Assessment of the sustainability of an agroecosystem by MESMIS method

Abstract

This study aimed to use indicators to assess the sustainability of the experimental area of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (City of Gloria de Dourados, State of MS) and propose lines of work for the least sustainable aspects (critical points), aiming achieve greater sustainability of the system. The study was conducted in April by visual diagnosis, based on indicators of sustainability MESMIS method. To evaluate 38 indicators and three parameters was used, addressing social and environmental aspects. The results obtained from the evaluation of experimental area shows that it presents many critical points in maintaining agroecossystem, indicating the need for intervention agroecologic transition and thus to achieve environmental sustainability. The critical points of greater coverage were related to the integrity and maintenance of the permanent preservation areas (APP), forest fires, soil erosion and the lack of programs that prioritize rural health and occupational safety. Thus it was possible to propose mitigation measures in accordance with the agroecological transition and hence more effective in the pursuit of sustainable development of the agro-ecosystem.