Abstract

ENRIQUEZ QUIROZ, Javier Francisco; ESQUEDA ESQUIVEL, Valentín Alberto  and  MARTINEZ MENDEZ, Daniel. Rehabilitation of degraded pastures in the tropics of Mexico. Rev. mex. de cienc. pecuarias [online]. 2021, vol.12, suppl.3, pp.243-260.  Epub Jan 24, 2022. ISSN 2448-6698.  https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v12s3.5876.

Extensive livestock production systems are common in Mexico. Overall, livestock production uses about 108.9 million hectares nationally, which represents over half (55.5 %) of the country’s surface area. Approximately one quarter of Mexico is in the tropics and livestock grazing is one of the most important economic activities in this region. In at least 24 states the cattle population is estimated to exceed grassland carrying capacity based on forage production. This situation results in gradual grasslands degradation and a consequent decrease in forage productivity. It also reduces the products and services obtained from them, primarily forage, meat and milk, but also water and recreational space. Grassland rehabilitation research has been active in Mexico for at least ten years, and has mainly focused on weed control by mechanical and chemical means, which provide satisfactory short-term results. However, grassland degradation continues in Mexico due to inadequate pasture management, particularly in the form of animal loads in excess of pasture forage production capacity. This review provides an overview of grassland degradation, mainly in Mexico’s tropical regions, summarizes grasslands recovery research by the INIFAP, and analyzes medium- and long-term prospects.

Keywords : Livestock; Grasses; Soil fertility; Overgrazing; Weed control.

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