Lucas

Lucas manages an agroforestry system in Jaguari, Rio Grande do Sul, situated in the ecotone between the Pampa and Atlantic Forest biomes. Established in August 2020, the farm follows Syntropic Agriculture principles, creating a densely biodiverse system with over 150 species across multiple layers. The primary crop is blueberry (Vaccinium asheii), chosen for its high market value, while yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) and juçara palm (Euterpe edulis) are being cultivated for their ecological and economic potential.

Guided by the teachings of Dr. Ana Primavesi, Lucas treats the soil as a living organism, maintaining constant organic matter coverage without external inputs. This is achieved through mowing mombaça and brachiaria grasses in inter-row spaces and pruning service trees such as eucalyptus and banana plants. The only fossil fuel use on the farm comes from a semi-mechanized backpack mower.

By continually increasing biodiversity, the system enhances resilience and microclimatic conditions, allowing for the introduction of native timber species like cedar and ipê, as well as native fruit trees from the Myrtaceae family. Through these regenerative practices, Lucas promotes carbon sequestration in both plants and soil, aiming to develop a self-sustaining climax forest with high organic matter levels and multi-layered biodiversity.