Proposição de índice de qualidade ecossistêmica para Sistemas Agroflorestais no sul do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

This thesis presents the proposal of an integrated index of ecosystem quality for application in Agroforestry Systems (AFS) in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, aiming to monitor their ecological sustainability. The research addresses the need to systematize indicators capable of measuring the ecological efficiency of AFS, considering their relevance to environmental restoration and the provision of ecosystem services. The study was conducted in ten agroforestry systems located in smallholder farming properties, where data were collected and analyzed on vegetation biomass, carbon stock, plant and soil fauna diversity and abundance, soil quality, and litter production. The Equal Weight method was used to integrate selected indicators, resulting in the development of the Agroforestry Ecosystem Quality Index (IQEA). The findings showed that more mature systems, with higher vegetation richness and consistent management, achieved better performance in the indicators and greater carbon accumulation. The IQEA proves to be an effective tool for environmental monitoring, agroforestry management, and as technical support for public policy development.