Semiárida ISSN 2362-4337 E-ISSN 2408-4077 Revista científica semestral de la Facultad de Agronomía, Universidad Nacional de La Pampa, tiene por objetivo publicar trabajos originales que contribuyan al desarrollo científico-tecnológico de las distintas disciplinas de las ciencias agronómicas, naturales y ambientales, así como temáticas relacionadas con el área de los Agronegocios, tanto en el ámbito nacional como internacional. Esta dirigido a la comunidad científica, estudiantes, docentes e investigadores y al público en general. DOI: 10.19137/semiarida
La Editorial de la Universidad Nacional de La Pampa (EdUNLPam) exigirá a los/as autores/as la firma del siguiente documento: La EdUNLPam lleva a cabo la publicación del artículo: (Título del Artículo) en SEMIÁRIDA Rev.Fac.Agron UNLPam ISSN 2362-4337 (impresa) ISSN 2408-4077 (en línea), del cual el/los abajo firmantes son autores de una o más partes. En el mismo acto, el/los autores entregan exclusivamente a la EdUNLPam todos sus derechos protegidos por las leyes de propiedad intelectual que rigen en la Argentina para reproducir, publicar, editar, fijar, comunicar y transmitir públicamente en cualquier formato o medio impreso o electrónico, inclusive internet, el artículo enviado a publicación e incluirlo en índices o bases de datos nacionales e internacionales. A cambio, la EdUNLPam entrega a los autores la autorización para la publicación o reimpresión con ines académicos y educativos en cualquier libro o medio de divulgación, con la sola obligación de citar el artículo original publicado en la EdUNLPam. Cada autor acuerda en que el material provisto a la EdUNLPam es un trabajo original, que no ha sido impreso o publicado en cualquier otro medio con anterioridad y que no vulnera derechos de terceros. El Primer autor tendrá la posibilidad de leer y corregir el artículo ya editado como “prueba de galera”, pero si el autor no devolviera esas correcciones de la prueba de galera dentro del tiempo especificado, el proceso de producción y publicación podrá proseguir sin la aprobación del autor. El/los autor/es no recibirán compensación monetaria de la EdUNLPam por el uso del material contenido en este artículo y asumen la responsabilidad de las opiniones vertidas en él.
Post-fire regeneration in semi-arid shrublands: an approach to the seed bank of dominant shrub species in Lihué Calel National Park (La Pampa, Argentina)
The xerophytic shrublands of the Monte Phytogeographic Province constitute one of the main vegetation types in the arid-semiarid regions of central Argentina and are subject to recurrent fire disturbances. In these systems, dominated by species of the genus Larrea, post-fire recovery depends primarily on vegetative regrowth and, potentially, on the soil seed bank. However, the role of shrub seeds in these processes has been scarcely studied. The objective was to explore the composition and density of seeds from dominant native shrub species present in the seed bank within communities of Lihué Calel National Park (La Pampa, Argentina) with different fire histories. Additionally, their relationship with vegetation structure was evaluated. Six sites with different fire recurrence patterns were selected (no fires, fires in 2003, 2018, and combinations of events). At each site, vegetation structure and cover were surveyed, and soil samples were collected for analysis of the shrub seed bank. Seeds from five shrub species were identified. Sites with a shorter history of disturbance had a higher proportion of upper shrub layers and higher densities of shrub seeds, whereas sites with recent or recurring fires were dominated by smaller vegetation associated with the regrowth of grasses, subshrubs, and shrubs, along with a marked decrease in seeds in the soil seed bank. No shrub seeds were recorded at the site of the 2018 fire. Furthermore, the highest seed densities were found beneath shrubs, highlighting the importance of these microsites in propagule accumulation. Taken together, the results suggest that increased fire recurrence would promote structural simplification processes and reduce the availability of shrub seeds in the soil, reinforcing the importance of vegetative regrowth as the primary mechanism for persistence and post-fire recovery in these systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Carla Etel Suárez, María Sol Rossini, Ramiro Ochoa, Franco Zaragoza
Presence of Montia fontana L. in La Pampa province, Argentina
Montia fontana L. (Montiaceae) is a cosmopolitan species associated mainly with wet habitats, whose broad morphological variability has led to different taxonomic interpretations over time. In Argentina, its known distribution included the Malvinas Islands and the provinces of Jujuy, San Juan, Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, Santa Cruz, and Tierra del Fuego. The aim of this study was to document the first record of M. fontana for La Pampa Province, provide a description based on local material, and update its geographic distribution in Argentina. Specimens were collected at El Carancho Lagoon (Utracán Department, La Pampa), processed using standard botanical techniques, and identified through specialized literature and comparisons with material from digital herbaria. A population of M. fontana was recorded growing in seasonally flooded areas along the lagoon shoreline. The specimens exhibited diagnostic characters consistent with the species, although some traits differed from previous descriptions reported for the Argentine flora, a finding that agrees with the high morphological variability previously documented for this taxon. This record extends the known distribution range of the species in Argentina and represents the second record of a Montiaceae species for La Pampa Province. Furthermore, the occurrence of the species in a wetland associated with plant communities tolerant of moderate salinity suggests a broader ecological amplitude than generally attributed to the species. This new record contributes to the knowledge of the flora of La Pampa and highlights the importance of continued botanical exploration of regional wetlands to improve our understanding of the distribution of uncommon plant species in central Argentina.
