RESUMEN El establecimiento de nuevas Áreas Protegidas (AP) representa un paso inicial crucial para contrarrestar la pérdida y fragmentación de hábitats naturales, con el fin de conservar ecosistemas de vital importancia para la biodiversidad y preservar las culturas tradicionales. La gestión efectiva de una AP puede generar beneficios significativos tanto para la diversidad biológica que la habita como para la sociedad en general, asegurando la continuidad de los ecosistemas productivos. Este estudio se propone describir de manera exhaustiva las políticas nacionales relacionadas con las AP en Ecuador y las estrategias clave para la conservación de la biodiversidad. Se llevó a cabo una revisión bibliográfica de enfoque descriptivo, cualitativo y exploratorio, que incluyó la consulta de artículos científicos, libros, informes técnicos y documentos gubernamentales pertinentes. Los resultados resaltan el papel fundamental de las AP como refugios esenciales para la vida silvestre, así como su función protectora ante los efectos del cambio climático, permitiendo la evolución de la diversidad genética en respuesta a las presiones de la selección natural. Las principales amenazas a la biodiversidad comprenden cambios en el uso de la tierra debido a la agricultura y la urbanización, la propagación de especies invasoras, la explotación excesiva de recursos y la contaminación ambiental.

ABSTRACT The establishment of new Protected Areas (PAs) represents a crucial initial step to counteract the loss and fragmentation of natural habitats, in order to conserve ecosystems of vital importance for biodiversity and preserve traditional cultures. The effective management of a PA can generate significant benefits for both the biological diversity that inhabits it and for society in general, ensuring the continuity of productive ecosystems. This study aims to comprehensively describe national policies related to PAs in Ecuador and key strategies for biodiversity conservation. A descriptive, qualitative and exploratory literature review was carried out, including consultation of scientific articles, books, technical reports and relevant government documents. The results highlight the fundamental role of PAs as essential refuges for wildlife, as well as their protective function in the face of the effects of climate change, allowing the evolution of genetic diversity in response to the pressures of natural selection. The main threats to biodiversity include changes in land use due to agriculture and urbanization, the spread of invasive species, overexploitation of resources, and environmental pollution.

Abstract (Introduction): Sustainable timber cultivation is losing ground to agricultural production and other land uses; To counteract this, it is necessary to understand how the farmer makes decisions. Therefore, management schemes must be designed that adjust to the way in which small farmers manage productive systems on a voluntary basis. (Objective): Identify the factors that influence the decision-making process of small farmers that must be considered for the promotion of timber cultivation. (Methodology): Surveys with open questions and single selection were applied to 100% of the farmers (N = 77) of two INDER settlements. Due to the complexity of the interactions between factors, the analysis was simplified into four approaches. The data trend was plotted from a local regression model (LOESS), in which the regression curve is generated and smoothed with the use of the geom_smooth function of the R statistical language. (Results): A total of 162 interactions between Indirect and Direct factors. They were classified into three groups according to the number of times the farmer changed the production system in short periods (5 years). Group A has a greater representation in the population with 67.5 %, followed by Group B with 24.7 % and Group C with 7.8 %. 67.5 % of the farmers did not agree to include the cultivation of wood. (Conclusions): It was possible to demonstrate the existence of decision factors that influence the way in which the farmers adopt the agricultural systems contrary to the cultivation of wood. Safe selling (VS) is one of them; therefore, until current forest management schemes are adjusted, the possibility of spontaneous adoption is minimal and will continue to require financial aid.

Resumen (Introducción): El cultivo de madera sostenible pierde terreno ante la producción agrícola y otros usos de la tierra; para contrarrestar esto, es necesario entender de qué manera el ente productor toma decisiones en la adopción voluntaria de sistemas agrícolas. Por consiguiente, deben diseñarse esquemas de manejo ajustados a cómo los pequeños productores gestionan los sistemas productivos de una forma voluntaria. (Objetivo): Identificar los factores que influyen en el proceso de toma de decisiones de los pequeños grupos productores que deben ser considerados para la promoción del cultivo de madera. (Metodología): Se aplicaron encuestas con preguntas abiertas y selección única al 100 % de los entes productores (N = 77) de dos asentamientos del INDER. Por la complejidad de las interacciones entre factores, se simplificó el análisis a cuatro enfoques. La tendencia de los datos se graficó a partir de un modelo de regresión local (LOESS), en el cual la curva de regresión se generó y suavizó con el uso de la función geom_smooth del lenguaje estadístico R. (Resultados): Se identificó un total de 162 interacciones entre factores indirectos y directos, estas mismas se clasificaron en tres grupos según las veces que el sujeto productor cambió de sistema de producción en periodos cortos (cinco años). Así, el Grupo A tuvo una mayor representación en la población con un 67.5 %, le siguieron el Grupo B con un 24.7 % y el Grupo C con un 7.8 %. El 67.5 % no se encontraba de acuerdo en incluir el cultivo de madera. (Conclusiones): Se demostró la existencia de factores de decisión que influyen en cómo el sujeto productor adopta los sistemas agrícolas contrarios al cultivo de madera. La venta segura (VS) es uno de ellos; por lo tanto, hasta que no se ajusten los esquemas de manejo forestal actuales, la posibilidad de una adopción espontánea es mínima y seguirá necesitando de ayudas financieras.

The study aimed to evaluate the challenges facing small-scale sheep farming systems and their production practices in the Hantam Karoo. The challenges facing small-scale sheep farming systems have been under scrutiny due to crises related to environmental, productivity and social issues. A better understanding of these unique responses could guide the development of improved strategies to increase small-scale sheep production in South Africa. Structured and unstructured questionnaires were used to collect data from 32 small-scale sheep farmers. The questionnaire includes both closed-ended questions and open-ended questions. The descriptive analysis was done by using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS version 22). The results revealed the following challenges faced by small-scale sheep farmers: overgrazing (54%), shortage of grazing land (85%), poor grazing veld (85%), poor condition of sheep (40%), predation (94%) and infrastructure issues (59%). Furthermore, sheep diseases, gender imbalance, lack of youth interest in agriculture, and lack of knowledge of the selection of specific traits were some of the challenges. In 2017, there was drought, which was responsible for poor grazing and poor conditions of sheep. Finally, the results revealed that agricultural extensionists need to address the shortage of grazing land, predation, infrastructure, livestock diseases, gender imbalances and selection of sheep for breeding to achieve sustainable development goals. Future studies should consider multi-criteria analysis when assessing the challenges of small-scale sheep farming systems in South Africa.

ABSTRACT The use of native trees is necessary for land restoration and the sequestration of carbon that is stored in forest biomass production in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the biomass prediction model used for native tropical lowland trees of Indonesia is limited to only specific locations and focuses on aboveground biomass (AGB). This study aimed to select and evaluate potential native tree species for high biomass and to develop the best allometric model for estimating tree biomass production (AGB, belowground/BGB, and total/TB) in lowland ecosystems in Indonesia. Trees were selected using the following five criteria: nativeness, ecosystem type, morphological appearance, multipropagation ability, and economic value. Biomass content was quantified for 102 sample trees (56 trees aged 4 years and 46 trees aged 8 years), using the destructive method. Effective growth biomass and species ecological data indicated five species as potential trees for land restoration in tropical lowlands of Indonesia: Litsea garciae, Terminalia bellirica, Pterospermum javanicum, Anisoptera marginata, and Cananga odorata. The best allometric model of this study is highly recommended for implementation with native trees of tropical lowlands in Indonesia, especially those in early stages (less than 8 years). Meanwhile AGB. AGB . (AGB) AGB, (AGB belowgroundBGB belowground BGB belowground/BGB total/TB totalTB total TB criteria nativeness type appearance ability value 10 56 (5 years, , years) method garciae bellirica javanicum marginata odorata less years. 1 5 (

