“Conserving the soil is guaranteeing the future”: check out guidelines for more sustainable rural production

The Copaíba Environmental Association, with technical support from the Casa da Agricultura de Socorro/CATI, has been guiding producers on practices that help protect natural resources

According to Embrapa, it is estimated that Brazil loses around 500 million tons of soil per year due to erosion, a rate that affects approximately 33% of the national territory. These losses not only reduce agricultural productivity, but also result in significant economic losses for rural producers, estimated at more than R$ 80 billion in the last ten years, according to Embrapa.

In light of this scenario, the Copaíba Environmental Association, with technical support from the Socorro Agricultural House/CATI, has been guiding producers on practices that help protect natural resources and maintain soil health over time. “When producers take care of the soil, they are taking care of the basis of everything: water, fertility and even the profitability of the property. Well-managed soil holds rainwater better, prevents erosion and produces more,” emphasizes Agricultural Engineer Rodrigo Binoti, Head of the Socorro Agricultural House.

Below, see some of the main practical tips that are being taken to producers in field actions carried out by the partnership between the Association and Casa da Agricultura:

1. Make contour lines and terracing

These techniques help reduce the speed of rainwater, preventing it from running off quickly across the surface and washing away the soil. These practices should be introduced in conjunction with other practices in order to promote the full efficiency of the system. In general, areas with slopes below 2%, permeable soils throughout the profile, without compaction, homogeneous, with pitches of less than 120 meters, the use of terraces can be abolished, as long as the soil preparation, when applicable, is at the level accompanied by complementary practices, such as direct planting, crop rotation, improvement of the root environment, among others. 

2. Maintain ground cover

Never leave the soil exposed. Using mulch — such as straw, crop residues or cover crops — protects against direct impact from rain and sun, preserving soil moisture and structure.

3. Be careful with the roads inside the property

Poorly planned rural roads are a major cause of erosion. It is important to ensure proper drainage of water using containment boxes and side outlets, as well as keeping the road level to prevent the formation of deep ruts.

4. Crop rotation and intercropping

Alternating crops prevents soil depletion and improves its structure. Intercropping with legumes, for example, can increase fertility naturally, reducing the need for chemical inputs.

5. Protect springs and APP areas

Permanent Preservation Areas (APPs), such as riverbanks and hilltops, must be maintained with native vegetation. This helps to conserve water, prevent landslides and protect local biodiversity.

According to Rodrigo, these practices have been implemented on rural properties in the region as part of an ongoing effort to promote more sustainable and conscious agriculture. “It is not necessary to change everything at once. Starting with small actions can make a big difference. The important thing is to understand that conserving the soil is an investment in the future of the property.”

In addition to the technical aspects, Copaíba reinforces the importance of rural producers’ involvement in this process, as protagonists in the preservation of natural resources. The guidance offered, with support from Casa da Agricultura de Socorro, aims to create a link between productivity and conservation.

To learn more about Copaíba's actions and how to implement conservation practices on your property, visit: www.copaiba.org.br.

More about Copaiba

Created in 1999 by a group of friends who were concerned about the degradation of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Socorro-SP, the Copaíba Environmental Association is a non-profit organization, qualified as a Civil Society Organization of Public Interest (OSCIP) and which operates in 19 municipalities in the eastern region of the State of São Paulo and southern Minas Gerais. Currently, the association promotes ecological restoration projects and programs; production of native seedlings; environmental education initiatives and participation in public policies. In total, more than 4 million seedlings have been produced, more than 1 million trees have been planted involving 700 partner landowners, 809 hectares have been restored and 40 thousand participants have participated in Environmental Education experiences.. Find out more at: https://copaiba.org.br/.