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Restoration of Rangelands Invaded by Amelichloa clandestina (Hack.) Arriaga & Barkworth after 12 Years of Agriculture Abandonment (Coahuila, Mexico)

Author

Listed:
  • José R. Arévalo

    (Department of Botany, Ecology and Plant Physiology, University of La Laguna, 38206 La Laguna, Spain)

  • Juan A. Encina-Domínguez

    (Departament of Natural Resources, Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico)

  • Sait Juanes-Márquez

    (Departament of Natural Resources, Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico)

  • Perpetuo Álvarez-Vázquez

    (Departament of Natural Resources, Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico)

  • Juan A. Nuñez-Colima

    (Departament of Natural Resources, Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico)

  • Miguel Mellado

    (Department of Animal Nutrition, Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Saltillo 25315, Mexico)

Abstract

Abandonment of agricultural land is currently one of the main land use changes in developed countries. This change has an impact at the economic level and from the point of view of conservation. Therefore, recovering these areas after abandonment is, in many cases, necessary for ecological restoration, especially as they can be invaded by exotic or dominant species, preventing recovery of the original plant species community. The objective of this study is to examine changes in plant species richness and composition after the application of different treatments to eliminate Amelichloa clandestina, a species that dominates pastures abandoned 12 years ago in an area located in northern Mexico. The area is a semi-desert grassland dominated by buffalo grass Bouteloua dactyloides . We used different eradication techniques such as burning, herbicides, and clipping. Although the treatments had significant effects on species richness and composition and resulted in a relative reduction of the target species, the abundance of Amelichloa clandestina was still substantial. Burning is effective, favoring the increase of species richness and provoking a lower presence of A. clandestine but with a dominance of annuals. The most important impact on the total cover of A. clandestina is shown by the herbicide treatment. However, monitoring of these areas will still be required to consider the long-term impact and success of treatments.

Suggested Citation

  • José R. Arévalo & Juan A. Encina-Domínguez & Sait Juanes-Márquez & Perpetuo Álvarez-Vázquez & Juan A. Nuñez-Colima & Miguel Mellado, 2021. "Restoration of Rangelands Invaded by Amelichloa clandestina (Hack.) Arriaga & Barkworth after 12 Years of Agriculture Abandonment (Coahuila, Mexico)," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:11:y:2021:i:9:p:886-:d:636084
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Carol Palmer & Sue Colledge & Andrew Bevan & James Conolly, 2010. "Vegetation recolonisation of abandoned agricultural terraces on Antikythera, Greece," Environmental Archaeology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(1), pages 64-80, April.
    2. Miguel Mellado & Juan A. Encina-Domínguez & José E. García & Eduardo Estrada-Castillón & José R. Arévalo, 2021. "Vegetation Response to Removal of Plant Groups and Grass Seeding in a Microphyllous Desert Shrubland: A 4-Year Field Experiment," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-13, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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