Pattern of distribution of vegetation and functionality of the ecosystem after a soil conservation action

Abstract

This work analyzes whether the soil conservation and reforestation actions carried out three years ago in the study area are reflected in a better functionality of the landscape. The functionality of the landscape will be evaluated partially using the method known as Landscape Function Analysis (LFA) under the precept that a landscape is functional when it is able to retain its resources (soil, water, nutrients) regardless of internal redistributions. The “Las Barretas” ejido, where this research was carried out, is located 12 km east of the city of Linares, Nuevo León. One hundred and thirty transects were established to obtain the percentage of total coverage and relative frequency of each type of coverage. Likewise, the attributes that contribute to interrupting, diverting or absorbing surface runoff and transported materials were evaluated. To achieve this, the length and width of the vegetated patches and the length of the interpatches without vegetation were measured. More bare soil (61%) and more rock presence (27%) were recorded in the control area than in the area with soil conservation works. Herbaceous and pasture covers were slightly higher in the area with conservation actions than in the control. The average length and width of the patches are significantly greater in the control area, however the average length of the interpatches is also greater, which means a greater surface of bare soil exposed to risk of erosion. The area with soil conservation actions has smaller but more continuous patches, the foregoing is evidenced by the higher Bare Soil Index that resulted in the area without conservation works. The coverage at ground level (herbaceous, litter, pasture) seems to be increasing in the areas where soil conservation actions were carried out.