Resumo Os atributos ecomorfológicos dos peixes são influenciados por diversos fatores inerentes ao seu ambiente, o que permite que sejam indicadores das condições ambientais resultantes da perda de habitat. Nós avaliamos a variação nas características ecomorfológicas da fauna de peixes considerando a porcentagem de cobertura florestal em riachos da bacia do rio Iguaçu, uma ecorregião caracterizada por alto endemismo. As variáveis ambientais foram medidas junto com a coleta de peixes por meio de pesca elétrica, com quatro amostras por local. Avaliamos 12 índices ecomorfológicos para 26 espécies. A combinação de variáveis ambientais resultantes da perda da cobertura florestal e do assoreamento levou à homogeneização do habitat, que foi um fator importante na estruturação morfológica. Os riachos expostos a maior pressão humana apresentaram prevalência de características morfológicas associadas a um desempenho aumentado em margens assoreadas, como razão de aspecto da nadadeira anal e caudal, área relativa da nadadeira dorsal, largura relativa do pedúnculo caudal, razão de aspecto da nadadeira pélvica e área relativa da nadadeira anal. Em contrapartida, a proporção da nadadeira peitoral e a orientação da boca ventral foram características positivamente relacionadas ao substrato rochoso e aos riachos florestais. Portanto, a perda e a mudança de habitat impuseram pressões de seleção sobre as espécies com traços morfológicos e usos do habitat mais especializados. Essas descobertas reforçam a importância da preservação da cobertura florestal para manter a diversidade de peixes. ambiente Iguaçu endemismo elétrica local 1 2 morfológica assoreadas caudal dorsal contrapartida florestais Portanto especializados

Abstract The ecomorphological attributes of fish are influenced by various factors inherent to their environment, enabling them to serve as indicators of environmental conditions resulting from habitat loss. We evaluated the variation in the ecomorphological characteristics of fish fauna considering the forest cover percentage in streams of the Iguaçu River basin, an ecoregion characterized by high endemism. Environmental variables were measured alongside fish collection by electrofishing with four samples per site. We evaluated 12 ecomorphological indices for 26 species. The combination of environmental variables resulting from forest cover loss and silting led to habitat homogenization, a significant factor in morphological structuring. Streams with lower forest cover showed a prevalence of morphological traits associated with enhanced performance in silted margins, such as caudal fin aspect ratio, dorsal and anal fin relative area, caudal peduncle relative width, pelvic fin aspect ratio. In contrast, the pectoral fin aspect ratio and ventral mouth orientation were traits positively related to the rocky substrate and forest streams. Thus, habitat loss and alteration have imposed selection pressures on species with more specialized traits and habitat use. These findings underscore the critical role of preserving forest cover in maintaining fish diversity. environment basin endemism site 1 2 homogenization structuring margins area width contrast Thus use diversity

