Soil hydrology and vegetation as impacted by goat grazing in Vertisols and Regosols in semi-arid shrublands of northern Mexico
Nallely A. Carbajal-Morón A , Mario G. Manzano B D and Ricardo Mata-González C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico 64849.
B School of Engineering and Science, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Avenue. E. Garza Sada 2501 Sur, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico 64849.
C Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences. Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
D Corresponding author. Email: mario.manzano@itesm.mx
The Rangeland Journal 39(4) 363-373 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ17061
Submitted: 2 June 2017 Accepted: 26 August 2017 Published: 27 September 2017
Abstract
Shrubland ecosystems are less studied than grasslands regarding the role of domestic grazing on ecosystem degradation in the world, but particularly in Mexico. Of special concern is the paucity of research on soil hydrological responses to the impact of livestock. Here, we assessed the role that specific soil and surface characteristics play in soil hydrology as a response to goat grazing intensity in two different soil types, Regosol and Vertisol, in the Tamaulipan thornscrub of north-eastern Mexico. At each soil unit, a set of grazing regimes was identified, including heavy grazing (HG), moderate grazing (MG) and a no-grazing (NG) reference area, and selected soil properties and plant cover were evaluated. In Regosol sites, soil organic matter varied among all grazing regimes (4.6% higher on NG and 2.1% higher on MG with respect HG) and no dissimilarities on bulk density were recorded. For Vertisol sites, soil bulk density increased with grazing intensity (16% higher on MG and 37% higher on HG with respect to NG) whereas plant cover linearly decreased from 86% in NG to 29% in MG and 9% in HG sites. Soil organic matter content for Regosol, and plant cover and soil bulk density for Vertisol appeared as the best indicators of water infiltration and moisture retention for the grazing conditions assessed. Differences in those key driving variables may help explain surface hydrology responses to goat grazing in rangeland soils of Tamaulipan thornscrub ecosystems and possibly on similar rangelands around the world. Clear signs of vegetation degradation were also observed, manifested by a loss in species diversity and plant cover, especially under heavy grazing. This reflects unsustainable livestock management practices that should be avoided. This study contributes to improve our understanding of rangeland degradation processes and justifies devising more sustainable grazing management schemes.
Additional keywords: floristic analyses, grazing intensity, grazing management, grazing pressure, plant diversity.
References
Ball, D. F. (1964). Loss-on-ignition as an estimate of organic matter and organic carbon in non-calcareous soils. Journal of Soil Science 15, 84–92.| Loss-on-ignition as an estimate of organic matter and organic carbon in non-calcareous soils.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaF2cXkt1Whtrg%3D&md5=2cb89b9122bbc956f7059ae2252d6995CAS |
Beven, K. J., and Kirkby, M. J. (1979). A physically based, variable contributing area model of basin hydrology. Hydrological Sciences Bulletin 24, 43–69.
| A physically based, variable contributing area model of basin hydrology.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Brady, N. C., and Weil, R. R. (2014). ‘The Nature and Properties of Soils.’ 14th edn. (Pearson Education: USA.)
COTECOCA Comisión Técnico Consultiva para la Determinación Regional de los Coeficientes de Agostadero (1979). Tipos de vegetación, sitios de productividad forrajera y coeficientes de agostadero. Secretaria de Recursos Hidrálicos. Coahuila México.
Diamond, D. D., Riskind, D. H., and Orzell, S. L. (1987). A framework for plant community classification and conservation in Texas. The Texas Journal of Science 39, 202–221.
Domínguez Gómez, T. G., González Rodríguez, H., Ramírez Lozano, R. G., Estrada Castillón, A. E., Cantú Silva, I., Gómez Meza, M. V., Villarreal Quintanilla, J. Á., Alvarado, M. del S., and Alanís Flores, G. (2013). Diversidad estructural del matorral espinoso tamaulipeco durante las épocas seca y húmeda. Revista Mexicana de ciencias forestales 4, 106–122.
