Evaluation of plant biomass in production system in transition agroecology

Abstract

Using plant biomass is an alternative to fertilize soils in agro-ecological transition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the plant biomass produced in three areas–banana orchard (Musa paradisiaca), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and pasture (Brachiaria decumbens)–of a production and family life unity (UPVF) of Iperó (SP) and propose management alternatives to reduce reliance on industrial fertilizers. It were determined the dry weight of products (exported from UPVF) and the dry weight of co-products (which remain in UPVF) and the macronutrient of co-products available for crops were estimated. It was found that the biomass produced in UPVF did not attend the nutritional demand of the banana orchard, the main commercial product of UPVF. It was concluded that the pigeon pea, with the highest dry matter production and the highest accumulation of nitrogen and potassium, can be used to increase the fertility of agroecosystem since its production area is enlarged.