Resumo: Objetivo O objetivo do trabalho foi relacionar a metacomunidade fitoplanctônica com seus possíveis determinantes em uma microbacia hidrográfica: (I) determinantes relacionados à filtragem em escala de paisagem, (II) determinantes referentes à filtragem local de micro-habitat, (III) determinantes referentes a colonização anterior e (IV) determinantes representando três diferentes rotas de dispersão. Métodos Foram selecionadas oito estações de amostragem ao longo da microbacia do Rio Cascavel, localizada no estado do Paraná, Brasil. As coletas foram realizadas trimestralmente durante três anos. Todas as amostras de fitoplâncton passaram por análise quantitativa para averiguar a densidade da metacomunidade. Além disso fizemos a caracterização da paisagem tanto o uso e ocupação do solo e caracterização ambiental quanto as variáveis físicas e químicas da água. Todos os dados passaram por análises estatísticas pertinentes, onde a partição da variância foi realizada utilizando modelos RDA parciais, com seleção prévia das variáveis preditoras, para estimar o papel relativo de cada preditor na comunidade. Ainda comparamos três possíveis rotas de dispersão: Mapa de Autovetores Assimétricos” (AEM), “Terrestre” e “Curso d´água”. Resultados Constatou-se que a metacomunidade foi mais bem explicada pelo “mapa de autovetores assimétricos” (AEM), indicando que por se tratar de uma pequena escala espacial a alta conectividade entre as estações de amostragem possibilita que as espécies se dispersem também por terra. Os diferentes filtros atuam em conjunto e dependem da variação de chuva. Além de flutuar temporalmente, a influência desses mecanismos está sujeita a qual hipótese de dispersão está sendo considerada. Conclusões Na escala da microbacia hidrográfica, argumentamos que os processos de pequena escala devem ser considerados, uma vez que homogeneízam a paisagem e, consequentemente, deixam o gradiente ambiental semelhante entre as estações de amostragem. Além disso, a conectividade das manchas de colonização é essencial para entender o comportamento das microalgas que têm alta capacidade de dispersão, não se restringindo apenas ao curso do rio. Resumo hidrográfica I (I II (II microhabitat, microhabitat micro habitat, habitat micro-habitat III (III IV (IV Cascavel Paraná Brasil anos água pertinentes parciais preditoras comunidade Assimétricos AEM, AEM , (AEM) Terrestre “Terrestre Curso d´água. dágua d´água . d d´água” Constatouse Constatou mapa assimétricos terra chuva temporalmente considerada considerados consequentemente rio (AEM

Abstract: Aim Our goal was to relate the phytoplankton metacommunity to its possible determinants in a micro watershed: (I) determinants related to landscape-scale filtering, (II) determinants referring to local microhabitat filtering, (III) determinants referring to previous colonization, and (IV) determinants representing three different dispersal routes. Methods Eight sampling stations were selected along the Cascavel River watershed, located in the state of Paraná, Brazil. Samples were collected quarterly for three years. All phytoplankton samples were quantitatively analyzed to determine the density of the metacommunity. In addition, it was characterized the landscape in terms of land use and occupation, and environmental characterization in terms of physical and chemical variables of the water. All data underwent relevant statistical analysis, where variance partitioning was carried out using partial RDA models, with prior selection of predictor variables, to estimate the relative role of each predictor in the community. We also compared three possible dispersal routes: “Asymmetric Eigenvector Map” (AEM), “Overland” and “Watercourse”. Results It was found that the metacommunity was best explained by “asymmetric eigenvector mapping” (AEM), indicating that because it is a small spatial scale the high connectivity between the sampling stations enables species to disperse overland as well. The different filters act together and depend on rainfall variation. Besides fluctuating temporally, the influence of these mechanisms is subject to which dispersal hypothesis is being considered. Conclusions At the watershed scale, we argue that small-scale processes should be considered, since they homogenize the landscape and consequently leave the environmental gradient similar between sampling stations. In addition, the connectivity of colonization patches is essential to understand the behavior of microalgae that have a high dispersal capacity and are not restricted only to the river course. Abstract I (I landscapescale filtering II (II III (III IV (IV routes Paraná Brazil years addition occupation water analysis models community Asymmetric Map AEM, AEM , (AEM) Overland “Overland Watercourse. Watercourse . “Watercourse” asymmetric mapping well variation temporally considered smallscale course (AEM “Watercourse

