Syntropic farming (successional agroforestry): utopia or reality?

Abstract

Syntropic farming or successional agroforestry is a type of agroforestry system (AFS) that has gained
much popularity in recent years. The basis of the system are the high diversity of plant species, the utilization
of vertical space (stratification), the succession of species in time and space and the continuous and abundant
supply of vegetal remains to the soil. AFSs are not a new practice and many of their environmental benefits are
scientifically proven. However, farmers and technicians question about the economic and technical viability of
successional AFS, even with several cases of success in family farming in different regions of Brazil. The major
difference between traditional AFSs and successional AFSs is the application of techniques inspired in mechanisms
of natural forest development in successional AFSs, culminating in the independence of external inputs. Unlike
conventional agriculture or traditional AFSs, life and biogeochemicals processes are the focus of successional AFS,
and not the inputs. In 2017, we installed experimental areas of successional AFS in Espírito Santo, with crops of
economic importance for the State, and preliminary results are very positive for family farming. This work aims to
present the techniques and concepts of successional AFS and some research results obtained in Espírito Santo,
Brazil, and South American countries.