Dregne, H. (2002). Land degradation in the drylands. Arid Land Research and Management 16, 99–132.
| Land degradation in the drylands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Dunne, T., Western, D., and Dietrich, W. E. (2011). Effects of cattle trampling on vegetation, infiltration, and erosion in a tropical rangeland. Journal of Arid Environments 75, 58–69.
| Effects of cattle trampling on vegetation, infiltration, and erosion in a tropical rangeland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Echavarría-Chairez, FG, Iñiguez, L, Salinas-González, H, Flores-Najera, M de J, Aw-Hassan, A, Serna-Pérez, A, and Meza-Herrera, CA (2011). Towards a participatory research approach to improve goats production systems in semi-arid Mexico: Socioeconomic and ecological characterization. Revista Chapingo Ciencias Forestales Y Del Ambiente XVII, 131–146.
Echavarría-Chairez, F. G., Serna-Pérez, A., Flores-Najera, M de J., Medina-García, G., Gutiérrez-Luna, R., and Salinas-González, H. (2015). Sistema de producción de forrajes de temporal y pastoreo de cabras: opción para la reconversión productiva. Revista Chapingo Serie Zonas Áridas XIV, 29–40.
Foroughbakhch, R., Reyes, G., Alvarado-Vázquez, M., Hernández-Piñero, J., and Rocha-Estrada, A. (2005). Use of quantitative methods to determine leaf biomass on 15 woody shrub species in northeastern Mexico. Forest Ecology and Management 216, 359–366.
| Use of quantitative methods to determine leaf biomass on 15 woody shrub species in northeastern Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
González Rodríguez, H., Cantú Silva, I., Gómez Meza, M., and Ramírez Lozano, R. (2004). Plant water relations of thornscrub shrub species, north-eastern Mexico. Journal of Arid Environments 58, 483–503.
| Plant water relations of thornscrub shrub species, north-eastern Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Greenwood, K. L., and McKenzie, B. M. (2001). Grazing effects on soil physical properties and the consequences for pastures: a review. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 41, 1231–1250.
| Grazing effects on soil physical properties and the consequences for pastures: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gutierrez, J., and Hernandez, I. I. (1996). Runoff and interrill erosion as affected by grass cover in a semi-arid rangeland of northern Mexico. Journal of Arid Environments 34, 287–295.
| Runoff and interrill erosion as affected by grass cover in a semi-arid rangeland of northern Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Harveson, P. M., Tewes, M. E., Anderson, G. L., and Laack, L. L. (2004). Habitat use by ocelots in south Texas: implications for restoration. Wildlife Society Bulletin 32, 948–954.
| Habitat use by ocelots in south Texas: implications for restoration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hendricks, H. H., Bond, W. J., Midgley, J. J., and Novellie, P. A. (2005). Plant species richness and composition a long livestock grazing intensity gradients in a Namaqualand (South Africa) protected area. Plant Ecology 176, 19–33.
| Plant species richness and composition a long livestock grazing intensity gradients in a Namaqualand (South Africa) protected area.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Hillel, D. (1982). ‘Introduction to Soil Physics.’ (Academic Press: Amherst, MA.)
Huber-Sannwald, E., Maestre, F. T., Herrick, J. E., and Reynolds, J. F. (2006). Ecohydrological feedbacks and linkages associated with land degradation: a case study from Mexico. Hydrological Processes 20, 3395–3411.
| Ecohydrological feedbacks and linkages associated with land degradation: a case study from Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
INEGI (2004). Guía para la Interpretación de cartografía-Edafología. (Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes). Available at: www.inegi.org.mx/inegi/SPC/doc/INTERNET/EdafIII.pdf (accessed 18 December 2016).
IUSS Working Group WRB (2014). ‘World Reference Base for Soil Resources 2014.’ International Soil Classification System for Naming Soils and Creating Legends for Soil Maps. (FAO: Rome)
Johnston, M. C. (1963). Past and present grasslands of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Ecology 44, 456–466.
| Past and present grasslands of southern Texas and northeastern Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kostiakov, A. N. (1932). On the dynamics of the coefficient of water-percolation in soils and on the necessity of studying it from a dynamic point of view for purposes of amelioration. Transactions of 6th Committee International Society of Soil Science, Russia, Part A, 17–21. (International Society of Soil Science: Groningen, The Netherlands.)