RESUMO Nossa análise com a língua Bakairi vem se sedimentando num corpus significativo resultante de sete pesquisas de campo, realizadas no período de 1984 a 1992, e quatro pesquisas mais recentes, realizadas entre 2019 a 2023. Todas as pesquisas tomam como foco a variedade de Bakairi falada na terra indígena Pakuenra. Dentro do enfoque da Teoria Gerativa, nosso trabalho busca investir na discussão em torno dos parâmetros de uma língua sintaticamente ergativa, perseguindo os seguintes objetivos (i) descrever o funcionamento dos verbos em Bakairi, a partir da distribuição dos paradigmas -aki e -tai, colocando em pauta a diátese verbal e a seleção de argumentos internos ao VP ou alocados em vP e (ii) reafirmar o status dos argumentos internos ao VP como argumentos canônicos versus o status derivados dos argumentos com papel de agente. Os principais resultados que temos alcançado vão ao encontro da definição de uma língua sintaticamente ergativa, uma vez que não estamos lidando com marcas nominais de caso, fato que vem contribuir para elucidar formalmente os tipos de alinhamento nas línguas naturais, âmbito onde se dão os debates sobre a noção de Caso (lexical/inerente e estrutural). campo 198 1992 recentes 201 2023 Pakuenra Gerativa ergativa i (i aki tai, tai -tai ii (ii agente caso naturais lexical/inerente lexicalinerente lexical inerente estrutural. estrutural . estrutural) 19 199 20 202 1 2

ABSTRACT The objective of this paper is threefold: (i) to contribute to the discussion around the parameters of a syntactically ergative language, using the Generative Theory framework, (ii) to describe how verbs work in Bakairi, based on the distribution of the -aki and -tai paradigms, focusing on verbal diathesis and the selection of arguments internal to VP or allocated in vP, and (iii) to reaffirm the status of arguments internal to VP as canonical arguments versus the derived status of arguments with agent role. To this end, our analysis of the Bakairi language is based on a significant corpus resulting from seven field surveys carried out from 1984 to 1992, from three more recent surveys conducted from 2013 to 2018, and four most recent surveys, carried out between 2019 and 2023. All of these studies focus on the Bakairi variety spoken in the Pakuenra indigenous land. The main results are in line with the definition of a syntactically ergative language, as we are not dealing with nominal case marks, a fact that contributes to formally elucidating the types of alignment in natural languages, where the discussions on the notion of Case (lexical/inherent and structural) take place. threefold i (i framework ii (ii aki tai paradigms vP iii (iii role end 198 1992 201 2018 2023 land marks languages lexical/inherent lexicalinherent lexical inherent structural place 19 199 20 202 1 2

ABSTRACT Habitat loss and land use changes resulting from urbanization in residential communities are among the greatest threats to wild mammals. Identifying anthropogenic factors determining mammal diversity and composition can help coordinate socio-economic development with ecological conservation. In this study, we used transect surveys to compare the mammal assemblages near human-disturbed communities with those in the natural off-community area around Beijing, a major metropolis. We assessed the variables affecting the mammals’ presence using 19 environmental indicators. Of the twelve mammal species detected in the area, three vulnerable species have obtained legislative protection. In 58% of the observations, mammals were discovered around communities closer to croplands and located at slightly higher elevations with less vegetation, and these are the main environmental variables contributing to more mammals’ presences in the disturbed near-community area. The selection of croplands for the mammals in the suburb should be a trade-off between feeding benefits and predation risks, and with the rise of protection willingness, green zones near residential communities can serve as additional habitats for mammals facing the expansion of urbanization. socioeconomic socio economic conservation study humandisturbed human offcommunity off community Beijing metropolis 1 indicators 58 observations vegetation nearcommunity tradeoff trade risks willingness 5

