Ervais do Futuro, located in Espumoso, Rio Grande do Sul, stands out for its incessant search for innovation in yerba mate cultivation. One of the most notable examples of this innovation is the CEVAD Campo system development in partnership with Embrapa Florestas. This revolutionary method allows for high planting densities in yerba mate, enabling a production significant increase in a smaller cultivation area, without compromising the individual productivity of the plants.
What is CEVAD Campo?
The CEVAD Campo system was developed to optimize yerba mate leaves production, especially for non-conventional uses, such as infusions and industrial extraction of bioactive compounds. The essence of this system lies in planting density, maximizing production in reduced spaces, promoting a more sustainable and efficient approach to yerba mate cultivation.
Advantages of CEVAD Campo
-Increased Productivity per Area: The high planting density allows maximum use of space, resulting in greater productivity per hectare.
-Frequent Harvests: More frequent harvests and split application of nitrogen fertilizers are recommended. This stimulates the emission of lateral shoots and increases the proportion of young leaves, which are rich in bioactive compounds.
-Optimization of Labor and Harvest Mechanization: The system optimizes labor, concentrating work in a smaller area, and enables harvest mechanization. Furthermore, it allows rural producers to earn income in the first year due to shorter harvest intervals.
-Environmental Sustainability: High-density cultivation contributes to sustainability by reducing pressure on forest remnants. The system is also aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDGs 2, 8, 12, 15 and 17.
Despite the numerous advantages, the CEVAD Campo system requires some specific care:
-Specialized Technical Assistance: Implementing the system requires advanced technical knowledge and specialized assistance to guarantee the success of the cultivation.
-High Initial Cost: The initial cost can be high due to the greater number of seedlings required for high planting density.
-Nitrogen Fertilization: The application of nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided close to the winter months to prevent the loss of shoots due to frost.
Scientific Partnerships and Results
Ervais do Futuro maintains an ongoing partnership with renowned research institutions such as Embrapa Florestas, Epagri and UFSM. Collaboration with these institutions makes it possible to apply scientific results directly to our commercial crops, promoting constant improvement in the planting and processing processes of yerba mate.
Through these partnerships, Ervais do Futuro finances research and provides its areas for scientific experiments, ensuring that the practices adopted are always at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
The CEVAD Campo system represents a milestone in yerba mate production, combining high productivity with sustainable practices. Ervais do Futuro, with its commitment to innovation and quality, leads this movement, providing rural producers with an efficient and environmentally friendly solution.
With the adoption of the CEVAD Campo system, we not only increase the production and quality of yerba mate, but we also promote environmental conservation and economic sustainability, solidifying our position as leaders in innovative yerba mate cultivation.
To learn more about our techniques and innovations in the cultivation of yerba mate, continue following our blog and social media.
References:
Aguiar, NS et al. CEVAD greenhouse: cultivation of yerba mate at high density in a greenhouse. Technical Notice 485 Embrapa. 2023. https://ainfo.cnptia.embrapa.br/digital/bitstream/doc/1152169/1/EmbrapaFlorestas-2023-ComunicadoTecnico485.pdf
Aguiar, NS et al. How shading levels affect bioactive compounds in leaves of yerba mate clones. Forest Science, vol. 113, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bse.2024.104796
Gabira, MM et al. CEVAD field: high-density yerba mate cultivation in the field. Technical Notice 486 Embrapa. 2023. https://ainfo.cnptia.embrapa.br/digital/bitstream/doc/1152597/1/EmbrapaFlorestas-2023-ComunicadoTecnico486.pdf
