11517 - Caracterização do nível de degradação de pastagens no município de Mamonas - MG

The increase in recent decades by animal products, primarily meat and milk, caused the expansion of cultivated pastures in Brazil. This is fact associated with the techniques of exploitation, has caused the process of pasture degradation. Degradation can be avoided with a proper management system, noting the potential of climate, soil, plant and animal. The study aimend to evaluate the level of degradation in Mamonas, North of Minas Gerais. The experiment was to assess the level of pasture degradation in five properties, according to parameters described by SPAIN & GUALDRON (1991). The force parameters and quality, plant population, weed, ground cover and erosion were classified according to their levels in the area with notes 1 to 4 with: 75 % respectively. Thus, we conclude that the main factor of degradation of pastures in the region is the inadequate management of the pasture, it is necessary to educate farmers about the damage caused by improper grazing and take alternative forms of animal feed during the dry season to reduce pressure on pastures.