Zero tillage development in tropical Brazil
The story of a succesful NGO activity
FAO
AGRICULTURAL
SERVICES
BULLETIN
147
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Zero tillage development in tropical Brazil The story of a succesful NGO activity | FAO |
by
John N. Landers
Tropical Natural Resources Management Specialist
Wageningen University and Research Centre
Wageningen, The Netherlands
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
ISBN 92-5-104672-7
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Applications for such permission, with a statement of the purpose and extent of the reproduction, should be addressed to the Director, Information Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00100 Rome, Italy.
© FAO 2001
Background to the Founding of the NGO and its Early Activities
Chapter 3
Analytical Discussion of Specific Aspects
The Adoption Process of Zero Tillage
Sources of Resistance to Adoption of Zero Tillage as Official Policy
Changes in Rural Credit and Extension Focus.
Developing and Disseminating Technical Information
On-farm Research and Pilot Projects
Applicability of ZTAT experience to small farmers.
Growth of Zero Tillage Promoted by Technical Events and Training
Promoting Partnerships for ZTAT Activities
Financial Aspects of ZTAT Operations.
Policy and Environmental Considerations
Reducing the Pressure to Clear New Land
Notes on How to Incorporate Zero Tillage into Rural Development Projects
Reversion to Conventional Tillage
Decline in Second Phase Activities of CATs
How to Convince the Environmentalists to Support ZTAT?
How Indispensable are Key Personnel?
What is Needed to Expand ZT Concepts to the Semi-arid Region of Brazil?
Appendix 2
The Evolution of Zero Tillage in Brazil
Appendix 3
Functions of Crop Residues in Zero Tillage
Appendix 4
Pre-Conditions For Adoption Of Zero Tillage
Appendix 5
Principal Zero and Minimum Tillage Techniques in Brazil
Appendix 6
Cover and Winter Second Crops
Appendix 7
Current Organizational Structure of ZTAT
Appendix 8
Institutional framework for SINRM in Brazil
Appendix 9
Example of CAT Participation in On-Farm Research
Appendix 10
Economic Aspects of Zero Tillage
Responses to the Question "Why don't farmers adopt Zero Tillage?"
Responses to the Question "What are the topics on which you need more information?"
Priorities for Technical Information According to Class of Respondent
Box 1: The Features of Zero Tillage/Conservation Agriculture
Box 2: A Condensed History of ZTAT
Box 3: Why the slow research response to tropical ZT (up to 1995)?
Box 5: Benefits Generated for Society by Adoption of Zero Tillage
Box 6: Sustainable Integration of Natural Resources Management (SINRM)
Box 7: Common Expectations and Actions Required for ZT in East/Central Africa
Box 8: What the Farmer Loses by Working his Soil
Expansion of the Zero-Tillage Area in Brazil and in the Cerrado (wet/dry tropical savannah region).
The Principal De-compaction Zone for Adoption of Zero Tillage
A Management route to lower use of agricultural chemicals
ZT is the Gateway to Sustainability
Current organizational structure of ZTAT