Trees in ILPF systems neutralize methane emissions from cattle in the Cerrado Mineiro

Studies by Embrapa Corn and Sorgo in the Cerrado Mineiro proved that carbon fixation by trees in different models of Crop-Livestock-Forest (ILPF) integration systems is capable of neutralizing methane emissions from cattle. The research, carried out in areas of degraded pastures with different levels of technological investment, offers producers in the region the possibility of adding environmental gains to production, in addition to joining the Carbon Neutral Meat (CCN) certification system, among other benefits.

The activities were developed at the Technological Reference Unit (URT) at Fazenda Lagoa dos Currais, in the municipality of Curvelo, MG. According to researchers from Embrapa Milho e Sorgo, the state of Minas Gerais has great potential for forestry exploration, with soil and climate conditions conducive to the cultivation of forestry species, grains, dairy and beef livestock. 

“Research on ILPF in this region can validate the recommendation of systems that present, in addition to productivity and profitability, the ability to neutralize methane emissions from cattle managed in this integration, guaranteeing an environmental gain for the producer and for society”, he says. researcher Miguel Marques Gontijo Neto.

“In addition, the time and management of an ILPF system can enable producers to join certification systems, attributing added value to their product. The Carbon Neutral Meat (CCN) certification, for example, certifies that the cattle that gave rise to the meat had their methane emissions neutralized during the production process by fixing carbon in the bole (trunk) of the trees present in the silvopastoral system”, he adds. Gontijo.

Researcher Monica Matoso Campanha reports that the adoption of sustainable technologies strengthens Brazilian agriculture, making it more competitive in domestic and foreign markets. 

Animal component

From the second year onwards, the animal component was introduced into the systems. Every year, in December, batches of Guzerá heifers enter the systems, with an average initial weight of around 250 kg, and an age between seven and nine months. “The animal load is adjusted in the paddocks depending on the availability of forage throughout the year”, says Gontijo.

Based on the number and average weight of animals during each grazing period, animal loads (AC) were calculated, in Animal Units per hectare (AU/ha), for each of the four systems (four different levels of technological investment ). Thus, the more intensified ILPF systems supported greater animal load.

Animal production and methane emission estimates were evaluated in two grazing cycles, from December 2018 to October 2019, in a first batch of heifers and in a second batch of animals, from December 2019 to May 2020. Projection of wood production at the time of harvest was made using specific software for this purpose.

Provision of environmental services in agricultural production systems

The researchers concluded that in the ILPF systems studied in the Cerrado Mineiro region, productivity estimates for 12-year-old trees show that 125 eucalyptus trees per hectare, in single rows at 20 x 4 m spacing, have the potential to sequester carbon in the tree trunk sufficient to allow an average neutralization of methane produced by 3,6 AU per hectare per year, grazing animals.

The use of silvopastoral systems in the Cerrado, with eucalyptus rows in pastures, can be recommended with a view to neutralizing methane emissions from grazing cattle, in addition to other environmental benefits, such as contributing to animal comfort provided by the shade, diversifying production of meat, grains and wood and increased income in rural activities. 

“In this sense, the intensification of livestock systems with a forestry component, in ILPF, increases production and the prospects for incentives for environmental services and certified products, such as Carbon Neutral Beef”, highlights Campanha.

More information about the work is available in Technical Circular 275 “Crop-Livestock-Forest Integration Systems as a strategy for neutralizing enteric methane emissions from cattle in the Cerrado region of Minas Gerais”, and on publication about the ILPF systems implemented at URT Lagoa dos Currais.

Sustainable Development Goals

The project also seeks to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), established by the United Nations (UN), aimed at food security, economic and social development with means of sustainable agricultural production, combating climate change and mitigating processes that lead to the degradation of rural environments. 

Thus, this work aims to contribute to meeting the SDGs: 2 - “End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture”; SDG 12 - “Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns”; and SDG 13 - “Take urgent measures to combat climate change and its impacts”, according to the Indicators proposed in 2021.