Agroecological Transition and the Collective Construction of Knowledge: The Experience of Cotton in an Agroforestry System in the Cuiabana Lowlands

Abstract

This study investigated the development and productivity of cotton (Gossypium spp.) within an agroforestry system at the Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Mato Grosso, located in the Baixada Cuiabana region. Conducted over two cultivation cycles, the experiment implemented agroecological practices, including green manure, biofertilizer application, and crop associations with tree species, aiming to promote ecological and socioeconomic sustainability. Positive results were shared with the communities of the Dorcelina Folador and Zé da Paes settlements, where 12 agroforestry cotton systems were established. Workshops and field demonstrations facilitated knowledge exchange among farmers, leading to enthusiastic acceptance of the new practices. The agroforestry system demonstrated its potential to reduce reliance on chemical inputs, conserve natural resources, and diversify farmers' income sources, indicating a more resilient agricultural model. This experience highlights the benefits of agroforestry systems in promoting sustainable cotton production, benefiting both the community and the environment. Additionally, it underscores the importance of public policies that encourage the adoption of agroecology in the Cerrado region.