SOSTENIBILIDAD DE LOS SISTEMAS DE PRODUCCIÓN DE GANADERÍA EXTENSIVA

Abstract

This analysis was carried out through the collection and use of information corresponding to degraded lands, with the aim of analyzing the extensive livestock production systems that are affected by overgrazing. This research is bibliographic and descriptive, considering the relevant factors of a sustainable livestock production system. The variables studied were: total carbon, soil organic carbon (COS) and aerial cover (tree biomass). Secondary forests in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and riparian forests in Colombia had the highest concentration of total C. The degraded pastures were land use with lower C (72.5 ± 6.8 t ha-1). The COS in the different land uses presented significant differences in Costa Rica and Nicaragua (p <0.05). In Colombia, the four land uses evaluated did not show significant differences in their COS content (p = 0.0544), with values ​​between 52.3 ± 9.8 and 81.3 ± 3.6 t ha-1 being reported for riparian forests and for improved pastures without trees, respectively. The degraded pastures, the improved ones with low tree density and the natural ones with high tree density were the land uses that contributed less amount of C in the tree biomass. In Colombia, 158.7 ± 12.5 t ha-1 of carbon was found in aerial biomass in riparian forests. Statistical differences (p = 0.0042) were found in carbon storage in aerial biomass between systems in Costa Rica. Centrosema recovered soil compaction up to 20 cm deep.