A look at SPD in the Alto Vale do Itaja��-SC region

This book was produced from the discipline of Soil Use Management and Conservation of the Agronomy course at IFC Rio do Sul. Due to the lack of information on the Direct Planting System (SPD) in the Alto Vale do Itajaí-SC Region the authors prepared a data survey on this conservationist soil management system with the support of EPAGRI extension workers in 6 municipalities in the Region. initially the book presents a historical context of land occupation and use in the region and its main soil preparation systems. Next a current context of SPD in some reference properties is outlined listing its main characteristics and the conservation practices that are being well used as well as the practices associated with SPD that still need to be improved. Finally the role of technical assistance and rural extension agents is highlighted as those responsible for raising the quality and achieving greater success of the system.