Quantificação da demanda de insumos para recuperação de pastagens degradadas no Cerrado da região de MATOPIBA

Abstract

This research aimed to quantify the liming and phosphate fertilization needs for the recovery of degraded pastures in the MATOPIBA Cerrado, in addition to identifying priority areas for intervention. The region holds approximately 5.8 million hectares of degraded pastures, with 3.8 million in an intermediate stage and 2 million in a severe stage of degradation, representing a significant environmental liability with negative impacts on agricultural productivity and ecosystem services. Based on criteria such as agricultural suitability, degree of degradation, and growth of the planted area, 1.1 million hectares were delimited as priority for recovery, of which 80% have regular agricultural suitability and 20% have good suitability. For this area, a demand of 2.95 million tons of agricultural limestone and 1.78 million tons for pasture was estimated, in addition to 89 thousand tons of phosphorus (P₂O₅) for agriculture and 34 thousand tons for pasture. To refine the spatial analysis, the division by hydrographic basins (Level 6 Ottobasins) was adopted, which revealed a total demand of 11.8 million tons of limestone for agriculture and 6.3 million tons for pasture, distributed over 4.9 million hectares. The phosphorus need, in this approach, was 411 thousand tons for agriculture and 152 thousand tons for pasture. The state of Tocantins showed the highest demand for inputs, followed by Maranhão. Although the study is preliminary and based on data with spatial and temporal limitations, the adopted methodological approach allowed for a robust estimation of input needs for recovery. The results highlight the importance of public policies and private initiatives aimed at the recovery of degraded pastures, aligning agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability. For more accurate diagnoses and effective actions, it is recommended to strengthen policies for the acquisition and dissemination of data, including the detailed characterization of soils, climatic variables, land use and occupation patterns, management strategies, and assessment of environmental impacts. The recovery of degraded pastures in MATOPIBA is crucial for the sustainable expansion of agricultural production, food security, and environmental conservation, contributing to the sustainable use of natural resources and the improvement of the quality of life of the local population.