Evaluation of pecan nut damage caused by wildlife (red-bellied squirrel and monk parakeet) in northeastern Buenos Aires, Argentina
In recent decades, several wild vertebrate species have increased their presence in agroecosystems, exploiting food resources and generating negative impacts on agricultural production in Argentina. Birds and mammals exhibit a high capacity to adapt to novel environments, often resulting in significant production losses. This study evaluated the damage caused by the red-bellied squirrel and the monk parakeet in three pecan orchards located in Mercedes and one in Lobos (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) during the autumn–winter season of 2023, considering two phenological stages of the crop: fruit filling stage and harvest. The occurrence and abundance of red-bellied squirrels and monk parakeets were assessed through trapping and direct counts, identifying both species as the sole agents responsible for the observed damage. Damage type was characterized based on morphological traits of fruit consumption and quantified as the percentage of damaged fruits, complemented by estimates of biomass loss expressed as kilograms of nuts per tree. Results showed that both species caused substantial production losses. Red-bellied squirrels primarily consumed the kernel during the harvest stage, causing an average damage of 18.7 % (SD= 15.8), with no significant differences in damage magnitude among orchards where squirrel damage was recorded (Kruskal–Wallis H= 0.22, p> 0.05). In contrast, monk parakeets mainly affected fruits during the filling stage by damaging the husk and inducing premature fruit drop, resulting in an average damage of 14.45 % (SD= 16.93), which was significantly lower in Lobos (0.35 %, SD= 0.56; H= 15.74, p< 0.05). Differences in both the magnitude and timing of damage revealed contrasting feeding strategies between the two species. Furthermore, fruit availability per tree was positively correlated with the level of damage recorded (Spearman: Rsquirrels= 0.85; p< 0.001; Rparakeets= 0.52; p < 0.05). These results highlight the need to implement species-specific and temporally adjusted management measures, considering crop phenology and the activity patterns of each species.
Copyright (c) 2026 Paula Anabel Pedreira, Macarena Mauer, Julián Ezequiel Lorenzi, Eduardo Augusto Penon, Agustina Darget, Mariela Borgnia, Verónica Victoria Bénitez, Cecilia A Gozzi
First record of Gaillardia cabrerae (Asteraceae) for Río Negro province, Argentina: new conservation challenges
The presence of Gaillardia cabrerae Covas (Asteraceae) is documented for the first time in the province of Río Negro, in the North of Argentine Patagonia. This finding is significant considering that, so far, this species was considered endemic to La Pampa, with few records in scattered populations throughout the province. After discoveries of the species' presence in ravines along the Colorado River in La Pampa territory, new surveys have located population nucleus within the Río Negro jurisdiction. These sites correspond to rocky outcrops of low high located at the height of Loma de Tomassen, very close to those already recognized for the Choique Mahuida Mountains on La Pampa side. Given that for a long time G. cabrerae was considered an exclusively endemic species of Lihué Calel National Park, these new findings in unprotected areas imply considerations regarding its conservation. In particular, the construction of a dam at the site could lead to the loss of the only known population in Río Negro due to potential flooding.
Copyright (c) 2026 Laura Beinticinco, Dr. Maximiliano Galmes
Differential sensitivity of durum wheat, barley and oat to pyroxasulfone
Durum wheat, barley, and oats are regionally important crops in Argentina, and unlike major cereals, few herbicides are registered for weed control, particularly for grass species. The objective of this study was to determine whether interspecific variation in sensitivity to the herbicide pyroxasulfone exists among durum wheat, barley, and oats. Herbicide response was evaluated through plumule growth assays in Petri dishes, pot experiments in a growth chamber, and field trials. A total of 15 durum wheat varieties, 11 barley varieties, and 11 oat varieties were assessed under different pyroxasulfone doses. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymatic activity was quantified as a detoxification mechanism potentially involved in differential sensitivity. Across all experimental approaches, oats consistently showed the greatest sensitivity to herbicide, exhibiting significantly lower relative growth than the other two cereals. In most experiments, barley was less sensitive to pyroxasulfone than durum wheat. GST activity results indicated that greater herbicide sensitivity was associated with higher enzymatic activity rates. Under field conditions, rainfall was a key factor influencing crop response to pyroxasulfone; across the wide germplasm evaluated, the findings highlight the need to consider multiple variables for the safe and effective use of pyroxasulfone in agricultural systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Geraldine Garrahan, Francisco J. Di Pane, Marcos E. Yanniccari
One hundred and thirty years of inoculation of legumes with rhizobia: how are we doing and how do we continue?
