Organic Yerba Mate, Ilex paraguariensis, in Association with Native Tree Species Promoting Livelihoods, Valuable Wood, and Carbon Sinks

Ilex paraguariensis A. St. -Hil. (Aquifoliaceae), known commonly as “yerba mate,” is a native plant from South America. Its leaves are commonly used to prepare a popular infusion or tea that is energizing and a source of antioxidants. Yerba mate trees are usually grown in monocultures (known as yerbales) where the leaves are harvested several times a year, but this conventional management often results in decreased plant productivity and soil erosion. Since yerba mate grows naturally in subtropical forest and is shade tolerant, it can grow under the canopy of other tree species as a component of agroforestry systems (AFS). Moreover, incorporating trees in degraded yerbales has been shown to provide environmental and economic benefits. This chapter provides a list of native species that are suitable for growing in association with yerba mate, highlighting the use of species with monopodic growth, natural pruning, and a timber stem. These traits offer benefits when planted in mixed conditions as well as additional functions related to food, landscape, and restoration. A group of valuable wood species, known locally as “precious wood,” are a priority due to vulnerability from exploitation. Other species of interest exhibit good growth, valuable soil restoration functions, and the ability to naturally integrate over time to form a vertically heterogeneous and biodiverse forest. As producers attempt to bring products from yerba mate AFS to the market, there is a need for a traceability system to certify tree species throughout production. Yerba mate AFS offer numerous ecosystem services, namely, biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration, and the maintenance/restoration of landscape soil and water quality, all of which are discussed in more detail in the chapter. Methodologies used to manage these areas focus on maximizing productivity and profitability, optimizing livelihood benefits, biodiversity recovery, and carbon sequestration.