Soil Degradation Related to Overgrazing in the Semi-Arid Southern Caldenal Area of Argentina

Villamil, María B.; Amiotti, Nilda Mabel; Peinemann, N.

doi:10.1097/00010694-200107000-00002

Cited by 63 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Soil recovery may have to occur first because increased soil penetration resistance and decreased aggregate stability can reduce the amount of water available for plant growth (Boxell and Drohan 2009). In addition, high soil penetration resistance can restrict root growth (Ehlers et al 1983, Bengough and Mullin 1991, Villamil et al 2001. Soil compaction and trampling by large herbivores can also inhibit plant diversity (Olff and Ritchie 1998).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of feral free‐roaming horses on semi‐arid rangeland ecosystems: an example from the sagebrush steppe

2014

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Abstract. Feral horses (Equus caballus) are viewed as a symbol of freedom and power; however, they are also a relatively unmanaged, non-native grazer in North America, South America, and Australia. Information about their influence on vegetation and soil characteristics in semi-arid rangelands has been limited by confounding effects of cattle (Bos taurus) grazing and a lack of empirical manipulative studies. We compared vegetation and soil surface characteristics in feral horse grazed areas and ungrazed exclosures at five sagebrush (Artemisia) steppe sites in northern Nevada. Horse grazed areas had lower sagebrush density and plant diversity, greater soil penetration resistance, and lower soil aggregate stability than ungrazed areas. Herbaceous cover and density generally did not differ between grazed and ungrazed treatments, with the exception of heavily grazed sites in which perennial grass cover was reduced. The cumulative effect of feral horses on soil characteristics suggests that they may affect the ecological function of semi-arid rangelands by increasing the risk of soil erosion and potentially decreasing availability of water for plant growth. The two-fold increase in sagebrush density with horse exclusion suggests that feral horses may limit sagebrush recruitment and thereby negatively impact Greater Sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) and other sagebrush associated wildlife. The effects of feral horses on sagebrush and other semi-arid ecosystems should be considered when developing conservation plans for these ecosystems and associated wildlife.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effects of feral free‐roaming horses on semi‐arid rangeland ecosystems: an example from the sagebrush steppe

2014

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“…In some places, these lacustrine sediments are superimposed by layers of coarse-textured material deriving from eolian sediments or colluvial deposits, thus increasing the vertical heterogeneity of the soil texture. The economic activities of the local population have had a detrimental effect on soil quality, and the surface horizons of soils where over grazing has occurred, have a marked structural deterioration compared with ungrazed soils (Villamil et al, 2001).…”

Section: Soilsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Water resources in the semi-arid Pampa–Patagonia transitional region of Argentina

Paoloni

Sequeira

Fiorentino

et al. 2003

Journal of Arid Environments

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“…The Caldenal region included in the rangeland area of Argentina occupies about 40,000 km 2 between approximately 32° and 40°S latitude. The region is a transition between the Monte desert to the west and the cultivated humid Pampa to the east.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Total porosity in the top few centimeters are lower in grazed than in ungrazed areas (17%) due to the collapse of large pores. There is a marked reduction in the quantity and density of roots in the top soil horizon and there are also changes in the mean diameter of roots [2].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Technology and sustainability for the development of the Caldenal

Laborde¹,

Brevedan²,

Fioretti³

2006

WIT Transactions on Ecology and the Environment, Vol 99

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The Caldenal is a temperate semi-arid region located in the central part of Argentina and comprises an area of about 40,000 km 2 . It is located in the ecotone between the cultivated humid Pampa to the east and the arid Monte to the west.The region is characterized by a highly variable annual and seasonal distribution of rainfall (400-600 mm) concentrated in spring and fall. Average annual potential evapotranspiration is 800 mm. The average annual temperature is 15-16°C. Soils are mainly Calciustolls with a petrocalcic horizon at a depth varying from 0.5 to 2 m.Cattle raising, based on cow-calf operations, is the most important economic activity in the Caldenal where stocker calves are raised to be fattened later in the more humid Pampa. The ranchers in Caldenal practice continuous grazing with very high grazing pressure, that has resulted in a severe overgrazing. Stocking rates are approximately 7 ha cow -1 yr -1 . Currently the area supports an increasing pressure over its grass herbaceous resources. On the other hand, the humid Pampa is increasingly devoted to cash crop cultivation, mainly soybean. This causes a displacement of cattle breeding and fattening enterprises to more marginal areas. As a result, some feed-lot businesses are being located in the Caldenal region nowadays.The Caldenal region appears suitable for a more intensive agricultural use. In an attempt to find a cropping strategy that reduces the constraints of climate and soil a non-tillage, legume ley farming system based on improved high-yielding pasture legumes is proposed in the Caldenal.

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Soil Degradation Related to Overgrazing in the Semi-Arid Southern Caldenal Area of Argentina

Cited by 63 publications

References 17 publications

Effects of feral free‐roaming horses on semi‐arid rangeland ecosystems: an example from the sagebrush steppe

Effects of feral free‐roaming horses on semi‐arid rangeland ecosystems: an example from the sagebrush steppe

Water resources in the semi-arid Pampa–Patagonia transitional region of Argentina

Technology and sustainability for the development of the Caldenal

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