Abstract

Soil Capital carried out a feasibility study to regenerate 9,700 Ha of idle land in the semi-arid Caatinga region of Northeastern Brazil, through various productive land use options. We mapped out several regenerative production systems adapted to the region, provided a technical and execution itinerary for the area, and prepared a comprehensive business plan for the new venture.

Details

A highly integrated and diversified system

In an attempt to optimise the regenerative potential of the farm, a comprehensive assessment of various land use options was evaluated and pieced together through a collaborative engagement with local experts and farmers. As a result, the land development strategy aims to strike a balance between the pace of regeneration, investment requirements, cashflow generation, ultimate land use and its appreciation.

Design for large-scale regeneration of degraded land

Fruits, fiber, timber, livestock: Life in Syntropy!

The agronomic strategy was designed in conjunction with the Swiss-Brazilian agroforestry innovator Ernst Gotsch. Our goals were to maximise photosynthesis, boost biomass production, accumulate organic matter and capture carbon, while producing nutrient-rich fruits (banana, mango), fibre (sisal) and timber in a highly biodiverse environment. The model takes into consideration key Syntropic Agriculture principles, where each plant component serves a specific purpose in the wider integrated system.

Livestock and pastures at the forefront of land regeneration

The agricultural development was designed to start with grass-fed cattle reared in Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) pastures to regenerate soils at large scale through holistic grazing management. Goats are also great to extract value from native vegetation and offer a sustainable operation in combination with local supplementary feed like sisal silage, forage palm and Leucaena or Gliricidia fodder.