Revista de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias
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Effect of yeast and mycorrhizae inoculation on tomato production under normal and water stress conditions
No full textThe integration of beneficial microorganisms into agricultural systems can improve crop resistance to stress and increase yields. We studied tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production in a greenhouse experimental trial over a complete growing season. The experimental design involved three factors: irrigation condition (normal/low), addition of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Funneliformis mosseae (with/without), and inoculation with four native soil yeasts (Candida aff. ralunensis; Candida sake; Lachancea nothofagi and Candida oleophila). Co-inoculation of F. mosseae and yeasts did not affect the tomato plants. Addition of F. mosseae increased mycorrhizal colonization and production variables regardless of irrigation level; however, its effects on growth were variable. None of the inoculated yeasts increased mycorrhizal colonization. C. aff. ralunensis and C. oleophila inoculation increased stem diameter under all conditions studied. C. aff. ralunensis inoculation enhanced fruit set and the fruit/flower ratio under normal irrigation conditions, while C. sake inoculation increased the fruit/flower ratio under low irrigation conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizae inoculation is presented as a beneficial production strategy to increase plant tolerance and improve water use. We propose that C. aff. ralunensis and C. oleophila inoculation improves plant vigor.
Highlights:
Tomato production under greenhouse conditions was studied during a complete growing season following a three-factor trial: irrigation condition (normal/low), addition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and inoculation with four native soil yeasts.
Addition of arbuscular mycorrhizal increased mycorrhizal colonization and production variables regardless of irrigation level.
Inoculation with two of the yeasts studied increased stem diameter under all conditions studied.
Utilizing indigenous microorganisms could represent a promising alternative to external inoculants, potentially cutting down production costs and eliminating the necessity of introducing foreign microorganisms into the environment.The integration of beneficial microorganisms into agricultural systems can improve crop resistance to stress and increase yields. We studied tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production in a greenhouse experimental trial over a complete growing season. The experimental design involved three factors: irrigation condition (normal/low), addition of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi Funneliformis mosseae (with/without), and inoculation with four native soil yeasts (Candida aff. ralunensis; Candida sake; Lachancea nothofagi and Candida oleophila). Co-inoculation of F. mosseae and yeasts did not affect the tomato plants. Addition of F. mosseae increased mycorrhizal colonization and production variables regardless of irrigation level; however, its effects on growth were variable. None of the inoculated yeasts increased mycorrhizal colonization. C. aff. ralunensis and C. oleophila inoculation increased stem diameter under all conditions studied. C. aff. ralunensis inoculation enhanced fruit set and the fruit/flower ratio under normal irrigation conditions, while C. sake inoculation increased the fruit/flower ratio under low irrigation conditions. Arbuscular mycorrhizae inoculation is presented as a beneficial production strategy to increase plant tolerance and improve water use. We propose that C. aff. ralunensis and C. oleophila inoculation improves plant vigor.
Highlights:
Tomato production under greenhouse conditions was studied during a complete growing season following a three-factor trial: irrigation condition (normal/low), addition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and inoculation with four native soil yeasts.
Addition of arbuscular mycorrhizal increased mycorrhizal colonization and production variables regardless of irrigation level.
Inoculation with two of the yeasts studied increased stem diameter under all conditions studied.
Utilizing indigenous microorganisms could represent a promising alternative to external inoculants, potentially cutting down production costs and eliminating the necessity of introducing foreign microorganisms into the environment
Correlations between physical and chemical characteristics of Cortibel guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruits grown in the Brazilian Cerrado
Full text linkThe correlation between physical and chemical attributes of fruits can serve as indicators for the ideal harvest time and function as selection criteria to enhance the management and productivity of crops. This study aimed to investigate the correlations among physical and chemical properties of Cortibel guava fruits grown in the Brazilian Cerrado. Parameters assessed included skin and pulp color, weight, diameter, length, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and the ratio of these characteristics. Data were analyzed using Pearson's linear correlation with a significance level of P < 0.05. Several physical and chemical properties of the fruits exhibited significant correlations. The highest correlation coefficients were observed between weight and fruit diameter, as well as between hue angle of the skin and skin lightness. The properties of Cortibel guava fruits cultivated in the Brazilian Cerrado exhibit significant correlations. These findings enable the utilization of straightforward parameters in the selection processes of Cortibel guava for breeding objectives.
