Long-term research in silvopastoral systems in Nothofagus antarctica native forests in southern Patagonia, Argentina

PERI, P; MARTÍNEZ PASTUR, G; MONELOS, L; BAHAMONDE, HA; LENCINAS, MV

Bariloche, Argentina

Congreso; VI Southern Connection Congress; 2010

Nothofagus antarctica native forests in Patagonia that cover 751.643 ha are being used mainly for cattle grazing (70% of the total area), firewood extraction, tourism and recreation activities. Silvopastoral systems in these forests, that combine trees and grasslands or pastures under grazing (mainly sheep and cattle production) in the same unit of land, would be an economical, ecological and social productive alternative in southern Patagonia. The sustainable management of these forests has been legally declared as an objective. In this context, long-term research to account for the ecological and economic interactions (positive and/or negative) between the woody, non-woody and animal components of these systems had been established. Data on above- and below biomass, carbon and nutrient accumulation in different tree components, dry matter production and quality of pastures, wood production from thinning schedules, animal performance (stocking rates, live weight gains) and regeneration have been evaluated to determine the impact of silvopastoral system practices. However, research on sheep and cattle production at farm level over a year, the improve of primary and secondary timber industry that incorporate value to the harvested wood, and further studies that incorporate the impact on landscape and fauna connectivity at regional level, are needed. Integrated economical information and social aspects of silvopastoral systems in the region also are important to be developed.