The RIZOBIOS-2025 Seminar-Workshop, titled 'One hundred thirty years of legume inoculation with rhizobia: Where are we now and how do we proceed?', was held virtually on June 18 and 19, 2025. The event was organized by the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA), the National University of La Pampa (UNLPam), and the National University of Rosario (UNR). It gathered over 500 participants (registered) from 23 Argentine provinces and several countries in Latin America and Spain. On the first day, the history and current state of legume inoculation—such as soybean, vetch, peanut, and alfalfa—in Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil were explored. The program also focused on inoculant evaluation, addressing methodologies for microbiological quality control, biological activity, and agronomic validation. The second day concentrated on technical aspects, such as the counting of viable rhizobia in inoculants and the current MERCOSUR regulations for their registration and commercialization. The closing session presented a market analysis and production technologies in the region. A survey of the registrants revealed a heterogeneous adoption of this technology, with a generally very positive perception, highlighting benefits such as cost reduction, improved fertilizer use efficiency, and being an essential tool for climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, the need for further training in inoculation techniques and a greater focus on the quality control of inoculants was identified. RIZOBIOS-2025 marked a turning point towards the future of inoculants, outlining opportunities to consolidate the practice of inoculation as an effective tool for modern, productive, and environmentally responsible agriculture.
Copyright (c) 2025 Carlos Fabián Piccinetti, Alejandro Oscar Rossi, Marta Bortolato, María Eugenia Gallace, Alejandro Perticari
Census of urban trees of the Santa Maria of the Pampas neighbourhood, Santa Rosa, La Pampa, Argentina
Urban trees contribute significantly to achieving SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities. Therefore, it is important to further identify opportunities to strengthen the planning and management of urban green areas. To contribute to this goal, this study aimed to survey and analyse the state of urban trees in the Santa María de las Pampas neighbourhood, inaugurated in 2007 in the city of Santa Rosa, La Pampa. The area is located in the Espinal phytogeographic province and has a dry subhumid climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Using the Locus-GIS application, the following data were collected: species, height, growth site, condition, defects and previous management of the urban trees in the neighbourhood’s 29 city blocks. The data obtained were processed with GGIS program. A total of 1,282 potential tree-sites were identified, 438 without trees (34.2 %); the remaining 844 specimens were occupied mainly by exotic species, with a marked predominance of ash trees (57.3 % of the total), followed by privet (11.3 %), boxelder (5.2 %), and chinaberry (5.2 %). The height distribution reflected a young tree structure (0–5 m: 54.5 %; 5–10 m: 45.5 %); The majority of the trees exhibited characteristics of a soil-based growth site (64.0 %) and were in good condition (86.8 %), although 6.8 % showed signs of poor pruning. 98.1 % were without defects. The results showed a young tree population with low species richness and overuse of ash trees, highlighting the need to increase the number of trees and diversify the species used. Regarding management, it is essential that pruning practices be carried out by trained/authorized personnel and that any urban related damage to the trees be avoided.
Copyright (c) 2026 Milton Ruiz Espindola, Ignacio Sebastián Díaz, Marcos Germán Murcia, Valeria Eugenia Caramuti
Use of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy for studying adsorbed species and their interaction with adsorbent surfaces
Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) is a fast, sensitive, versatile, and non-destructive technique capable of an in situ evaluation of the adsorption of ions and molecules at the liquid-solid interface. This technique allows for studies in aqueous media, a task impossible with conventional FTIR due to interferences caused by water signals. The molecular information acquired by this technique allows the determination of the adsorption mode, including, in some cases, conformational and structural changes of the adsorbed substance. Furthermore, under properly controlled conditions, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy can be used as a quantitative tool to evaluate adsorption and desorption kinetics, and adsorption under equilibrium conditions. In this work, as an example, the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy is used to study the adsorption-desorption kinetics of different anions on goethite. The kinetics were monitored in situ with precise control of pH, temperature, and adsorbate concentration throughout the experiment using a flow cell. The results obtained are comparable with those obtained by the batch technique, with the advantage of being a faster technique, allowing information to be obtained in the first minutes of reaction and monitoring the identity of the surface species throughout the reaction time.
Copyright (c) 2025 Mariana Gentile, Carina Luengo, Marcelo Avena
Comparative analysis of Chloris gayana and Urochloa ruziziensis and their intercropping potential in the Semi-arid Chaco
Implanted pastures in the Semi-Arid Chaco are mainly composed of species with C4 carbon metabolism, whose growth occurs seasonally in the form of pulses, understood as patterns of growth and development associated with cyclical environmental fluctuations. In these systems, vegetation exhibits periods of accelerated growth under favorable conditions, mainly related to water availability and temperature, followed by a marked reduction or interruption of growth during unfavorable periods. Consequently, forage production decreases significantly in early summer and during autumn due to water deficit, low temperatures, frost events, and limited precipitation, resulting in a critical period of forage availability from late winter to early spring. Pastoral livestock systems in the region rely predominantly on monocultures of Megathyrsus maximus cv. Gatton Panic, which increases system vulnerability to environmental variability. In this context, diversification through the incorporation of species with different productive and management attributes could contribute to stabilizing forage supply and reducing production risks. This review systematizes available information on the morphology, edaphoclimatic requirements, management, productivity, and forage quality of Chloris gayana Kunth (Rhodes grass) and Urochloa ruziziensis (ruzigrass, Congo grass; sin. Brachiaria ruziziensis), with a comparative approach to analyze their potential for intercropping. Finally, the need to advance experimental trials to evaluate productivity, forage quality, and interspecific competition of these species at different proportions is highlighted.