Highlights:
Guava is a significant crop with high economic value.
The characterization of fruits assists in selecting genotypes with desirable commercial properties.
Cortibel guava fruits exhibited significant correlations between some physical and chemical characteristics.
The correlations between the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits allow the selection of materials of interest for breeding.The correlation between physical and chemical attributes of fruits can serve as indicators for the ideal harvest time and function as selection criteria to enhance the management and productivity of crops. This study aimed to investigate the correlations among physical and chemical properties of Cortibel guava fruits grown in the Brazilian Cerrado. Parameters assessed included skin and pulp color, weight, diameter, length, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and the ratio of these characteristics. Data were analyzed using Pearson's linear correlation with a significance level of P < 0.05. Several physical and chemical properties of the fruits exhibited significant correlations. The highest correlation coefficients were observed between weight and fruit diameter, as well as between hue angle of the skin and skin lightness. The properties of Cortibel guava fruits cultivated in the Brazilian Cerrado exhibit significant correlations. These findings enable the utilization of straightforward parameters in the selection processes of Cortibel guava for breeding objectives.
Highlights:
Guava is a significant crop with high economic value.
The characterization of fruits assists in selecting genotypes with desirable commercial properties.
Cortibel guava fruits exhibited significant correlations between some physical and chemical characteristics.
The correlations between the physical and chemical characteristics of the fruits allow the selection of materials of interest for breeding
Hazard indicators in urban trees. Case studies on Platanus x hispanica Mill. ex Münchh and Morus alba L. in Mendoza city-Argentina: Hazard indicators in Mendoza's Urban Trees
No full textUrban forests significantly benefit cities and people´s wellbeing. However, under suboptimal growth conditions, they can pose risks. The tree risk and tree hazard assessments in public spaces bring together several protocols for preventing damage to people and property. This article aims to strengthen the database on forest resources at the urban scale and to identify key characteristics of relevant species of street trees in Mendoza-Argentina. In terms of methodology, trees of Platanus hispanica (London Plane tree) and Morus alba (Mulberry tree) were evaluated in situ by indicators related to the probability of failure such as defects, injuries and stress signals. The results show deterioration of part of the urban forest, as well as the greater resilience of P. hispanica when compared to M. alba. We conclude that systematically implementing these assessments will provide guidelines for the sustainable management of urban trees, improving forest infrastructure under sustainable development guidelines.
Highlights :
Trees growing in cities are conditioned by certain variables compromising their performance.
Risk assessment of urban trees considers several measurement protocols, including the rapid visual method.
The main problems identified in P. hispanica were cankers with decay, combined with poor branch architecture.
M. alba showed more hazardous defects, with an "imminent" likelihood of failure and presence of cankers combined with decay.Urban forests significantly benefit cities and people´s wellbeing. However, under suboptimal growth conditions, they can pose risks. The tree risk and tree hazard assessments in public spaces bring together several protocols for preventing damage to people and property. This article aims to strengthen the database on forest resources at the urban scale and to identify key characteristics of relevant species of street trees in Mendoza-Argentina. In terms of methodology, trees of Platanus hispanica (London Plane tree) and Morus alba (Mulberry tree) were evaluated in situ by indicators related to the probability of failure such as defects, injuries and stress signals. The results show deterioration of part of the urban forest, as well as the greater resilience of P. hispanica when compared to M. alba. We conclude that systematically implementing these assessments will provide guidelines for the sustainable management of urban trees, improving forest infrastructure under sustainable development guidelines.
Highlights :
Trees growing in cities are conditioned by certain variables compromising their performance.
Risk assessment of urban trees considers several measurement protocols, including the rapid visual method.
The main problems identified in P. hispanica were cankers with decay, combined with poor branch architecture.
M. alba showed more hazardous defects, with an "imminent" likelihood of failure and presence of cankers combined with decay.
