When, where and what cultivate: An optimization model for rural property planning

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2021-03, Vol.290, p.125741, Article 125741
• Main Authors: Telles, Lucas Arthur de Almeida, Arroyo, José Elias Claudio, Binoti, Daniel Henrique Breda, Lorenzon, Alexandre Simões, Santos, Alexandre Rosa dos, Domingues, Getúlio Fonseca, Resende, Rafael Tassinari, Marcatti, Gustavo Eduardo, Gonzales, Duberli Geomar Elera, Castro, Nero Lemos Martins de, Mota, Pedro Henrique Santos, Oliveira, Brener de Almeida, Silva, Marcio Lopes da
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Integer linear programming; Land use capability; Land use planning; Precision farming; Production planning updates
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.125741

Sustainable production and land use planning are recurring challenges in the agricultural and forestry activities. In this context, a mathematical programming model is proposed that allows for both optimal production planning and its updating, without land exploitation. The proposed model, based on cash flows, maximizes the overall profit and includes two types of decision variables: the first relates to design of new activities, while the second concerns adaptation of existing activities. Land use capability is considered as a model constraint to avoid deleterious land uses. In a simulated property, the proposed model was able to conceive and update production planning, with suitable prescriptions for production and conservation units, besides eliminating all improper land uses. Adaptation prescriptions were essential to meet stipulated revenue demands, idealized as a financial security measurement for the landowner. New production demands were met through an efficient transition from existing (banana, cocoa and passion-fruit) to new activities (banana, cocoa, passion-fruit, lemon and mango). The proposed model can assist in sustainable production at property level, once it can identify opportunities for production intensification while maintaining the integrity of productive and conservation areas. In addition, the model can create and update production planning. Its large scale use may provide environmental service benefits to the overall agricultural landscape. •Planning and updating the agriculture and forestry productive system.•Cohesive, synergistic and efficient prescriptions derived from current plans.•The best possible profit without exceeding land use capability.•Higher revenue flexibility.•Efficient production transition whenever needed.