Influence of the presence of Chloroleucon acacioides on the quality and availability of forage in pastures in Northern Mato Grosso
Tree species, forage quality, environmental resilience
Human intervention in natural resources, although playing a crucial role, often results in negative impacts, leading to environmental degradation. This phenomenon is particularly evident in areas such as tree species, pastures, legumes, and silvopastoral systems, where improper exploitation and unsustainable practices contribute to biodiversity loss and ecosystem service decline. In tree species, pastures, and legumes used in animal production, the growing demand for animal-derived food has driven intensive practices, such as deforestation and overgrazing, resulting in soil degradation and a reduction in forage quality. Even in silvopastoral systems, which aim to integrate trees, pastures, and animals in a balanced way, inappropriate human intervention can lead to resource competition, compromising productive efficiency and environmental resilience. Faced with these challenges, a sustainable approach becomes crucial to mitigate adverse impacts. Silvopastoral systems offer a promising alternative, emphasizing the need for strategies that consider not only animal production but also the conservation of natural resources. Resource competition between trees and pastures, if not managed properly, can impair the productive efficiency and environmental resilience of these systems. Recognizing the complexity of the interaction between human intervention and natural resources allows for working towards solutions that balance agricultural production needs with long-term environmental preservation. Given the importance of Chloroleucon acacioides and the interest of farmer groups in the region to better understand its ecossystemic role, the objective of this research was to examine the contribution of this species to soil fertility, forage quality, and availability.