Biometric genetics in Cowpea beans (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) II: estimates of genetic gains through selection indices
Full text linkLow cowpea productivity (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in the semi-arid region of Paraíba is due, among other factors, to poor-quality cultivars. This research tested biometric models intending to increase productivity of superior cultivars with the following objectives: i. Estimate genetic gains in production components; ii. Identify the selection index model providing the greatest gains through simultaneously selecting a set of variables, and iii. Select cultivars with higher productivity. The experiment was carried out in the experimental field of the Agrifood Science and Technology Center of the Federal University of Campina Grande. Eight cultivars and 13 variables were evaluated. Data were subjected to ANOVA and means were grouped using the Scott and Knott test. Genetic gains were estimated by correlated response, classic selection index, rank sum and index based on desired gains. Direct selection of the secondary pod yield component provides significant genetic gains in main grain yield. Among the methodologies used, the classic selection index provided greater distribution of genetic gains for main grain yield and primary production components. These results allow concluding that Costela de vaca, BRS Marataoã and Paulistinha cultivars should be selected for cultivation and commercial exploitation in the semiarid region of Paraíba.
Highlights:
Direct selection of the secondary pod yield component provides significant genetic gains in main grain yield.
The classic selection index provided greater distribution of genetic gains for main grain yield and primary production components.
Cultivars were selected for cultivation and commercial exploitation in the semi-arid region of Paraíba.Low cowpea productivity (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) in the semi-arid region of Paraíba is due, among other factors, to poor-quality cultivars. This research tested biometric models intending to increase productivity of superior cultivars with the following objectives: i. Estimate genetic gains in production components; ii. Identify the selection index model providing the greatest gains through simultaneously selecting a set of variables, and iii. Select cultivars with higher productivity. The experiment was carried out in the experimental field of the Agrifood Science and Technology Center of the Federal University of Campina Grande. Eight cultivars and 13 variables were evaluated. Data were subjected to ANOVA and means were grouped using the Scott and Knott test. Genetic gains were estimated by correlated response, classic selection index, rank sum and index based on desired gains. Direct selection of the secondary pod yield component provides significant genetic gains in main grain yield. Among the methodologies used, the classic selection index provided greater distribution of genetic gains for main grain yield and primary production components. These results allow concluding that Costela de vaca, BRS Marataoã and Paulistinha cultivars should be selected for cultivation and commercial exploitation in the semiarid region of Paraíba.
Highlights:
Direct selection of the secondary pod yield component provides significant genetic gains in main grain yield.
The classic selection index provided greater distribution of genetic gains for main grain yield and primary production components.
Cultivars were selected for cultivation and commercial exploitation in the semi-arid region of Paraíba
In vitro and in vivo efficacy of Larrea divaricata extract for the management of Phytophthora palmivora in olive trees
Full text linkPhytophthora palmivora is a ubiquitous pathogen responsible for “dry branch” disease, causing significant economic losses in olive trees. Synthetic chemical fungicides are currently used for the control of P. palmivora. The general concern about the negative consequences of using synthetic products prioritizes the search for eco-friendly alternatives. In this context, plant extracts have emerged as an interesting and promising alternative for crop protection. This work studies the inhibitory activity of Larrea divaricata extract on P. palmivora mycelial growth, sporangium and zoospore production. The extract showed fungicidal activity against P. palmivora mycelial growth at concentrations over 150 mg mL-1. Specifically, the extract at 50 mg mL-1 completely suppressed the production of P. palmivora sporangia and zoospores. The alkaloid piperine in L. divaricata extract showed antimicrobial activity against P. palmivora mycelial growth. Extract effectiveness was also evaluated on olive trees in a greenhouse, showing 63% of disease reduction. These results support the use of L. divaricata extract as another environmentally friendly tool to be included in an integrated disease management program for dry branch disease caused by P. palmivora.
Highlights:
L. divaricata extract showed an effective antimicrobial activity against P. palmivora.
Piperine was identified in the divaricata extract by HPLC/MWD.
The alkaloid piperine in divaricata extract showed antimicrobial activity on the mycelial growth of P. palmivora.
