Reforestation and Restoration of Degraded Land
In the current scenario, marked by the global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), the search for renewable and sustainable feedstock is crucial. The Paris Agreement, signed during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) by 195 countries, set ambitious goals for countries to commit to reducing GHG emissions. In this context, companies are mobilizing to play their role in building a more sustainable and carbon-neutral world.
It is within this context that S.Oleum emerges, a company dedicated to the production of sustainable raw materials on a large scale with a negative carbon footprint. Its business model is based on reforesting degraded areas with native trees from the Brazilian biodiversity. The first native species chosen is the macaúba (Acrocomia aculeata), a tree predominantly found in the Cerrado biome, serving as a source of sustainable raw materials such as oils, fats, proteins, fibers, and biomass. Its morphological characteristics make it a vector for the restoration of degraded lands.
Vector for the Restoration of Degraded Lands The macaúba is a medium-sized tree, a hardy species that is not demanding in terms of water, allowing for its planting in the biome characterized by poor (acidic) soils and long periods of drought. Its medium size and canopy that allows the passage of sunlight make it possible for cultivation in agroforestry systems, promoting biodiversity, maintaining soil cover, facilitating rainwater infiltration, and preventing erosion.
A study conducted by Professor Olinto Liparini Pereira of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) in collaboration with S.Oleum analyzes the community of endophytic fungi present in the root tissues of the macaúba. These fungi can significantly contribute to water and nutrient acquisition by plants, as well as providing protection against root pathogens. They grow along the plant’s rhizosphere and soil, establishing relationships with the roots of other plants, as well as the entire community of microorganisms and macroorganisms involved in nutrient cycling and organic matter transformation in the soil. Note: Soil microorganisms are the living part of organic matter and promote biological activity and soil health.
The macaúba also stands out for its ability to intercept rainwater, as stated in João Batista Lúcio Corrêa’s master’s thesis in Forest Science at the University of Viçosa (UFV): “There is scientific evidence that, due to its morphological characteristics, the macaúba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) favors rain interception, presenting relatively high trunk flow volumes even in young plants. The funnel-shaped crown of the species allows for the conduction of large volumes of rain to its stem, resulting in stemflow, even with light precipitation. A high stem flow volume can be considered an advantageous characteristic, as water can reach the soil with low kinetic energy, favoring infiltration and minimizing erosive processes. Therefore, we can also infer that the macaúba has great potential for use in degraded land recovery projects, as well as in the implementation of agroforestry systems aimed at recovering permanent preservation areas.”
Reforestation
S.Oleum’s agroforestry system combines macaúba trees with agriculture and/or animals through Integrated Crop-Livestock-Forest (ICLF) integration. It is a sustainable and regenerative form of agriculture that mimics nature, creating diversified, efficient, and climate-friendly systems. It assists in the restoration of fauna and flora, making the environment similar to natural ecosystems.
At S.Oleum, we are committed to reforestation and the restoration of degraded lands. By 2029, our goal is to plant 180,000 hectares of macaúba in agroforestry systems in degraded or low-fertility areas. We believe that macaúba can be the main vector for the restoration of the Brazilian Cerrado and contribute to building a more sustainable future by helping mitigate the effects of climate change. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future.
