Funcionalidad del paisaje y salud del suelo en un ambiente pastoreado del ecotono bosque-estepa patagónica

Abstract

Soil is a nonrenewable natural resource that harbors immeasurable biodiversity and, through its functions, provides diverse ecosystem services. Overexploitation of soil due to intensive productive activities, such as livestock farming and agriculture, has led to soil degradation, a global problem. In Argentine Patagonia, the combination of the semi-arid environment and overgrazing has promoted physical, chemical, and biological soil degradation, including changes in grassland structure (species composition and abundance). Currently, it is urgent to understand the state of soil health in order to promote sustainable grazing practices and the conservation or recovery of natural communities. In this context, the objective of this Final Integrative Project is to evaluate the organization and functionality of the landscape and soil health in a grazed environment in the Patagonian forest-steppe ecotone.