Appendix 2 The Evolution of Zero Tillage in Brazil

The history of early Zero Tillage development and the evolutionary steps through which Zero Tillage passed in Brazil to reach an estimated 12 million hectares by 1999/2000.

Basic knowledge

Technological innovation

Common practices

40s

Chemical 2.4 D released to farmers

Introduction of plant growth regulators

Reduced tillage

50s

Grammoxone synthesis (UK: 1955)

60s

Grammoxone released to farmers in 1961. In Brazil: late 60s and early 70s. ZT machinery more expensive than CT

Demonstrations and trials in USA and Europe Chemical company research in UK, USA and elsewhere Research trials: Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná Importation of ZT machinery

Kentucky, USA: first mechanized ZT farmers in the world Farmers visiting abroad

70s

Specialized R&D in ZT started in Paraná. Machinery development. Release of modern herbicides beginning with glyphosate purpose-built herbicides). Herbicide companies (middle 70s). ZT more expensive than CT.

Machinery adaptation by pioneer farmers / manufacturers / research. "Friends of the Land" clubs. Farm to farm technology transfer.

1972: Herbert Bartz started to use ZT continuously at his farm at Rolandia (Paraná). Pioneer farms in the South. Erosion control and prosperity - Campos Gerais region. Practical ZT demonstrations.

80s

Cover crops and crop rotations Weed control Mechanization Better understanding of ZT system Direct costs equal to conventional tillage (late 80s) First university chair in ZT (Paraná)

Technological integration: Producers (pioneers) Herbicide companies Machinery / inputs companies R & D (farmers foundations) Extension

More pioneer farms in the South Sub-tropical cover crops and rotation Pioneer farms in the Cerrado region More support of inputs / machinery companies and more practical ZT demonstrations (field days)

90s

More confidence with long term practical farm results and demonstrations Cover crops for Cerrado Second half of 90s with special nterest of EMBRAPA with 1st national research team on ZT "Plataforma project" with CNP and EMBRAPA "Friends of the Land" clubs project with Secretariat of Water Resources Research and extension courses on ZT Increasing interest by Universities

CAAPAS, FEBRAPDP and APDC (enhanced technological integration) Cerrado: 3 regional meetings (93, 95, 97) 2 national meetings (96, 98) Books and journal publications by APDC Seminars / short courses (over 30) Distance-learning courses on ZT with ABEAS and universities Cost/Benefits of ZT

Exponential number of adoptions of ZT and more problems to be solved by R & D Tropical cover crops and rotations Integration with livestock (ZT crops / pastures) "Friends of the Land" clubs (integration with R & D) Producers asking for more research and more support of Government Institutions "Carta de Brasilia" June 20, 1998 Cost / benefits of ZT

Basic knowledge	Technological innovation	Common practices
40s
Chemical 2.4 D released to farmers	Introduction of plant growth regulators	Reduced tillage
50s
Grammoxone synthesis (UK: 1955)
60s
Grammoxone released to farmers in 1961. In Brazil: late 60s and early 70s. ZT machinery more expensive than CT	Demonstrations and trials in USA and Europe Chemical company research in UK, USA and elsewhere Research trials: Rio Grande do Sul and Paraná Importation of ZT machinery	Kentucky, USA: first mechanized ZT farmers in the world Farmers visiting abroad
70s
Specialized R&D in ZT started in Paraná. Machinery development. Release of modern herbicides beginning with glyphosate purpose-built herbicides). Herbicide companies (middle 70s). ZT more expensive than CT.	Machinery adaptation by pioneer farmers / manufacturers / research. "Friends of the Land" clubs. Farm to farm technology transfer.	1972: Herbert Bartz started to use ZT continuously at his farm at Rolandia (Paraná). Pioneer farms in the South. Erosion control and prosperity - Campos Gerais region. Practical ZT demonstrations.
80s
Cover crops and crop rotations Weed control Mechanization Better understanding of ZT system Direct costs equal to conventional tillage (late 80s) First university chair in ZT (Paraná)	Technological integration: Producers (pioneers) Herbicide companies Machinery / inputs companies R & D (farmers foundations) Extension	More pioneer farms in the South Sub-tropical cover crops and rotation Pioneer farms in the Cerrado region More support of inputs / machinery companies and more practical ZT demonstrations (field days)
90s
More confidence with long term practical farm results and demonstrations Cover crops for Cerrado Second half of 90s with special nterest of EMBRAPA with 1st national research team on ZT "Plataforma project" with CNP and EMBRAPA "Friends of the Land" clubs project with Secretariat of Water Resources Research and extension courses on ZT Increasing interest by Universities	CAAPAS, FEBRAPDP and APDC (enhanced technological integration) Cerrado: 3 regional meetings (93, 95, 97) 2 national meetings (96, 98) Books and journal publications by APDC Seminars / short courses (over 30) Distance-learning courses on ZT with ABEAS and universities Cost/Benefits of ZT	Exponential number of adoptions of ZT and more problems to be solved by R & D Tropical cover crops and rotations Integration with livestock (ZT crops / pastures) "Friends of the Land" clubs (integration with R & D) Producers asking for more research and more support of Government Institutions "Carta de Brasilia" June 20, 1998 Cost / benefits of ZT