Evaluación de un sistema silvopastoril para la gestión sostenible de los recursos naturales de la Hacienda Aurora, Guayas – Ecuador

Abstract

The objective of the research was to evaluate the sustainability of the silvopastoral system (SS) as one of the components of the agroforestry systems existing in Hacienda La Aurora through the generation of biophysical, social economic and environmental indicators. The study was conducted at the La Aurora cattle ranch, owned by the Banana Primo Agricultural and Industrial Company. The results were: soil with a sandy loam texture, pH 6.79 (acid), bulk density 1,45-1,55 g / cm³, low compaction and 1,44% organic matter (low). The macronutrients: Total nitrogen 0.16% (moderate), Phosphorus 36,33 ppm (high), Potassium 1,47 meq / 100gr soil (very high) and micronutrients: Zinc 1,1 ppm (low), Copper 9,6 ppm, Manganese 13,1 ppm, Iron 216,5 ppm (high). The pastures that are sown in the Silvopastoral System (SS) are Cynodon nlemfuensis and Pennisetum purpureum, which is used for milking and calf cows. The load capacity in direct grazing is 3,4 bovine units per hectare. The existing forest species in the study area are: Samanea saman, Anacardium occidentale, Mutingia calabura, Guazuma ulmifolia, Schizolobium parahybum, Ochroma pyramidale and Sapindus saponaria. The breeds of cattle are Brown Swiss, Brahman and Sahiwal, which are breeds adapted to the conditions of the area. The environmental services of silvopastoral systems are protective of hydrological cycles, carbon dioxide capture and conservation of biodiversity. Agroforestry systems are considered as an option that can store between 12 and 228 t C ha^-1.