Lacunas de produtividades e estratégias de cultivo na melhoria da produção de forragem para a região semiárida brasileira - Revisão

Livestock farming is a fundamental economic activity for the semi-arid region, but it is directly influenced by factors such as soil characteristics, forage quality and rainfall seasonality. The irregularity of these factors reduces productivity levels, making them dependent on climatic conditions. In this sense, the knowledge of the main causes that reduce productivity and the adoption of resilient agricultural practices are essential in reducing the seasonal effects of the climate, increasing the supply of forage in the period of water scarcity. The use of adapted forage crops and with productive potential constitutes an efficient agricultural resilience practice, among which stands out the forage cactus, sorghum, millet, pigeon pea and sunflower. These are constituted with a high capacity for water conversion into dry matter, nutritional complementation and increased production. In addition, the implementation of practices (e.g. intercropping, irrigation, densification, mulch, etc.) contribute to the optimization of natural resources and provide better results in the continuous subsidy of forage production. With this, the present study aimed to present the environmental characteristics of the Brazilian semiarid region, to expose concepts about the levels of productivity and the main factors of the production gaps, in addition to disseminating mitigation strategies of forage production. After compiling this information, it highlights the importance of adapted forage crops and the adoption of agricultural management practices as strategies to mitigate the seasonal effects of the climate, contributing to the continuous subsidy of forage production. At the same time, the Yield Gap analysis allows for a broader knowledge of the limiting factors of production, directing agricultural planning more efficiently.