Abstract

SILBERMAN, Juan; ALBANESI, Ada; ROMERO, Adrián  and  GRASSO, Daniel. Silvopastoral systems of the Chaco region affect catabolic abilities of the soil microbial community. Cienc. suelo [online]. 2019, vol.37, n.1, pp.164-172. ISSN 1850-2067.

Our goal was to understand the biochemical responses of soil microorganisms after the implementation of silvopastoral systems in two sites (semi-arid and sub-humid) in the Chaco Region. The BIOLOG Micro EcoPlate^TM method was used. Evaluated variables were the catabolic potential (AWCD), the functional diversity through the r (index of metabolized carbon sources) and H (Shannon index) indexes. Silvopastoral systems in both sites modified functional diversity (number of carbon sources and Shannon index) of soil microbial community and consequently the catabolic potential (AWCD). In the semiarid site it was evident that silvopastoral system stimulates the catabolic functions of soil microorganisms. However, in subhumid site decreased the catabolic potential, although the magnitude of the changes was much smaller than in the semi-arid site. Silvopastoral systems generate changes in the catabolic preferences of soil microorganisms in the semi-arid site. However, in the subhumid site the catabolic preferences of soil microorganisms are more stable in the face of the disturbance caused by the implementation of silvopastoral systems.

Keywords : BIOLOG; Low intensity roller chopping; Megathyrsus maximus.