L. divaricata extract could be included in an integrated management programme for dry branch disease caused by P. palmivora.Phytophthora palmivora is a ubiquitous pathogen responsible for “dry branch” disease, causing significant economic losses in olive trees. Synthetic chemical fungicides are currently used for the control of P. palmivora. The general concern about the negative consequences of using synthetic products prioritizes the search for eco-friendly alternatives. In this context, plant extracts have emerged as an interesting and promising alternative for crop protection. This work studies the inhibitory activity of Larrea divaricata extract on P. palmivora mycelial growth, sporangium and zoospore production. The extract showed fungicidal activity against P. palmivora mycelial growth at concentrations over 150 mg mL-1. Specifically, the extract at 50 mg mL-1 completely suppressed the production of P. palmivora sporangia and zoospores. The alkaloid piperine in L. divaricata extract showed antimicrobial activity against P. palmivora mycelial growth. Extract effectiveness was also evaluated on olive trees in a greenhouse, showing 63% of disease reduction. These results support the use of L. divaricata extract as another environmentally friendly tool to be included in an integrated disease management program for dry branch disease caused by P. palmivora.
Highlights:
L. divaricata extract showed an effective antimicrobial activity against P. palmivora.
Piperine was identified in the divaricata extract by HPLC/MWD.
The alkaloid piperine in divaricata extract showed antimicrobial activity on the mycelial growth of P. palmivora.
L. divaricata extract could be included in an integrated management programme for dry branch disease caused by P. palmivora
Growth and slenderness index in sweet algarrobo, Neltuma flexuosa, according to the vermicompost percentage in the substrate and seed origin
Full text linkSubstrate composition and seed origin influence the morphological characteristics of future trees. This study aimed to quantify growth of sweet algarrobo plants, Neltuma flexuosa, obtained from seeds collected from two sites in Argentina and grown on substrates with varying vermicompost percentages. A completely randomized factorial design was used with four levels of vermicompost percentage (0; 20; 30; 70) and two levels of seed origin (Monte Comán, Mendoza and; Bolsón de Fiambalá, Catamarca) (n= 360). Height growth rate (from root neck to apex) (Delta height), root neck diameter growth rate (Delta diameter), and Slenderness index were measured for each plant. Results showed that northern sweet algarrobo specimens growing on vermicompost-enriched substrates had a significantly higher Delta height (p<0.05). Additionally, northern specimens growing on 30-70% vermicompost-enriched substrates and southern specimens growing on 30% vermicompost-enriched substrates had a significantly higher Delta diameter compared to those growing on vermicompost-free substrates. Moreover, northern specimens growing on vermicompost-enriched substrates had a significantly higher slenderness index than southern specimens. Based on these findings, we recommend using seeds from the northern region and substrates with a minimum addition of 20% vermicompost for sweet algarrobo cultivation.
Highlights:
Twenty percent vermicomposting in Sandy load soil significantly increased height in flexuosa plants.
Northen individuals presented a significant increase in height when the vermicomposting percentage in sandy load soil was equal to and higher than 20%.
The vermicomposting percentage did not significantly affect flexuosa plants diameter at the root neck.Substrate composition and seed origin influence the morphological characteristics of future trees. This study aimed to quantify growth of sweet algarrobo plants, Neltuma flexuosa, obtained from seeds collected from two sites in Argentina and grown on substrates with varying vermicompost percentages. A completely randomized factorial design was used with four levels of vermicompost percentage (0; 20; 30; 70) and two levels of seed origin (Monte Comán, Mendoza and; Bolsón de Fiambalá, Catamarca) (n= 360). Height growth rate (from root neck to apex) (Delta height), root neck diameter growth rate (Delta diameter), and Slenderness index were measured for each plant. Results showed that northern sweet algarrobo specimens growing on vermicompost-enriched substrates had a significantly higher Delta height (p<0.05). Additionally, northern specimens growing on 30-70% vermicompost-enriched substrates and southern specimens growing on 30% vermicompost-enriched substrates had a significantly higher Delta diameter compared to those growing on vermicompost-free substrates. Moreover, northern specimens growing on vermicompost-enriched substrates had a significantly higher slenderness index than southern specimens. Based on these findings, we recommend using seeds from the northern region and substrates with a minimum addition of 20% vermicompost for sweet algarrobo cultivation.
