Agroecology, Agroforestry, Indigenous Knowledge

My main research interests are related to the ecology of agroforestry systems in the tropics and indigenous knowledge of natural resources management. I have been working in the Brazilian Atlantic forest ecosystem with traditional sylvopastoral systems, monitoring the role of native tree species on soil quality parameters and pasture grass nutrient content. I have recently begun research using the same approach in the savanna (cerrado) ecosystem in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Besides the provision of shade for farm animals, farmers are generally unaware of the many ecosystem services provided by native trees in pastures. Results are expected to help on future designs of more mature agroecosystems in the mentioned ecoregions.

• Publications

Research interests: Agroforestry, Agroecology, indigenous knowledge, Brazil, Cerrado, Savanna, Agropastoral systems, nutrient cycling, native species, ecosystem management, soil quality, environmental monitoring.

Contact Rodrigo Matta-Machado by email: mattamac@mono.icb.ufmg.br