Copyright (c) 2026 Carla Ivana Farfán Martinez, Gabriela Marcela Martinez
Adaptive Grazing Management as a Strategy to Optimize Grassland Health in Southwestern Buenos Aires
This study evaluates the impact of Adaptive Management (MA) compared to Conventional Management (MC) on natural grasslands in Southwestern Buenos Aires, key ecosystems currently facing degradation risks due to overgrazing and woody plant encroachment. The research focused on measuring the Rangeland Health Index (RHI), a tool that synthesizes 15 field indicators to assess four fundamental ecosystem processes: the water cycle, mineral cycling, energy flow, and community dynamics. The trial was conducted at the Patagones Experimental Farm under a semi-arid climate. Two systems were compared: MC, characterized by continuous grazing with a fixed stocking rate (12 ha/AU), and MA, a management strategy based on biomimicry that utilizes high instantaneous stocking rates with planned rest periods to allow for vegetation recovery. At the beginning of the study in autumn 2021, no significant differences were recorded between the sites. However, after four years of implementation (2024), the MA treatment showed a substantial and statistically significant improvement in the RHI (p < 0.0001). Upon disaggregating the processes, MA had a positive impact on community dynamics, evidenced by greater vigor and presence of desirable perennial grasses and legumes, and on mineral cycling, through improved incorporation of litter and nutrients (manure/urine) into the soil. The energy flow and water cycle processes have not yet shown significant changes, suggesting that these indicators require longer periods to reflect improvements in arid environments. Adaptive Management is presented as an effective strategy to improve rangeland health and biodiversity, as by mimicking natural grazing patterns it enhances environmental sustainability and ecosystem resilience compared to continuous grazing.
Copyright (c) 2025 Julián Repupilli, Guadalupe Peter, Juan Manuel Zeberio
Interventions in the Pampas calden forest: regeneration of plant communities after disturbance
Shrub encroachment in the Caldenal forests of central Argentina reduces forage productivity, biodiversity, and system accessibility, leading to closed physiognomies locally known as “fachinales.” To counteract this process, different management practices have been implemented, though their effects vary depending on disturbance intensity and time since intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mechanical treatments and prescribed burning on the structure and composition of a Calden (Neltuma caldenia) forest in La Pampa, Argentina. Seven treatments were established: control (T), burning (Q), roller-chopping (R), roller-chopping+burning (R+Q), shredding (Tr), roller-chopping+shredding (R+Tr), and bulldozing (Tp). Vegetation surveys were conducted in 2022 using 84 plots. Species richness, diversity, evenness, vegetation strata, litter, bare soil, exotic and forage species were recorded. ANOVA and multivariate analyses (cluster and SIMPER) were applied. Richness was highest in T, but evenness increased under Tp and R+Tr. Bulldozing produced the greatest canopy opening and favored forage grasses, while R and Q maintained closed communities dominated by non-forage species. Exotic species cover increased under Tp and at community edges. Multivariate analyses confirmed the disturbance-intensity gradient and identified diagnostic species, such as N. caldenia in closed stands and Poa ligularis and Piptochaetium napostaense in more open areas. Results indicate that intense interventions are necessary to initiate restoration but require follow-up management and adaptive strategies. Combining practices, adjusted to degradation state and management goals, emerges as the most suitable approach to recover the ecological and productive functionality of the Caldenal forest.
Copyright (c) 2025 Carla Etel Suárez, María Sol Rossini, Florencia Codesal, Emiliano Ramírez
Environmental sciences and knowledge construction within current challenges
The socio-environmental crises of the 21st century reveal the limits of a scientific tradition that maintains the separation between nature and society. This dichotomy, inherited from modern thought, has fragmented knowledge production and hindered the understanding of environmental processes in their complexity. In this context, Environmental Sciences cannot be reduced to the sum of disciplines or to impact assessment techniques, but must affirm themselves as an autonomous field of knowledge. The central task is to rethink how knowledge is produced, moving beyond the supposed neutrality of “normal” science and recognizing the plurality of knowledges and values that traverse environmental conflicts. In this way, the environmental field becomes a critical space for reflection and action, where the interdependence of the social and the ecological demands specific frameworks. In conclusion, the challenge is to consolidate an environmental epistemology capable of transcending modern logics, affirming the autonomy of the field, and contributing to sustainable and habitable futures for communities and territories.