ABSTRACT Knowledge on the regeneration capacity of land planarians is very scarce and focused on a few species. Here we studied the regeneration capacity of 104 animals from 23 species (genera Cephaloflexa, Choeradoplana, Cratera, Geoplana, Imbira, Xerapoa, Luteostriata, Notogynaphallia, Obama, Pasipha, plus an unidentified species) of the neotropical Geoplaninae and also two species (genera Dolichoplana and Endeavouria) of Rhynchodeminae under laboratory conditions. When cut in two, 17 flatworm species regenerated head and/or tail within 5 to 27 days, apparently depending on how flattened their bodies were. Issoca rezendei (Schirch, 1929) was the geoplanin species that regenerated the fastest, while Obama species regenerated the slowest. Five species did not survive long enough to begin regeneration, while Imbira marcusi Carbayo et al., 2013, survived up to 15 days after sectioning but did not form the blastema, seemingly due to its sensitivity to laboratory conditions. The shape of the blastema varied according to the body shape of the species, as did the re-pigmentation of the newly formed tissue, which began in the early stages of regeneration in Obama species. Issoca rezendei showed some characteristics that make it a good candidate species as a model organism for further study of regeneration. In nature, geoplanins often show injuries, some of which may have been caused by predator-prey interactions. This variation in regeneration capacity raises questions such as if their regeneration capacity could also be maintained by direct selection. 10 2 genera Cephaloflexa Choeradoplana Cratera Geoplana Xerapoa Luteostriata Notogynaphallia Pasipha Endeavouria conditions 1 andor or were Schirch, Schirch (Schirch 1929 fastest slowest al al. 2013 repigmentation re pigmentation tissue nature injuries predatorprey predator prey interactions selection 192 201 19 20

ABSTRACT The fertile land in Heilongjiang Province of China is suitable for rice cultivation, but this area is susceptible to low temperature and chilling injury, which is prevented by planting rice varieties suitable for GP that is an important measure. However, selection based on rice traits is vulnerable to environmental influences and takes a long time, and selection based on molecular markers may result in progeny recombination and lack of reliability. Therefore, an efficient accurate and intelligent identification method for rice growth period is urgently needed. In this study, machine learning and deep learning methods in Python were used to analyze the Raman spectra of 6 rice varieties in three accumulated temperature region of Heilongjiang Province. 1) In machine learning, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was adopted for feature extraction, in combination with Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification models suitable for nonlinear data sets for identification, the identification rate was 93.33% and the type of this experimental data set was determined to be discrete. 2) In deep learning, Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) methods was adopted for data preprocessing, combined with the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) model with its own feature extraction, with the highest accuracy of 94.82%, which was higher than the PCA+SVM identification model. 3) Based on the method mentioned in 2), in order to improve the feature extraction ability of the model as a whole, Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) was used to improve the CNN identification model for the first time for one-dimensional data sets, and the highest identification rate was 98.28%, which was better than the PCA+SVM identification model. 3) In the verification test, Raman spectral information of 4 rice varieties was brought into the constructed CWT+CNN-CBAM identification model for identification, and the identification results were as high as 94.79%. The experimental results showed that the CWT visualization data processing method based on Raman technology combined with the CNN identification model of CBAM with improved feature extraction ability in deep learning achieved the best identification results, which could provide an efficient, accurate and intelligent method for the identification of different growth period of rice varieties in Heilongjiang Province. cultivation injury measure However reliability Therefore needed study 1 PCA (PCA SVM (SVM 9333 93 33 93.33 discrete 2 (CWT preprocessing (CNN 9482 94 82 94.82% PCASVM 3 2, , whole (CBAM onedimensional one dimensional 9828 98 28 98.28% test CWT+CNNCBAM CWTCNNCBAM CWT+CNN 9479 79 94.79% 933 9 93.3 948 8 94.82 982 98.28 CNNCBAM CWTCNN 947 7 94.79 93. 94.8 98.2 94.7 94. 98.

