STUDY OF SIX PLANT SPECIES USED AS FODDER AT THE ZABELÊ SITE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF NOVA OLINDA - CEARÁ

Abstract

This article addresses the study of six plant species used as forage at Sítio Zabelê, located in the municipality of Nova Olinda, Ceará, with the aim of analyzing their economic relevance and adaptation to the local ecosystem. The research context is justified by the importance of forage plants in feeding livestock in drought-prone regions, where agricultural sustainability depends on species capable of withstanding adverse climatic conditions. The main objectives were to identify the most commonly used species in the region, assess their contribution to the local economy, and examine their botanical and agronomic characteristics. The methodology involved field studies with the collection of plant material, photographs, botanical analyses, and interviews with local farmers, along with a comparison of the collected data with information from the rural agenda of the Banco do Nordeste. The results indicated that the grasses Andropogon gayanus, Hyparrhemia rufa, and Panicum maximum, as well as the legumes Cajanas cajan, Dimorphandra gardneriana, and Manihot esculenta, are well adapted to the semi-arid climate, making significant contributions to the local economy, especially during the rainy season. The research concludes that the preservation and cultivation of these species are essential for the sustainable development of regional agriculture, recommending agroforestry practices to maintain ecological balance.