Lado, M., Paz, A., and Ben-Hur, M. (2004). Organic matter and aggregate size interactions in infiltration, seal formation, and soil loss. Soil Science Society of America Journal 68, 935–942.
| Organic matter and aggregate size interactions in infiltration, seal formation, and soil loss.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2cXktV2gurk%3D&md5=dd89eecfb0ec5f62b10ece9d35d790baCAS |
Lal, R., Safriel, U., and Boer, B. (2012). Zero net land degradation: A new sustainable development goal for Rio+ 20. A Report Prepared for the Secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, Bonn, Germany.
Lizárraga Mendiola, L., De León Gómez, H., Medina Barrera, F., and Návar, J. (2006). Calidad del agua subterránea en Linares, Nuevo León, México. Ciencia UANL IX, 426–430.
Makhuvha, M., Arellano, R. M., and Harney, D. M. W. (2014). Determination of bulk density, methods and impacts, with a case study from Los Bronces Mine, Chile. Transactions of the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy Section B. Applied Earth Science 123, 196–205.
| Determination of bulk density, methods and impacts, with a case study from Los Bronces Mine, Chile.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Manzano, M. G., and Návar, J. (2000). Processes of desertification by goats overgrazing in the Tamaulipan thornscrub (matorral) in northeastern Mexico. Journal of Arid Environments 44, 1–17.
| Processes of desertification by goats overgrazing in the Tamaulipan thornscrub (matorral) in northeastern Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Manzano, M. G., Návar, J., Pando-Moreno, M., and Martinez, A. (2000). Overgrazing and desertification in northern Mexico: Highlights on northeastern region. Annals of Arid Zone 39, 285–304.
Martínez Salvador, M., Mata-González, R., Morales Nieto, C., and Valdez-Cepeda, R. (2012). Agave salmiana plant communities in central Mexico as affected by commercial use. Environmental Management 49, 55–63.
| Agave salmiana plant communities in central Mexico as affected by commercial use.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Mata-González, R., Figueroa-Sandoval, B., Clemente, F., and Manzano, M. (2007). Vegetation changes after livestock grazing exclusion and shrub control in the Southern Chihuahuan desert. Western North American Naturalist 67, 63–70.
| Vegetation changes after livestock grazing exclusion and shrub control in the Southern Chihuahuan desert.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
McCune, B., and Grace, J. B. (2002). ‘Analysis of Ecological Communities.’ (Ed. D. L. Urban.) (MjM Software: Gleneden Beach, OR.)
McKell, C. M., and García-Moya, E. (1989). North American shrublands. In: ‘The Biology and Utilization of Shrubs’. (Ed. C. M. McKell.) pp. 3–23. (Academic Press: San Diego, CA.)
Moges, A., and Holden, N. M. (2008). Estimating the rate and consequences of gully development, a case study of umbolo catchment in Southern Ethiopia. Land Degradation & Development 19, 574–586.
| Estimating the rate and consequences of gully development, a case study of umbolo catchment in Southern Ethiopia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Nantoumé, H., Forbes, T. D. A., Hensarling, C. M., and Sieckenius, S. S. (2001). Nutritive value and palatability of guajillo (Acacia berlandieri) as a component of goat diets. Small Ruminant Research 40, 139–148.
| Nutritive value and palatability of guajillo (Acacia berlandieri) as a component of goat diets.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Návar, J., and Synnott, T. J. (2000). Surface runoff, soil erosion, and land use in Northeastern Mexico. Terra 18, 247–253.
