Agroecological transition in wetland livestock systems in Argentina: effects on grasslands and soil physicochemical properties

Abstract

Wetlands provide a wide range of essential ecosystem goodsand services for humanity. However, various anthropogenicactivities, including overgrazing, have degraded these ecosystems,threatening their integrity. Consequently, it is crucialto develop sustainable strategies to ensure their longtermconservation. In this context, agroecology, asa framework guiding agroecological transition, offersa viable alternative, providing strategies and tools for thesustainable management of productive systems. This studyevaluates the association between agroecological transitionstages and two key components within extensive livestocksystems in minimally disturbed wetlands of centralArgentina: (1) grassland plant attributes and (2) soil physicochemicalproperties. Nine ranches were evaluated, representinga different stage of agroecological transition: nonagroecologicalranches (NAR), transitional ranches (TR), and advanced agroecological ranches (AAR). The findings revealthat AAR exhibited greater forage species richness, greaterperennial and legume cover, and a lower proportion of baresoil. Regarding soil characteristics, AAR showed lower Bd,higher N tot, NH4+, NO3−, and P ex. compared to NAR.Overall, the results underscore the potential of agroecologicalapproaches to improve both vegetation structure andsoil health, contributing to the ecological sustainability andresilience of wetland-based livestock systems under ongoingenvironmental pressures.