Forage production under suboptimal conditions: an overview of drought problems in Mediterranean-type ecosystems

A.J. Hernández; J. Pastor; J.M. Rey Benayas

Forage production under suboptimal conditions: an overview of drought problems in Mediterranean-type ecosystems

In: Grassland and Society

Authors:

A.J. Hernández

A.J. Hernández Ecología, Univ. de Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain

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J. Pastor

J. Pastor Centro de Ciencias Medioambientales, Serrano 115 dpdo., 28006 Madrid, Spain

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J.M. Rey Benayas

J.M. Rey Benayas Centro de Ciencias Medioambientales, Serrano 115 dpdo., 28006 Madrid, Spain

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 539–548

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004684409_098

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Summary

This paper reviews the current state of forage production studies in dry environments, with special attention to semi-arid (man-made oak savannas or “dehesas”) and arid Mediterranean-type ecosystems in Spain. Forage production in dry environments is usually affected by non-climatic constraints and is linked to important characteristics of ecosystem functioning and management. Past studies are grouped into 1) classification of agrosystems, 2) water constraints and links between forage production and other ecosystem characteristics 3) soil constraints, and 4) implications for ecosystem management. Agrosystems have been classified on the basis of a number of variables such as floristic composition, vegetation physiognomy and production. Water supply in these habitats is conditioned by the high variability of seasonal rainfall, topography, and the effect of tree shadows. It influences various ecological properties such as diversity and persistence. Soil constraints are related to nutrient content, nutrient uptake by plants and salinity. Management is aimed at optimizing the usually low productivity of these regions. The possibilities are planned extensive grazing, fertilization, introduction of species and ecotypes, planting forage shrubs, growing forage grain plants and alternating annual cycles of arable crops and pastures. The most promising studies of forage production in dry regions are related to the Sustainable Biosphere Initiative, and in turn biodiversity and sustainability. Techniques such as remote sensing are fostering these studies.

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Grassland and Society

Proceedings of the 15th General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation, June 6-9, 1994

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004684409

Publisher:: Wageningen Academic

Print Publication Date:: 01 Jan 1994

Subjects
- Life Sciences
  - Animal & Veterinary
  - Agriculture & Environment

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Forage production under suboptimal conditions: an overview of drought problems in Mediterranean-type ecosystems

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Grassland and Society

Proceedings of the 15th General Meeting of the European Grassland Federation, June 6-9, 1994

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