Brasília, February 25, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The system of integrating agriculture with cattle-ranching can be very advantageous, since it diversifies income sources, reduces risks associated with production or price disappointments, and, when things go well, producers can profit from both activities. This recommendation comes from Joelsio José Lazzarotto, researcher at the Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Company) Soybean Division in Londrina, Paraná.

According to the researcher, depending upon the area, it is possible to produce grains, meat, and milk in an integrated way, breaking the pattern of monoculture and recovering degraded pastures. The technique also makes it possible to feed the cattle better, increasing herd productivity.

"A field that hasn't been restored in a long time and comes to be used to plant soybeans will receive soil adjustments and fertilizers that ranchers don't apply," Lazzarotto explains, pointing out that, after four or five years, ranchers can go back to using this area for cattle and will have a high quality pasture for another 10 or 15 years.

The integration between agriculture and cattle-raising will be one of the themes of the 3rd Brazilian Soybean Congress (CBSoja), which begins on Monday (1) in Foz do Iguaçu (PR). (DAS)