RESTORATION PROCESS OF AN EXTREMELY DEGRADED PARAMO AREA IN THE ANTISANA WATER CONSERVATION AREA, ECUADOR

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Authors:
Yandri Jumbo, Torres Sergio, Silvia Salgado

Publication Date:
2021

Abstract/Summary:
The Antisana Water Conservation Area is located near the Antisana volcano, to the East of Quito (capital of Ecuador), it presents several levels of degradation due to overgrazing for more than 200 years. Specifically, in the Jatunhuaycu microcatchment, there are areas recognized as “arenales” in view of limited soil cover by vegetation. After grazing was banned several years ago, the proposal of long-term recovery is framed in restoring soil organic matter content, currently at around 6%, towards regular levels for andosols in the area, which is 24 %. This will allow the regeneration of other species of flora, biomass, necromass and therefore a better water regulation. In 2014, native species such as Chuquiragua (Chuquiraga sp.), Jata (Diplostephium sp.), Paja (Calamagrostis sp.) and Yagual (Polylepis incana Kunth) were planted with a “cell” type planting system. In 2015, Lupinus pubescens Benth was sown in a random system over an experimental area of five hectares. Success rates of native species planted and the growth of Lupinus pubescens seeds were evaluated. Success of planted native species was rather limited, but good growth dynamic of the plants germinated from Lupinus pubescens was observed. Later, the influence of the “microhabitat” generated by Lupinus pubescens plants on the natural regeneration of other herbaceous species was evaluated through a study of floristic diversity inside and outside the canopy of Lupinus pubescens plants. Floristic diversity within the canopy is higher in contrast to the other control points, proving that the Lupinus are giving shelter and promoting regrowth of other species.

Resource Type:
Conference Presentation, SER2021

Pre-approved for CECs under SER's CERP program

Source:
SER2021