species diversity and crop rotation help control erosion, increase soil porosity and, conse-
quently, water infiltration to recover groundwater.
main challenges of inTegraTed sysTems
• Farmers traditionalism and resistance to adopt new technologies;
• Higher qualification and commitment demand from farmers, managers, technicians
and workers;
• Higher financial investments;
• Returns in the medium to long term, especially in regard to the forestry component;
• Demand for sufficient financial available capital for investment or access to credit;
• High investments on infrastructure because of the integrated systems multiple com-
ponents;
• Lack of basic regional infrastructure and local trade options; production depends on the
availability and maintenance of machinery and equipment, and from factors external to
the production unit, such as energy, storage and transport;
• Long distances to final consumers or processing industries. In some regions, inputs pur-
chase such as fertilizers, seeds, seedlings, agrochemicals and animals is limited, and so it is
for selling the outputs;
• Limited availability of skilled professionals, especially with formal education degrees;
• Adoption of new technologies, and in labor qualification, requires faster validation and
transfer of the most suitable practices for each system;
ICLF systems demand higher
qualication and commitment from
people involved in the operation.

Integrated systems: what they are, theIr advantages and lImItatIons chapter 2
18
• Little emphasis on integrated systems in agriculture courses curricula;
• Government policy of incentives for adoption of integrated systems still under deve-
lopment;
• Increased complexity of ICLF adds risks to the system, especially due to crop component;
Despite certain initial obstacles to their adoption, ILPF systems, due to their increased man-
agement complexity, lead to the incorporation of correct attitudes by farmers, for example, in the
management and disposal of the waste generated in the farm, including agrochemical packag-
ing and waste water following legislation.
In addition to quality certifications issued by public and private institutions, trend for farms
adopting integrated systems also become pioneers in the adoption of systematic improvement
programs, such as Embrapa’s Program for Good Agricultural Practices - Beef Cattle (http://bpa.
cnpgc.embrapa.br/) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply’s program for the Inte-
grated Production of Agricultural Systems (PISA), among others (http://www.agricultura.gov.br/
portal/page/portal/Internet-MAPA/pagina-inicial/desenvolvimento-sustentavel).
Research and development institutions such as Embrapa work not only on developing tech-
nologies, but also on strengthening methodologies for transferring technology, knowledge,
production techniques and processes, monitoring techniques and industrial processing for in-
tegrated systems. The goal is to develop systemic and continuing networks, involving research,
extension services, farmers and strategic partners in a participatory manner in order to habilitate
technology replicators.
The strategy which has been adopted is to continuously train extension services, financial
agents, inputs dealers, farmers, managers and farm workers through the implementation of tech-
nological reference units and/or demonstration units, in addition to publications, lectures, field
days and technical visits. Priority is given to participatory initiatives involving farmers, technicians,
students, lecturers, industries and input traders.
In their turn, modern farmers willing to assume an entrepreneurial attitude should seek
training and try to develop multidisciplinary teams to face the challenge of implementing a
sustainable integrated farming project, always relying on the support of research networks and
technology transfer.
Research and development institutions
such as Embrapa work not only on
developing technologies, but also
on strengthening methodologies for
transferring technology.