Carbon Balance and Economic Viability in Two Agroforestry Systems in Viçosa, MG

ABSTRACT The lack of studies on carbon balance and economic viability in Agroforestry Systems (AFS) motivated this study. We evaluated an agrosilvopastoral system (SASP), composed of Eucalypt, beans and Brachiaria-grass; and a silvopastoral system (SSP), composed of Eucalypt and Brachiaria-grass, both 3 years old. The tree biomass was estimated using the indirect method and the direct method was used to quantify the grass biomass. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were based on the National Inventory tab of GHGs. The Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) were calculated. Both systems had a positive carbon balance. The NPV in the SASP was $388.77 and the IRR was 21%. The positive results were due to revenue generated by the sale of beans. The SSP NPV was -$ 1,298.00 and the IRR of -2%, considering the 3 years old trees cutting.