Copyright (c) 2025 Patricio José Solimano, Catalina Guidi, Fiorella Buglione Rodriguez, Ariana Caren Lang
Digitization and Systematization of Historical Soil Information for the Lower Río Negro Valley
In the Lower Río Negro Valley (VIRN), during the 1960s, soil surveys were carried out that made it possible to characterize and group soils according to similarities in their components (texture, drainage, parent material, geomorphology, among others), taking into account the different profile horizons. These surveys resulted in the delineation of 15 soil mapping units of the soil-association type, represented in printed maps at a scale of 1:75,000, which are locally referred to as “soil series”. This information provided the technical basis for irrigation planning by the Lower Valley Development Institute (IDEVI). However, current access to these materials is limited due to their physical format and the partial loss of some original documents. In this context, the aim of this work was to digitize, georeference, and integrate the historical soil maps from IDEVI and their extension towards the coastal area into a unified Geographic Information System (GIS), covering a total area of 42,071 ha, using the open-source software QGIS. The main outputs include raster and vector products; unified soil maps, zoning based on soil attributes within the GIS environment, the recovery of previously lost information, and the reworking of the historical cartography for its visualization al scales of 1:120,000 (irrigated valley) and 1:200,000 (integrated valley-coast area), with cartographic layouts of adecuate readability and scalability. These products not only preserve a valuable technical legacy, but also provide updated tools to support research, outreach, and sustainable land management decisions in the region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Paula Sylvester, Evelyn María Neffen, Julia Lucia Bazzani
Teachers facing climate change: perceptions, approach and pedagogical tools in educational institutions in the Commune of Freire, Araucanía Region, Chile
Currently, climate change is one of the most pressing global environmental challenges. Teacher training and its subsequent incorporation into all levels of education are essential for fostering environmental awareness. Effectively integrating climate change education into the curriculum raises awareness, encourages the engagement of future generations, and promotes actions for mitigation, adaptation, and climate resilience. The study analyzes the perceptions, approaches, and pedagogical tools used by rural and urban teachers regarding the issue of climate change. Through a survey, the research explores teachers’ level of knowledge, the integration of climate change topics into the school curriculum, and the pedagogical strategies applied in different educational settings. The results indicate that teachers acknowledge the existence and consequences of climate change and recognize that their students show interest in the topic. However, there is a significant gap between teacher training in environmental education and the availability of resources, which hinders the promotion of effective environmental awareness among students. Both rural and urban teachers agree that the media and social networks are their primary sources of information on climate change, raising concerns about the reliability of these digital sources. Additionally, theoretical and practical activities related to climate change are limited, highlighting the low compliance with the Learning Objectives (LO) established in the National Curriculum. For this reason, it is imperative to strengthen education on climate change in the teaching staff and to have greater pedagogical tools, which will allow teaching to be enhanced and contribute to sustainability and environmental protection.
Copyright (c) 2025 Angelina Lidia Illescas , Silvina Desirée Pezzullo, Claudia Noelia Bohn
Perceptions of producers in the southwest of Buenos Aires around the cultivation of safflower
The South West of Buenos Aires (SWBA) region has climatic and soil variability that differentiates it from the rest of the province of Buenos Aires. The SWBA is part of the semi-arid, arid, and sub-humid-dry region of the country and differs from the rest of the province in terms of its primary productive potential and limitations. Wheat production is the most important activity in the area. It is a winter crop deeply rooted among producers from a cultural perspective (on the supply side) and due to consumption habits (on the demand side). Depending on market prices and weather conditions, it usually yields low profitability. Drought is one of the factors that has been affecting productivity. The objective of this study is, first, to investigate producers' perceptions regarding safflower cultivation. For this, a workshop is held, a tool framed within the Participatory Rural Diagnosis (PRD) methodology. Safflower, due to its characteristics in terms of soil requirements, growing season, among others, competes with wheat. Furthermore, it is drought-resistant and has flour and oilseed properties. According to recent agronomic studies, it can adapt very well to the agroecological conditions of the SWBA, allowing the diversification of the regional production matrix. Secondly, the aim is to explore the crop's potential for incorporation into the oil industry. In this case, an interview is carried out with a key representative of the region.
