Arid and Semiarid Rangelands of Argentina

FERNANDEZ ALBERTO OSVALDO; CARLOS ALBERTO BUSSO

Climate Variability Impacts on Land Use and Livelihoods in Drylands

Springer

Año: 2018; p. 261 - 291

Two thirds of continental Argentina are arid and semiarid rangelands.These rangelands include five phytogeographic regions: (1) Puna, (2)Chaco Occidental, (3) Monte, (4) Caldenal, and (5) Patagonia. This reviewincludes and begins with brief overview of the climate, soil, and vegetationcharacteristics of each region. After that, the major causes of degradation ordesertification of these territories are indicated, together with the previous andcurrent impacts on the water resources; the physicochemical and biologicalsoil characteristics, and vegetation structure; productive activities; economy;and society. Fortunately, in contrast with various other arid and semiaridregions in the world, a threshold of losses of renewable natural resources hasnot yet been reached as a result of such degradation or desertification of thestudy in ecological systems. Beyond this threshold, reestablishment of benefitswhich could have been obtained from rational (not abusive) utilization of thoseresources will be impossible. Our aim is an improved land use that allowssustainable production, the magnitude of which will depend upon its previousdegree of degradation or desertification.