AGRICULTURAL RESILIENCE IN THE BRAZILIAN SEMI-ARID REGION: DEFICIT IRRIGATION AND PERFORMANCE OF ELEPHANT GRASS CV. BRS CAPIAÇU

Abstract

This study reviews the main aspects related to the characterization of the Brazilian semi-arid region and agricultural resilience strategies, focusing on deficit irrigation and the physiological responses of plants subjected to water and saline stress. The semi-arid region presents high climatic variability and low-fertility soils, which limit agricultural productivity and reinforce the need for more efficient management practices. Deficit irrigation emerges as an alternative to optimize water use, allowing savings of up to 20% in water consumption and 30% in energy use, without significantly compromising production. Recent studies show that different crops respond differently to reductions in irrigation depth, making it possible to identify optimal application levels that reconcile productivity and water use efficiency. Elephant grass cv. BRS Capiaçu stands out among tropical forages due to its high biomass productivity and ability to adapt to adverse moisture and soil conditions. However, its performance is directly related to proper irrigation management, fertilization, and cutting frequency. Under water and saline stress conditions, plants activate antioxidant and osmotic defense mechanisms that contribute to maintaining homeostasis and physiological activity. Therefore, integrated water management and the use of adapted cultivars constitute essential tools for the sustainability of productive systems in the semi-arid region.