Copyright (c) 2025 Gabriela Cristiano, Carolina Tarayre, Emilia Estrada, Micaela Ramírez, Kathia Michalczewsky
Functional groups of soil macrofauna under maize (Zea mays L.) residue management practices maintained over consecutive years in the Lower Negro River Valley, Northern Patagonia, Argentina
This study evaluated the abundance of soil macrofauna by functional groups under different maize (Zea mays L.) residue management practices (buried, burned, and no-tillage) during 2018 and 2020 in the Lower Negro River Valley, Argentina. Macrofauna (>2 mm) was extracted using soil monoliths from plots with three treatments and replicates per year. Organisms were classified as ecosystem engineers, detritivores, herbivores, and predators. Additionally, soil variables such as moisture, bulk density, pH, electrical conductivity, and organic matter fractions were measured. A total of 869 individuals were collected, distributed across 24 families and 10 orders. Ecosystem engineers were the most abundant group, followed by detritivore-herbivores and predators. The no-tillage treatment showed greater total abundance compared to other treatments. However, when considering interactions among functional groups, management, and year, engineers and predators exhibited lower abundance under no-tillage, though engineers significantly increased their abundance in this treatment between 2018 and 2020. Earthworms (Crassiclitellata) and isopods (Isopoda) were the most representative taxa. Soil pH negatively affected engineers, while electrical conductivity was positively associated with detritivores. After three consecutive cycles under these management practices, macrofauna abundance was not favored, and burned residue proved particularly detrimental. The proportions of functional groups and their temporal variation reflect the degree of soil disturbance and the availability and quality of trophic resources. In this context, no-till appears to be the management option with the least impact on soil macrofauna abundance.
Copyright (c) 2025 Marina Quiroga, Julia Lucia Bazzani, Joaquín Elizondo, Lucio Reinoso, Ana Ernestina Salazar Martínez, Roberto Simón Martínez
Native species germplasm banks and their role in ecological restoration: approaches and conclusions from the 1st International Symposium on Restoration Practices
In November 2023, a workshop was held in Neuquén (Argentina) during the I International Symposium on Ecological Restoration Practices and the III National Ecological Restoration Meeting. The objective was to discuss the role of germplasm banks in ecological restoration. The experience, organized by the Argentine Network of Germplasm Banks of Native Plants (Red ARGENA), consisted of an interactive activity where the following questions were discussed: What do germplasm banks contribute to ecological restoration? Why conserve native species? What challenges or limitations do you face in the conservation of seeds for ecological restoration, and what strategies do you have to address them? The workshop included the participation of various social actors (nursery growers, students, researchers, and professionals/restorers). The analysis of the responses to the first question using a "word cloud" highlighted terms such as seeds and species (with 14 mentions), conservation (12), knowledge (10), genetics and restoration (9), among others. The reasons for conserving native species were grouped into five categories: they provide ecosystem services, prevent ecosystem degradation, avoid information loss, have use value, and adapt to different climatic and environmental conditions. The main challenges raised were the lack of material (native seeds) in quantity and quality, and the absence of knowledge or standardized protocols in the process. From the development and analysis of this workshop, we conclude that: a) ecological restoration is a cross-cutting issue in different fields, disciplines, and interests, b) germplasm banks are crucial for providing native species seeds, conserving genetic diversity, and generating knowledge necessary for restoration, and c) inter-institutional collaboration is a valuable tool to address the difficulties in the conservation of native species. This work highlights the importance of improving the technical and infrastructural capacity of seed banks and strengthening inter-institutional ties to meet the growing demand for seeds for ecological restoration.
Copyright (c) 2025 Selva Yanet Cuppari, María Emilia Rodriguez Araujo, Amalia Valeria Ibañez Moro
Ecology as a way of addressing proximity urban-environmental conflicts
In recent decades, with the increase in environmental pollution, the scarcity of natural resources, the problems associated with the climate crisis, and the consequences of these phenomena on societies, concern for environmental issues has become more prominent on the public agenda both in Argentina and internationally. Within this framework, Political Ecology is an intellectual field associated with Environmental Justice movements that understands environmental degradation as a political problem and considers environmental problems to be linked to poverty and the marginalization of certain social sectors. The objective of this review is to develop the potential of Political Ecology, and particularly its proximity dimension, as a perspective for studying urban-environmental conflicts in Latin American cities. This work is theoretical, the methodology employed is descriptive and qualitative, and the research is guided by a bibliographic and documentary review of existing secondary sources on concepts linked to Political Ecology from its emergence in the 1960s and 1970s to the present. The results obtained, based on the theoretical review taking the case of the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires to exemplify the concepts developed and the conclusions arrived at, are mainly associated with the understanding of Political Ecology as a current that not only has global scope, but also allows the study of concrete urban-environmental conflicts, at a local scale, making it possible to understand reality and the links between societies and nature in their complexity and multiple dimensions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Agustina Brun Tropiano
Anthropogenic effects on water quality in the lower course of the Chubut River: preliminary results
Chubut River crosses the same name province, from its mountain range to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. Along its course, it runs across unpopulated areas until it reaches Embalse Ameghino, where its flow gets regulated and from where the Lower Valley of the Chubut River (VIRCh) develops. In this region, the river is channeled to supply the irrigation system that operates from October to March and serves as the main source of drinking water. Productive activities such as livestock farming and agriculture take place along the riverbanks. Given the multiple uses and services this common good provides to communities and considering future projections of reduced flow due to climate change, this study aims to implement a monitoring program to control river water quality. The program involves systematic sampling and seasonal assessment of physical, chemical, and biological parameters over two years. Subsequently, temporal and spatial differences are to be assessed using non-parametric statistics, and data structure and potential groupings are to be explored and synthesized through multivariate analysis techniques (Principal Component Analysis followed by non-hierarchical cluster analysis). Preliminary results show temporal differences in most of the parameters measured, indicating an impact of the irrigation system on river water quality. Additionally, three groups are identified: one corresponding to winter and two to spring, associated with sites from two spatially separated sections linked to different riverbank activities. Present findings reflect the influence of the irrigation system on water quality and of productive and urban activities along the river margins.