Highlights:
Twenty percent vermicomposting in Sandy load soil significantly increased height in flexuosa plants.
Northen individuals presented a significant increase in height when the vermicomposting percentage in sandy load soil was equal to and higher than 20%.
The vermicomposting percentage did not significantly affect flexuosa plants diameter at the root neck
Land tenure and cost inefficiency: the case of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation in Chile
Full text linkThis study aims to examine the impact of land tenure arrangements on production costs in a sample of rice farmers in Ñuble Region, Chile. A stochastic frontier model was estimated using the primal approach on a panel of 107 farmers in 2014-2015. Production cost was broken down into frontier costs and inefficiency. According to findings, economic inefficiency raises rice production costs by 82%. Technical inefficiency accounts for a 61% increase, while allocative inefficiency accounts for 21%. Across tenure types, land is the input with the highest misallocation, accounting for 93% of allocative inefficiency costs. Sharecropping is the arrangement allocating inputs most efficiently, producing significant differences in production costs relative to leasing and ownership. This finding suggests that before designing a policy to induce a tenure system, it is necessary to evaluate specific cases as there is no system superior to another, strictly speaking.
Highlights:
Economic inefficiency raises rice production costs by 82%. Technical inefficiency accounts for a 61% increase, while allocative inefficiency accounts for 21%.
The sharecropping system stood out as the most efficient, with production costs 13.5% lower than the rental system and 3.4% lower than those of the ownership system.
Sharecroppers have a higher incentive to exert more effort and complete all responsibilities more efficiently, which can cut down on or do away with the costs associated with supervision that are typical in wage labor systems.This study aims to examine the impact of land tenure arrangements on production costs in a sample of rice farmers in Ñuble Region, Chile. A stochastic frontier model was estimated using the primal approach on a panel of 107 farmers in 2014-2015. Production cost was broken down into frontier costs and inefficiency. According to findings, economic inefficiency raises rice production costs by 82%. Technical inefficiency accounts for a 61% increase, while allocative inefficiency accounts for 21%. Across tenure types, land is the input with the highest misallocation, accounting for 93% of allocative inefficiency costs. Sharecropping is the arrangement allocating inputs most efficiently, producing significant differences in production costs relative to leasing and ownership. This finding suggests that before designing a policy to induce a tenure system, it is necessary to evaluate specific cases as there is no system superior to another, strictly speaking.
Highlights:
Economic inefficiency raises rice production costs by 82%. Technical inefficiency accounts for a 61% increase, while allocative inefficiency accounts for 21%.
The sharecropping system stood out as the most efficient, with production costs 13.5% lower than the rental system and 3.4% lower than those of the ownership system.
Sharecroppers have a higher incentive to exert more effort and complete all responsibilities more efficiently, which can cut down on or do away with the costs associated with supervision that are typical in wage labor systems
Susceptibility of Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and Sitophilus oryzae (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) to the fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo-Crivelli) Vuillemin s.l. (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae)
Full text linkControl measures of stored grain pests include the excessive utilization of chemical insecticides that generate negative environmental impact. Current trends in integrated pest management are oriented towards the preservation of the environment using natural biopesticides, among these products arise entomopathogenic fungi. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a native strain of Beauveria bassiana to control two main stored grain pests such as Sitophilus oryzae and Rhyzopertha dominica and also evaluate the persistence of the fungus on wheat grains. The B. bassiana strain controlled 89%±0.07 of R. dominica adults and 80% ±0.14 of S. oryzae. The survival analysis showed that MST was 4.27 ±0.19 days for R. dominica adults and 4.27 ±0.20 days for S. oryzae. Furthermore, results of long rank test for the comparison of the Kaplan-Meier curves did not present significant differences between the survival of both stored grain pests. Dual choice tests demonstrated that B. bassiana LPSc1227 presented a repellent action against both stored grain pests. The seed persistence of conidia was 100% in treated seeds after 45 days. Further research will contribute to elucidate more insecticidal features of the B. bassiana LPSc 1227 strain against S. oryzae and R. dominica, two main stored grain insect pests.