Návar-Chaidez, J de J. (2008). Carbon fluxes resulting from land-use changes in the Tamaulipan thornscrub of northeastern Mexico. Carbon Balance and Management 3, 6.
| Carbon fluxes resulting from land-use changes in the Tamaulipan thornscrub of northeastern Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Odriozola, I., García-Baquero, G., Laskurain, N. A., and Aldezabal, A. (2014). Livestock grazing modifies the effect of environmental factors on soil temperature and water content in a temperate grassland. Geoderma 235–236, 347–354.
| Livestock grazing modifies the effect of environmental factors on soil temperature and water content in a temperate grassland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Padilla, Y., and Sánchez, R. J. (1986). Post-Paleozoic tectonics of Northeast Mexico and its role in evolution of the Gulf of Mexico. Geofísica Internacional 25, 157–207.
Peñaloza, R., and Reid, N. (1989). Pasado, presente y futuro del uso de la tierra en el matorral tamaulipeco del noreste de México. In: ‘Memorias Del Simposio Agroforestal En México’. Linares, México. (Ed. R. Peñaloza.) pp. 663–692. (Facultad de Ciencias Forestales-UANL: Linares, México.)
Piñeiro, G., Paruelo, J. M., Oesterheld, M., and Jobbágy, E. G. (2010). Pathways of grazing effects on soil organic carbon and nitrogen. Rangeland Ecology and Management 63, 109–119.
| Pathways of grazing effects on soil organic carbon and nitrogen.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Pulido, M., Schnabel, S., Francisco, J., Contador, L., Lozano-parra, J., and González, F. (2016). The impact of heavy grazing on soil quality and pasture production in rangelands of SW Spain. Land Degradation & Development , .
| The impact of heavy grazing on soil quality and pasture production in rangelands of SW Spain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Radford, B. J., Bridge, B. J., Davis, R. J., McGarry, D., Pillai, U. P., Rickman, J. F., Walsh, P. A., and Yule, D. F. (2000). Changes in the properties of a Vertisol and responses of wheat after compaction with harvester traffic. Soil & Tillage Research 54, 155–170.
| Changes in the properties of a Vertisol and responses of wheat after compaction with harvester traffic.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Reid, N., Marroquín, J., and Beyer-Münzel, P. (1990). Utilization of shrubs and trees for browse, fuelwood and timber in the Tamaulipan thornscrub, northeastern Mexico. Forest Ecology and Management 36, 61–79.
| Utilization of shrubs and trees for browse, fuelwood and timber in the Tamaulipan thornscrub, northeastern Mexico.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Schrama, M., Heijning, P., Bakker, J. P., van Wijnen, H. J., Berg, M. P., and Olff, H. (2013). Herbivore trampling as an alternative pathway for explaining differences in nitrogen mineralization in moist grasslands. Oecologia 172, 231–243.
| Herbivore trampling as an alternative pathway for explaining differences in nitrogen mineralization in moist grasslands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Serna Pérez, A., and Echavarría Cháirez, F. G. (2002). Caracterización hidrológica de un agostadero comunal excluido al pastoreo en Zacatecas, México. I. Pérdidas de suelo. Técnica Pecuaria en México 40, 37–53.
Servicio de Información Agrolimentaria de Consulta (SIACON) (2014). Inventario Caprino (Informe nacional y estatal), México. Available at: www.gob.mx/siap/ (accessed 20 November 2016).
Stockmann, U., Adams, M. A., Crawford, J. W., Field, D. J., Henakaarchchi, N., Jenkins, M., Minasny, B., McBratney, A. B., de Courcelles, V de R., Singh, K., Wheeler, I., Abbott, L., Angers, D. A., Baldock, J., Bird, M., Brookes, P. C., Chenu, C., Jastrow, J. D., Lal, R., Lehmann, J., O’Donnell, A. G., Parton, W. J., Whitehead, D., and Zimmermann, M. (2013). The knowns, known unknowns and unknowns of sequestration of soil organic carbon. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 164, 80–99.
| The knowns, known unknowns and unknowns of sequestration of soil organic carbon.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3sXnvFGltQ%3D%3D&md5=9047b04beda2349ae084fdd749ae5a8dCAS |
Takar, A. A., Dobrowolski, J. P., and Thurow, T. L. (1990). Influence of grazing, vegetation life-form, and soil type on infiltration rates and interrill erosion on a Somalian rangeland. Journal of Range Management 43, 486–490.
| Influence of grazing, vegetation life-form, and soil type on infiltration rates and interrill erosion on a Somalian rangeland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Thurow, T. L. (1991). ‘Hydrology and Erosion.’ (Eds R. K. Heitschmidt and J. W. Stuth.) pp. 141–159. (Timber Press, Inc.: Portland, OR.)
