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A classification of cultivated pastures in the Brazilian Cerrado for sustainable intensification and savanna restoration

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Abstract

The Brazilian Cerrado, with over 200 million hectares, has approximately 28% of its area occupied by cultivated pasturelands and 39% of them are degraded. In this study, we propose a new classification of the Cerrado pastures and recommendations for sustainable intensification and savanna restoration. We propose seven classes of pastures based on the ground cover proportions of exotic grass, bare soil, and native vegetation. These lands need to be acknowledged for their biodiversity conservation and potential for sustainable intensification and restoration. In order to make ecological intensification available for the ranchers, research and technology transfer have to embrace native tree species-based silviculture, native-grass-based forage management and enhancement, and value chain of biodiversity-friendly products. The pasture management proposals of this paper are based on a concept of biodiversity as an ecosystem service, promoting local productivity and global ecosystem services.

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Acknowledgements

The ideas of this perspective paper were risen from the results of the project “Mapping native trees and natural regeneration in Cerrado pastures”, funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF). DLMV and EES have research grants from National Council of Research and Development (CNPq). TRS has a doctorate scholarship from Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).

Funding

Funding was provided by conselho nacional de desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico and Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Embrapa Genetic Resources & Biotechnology, Parque Estação Biológica, Av. W5 Norte, Brasília, DF, CEP 70770-917, Brazil

    Daniel L. M. Vieira

  2. Embrapa Cerrados, BR-020 Km 18, Planaltina, DF, CEP 73301-970, Brazil

    Edson E. Sano

  3. Department of Forestry Engineering, University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70297-400, Brazil

    Tamilis Rocha Silva

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  1. Daniel L. M. Vieira
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  2. Edson E. Sano
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  3. Tamilis Rocha Silva
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Correspondence to Daniel L. M. Vieira.

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Vieira, D.L.M., Sano, E.E. & Silva, T.R. A classification of cultivated pastures in the Brazilian Cerrado for sustainable intensification and savanna restoration. Ambio 51, 1219–1226 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01646-3

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