Opportunities, Limitations and Gaps in the Ecological Restoration of Drylands in Argentina
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Authors
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C A Busso
1Universidad Nacional del Sur, San Andrés 800, 8000 BahÃa Blanca, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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D R Perez
The National University of Comahue. CP 8300, Neuquén, Argentina
Abstract
This paper reviews the opportunity to ecologically restore, impaired drylandecosystems in Argentina. This is very important because they contribute to (1) control the
effects of desertification in the country, and (2) reverse the complex social consequences
of the degradation. Reported benefits and limitations, as well as gaps, in the ecological
restoration of drylands in Argentina, where more than 67% of continental lands are
arid and semi-arid territories are affected by abusive (and inadequate) utilization are
discussed. The selected restoration case studies on drylands in the country were grouped
into: (1) prescribed natural regeneration, and (2) assisted natural regeneration, partial
reconstruction and (3) complete restoration. Based on comparison of results from other
drylands of the world there may be possibilities of applying some practices to fill the
ecological gaps. Finally, there is an analysis of costs and benefits, monitoring procedures
and potential for application of useful new techniques as levels of intervention are
increased.
Key words: Branching, direct seeding, natural regeneration, plantation, topsoil.
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