Highlights:
bassiana presented insecticidal activity against R. dominica and S. oryzae.
bassiana demonstrated a repellent action against both stored grain pests.
bassiana was able to persist on the surface of wheat grains after 45 days storage.Control measures of stored grain pests include the excessive utilization of chemical insecticides that generate negative environmental impact. Current trends in integrated pest management are oriented towards the preservation of the environment using natural biopesticides, among these products arise entomopathogenic fungi. This study aimed to test the efficacy of a native strain of Beauveria bassiana to control two main stored grain pests such as Sitophilus oryzae and Rhyzopertha dominica and also evaluate the persistence of the fungus on wheat grains. The B. bassiana strain controlled 89%±0.07 of R. dominica adults and 80% ±0.14 of S. oryzae. The survival analysis showed that MST was 4.27 ±0.19 days for R. dominica adults and 4.27 ±0.20 days for S. oryzae. Furthermore, results of long rank test for the comparison of the Kaplan-Meier curves did not present significant differences between the survival of both stored grain pests. Dual choice tests demonstrated that B. bassiana LPSc1227 presented a repellent action against both stored grain pests. The seed persistence of conidia was 100% in treated seeds after 45 days. Further research will contribute to elucidate more insecticidal features of the B. bassiana LPSc 1227 strain against S. oryzae and R. dominica, two main stored grain insect pests.
Highlights:
bassiana presented insecticidal activity against R. dominica and S. oryzae.
bassiana demonstrated a repellent action against both stored grain pests.
bassiana was able to persist on the surface of wheat grains after 45 days storage
Conventional to organic transition of Citrus x sinensis (L.) Osbeck (pro. sp.) orchards in municipalities of northern Veracruz state
Full text linkThis research determined the degree of transition towards organic production and management of Valencia orange in the municipalities of northern Veracruz State. One hundred and six surveys were administered to producers grouped into four consolidated civil associations. A constructed transition index considering six variables revealed an average of 0.768. Citrus grower/institution positively correlated with intercropping (p = 0.0281) and with internal factors (p = 0.0257). Determinant factors for transition index were intercropping (p = 0.00009), and citrus grower/institution interaction (p = 0.0000). These internal and external factors together with years of conversion, averaging six years, resulted in an intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production. Municipalities of northern Veracruz State stand on varying degrees of transition towards organic agriculture. Yet, many growers still conserve some management practices not consistent with organic production.
Highlights:
Transition index to organic agriculture of citrus growers was 0.768.
Some citrus growers with few years of organic production apply all practices as advanced or organic.
Growers of northern Veracruz, Mexico are in intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production.This research determined the degree of transition towards organic production and management of Valencia orange in the municipalities of northern Veracruz State. One hundred and six surveys were administered to producers grouped into four consolidated civil associations. A constructed transition index considering six variables revealed an average of 0.768. Citrus grower/institution positively correlated with intercropping (p = 0.0281) and with internal factors (p = 0.0257). Determinant factors for transition index were intercropping (p = 0.00009), and citrus grower/institution interaction (p = 0.0000). These internal and external factors together with years of conversion, averaging six years, resulted in an intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production. Municipalities of northern Veracruz State stand on varying degrees of transition towards organic agriculture. Yet, many growers still conserve some management practices not consistent with organic production.
Highlights:
Transition index to organic agriculture of citrus growers was 0.768.
Some citrus growers with few years of organic production apply all practices as advanced or organic.
Growers of northern Veracruz, Mexico are in intermediate transition degree towards organic Valencia orange production
Fragmented areas due to agricultural activity: native vegetation dynamics at crop interface (Montecaseros, Mendoza, Argentina)
Full text linkPlant communities fragmented by agricultural activities were analyzed in a 250-ha area in eastern plains of Montecaseros, Gral. San Martín Department, Mendoza, Argentina. A phytosociological method assessed different sites along a gradient of human intervention, from natural environments with no evidence of altered native vegetation to maximum farming modification, also including cleared and abandoned fields. Soil analyses supplemented the characterization of six plant communities. A scrubland physiognomy dominates the area, with species of the genera Larrea, Atriplex and Lycium. Tillage and crop abandonment can alter natural factors involved in soil formation, causing deterioration and exerting selective pressure on species colonizing these degraded environments. Evaluating natural vegetation before land clearing for agriculture is essential to assess, through species that indicate environmental conditions, edaphic limitations hindering crop establishment and affecting productivity. The conservation of natural communities on private lands destined for agriculture is valued.
