Irrigação de pastagens: Pesquisa, desenvolvimento tecnológico e transferência de tecnologia

Abstract

This work aimed to present and discuss several aspects related to research and technology download on pasture irrigation and disseminated in different media (articles, chapters, books, etc.), including those carried out by the author and his collaborators, since the year from 2005 to the present moment. The work was developed in two chapters: (i) Pasture irrigation: research and technological development; and (ii) Rural extension and technology transfer in pasture irrigation. In the first chapter, a review of research and technological development work on the topic was carried out, presenting the following approaches: insertion and synergistic effect of irrigation in animal production systems used in pastures; characteristics of the main irrigated forages in Brazil; water consumption of thermal fodder; fertigation of forage plants; projects and management of irrigated pastures. In the second chapter, there is a discussion about the role of public and private-public extension in the transfer of technology applied to pasture irrigation, as well as the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of its use. In both the titles, there are reports on the work of teams of the main participants and participants, related to the discussions. One can conclude that pasture irrigation can bring great benefits to the animal production systems used in pastures, as long as it is respected the premises that cover technological, social and environmental aspects. Irrigation can contribute strongly to the increase in productivity and profitability of animal production in pastures, and for this, it is essential to train technicians to provide guidance on the use of irrigation and its cost is much lower than the benefits generated.