Microclimate characterization in silvopastoral systems of Nothofagus antarctica native forest in southern Patagonia, Argentina

PERI, P; STURZENBAUM V; MARTÍNEZ PASTUR G

Brisbane (Australia) 8-13 Agosto

Congreso; XXII IUFRO World Congress.; 2005

IUFRO

Microclimatic changes allow to explain grass productivity and quality differences in silvopastoral systems. The objective of this study was to measure air and soil temperature (5 cm depth), air relative humidity and soil moisture in Nothofagus antarctica native forests under silvopastoral management (SS) and in open sites (OS) for five different locations in southern Patagonia from 51º 13 21” to 54º 21 45” SL. Mean air temperature was higher in OS (up to 8,2 ºC) during summer and in SM (up to 7,9 ºC) over autumm months due to differential interactions between solar radiation, relative humidity and air mass exchange. Similarly, mean soil temperature was higher (up to 8,1 ºC) in OS over summer determined by higher direct solar radiation and lower soil moisture. In contrast, from the start of autumn mean soil temperature was up to 7,9 ºC lower in OS than in SS mainly due to the effect of frost. For all locations, it was found that forest ameliorated the microclimatic conditions. For example, the maximum air temperature was reduced in the forest by 2,6 ºC and the minimum was increased by 4,5 ºC. Relative humidity was always higher in SS compared with OS reaching a maximum difference of 10,2%.