Participatory design and implantation of multifunctional windbreaks in agroecosystem Sítio Terra Verde, Morro Redondo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

This report addresses the implantation of a multifunctional windbreaks in the ecological
farm “Sítio Terra Verde”, located in the municipality of Morro Redondo, Rio Grande do
Sul. The design of the project and the selection of the species were carried out in a participative
way, between the farmer and researchers, to achieve out the main demands of the
small honding. The shelterbelt was implanted through a joint effort, in three lines of cultivation
(approximately 3 m long between them) of approximately 150 m linear, composed of a
set of 14 tree species with spacing of 2 m between plants in the lines, totaling 232 plants.
In addition to the planting of seedlings, direct seeding of Acacia mearnsii and cuttings of Vasconcellea
quercifolia were carried out. Eight months after planting, the survival rate of the seedlings
is over 90%, half of the pits destined for direct seeding contain a A. mearnsii seedlings
and none of the seedlings of V. quercifolia have survived.