Cover Crops

Crops not intended primarily for harvest, but to protect and improve the soil. They are sown between seasons or intercropped with other crops to:

• Reduce erosion
• Improve soil structure and relieve compaction
• Fix nitrogen (in legumes)
• Increase organic matter
• Create a favorable environment for soil micro and macroorganisms

Soil Remineralizers

Also known as rock powders, derived from silicate rocks, widely available. Besides acting as multifunctional and intelligent fertilizers or nutrient banks, they can provide macronutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and other micronutrients and beneficial elements. These are ground rocks with particle sizes suitable for soil application, simulating “young” soil conditions. They depend on microorganisms for nutrient availability. They improve physical, chemical, and biological soil quality, such as water retention, carbon sequestration, and aeration. It is important to use them according to agronomic recommendations and products registered with MAPA.

Natural Fertilizers

Include fertilizers made from ground natural rocks and/or plant/animal biomass, which may or may not contain chemical fertilizers, microorganisms, or natural molecules. Examples:

• Organic compost
• Natural phosphate
• Organomineral fertilizer

They are less soluble, promote slow nutrient release, and enhance microbial life in the soil.

Bio-inputs

Products/processes developed from enzymes, extracts, microorganisms, macroorganisms, metabolites, and pheromones, aimed at biological control, nutrition, growth promotion, stress mitigation, and antibiotic replacement. (Source: Embrapa - https://www.embrapa.br/portfolio/insumos-biologicos)

Integrated, Agroforestry Systems, and Ecological Corridors

ILPF: Integrates crops, livestock, and forests in the same area, promoting:

• Diversification of production
• Efficient land use
• Carbon sequestration and microclimate improvement

SAFs: Combine tree species, agricultural crops, and/or animal husbandry, mimicking natural ecosystems to promote sustainable production, conservation, and environmental restoration.

Ecological Corridors: Strips of vegetation connecting habitats, allowing gene flow, wildlife movement, and integration between production and conservation.

Bio-input Production Units

According to Law 15.070/2024, these are facilities intended for producing bio-inputs for own use (non-commercial), with structure and equipment ensuring quality control.

Composting Systems

Controlled aerobic decomposition process of organic matter, generating nutrient-rich compost. Benefits:

• Waste reduction
• Recovery of degraded soils
• Improved soil fertility and structure

Biodigester Systems

Process organic waste and animal manure in an anaerobic environment to produce:

• Biogas (renewable energy)
• Liquid biofertilizer

They contribute to waste management, energy self-sufficiency, and nutrient cycling on the farm.

Regenerative agriculture provides broad benefits that encompass the soil, environment, producers, and society as a whole.

Benefits for the Soil

• Increased organic matter, improving natural fertility.
• Soil structure regeneration, enhancing water infiltration and reducing erosion.
• Stimulation of microbial life, strengthening the underground ecosystem.

Benefits for the Water Cycle

• Improved water retention in the soil, increasing drought resilience.
• Reduced surface runoff and contamination of water bodies by agrochemicals.

Benefits for the Climate

• Carbon sequestration in soil and biomass, helping to combat climate change.
• Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, especially through practices that prevent soil degradation.

Benefits for Biodiversity

• Creation of natural habitats (e.g., ecological corridors).
• Increased genetic diversity of plants and animals on farms.

Economic Benefits for the Producer

• Reduced costs for external inputs (fertilizers and agrochemicals).
• Greater resilience to climate shocks and market fluctuations.
• New market opportunities, such as sustainable certifications and payments for environmental services.

Social Benefits

• Improved quality of life in rural areas, with more sustainable and safer practices.
• Contribution to long-term food security.