Diversity of Plant Species for food use in Biodiverse Agroforestry Systems in Southwest Region of Mato Grosso do Sul State

Abstract

Biodiverse agroforestry systems (SAFs) have been widely disseminated as models of agriculture that contribute greatly to the sustainability of the current farm, and are alternatives for the adequate use of soil with great potential for food production, income generation and restoration degraded areas, since they conciliate processes of conservation, recovery, production and desirable economic returns. The research work was carried out in the municipality of Bonito, located in the Southwest region of the Mato Grosso do Sul State, during the period of 2017 and 2018. For the development of the study, a survey was carried out to identify the SAFs in the region. Eight SAFs were selected for the study, which have the highest plant species richness. All plant species used for human consumption in SAFs were identified, classified and quantified the number of individuals. Interviews with the farming families were also conducted using a semi-structured script. Study of the floristic descriptors was carried out and the number of individuals of each species was determined in the different agroforestry systems evaluated and identified the native species of Brazil and the exotic ones. With the study it was possible to verify that the supply of food in quantity and quality for the family is one of the main objectives of the farmers who implant SAFs. In all systems there is a predominance of exotic fruit species, this is due to the preference and tradition of the farmers. The commercialization of plant species also becomes important, contributing to a reduction of food costs.