Copyright (c) 2025 Maite Lucía Domínguez, María Valeria Fiorda Giordanino, Leila Palloni, María Florencia Torres, Alejandro Andrés Maldonado, Federico Daniel Apollonia
Néstor Pedro Stritzler (1954-2024) In memorian
First survey of the floral visitors at Cerro de la Caballada (Carmen de Patagones, Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Cerro de la Caballada is a formation associated with the bluffs that follow the Negro River in Carmen de Patagones (Buenos Aires). Reaching 45 m at its highest point, it is a national historical monument and a sacred site for the people who preexisted the Argentine State. The formation covers 12 ha of the Monte-Espinal ecoregions and includes some species characteristic of the bluffs, although in recent years, urban growth has modified its connection with other Monte patches. Our objective was to characterize the richness of floral visitors of native plants at Cerro de la Caballada, in order to assess its potential value as a refuge for pollinators. Bimonthly visits were made between spring 2023 and summer 2024, recording the floral visitors observed on native plants. A total of 52 arthropod species belonging to the orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Lepidoptera, Mantodea, and Araneae orders were identified. The order with the greatest species richness was Hymenoptera, followed by Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. Of the total recorded, two exotic species and several members of families with important roles as pollinators, biological controllers, and seed dispersers were identified. These preliminary results represent the first survey of the richness of floral visitors in the Monte of Patagones. By conducting this survey in a peri-urban relict, we expect to gather information for promoting restoration and conservation efforts at the site, as it could represent an important reservoir of biodiversity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cintia Leder, Ezequiel Nuñez Bustos, Pablo Damián Lavinia Oblanca, Guadalupe Peter
The tritrophic system of the ambrosia gall of Neolasioptera tridentifera (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on Heliotropium curassavicum (Boraginales: Heliotropiaceae): fungal, inducer and gall aspects
The cecidomyiid dipteran Neolasioptera tridentifera Kieffer & Jörgensen (Cecidomyiinae: Alycaulini) develops galls on the stems of heliotrope Heliotropium curassavicum L. (Boraginales: Heliotropiaceae). In field inspections, fungal mycelium was found together with the inducer inside the larval chamber of the galls. In this work, the morphological aspects of mature gall, the inducer's life strategy, and a first approach to the identification of mycelium are examined. The study was conducted on galls collected in Laguna Don Tomás, Santa Rosa, La Pampa. The anatomy of the gall was examined using microscopic preparations. In each season of the year, field inspections of the plants were carried out and gall dissections were carried out to investigate the life strategy. The study of the fungal mycelium was performed on samples extracted from the interior of the gall. The stem gall is fusiform and globoid, generally unilarval; the tunnel-like larval chamber develops in the parenchymal medulla, and the wall of the chamber is lined with fungal mycelium. The most abundant fungus obtained is a species of the genus Botryosphaeria (Dothideomycetes: Ascomycota). In the study area, the aerial parts of heliotrope plants die with frost and the galls remain attached to the plant, above the soil surface and half-buried, with third-instar larva inside. According to this, the inducer’s life strategy is type IB. In this work, it is reported for the first time that Neolasioptera tridentifera induces an ambrosia gall on Heliotropium curassavicum, and the presence of an associated fungal community is recorded, with a species of the genus Botryosphaeria being the most frequent.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bárbara Mariana Corró Molas, Laura Gabriela Cornejo, Juan José Martínez , Patricia Débora Mc Cargo, Esteban Ceriani-Nakamurakare
Ecological Health Index (EHI) assessment in the Monte-Espinal transition of southwestern Buenos Aires province
Drylands are essential for human development in various regions around the world. The Southwestern region of Buenos Aires Province is a semi-arid area affected by significant landscape transformations. This study evaluated the ecological sustainability of livestock farms in the southwest of Buenos Aires Province. The main objective was to adapt the Ecological Health Index (EHI) to local conditions and apply it to assess the ecological sustainability of livestock operations with different management histories. Eight plots were selected, each with distinct land-use histories plowing, burning, and no recent intervention under either adaptive or conventional management. A matrix of indicators, tailored to local conditions, was used. Three 10-meter transects were established at each site, spaced 40 meters apart. Along each transect, five 0.50 m x 0.50 m quadrats were set, within which all indicators were surveyed. The indicator “biological soil crust presence” was included due to its importance in nutrient cycling and water retention. Results showed that sites under adaptive management with no recent intervention had high EHI scores (47 and 39). In contrast, recently plowed or burned sites had lower index values (31 and 39), although some improvement was observed over time since disturbance. In conclusion, the EHI proved to be an effective, low-cost, and easy-to-apply tool for monitoring the ecological health of grasslands in semi-arid zones. Sites under adaptive management demonstrated greater resilience and ecological stability. Implementing this index may guide sustainable management practices, promoting a balance between livestock production and the provision of ecosystem services.
