Modelagem tridimensional de sistemas de produção agroecológica: desenvolvimento do artefato SAF3D para planejamento e otimização de arranjos produtivos

Abstract

This dissertation analyzes the role of digital technologies in the modeling, planning, and management of biodiverse Agroforestry Systems (AFS), articulating the perception of experienced agroforesters with the development of a computational artifact, SAF3D. Initially, it investigated how farmers perceived and incorporated digital tools into their production systems, identifying that such technologies are recognized as strategic instruments for spatial organization, successional planning, and productive monitoring, provided they complement accumulated empirical knowledge. Adoption occurs selectively and critically, being influenced by factors such as education level, prior experience, system complexity, and institutional support, as well as limitations related to rural infrastructure and integration with real-time field data. Based on this evidence, on a scientometric and bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on the topic, and on the formal specification of functional and non-functional requirements and system actors, a UML model was developed, following Design Science Research principles and organized into a modular architecture, to represent vertical stratification and integrate productive and ecological components of AFS in a three-dimensional environment. The artifact demonstrated the capacity to integrate data from multiple sources (GIS, LiDAR, and DEM), simulate growth and agroecological succession scenarios, identify structural gaps, and optimize species consortia and management practices. Compared to two-dimensional approaches, it showed greater accuracy in estimating canopy area, aboveground biomass, and light distribution. Conceptual, structural, and functional validation supports their consistency and applicability as a decision making support tool. It is concluded that the integration between agroforesters' practical perception and advanced computational modeling strengthens productive planning, sustainability, and the resilience of agroforestry systems, positioning SAF3D as a scientific and technological contribution to agroecology and the management of agroforestry systems.