Abstract

CARUSO, H.; CAMARDELLI, M.  and  MIRANDA, S.. Effect of forest clearing method on indicators of soil quality and the condition of pastures in the semiarid Chaco salteño. Agriscientia [online]. 2012, vol.29, n.2, pp.99-105. ISSN 1668-298X.

In the east of the province of Salta there is a process of expansion of the livestock that is associated with the replacement of native forests by tropical pastures through total clearing or selective clearing. The first method removes all the vegetation, while the second left trees and shrubs from among which pasture is sown. The aim of this study was to describe and quantify changes in soil quality and condition of pastures in the Chaco Salta ranches. For the descriptor “soil”, then organic matter, total nitrogen, particulate carbon, bulk density and stability of soil aggregates indicators were assessed. These were determined based on paired samples obtained on transects, one on the natural condition and the other on the pasture, calculating the percentage change. For the descriptor “pasture”, the indicators analyzed were bare soil, weeds, height and vigor, through a numeric index. We conclude that the condition of pastures is related to the physical indicators of soil and the clearing the method used.

Keywords : Extensive livestock farming; Selective clearing; Physical indicators of soil.