El efecto de la proximidad del bosque sobre el control biológico de pastos en el Noroeste de Mato Grosso, Brasil: un análisis coste-beneficio para políticas de uso del suelo

This study aims to generate information for landowners, rural producers, rural extension technicians and public policymakers, to integrate the value generated by the forest in decision-making regarding the management of agroecosystems in the Northwest of Mato Grosso ( Brazil). To this end, the biological control of pests provided by forests to pastures in the municipality of Cotriguacu, considered representative, has been analyzed. This ecosystem service (ES) can significantly benefit extensive livestock farming: one of the main economic activities and vectors of deforestation in the region. The level of pest control potentially exercised by the forest, its value and the criteria for maximizing it, have been evaluated through the correlation between the proximity of the forest, the level of infestation of spittlebugs (Homoptera: Cercopidae) in the pastures and the estimated economic loss. Different scenarios have been developed, in terms of conservation strategies and cost-benefit ratio, based on the estimated value for this ecosystem service and the opportunity cost of conserving forest remnants.