LOTUS spp. – A Mediterranean genus with high environment and economic impact in the Salado River Basin (Argentina)

RUIZ O.A.; GORTARI M.; MAGUIRE V.; ARESE R.; CAMPESTRE M.P; ANTONELLI C.; CALZADILLA P.; MENENDEZ A B.; ESCARAY F.J.; CARRASCO SORLI, P.; BAILLERES M.; EZQUIAGA J.P.; PAOLOCCI F; GARRIZ A.; NIEVA, A.S.

RENDE-COSENZA-

Conferencia; 5TH EURO-MEDITERRANEA CONFERENCE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION; 2023

EMCEI

Abstract•Context/Purpose: The Salado River Basin region is the most important livestock breeding area in Argentina and the Lotus species has been traditionally cultivated as forages. Mostly of their land surface is dominated by salt-affected soils with severe constraints for traditional crop cultivation (i.e., Maize, soybean, etc.). In order to cope with that limitation, farmers have utilized species such as non-native L. tenuis (ex- Lotus glaber) native from European Mediterranean area, which shows a successfully naturalization. As a result, inter-seeding of L. tenuis has been proposed as a strategy of choice for improving forage production in marginal areas. The increase in soil quality associated to this legume persistence is achieved by an increment of the organic matter content and improvement of soil fertility. Thus, the introduction of L. tenuis and/or other Lotus genotypes could have enormous benefits for similar constrained lands around the world, due their worldwide distribution.•Methods: In Argentina, have been developing an integrated analysis of economic and environmental changes that occur under Lotus species implantation analysing the forage production, their adaptation to strong abiotic stresses that characterize the region, the microbial diversity associated and the soil physical and chemical characteristics and also their incidence in GHG emissions.•Results: We are identifying some genetic determinants associated with interesting agronomic traits such as plant tolerance against environmental stresses and the content of condensed tannins. Also, we evaluate how, the increase in soil quality associated to this legume persistence is achieved by an increment of the organic matter content and improvement of soil fertility.•Interpretation: Our job examines the different aspects involved in cattle production based on the use of an exotic legume under restrictive soil conditions; the study of the other plants in the ecosystem, soil microorganisms, symbionts, livestock and the impact of the whole system on environmental dynamics.•Conclusion: We are looking forward that our research build-up a solid base for the improvement of agronomical-important legumes and the design and development of better strategies for the management of constrained lands similar to the lowlands in the Argentinean Pampas.