Plant communities fragmented by agricultural activities were analyzed in a 250-ha area in eastern plains of Montecaseros, Gral. San Martín Department, Mendoza, Argentina. A phytosociological method assessed different sites along a gradient of human intervention, from natural environments with no evidence of altered native vegetation to maximum farming modification, also including cleared and abandoned fields. Soil analyses supplemented the characterization of six plant communities. A scrubland physiognomy dominates the area, with species of the genera Larrea, Atriplex and Lycium. Tillage and crop abandonment can alter natural factors involved in soil formation, causing deterioration and exerting selective pressure on species colonizing these degraded environments. Evaluating natural vegetation before land clearing for agriculture is essential to assess, through species that indicate environmental conditions, edaphic limitations hindering crop establishment and affecting productivity. The conservation of natural communities on private lands destined for agriculture is valued.
Highlights:
This study aimed to characterize plant communities in natural and intervened environments, in a representative area of the fragmentation processes caused by agriculture in the Monte Province (Mendoza, Argentina).
Plant biodiversity plays a strategic role in ecosystemic provision of goods and services necessary to human health and well-being.
Cultivable land is a vulnerable and scarce resource, particularly in drylands, where ecosystems have low capacity for natural regeneration. Tillage and crop abandonment can alter natural factors involved in soil formation, causing deterioration and exerting selective pressure on species colonizing these degraded environments.
In agricultural land, clearing can give rise to a mosaic of landscapes: productive crops merge with abandoned crops and fragments of natural fields.
Evaluating natural vegetation before land clearing for agriculture is essential to assess, through species that indicate environmental conditions, edaphic limitations hindering crop establishment and affecting productivity.
Studies of vegetation dynamism in private lands contribute to plan and implement sustainable land management, tending to recover and conserve biodiversity in degraded soils, considering all associated ecosystem services.Plant communities fragmented by agricultural activities were analyzed in a 250-ha area in eastern plains of Montecaseros, Gral. San Martín Department, Mendoza, Argentina. A phytosociological method assessed different sites along a gradient of human intervention, from natural environments with no evidence of altered native vegetation to maximum farming modification, also including cleared and abandoned fields. Soil analyses supplemented the characterization of six plant communities. A scrubland physiognomy dominates the area, with species of the genera Larrea, Atriplex and Lycium. Tillage and crop abandonment can alter natural factors involved in soil formation, causing deterioration and exerting selective pressure on species colonizing these degraded environments. Evaluating natural vegetation before land clearing for agriculture is essential to assess, through species that indicate environmental conditions, edaphic limitations hindering crop establishment and affecting productivity. The conservation of natural communities on private lands destined for agriculture is valued.
Highlights:
This study aimed to characterize plant communities in natural and intervened environments, in a representative area of the fragmentation processes caused by agriculture in the Monte Province (Mendoza, Argentina).
Plant biodiversity plays a strategic role in ecosystemic provision of goods and services necessary to human health and well-being.
Cultivable land is a vulnerable and scarce resource, particularly in drylands, where ecosystems have low capacity for natural regeneration. Tillage and crop abandonment can alter natural factors involved in soil formation, causing deterioration and exerting selective pressure on species colonizing these degraded environments.
In agricultural land, clearing can give rise to a mosaic of landscapes: productive crops merge with abandoned crops and fragments of natural fields.
Evaluating natural vegetation before land clearing for agriculture is essential to assess, through species that indicate environmental conditions, edaphic limitations hindering crop establishment and affecting productivity.
Studies of vegetation dynamism in private lands contribute to plan and implement sustainable land management, tending to recover and conserve biodiversity in degraded soils, considering all associated ecosystem services.