Resumen

GUEVARA, Juan C. et al. Rangeland carrying capacity of four areasof la Payunia region, Mendoza, Argentina. Multequina [online]. 2011, vol.20, n.2, pp.97-110. ISSN 1852-7329.

The rangeland carrying capacity of four fields (about 117,000 ha), located in the Malargüe department, Mendoza was estimated. These areas were included in "La Payunia" phytogeographic province. A floristic unit map was made through the interpretation of the area satellite image. An inventory of plant species was made in each unit and also the grazing degree was visually estimated. Linear transects (358) were distributed at random in the floristic units. The total plant and forage plant cover (%) and the carrying capacity were determined in each floristic unit. These determinations were made in different seasons during 2006 and 2007. The Field I had the greater number of forage species (19 to 30). It could sustain 9,203 goat equivalents (GE) or 1,538 cow equivalents (CE) in spring. In the Field II the number of forage species varied from 7 to 17. It presented the greater percentage of overgrazing area (38%). It could sustain 385 GE or 64 CE and 709 GE or 118 CE in winter and spring, respectively. The Field III had from 14 to 19 forage species. Only the 18% of its area was overgrazing. It could sustain as a minimum (winter) 10,206 GE or 1,715 CE. The Field IV presented the lower number of forage species (7 to 16). It could sustain 2,963 GE or 489 CE. For obtaining more accurate information on the carrying capacity, the evaluations should be made at least during one vegetative cycle (fall-winter and spring-summer). The characteristics of the floristic units of each field and the study of the herbivore diet composition carried out in the study area permitted to recommend the livestock species more adequate for the field use.

Palabras clave : Carrying capacity; Floristic units; Plant cover; Cow equivalent; Goat equivalent.

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