Change in land use and economic dynamics of the Ibirapuitã River Environmental Protection Area of the Brazilian Pampa biome

Abstract

This study analyzed the change in land use in the Environmental Protection Area (EPA) of the Ibirapuitã River in the Pampa biome, Brazil, and its impact on the economic dynamics of the region. The analysis had a descriptive character with a quantitative approach. Methodologically, we constructed a database with macroeconomic and agricultural production variables of the four municipalities that compose the EPA Territory, including remote sensing images to assess the change in land use between 2000 and 2020. Moreover, regression models were used to determine the growth trends in agricultural production and analyze the impact of land-use change on the economic dynamics of the territory. The results indicated a shift in land use in the EPA territorry, resulting from transforming natural pastures into grain cropping systems. Profitability-based production is one of the main factors for change in land use. The expansion of soybean production positively impacted the economic variables of the territory. However, this EPA of the Ibirapuitã was essential to ensure conservation use of the region during this period, maintaining the areas of natural pasture in the biome. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a representative public policy for the Pampa biome that offers incentives and encourages the conservation of ecosystem services in agricultural exploitation.

Nitrogen Fluxes in an Agro-Livestock System under Land Use Change: A Temporal Analysis in an Environmental Protection Unit

“…When analyzing the transformation of rice crops into cultivated pasture, the search for a greater profitability of the production system was observed. Rice crops are more costly in terms of production costs such as labor and fuel when compared to livestock and other grain production systems [39]. In the same way, Mandarino et al [40] have shown that production systems can double or triple their production with the use of system-adapted management.…”

“…Therefore, the beef cattle system of Estância do Vinte e Oito went through a readjustment of the productive process. These transformations, according to Rhoden et al [39], Mandarino et al [40], and Vargas et al [41], were influenced by economic factors such as the cost of production, the expansion of livestock marketing, and the change in land use around the EPA. The increase in international grain prices, especially soybeans, productivity gains, and the strengthening of credit policies for agricultural production have contributed significantly to this expansion and globalization of the agricultural chain [4,39].…”

Vazão e Balanço Hídrico Relacionado a Mudanças no Uso da Terra em uma Bacia Hidrográfica de Médio Porte no Bioma Pampa do Brasil

“…Trentin, R., Laurent, F., Robaina, L, E, S. ambientais insustentáveis com degradações ambientais que comprometem o ecossistema local, bem como na própria produção agrícola de longo prazo por vários feedbacks (Ogliari, et al, 2023;Rhoden, et al, 2022;Mengue, et al, 2020;Nellemann et al, 2009;Cassman et al, 2005;Smith & McDonald, 1998). Essas alterações são analisadas e registradas por vários pesquisadores, que estudaram esses impactos no bioma de Pampa (Petsch, et al, 2022;Peixoto, et al, 2022;Viglizzo et al, 2011;Carvalho & Batello, 2009;Rennella & Quirós, 2006;Ghersa et al, 2002).…”

“…Nas últimas décadas, no entanto, ocorreu uma transformação significativa no uso da terra, principalmente na conversão de áreas nativas de pastagens (campos) em atividades agrícolas que produzem grãos e silviculturas (Trentin, el al., 2023;Petsch, 2022;Rhoden, et al, 2022;Nabinger et al, 2009;Menguee et al, 2020). Assim, é importante desenvolver estudos sobre os vários impactos ambientais da mudança de uso da terra, relacionados aos recursos hídricos.…”