ISHS Acta Horticulturae 811: VI International Congress on Cactus Pear and Cochineal
CACTUS FORAGE AND SEMI-ARID SUSTAINABILITY |
| Authors: | M. de Andrade Lira, I. Farias, D. Cordeiro, J.C.B. Dubeux Jr., A. Carneiro Lećo de Mello, M.V. Ferreira dos Santos |
| Keywords: | caatinga, cactaceae, livestock, small farm, soil erosion |
| Abstract:
Semi-arid regions are often characterized by shallow soils and irregular rainfall distribution with short rainy season resulting in water deficit for most cultivated crops. In some areas, poor soil fertility may also limit crop productivity. Farm size may reduce sustainability in semi-arid areas where small farms predominate. Annual crops such as maize and beans present very low yield in this environment. Irrigation is not available in most of the semi-arid areas. Thus, the use of adapted plants is one possible option with livestock being more stable than cash crops. Cactus pear utilized as a forage source is the basis for animal production systems in many semi-arid regions. It presents high yield compared to other rainfed systems located in the semi-arid. Although cactus forage is not a complete feed source, it contains high levels of digestible energy which usually is scarce in the semi-arid. It may also be an important source of water for the herd. In order to present high yield, cactus pear should be cultivated more intensively, i.e., fertilized, dense populations, and efficient weed control. Under these circumstances, productivity up to 20 t of DM.ha-1.yr-1 has been obtained in different fields in NE Brazil. These results contrast with the low productivity commonly found in extensive cactus systems, which may fit into a scenario of larger farms and rangelands. We conclude that cactus pear is a viable option to enhance semi-arid sustainability by increasing the income of small farmers, reducing deforestation of native vegetation, and controlling soil erosion. | |
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