Effect of the shadow and its interaction with reduction of water availability in the productivity of two species of pastures used in the Andean area of the province of Azuay

The economic, ecological and social benefits presented by agroforestry systems, have aroused great interest in recent years worldwide. However, due to the scarce, availability of scientific information about these systems, they have normally attributed productivity reduction and their benefits have been little known in our country. This fact is reflected in the low levels of adoption of the same in the southern region of Ecuador. This research proposal raises the study of the relationship between shadow level (generally provided by woody plants) and productivity, morphology, development and chemical characteristics of five species of pastures used in the province of Azuay. With the execution of this project, it is proposed: 1) Quantify the degree of adaptation, in terms of biomass productivity, of five pasture species, for the effect of the shade level under normal conditions of water stress; 2) Determine the effect of the shade level on the performance of pastures under conditions of limited water availability and 3) Identify whether there are differences in the bromatological composition of pastures under different levels of shadow. The execution of this project will be attended by an interdisciplinary research team that will allow an analysis and integral interpretation of the results obtained. The Shadow Simulation Area, established through this project, will not only serve for the activities of this research but for future projects related to this topic and for teaching.

14th RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION