Abstract

MARTINELLI, Mariana  and  MARTINEZ CARRETERO, Eduardo. Fodder shrublands in arid zones: status indicators. Multequina [online]. 2014, vol.23, n.1, pp.29-40. ISSN 1852-7329.

The aim of the paper was to assess the Atriplex argentina ("zampa") scrubland, selecting biological and physical indicators that allow to establish the conditions of conservation of this natural resource and its relation with the state of degradation in the north of Valle Fértil department (San Juan, Argentina). In the study area the livestock production system depends on the natural vegetation; the A. argentina plant communities occupy large areas and constitute one of the relevant sources of fodder; in these areas the laminar, rill and gully water erosion is observed. The vegetation was studied using the line-of-point-intersection method. In each type of water erosion parameters of micro-relief were recorded: presence of groove, larger base, lower base and height of row, and row spacing. For each situation we calculated: percentage of bare soil, mulch, surface without vegetation cover, litter cover, biomass, frequency channel; relationship grooved surface / total surface area average larger base of groove and groove taller than average. The floristic surveys were analyzed using principal component analysis and multiple correlations. As status conservation indicators we selected: biomass, litter cover, frequency channels, grooves area ratio / total area and larger base of groove. We identified three degradation gradients: mild, moderate and severe.

Keywords : Indicators; Fodder scrubland; Arid land.

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