Copyright (c) 2025 Delfina Arancio Sidoti, Guadalupe Peter, Juan Manuel Zeberio
Study and monitoring of the anaerobic digestion process in batch regime of Arundo donax L., including scale-up evaluation
The utilization of perennial energy crops such as Arundo donax L., with high productivity and low input requirements, has attracted interest as a sustainable alternative for bioenergy generation. In this context, the treatment of biomass through anaerobic digestion has increased, driven by the assessment of the main benefits associated with this technology as an effective strategy for converting organic matter into energy in the form of biogas. This study evaluated the anaerobic digestion of Arundo donax L. in a temperature-controlled batch reactor with a working volume of 7 L, operated under mesophilic conditions and using sludge from a wastewater treatment plant as inoculum. The process was assessed by monitoring physicochemical parameters in the reactor and quantifying biomethane production. In parallel, a standardized assay was performed to determine the Biomethane Potential (BMP) of the biomass. The results showed a BMP of 220.07 ± 2.7 mL CH₄ g VS-1, while the specific biomethane production in the batch reactor reached 131.60 mL CH₄ g VS-1, representing a 40 % reduction attributable to process scaling. This discrepancy may be associated with factors such as mixing efficiency, mass transfer limitations, or the actual biodegradability of the biomass under operational conditions. The monitored physicochemical parameters confirmed the stability of the process, indicating that the system operated under controlled conditions without signs of inhibition.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jorgelina Mussi, Alejandra Marisa Manzur, Javier Alejandro Grosso, Laura Lázaro, Veronica Elizabeth Córdoba
Prescribed burning and ecological recovery in shrublands of a protected area in La Pampa, Argentina
This study evaluated the effects of prescribed burning as a fire management tool in the shrublands of a protected area in Argentina. The aim was to evaluate the structural, compositional, and functional responses of a Larrea divaricata shrubland during the two years following a prescribed burn, identifying the recovery trajectories and their implications for adaptive management. The prescribed fire was implemented in September 2022 across 408 ha dominated by Larrea divaricata shrublands. Vegetation surveys were carried out before and after the burn (up to 24 months), assessing structure, total and stratified species cover, litter, bare soil, and dead fuel, as well as live/dead shrub density, fine fuel availability, soil seed bank, and soil properties. Three transect belts with fixed sampling stations were established, and statistical analyses included ANOVA, PCA, PerMANOVA, and SIMPER. Significant differences were found only in litter cover and in the 1–2 m vegetation stratum. In all treatments, the highest vegetation cover was consistently concentrated between 20 and 50 cm in height. The dissimilarity in species composition was observed between PreQ and PostQ 24-month treatments. On average, 88 % of shrubs were alive or resprouting following the burn. Two years after the fire, fine fuel load returned to levels close to those observed initially. No significant changes were detected in seedling density or in most soil properties. Maximum temperatures recorded beneath shrubs ranged from 316 to 427 °C, while minimum temperatures in open grassland areas ranged from 121 to 143 °C. This first controlled burn proved effective in reducing fine fuels and promoting vegetation renewal, marking a step forward toward adaptive fire management. Its application in other semi-arid regions will require local ecological characterization, long-term monitoring, and an integrative, evidence-based institutional approach.
Copyright (c) 2025 Carla Etel Suárez, María Sol Rossini
The Benito Quinquela Martin Native Flora Park
Urban green spaces provide important contributions to sustainability. In Argentina, exotic plants have traditionally been used for landscaping, to the detriment of native species. The Neighborhood Commission of Irala and Adyacencias was created in 1999 and formalized in 2002 as a non-profit Civil Association, aiming to improve the quality of life in the City of Buenos Aires, propose neighborhood improvement projects, and promote citizen participation, with all initiatives collective incidence. In the neighborhood of La Boca, there was a large railway property that was gradually assigned to different uses. In 2000, the Commission requested its conversion into green spaces, based on the need for permeable surfaces, forested areas, public spaces, and greater urban connectivity. When a real estate project was announced for the site, the Commission turned to the City Ombudsman's Office and decided to submit a Popular Initiative bill. The proposal established that the park should consist of native species to restore the original vegetation. A total of 17,271 signatures were collected, and in 2003, an agreement was signed between the National and City governments to allocate the land for public and community use. After learning about the Participatory Landscape Diagnosis Program, the Commission chose to manage the project using this approach. In 2004, the law for rezoning the land was passed. In 2006, the park was inaugurated, becoming the first Public Park in La Boca, the first in the city composed of native flora, and designed through a participatory process. This achievement later inspired the creation of other native flora parks in the city, enhancing biodiversity and promoting citizen involvement in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable city.
Copyright (c) 2025 Silvana Fica Canziani, Pablo E. Asaroff, Beatriz Giri