Agrotins 2020 - Palestra Práticas Silviculturais em ILPF Desrama

Summary

Emiliano Santa Rosa, an agronomist at Embrapa, discusses the silvicultural practices within the ILPF (Integration of Crops, Livestock, and Forestry) system, focusing on the importance of branch pruning or 'derramas.' This practice improves light penetration for crops, enhances timber quality by preventing knots, and promotes the overall health of the system. He details the optimal timing and methodology for pruning, including the necessary tools and safety precautions. Santa Rosa emphasizes the long-term benefits of ILPF, including diversified income, animal comfort, soil conservation, and sustainability, while encouraging careful implementation to ensure the system’s success.

Takeaways

• 😀 ILPF (Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forestry Systems) diversifies production, providing additional income streams through both agriculture and forestry.
• 😀 ILPF improves animal welfare by creating a better microclimate, offering shade and enhancing comfort, especially in livestock operations.
• 😀 The system contributes to soil and water conservation by strategically planting trees along contour lines to prevent erosion.
• 😀 Long-term timber production within ILPF offers a sustainable revenue source, helping farmers balance economic viability and environmental stewardship.
• 😀 Environmental benefits include carbon fixation, nutrient cycling, and protection of forage crops through strategic tree planting.
• 😀 Silvicultural practices, including tree selection, spacing, and pest control, are crucial to the successful implementation of ILPF systems.
• 😀 *Desgrama* is the selective pruning of lower tree branches to improve tree health, increase light penetration, and enhance pasture growth.
• 😀 The ideal time for performing *desgrama* is when 60% of trees have a diameter at breast height (DBH) between 6–8 cm.
• 😀 Pruning should be limited to 50% of the tree height to maintain optimal photosynthesis and prevent damage to the tree's overall health.
• 😀 Tools like forestry saws with extension poles, as well as appropriate safety equipment (helmets, gloves, goggles), are essential for safe and effective *desgrama* implementation.
• 😀 Careful execution of *desgrama* is vital to avoid leaving stubs or damaging tree trunks, as these can lead to pest invasions and reduced tree health.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on silvicultural practices in Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest Systems (ILPF), specifically discussing the 'derrama' or 'desgrama,' which is the removal of lower branches from trees to improve both tree quality and the overall system's efficiency.

What are the key benefits of ILPF systems?

ILPF systems offer several benefits, including diversification of production and income, improved animal comfort through shade, erosion control, long-term income from timber, environmental services like carbon fixation, nutrient cycling, and sustainable land use practices.

What does 'derrama' (or 'desgrama') refer to in silvicultural practices?

'Derrama' refers to the removal of lower branches from trees to enhance the quality of timber, increase sunlight penetration, and improve pasture and crop growth underneath the trees. It also helps to reduce the formation of knots in the wood, improving its value.

When should the first 'derrama' be carried out?

The first 'derrama' should be carried out when more than 60% of the trees in the system reach a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 6 to 8 cm. This is usually the optimal time to begin removing lower branches.

What are the maximum limits for 'derrama' in terms of tree height and canopy volume?

The 'derrama' should not exceed 50% of the total height of the tree or one-third of the canopy volume. This ensures the tree's health and continued photosynthesis, which is crucial for its growth.

What tools are typically used for 'derrama'?

The most common tool used for 'derrama' is a 'serrote tipo jacaré' (a type of saw), which is attached to a long pole to reach higher parts of the tree. This allows for effective removal of branches at greater heights.

What safety precautions should be taken during the 'derrama' process?

Safety precautions include using sharp, well-maintained tools, wearing protective equipment such as helmets, goggles, and long-sleeve clothing, and avoiding injuries to the tree trunk to prevent the entry of pests and diseases.

Why is it important to avoid excessive 'derrama'?

Excessive 'derrama' can harm the tree's health by reducing its ability to photosynthesize. Over-removal of branches can also weaken the tree, making it more susceptible to diseases and reducing timber quality.

How does 'derrama' improve the quality of timber?

By removing the lower branches, 'derrama' eliminates the formation of knots in the wood, resulting in cleaner, higher-quality timber. This timber is more valuable when sold to sawmills and can fetch a better price.

What role does 'derrama' play in pasture and crop growth under trees?

'Derrama' increases sunlight penetration through the tree canopy, which benefits pasture and crop growth underneath. This helps to optimize photosynthesis for the plants growing under the trees, improving overall productivity.