Todd, S. W. (2006). Gradients in vegetation cover, structure and species richness of Nama‐Karoo shrublands in relation to distance from livestock watering points. Journal of Applied Ecology 43, 293–304.
| Gradients in vegetation cover, structure and species richness of Nama‐Karoo shrublands in relation to distance from livestock watering points.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Torri, D., Poesen, J., Monaci, F., and Busoni, E. (1994). Rock fragment content and fine soil bulk density. Catena 23, 65–71.
| Rock fragment content and fine soil bulk density.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Valentin, C. (1994). Surface sealing as affected by various rock fragment covers in West Africa. Catena 23, 87–97.
| Surface sealing as affected by various rock fragment covers in West Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Van Haveren, B. P. (1983). Soil bulk density as influenced by grazing intensity and soil type on a shortgrass prairie site. Journal of Range Management 36, 586–588.
| Soil bulk density as influenced by grazing intensity and soil type on a shortgrass prairie site.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
van Wesemael, B., Mulligan, M., and Poesen, J. (2000). Spatial patterns of soil water balance on intensively cultivated hillslopes in a semi-arid environment: the impact of rock fragments and soil thickness. Hydrological Processes 14, 1811–1828.
| Spatial patterns of soil water balance on intensively cultivated hillslopes in a semi-arid environment: the impact of rock fragments and soil thickness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Viramontes-Olivas, O. A., Reyes-Gómez, V. M., Escoboza-García, L. F., Román-Calleros, J. A., Pérez-Márquez, A., Pinedo-álvarez, C., Sánchez-Fernández, P. B., and Miranda Ojeda, N. (2008). Hidrología de los suelos de las cuencas media y baja del Río Conchos, Chihuahua, México. Revista Latinoamericana de Recursos Naturales 4, 31–45.
Walkley, A., and Black, I. A. (1934). An examination of Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration method. Soil Science 37, 29–38.
| An examination of Degtjareff method for determining soil organic matter and a proposed modification of the chromic acid titration method.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaA2cXitlGmug%3D%3D&md5=9abab96becc942b5a4aeb2731753fdedCAS |
Wang, J. P., Wang, X. J., and Zhang, J. (2013). Evaluating loss-on-ignition method for determinations of soil organic and inorganic carbon in arid soils of northwestern china. Pedosphere 23, 593–599.
| Evaluating loss-on-ignition method for determinations of soil organic and inorganic carbon in arid soils of northwestern china.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Wester, D. B. (1992). Viewpoint: Replication, randomization, and statistics in range research. Journal of Range Management 45, 285–290.
| Viewpoint: Replication, randomization, and statistics in range research.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Yong-Zhong, S., Yu-Lin, L., Jian-Yuan, C., and Wen-Zhi, Z. (2005). Influences of continuous grazing and livestock exclusion on soil properties in a degraded sandy grassland, Inner Mongolia, northern China. Catena 59, 267–278.
| Influences of continuous grazing and livestock exclusion on soil properties in a degraded sandy grassland, Inner Mongolia, northern China.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Zhou, Z. C., Gan, Z. T., Shangguan, Z. P., and Dong, Z. B. (2010). Effects of grazing on soil physical properties and soil erodibility in semiarid grassland of the Northern Loess Plateau (China). Catena 82, 87–91.
| Effects of grazing on soil physical properties and soil erodibility in semiarid grassland of the Northern Loess Plateau (China).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Zotarelli, L., Dukes, M., and Morgan, K. (2010). ‘Interpretation of Soil Moisture Content to Determine Soil Field Capacity and Avoid Over-Irrigating Sandy Soils Using Soil Moisture Sensors.’ AE460. (University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: Gainesville, FL.)
