Plant and Animal Production Diversely and Simultaneously Integrated in Time and Space. Assessment of a Sustainable Agricultural System
Abstract
An agricultural system in which plant and animal production is simultaneously managed in time and space is described. The study was carried out on El Aguacate farm in Esmeralda municipality, Camagüey province, Cuba. This farm has 73 ha extension, a 28,3 oC average mean temperature, an 87 % average relative humidity, and a 1 999 mm annual rainfall level. Agricultural production for sale and farmers‘ consumption comprises milk, yearling cattle (only for sale), fattened yearling lambs, sheep, hen eggs, Guinea hens, and fattened swines. Sheep feeding sites extend up to 64,4 % of the total area, i.e., on the same yearling cattle grazing grounds, on banana plantations, within citrus trees spots, and on various-crop production area after harvest. Energy and nitrogen balances were determined according to Funes-Monzote (2000). Although lactating piglets feed on banana plantation grounds, production remained steady. However, the introduction of sheep affected 1 % of citrus plants and 6 % of fruit plants. Bovine milk and meat production as well as ovine production showed a positive balance in contrast to swine production. As to nitrogen balance, plant production exhibited higher levels. More than 75 % of the total area is covered by average-tall plants. Harmony between management and positive energy and nitrogen balance showed this agricultural system sustainability, being an example to imitate by other farms with similar conditions.
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References
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