Fragmented areas due to agricultural activity: dynamism at the interface between crops and native vegetation (Montecaseros, Mendoza, Argentina)

ANA PAZ VIGNONI; ELENA ABRAHAM; IRIS EDITH PERALTA

REVISTA DE LA FACULTAD DE CIENCIAS AGRARIAS DE LA UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL DE CUYO

UNIV NACIONAL CUYO

Lugar: Mendoza; Año: 2022

0370-4661

Plant communities fragmented by agricultural activities were analyzed in an area of 250 haat eastern plains of Montecaseros, San Martin, Mendoza, Argentina. A phytosociological method was applied along a gradient of human intervention, from natural environments with no evidence of native vegetation alteration to the maximum modification due to agriculture, including also cleared and abandoned fields. Characterization of plant communities was complemented with soil analyses. Six plant communities were identified. Scrubland vegetation physiognomy dominates the area, with species of genera Larrea, Atriplex and Lycium. The natural factors involved in soil formation can be altered by tillage and abandonment of crops, which cause deterioration and exert a selective pressure on species capable to colonize these degraded environments. Evaluation of natural vegetation prior to land clearing for agriculture is essential to assess, through species indicating environmental conditions, the edaphic limitations that hinder establishment of crops and affect their productivity. The conservation of natural communities on private lands for agriculture is valued.