Abstract

GARCIA MARTINEZ, G.C et al. Análisis de la evolución del clima y los pastizales naturales en el noroeste de la provincia de Chubut, Argentina, durante el período 2000-2014: identificación de variables asociadas a la disminución de las existencias ganaderas en la región. Agriscientia [online]. 2017, vol.34, n.1, pp.59-69. ISSN 1668-298X.

Most of Argentina territory is classified as dry lands, one third of them is located in Patagonia. The grasslands in this region have been historically affected by deterioration. This degradation has been associated to excessive grazing. However, little attention has been paid to the effect of climate on these systems. The aim of this work was to examine the evolution of climate and grasslands in NW Chubut between 2000-2014, identifying variables that allow a better understanding of the causes of changes in livestock numbers. Different types of data have been analysed: weather statistics, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), information from MARAS monitors and livestock numbers. Results show a temperature increase and negative trends of grasslands productivity and structure during the period. Additionally, a decline in the livestock numbers was observed. Rising temperatures could negatively affect hydric balance which, along with overgrazing, could be key factors affecting grassland deterioration. It is of fundamental importance to keep monitoring these variables and to devise mitigation strategies against the processes described.

Keywords : Animal husbandry; Remote sensing; Ambiental monitors (MARAS); Patagonia.

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