A Case Study on the Dairy Project “Full Bucket” in Brazil: Socioeconomic and Environmental Characteristics in Areas Under Its Guidelines

Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics in areas under Brazilian Balde Cheio Project (BCP) were evaluated. Questionnaires were applied to identify productive and socioeconomic characteristics of small farmers, and farmers’ perceptions on the implementation and operation of BCP. Soil and water samples were also taken. It seems that farmer’s perception about the BCP is associated to their socioeconomic reality; while environmental issue does not have the same relevance. According to the farmers, it was verified increase of productivity, and financial income. All farmers agree that they have not followed carefully the NGO guidelines, which is a matter of concern, because the differences among reality farms. In studied soils were observed that organic carbon levels decreased in areas under the BCP management. The NO32-, Cl- and SO42- concentrations in the waters samples were below the maximum stipulated by Brazilian environmental legislation. However, it should be highlighted that high nutrient addition and low C input in the system, can result in high losses of nutrients and also CO2 into the atmosphere.