Development Potential of Agroforestry Systems Incorporating the Poaceae Species Megathyrsus maximus, with Emphasis on Brazil

Agricultural and livestock activities play a central role in global food production and economic development but are also associated with environmental impacts such as deforestation, land-use conversion, and fires. Agroforestry systems (AFSs) can reduce these impacts by integrating agricultural, livestock, and forestry activities within the same area. The African species Megathyrsus maximus (syn. Panicum maximum) is the second most widely used forage grass in Brazil and performs well under shaded conditions, making it suitable for AFSs. This review synthesizes evidence from experimental and on-farm studies across nine countries on the benefits and impacts of integrating M. maximus into AFSs, with emphasis on Brazil, and discusses research gaps and priorities for improving its use in these systems. The strongest evidence is available for livestock–forest integrated systems, while the Mombasa cultivar has the broadest experimental support across different AFSs and environmental conditions. Reported benefits include improved forage and animal productivity, soil quality, erosion control, and reduced fertilizer requirements. However, system performance depends strongly on cultivar selection, tree density, shading, and long-term management. Overall, M. maximus-based AFSs represent a promising strategy for diversifying agricultural production while contributing to environmental sustainability and climate-change mitigation.