Influence of woody species on aboveground biomass production and quality of two perennial grasses in semi-arid rangelands of central Argentina

BLAZQUEZ, FRANCISCO R.; ELIA, OMAR R.; ANDRIOLI, ROMINA J.; PELÁEZ, DANIEL V.

RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF ECOLOGY

MAIK NAUKA/INTERPERIODICA/SPRINGER

Lugar: Kiev; Año: 2020 vol. 51 p. 90 - 98

1067-4136

Woody species can exert positive, neutral or negative influence on the growth of neighbouring grass species. The objective of this work was to assess the impact of woody species (Prosopis caldenia and Larrea divaricata) on aboveground biomass production and quality of perennial grasses (Piptochaetium napostaense and Nassella clarazii). Overall, aboveground biomass production of P. napostaense was higher in the area of influence of L. divaricata while that of N. clarazii was higher in the area of influence of P. caldenia. In general, P. napostaense showed higher, while N. clarazii showed lower, values of aboveground biomass production when beneath the canopy of each woody species. At the end of the vegetative growing period, crude protein content (CP) of grass species was lower beneath the canopy of woody species than in open areas; the only exception being N. clarazii in the area of influence of P. caldenia where no differences were found. No differences were found in CP content between any of the experimental locations at the end of the reproductive growing period. In general, in vitro digestibility was lower within the area of influence of P. caldenia than of L. divaricata for both growing periods. The results of the present study suggest that the impact of woody species on aboveground biomass production and quality are species-specific in semi-arid rangelands of central Argentina and highlight the need of further research in order to prescribe sound and generalized shrub management policies.