Summary: In recent decades, food growing demand associated with population growth has led to the transformation of forested areas or natural ecosystems into land for agricultural production. The use of soil quality indices allows a better understanding of soil degradation or improvement level under different agricultural systems, which favors decision-making and the selection of sustainable management practices. Thus, the objective of this research is to evaluate soil quality indices (ICS) in different agricultural systems, as a decision-making strategy for soil conservation and rehabilitation in the Colombian Caribbean region. Four land use systems were selected in the departments of Córdoba, Bolívar, Sucre, Cesar, and Magdalena: commercial forestry (Forestry), traditional livestock pasture (Pr), Agroforestry with Cocoa (SAF) and silvopastoral (SSP) systems. In each land use, the systems were evaluated with soil physical, chemical, and biological variables to calculate ICS. The implementation of SSP increased organic matter accumulation and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in the range from 25 to 29% more than forest monoculture and Pr systems. Soil biological diversity was higher within systems associated with tree species. CIC was the most relevant soil indicator in the soil index construction with a contribution from 34.7 to 41.2% of the ICS total value. The minimum set of selected data was made up of CEC, mechanical resistance to compaction, sand percentage (A), order Isoptera, pH and phosphorus content. The land use system with the highest ICS was SAF (0.77), followed by SSP (0.66). The inclusion of tree species within production systems improves soil quality, increasing soil carbon sequestration by more than 19% within SSP.

Resumen: En las últimas décadas, la creciente demanda de alimentos, asociada al aumento demográfico conllevó a la transformación de áreas boscosas o ecosistemas naturales en tierras de producción agropecuaria. El uso de índices de calidad de suelo permite mejor comprensión del nivel de degradación o mejoría que puede tener el suelo bajo diferentes sistemas agropecuarios, lo que favorece la toma de decisiones y la selección de prácticas de gestión sostenibles. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar el índice de calidad de suelo (ICS) en diferentes sistemas agropecuarios, como estrategia en la toma de decisiones para la conservación y rehabilitación de los suelos en el caribe colombiano. En los departamentos de Atlántico, Córdoba, Bolívar, Sucre, Cesar y Magdalena, se seleccionaron cuatro sistemas de uso de la tierra: sistema forestal comercial (Forestal), sistemas de praderas de ganadería tradicional (Pr), sistemas Agroforestales con cacao (SAF) y sistemas silvopastoriles (SSP); en cada uno se evaluaron variables físicas, químicas y biológicas del suelo con el fin de calcular los ICS. La implementación de SSP favoreció la acumulación de materia orgánica y capacidad de intercambio catiónico (CIC), entre 25 y 29% más que los sistemas monocultivo forestal y Pr. La diversidad biológica del suelo fue mayor dentro de los sistemas asociados con especies arbóreas. La CIC fue el indicador de suelo de mayor relevancia en la construcción del índice, con un aporte de entre 34.7 al 41.2% del valor total del ICS. El conjunto mínimo de datos seleccionados estuvo conformado por CIC, resistencia mecánica a la compactación, porcentaje de arena (A), orden isóptera, pH y contenido de fósforo. El sistema de uso de suelo con mayor ICS fue SAF (0.77), seguido de SSP (0.66). La inclusión de especies arbóreas dentro de los sistemas de producción mejora la calidad del suelo, aumentando la captura de carbono en el suelo en más de 19% dentro de SSP.

Resumen La generación de mapas de permeabilidad se basa en el análisis e interpretación de la geología, la morfología ambiental, el uso del suelo y la pendiente, lo que permite seleccionar áreas de muestreo con características similares. El método representa la integración de las características físicas del área de estudio y luego determina las diferencias de capacidad de infiltración en las unidades geopedológicas más representativas. En la determinación de los datos básicos se utilizaron infiltrómetros minidisco para realizar setenta y dos pruebas de infiltración en diferentes tipos de suelos con diferente contenido de materia orgánica, textura, estructura del suelo y cobertura vegetal, lo que permitió evidenciar la variabilidad espacial que existe en dos cantones de la provincia de Loja, Ecuador. Además, se observó que la tasa de infiltración dependía principalmente del contenido de materia orgánica en el suelo y es consistente con la información recopilada sobre permeabilidad a nivel mundial. En este estudio se generó el coeficiente de determinación de la función de pedotransferencia (FTP) R2 0.78, la determinación del coeficiente indica una estimación satisfactoria de la permeabilidad con las variables que se analizaron; además, la metodología para evaluar la permeabilidad fue adecuada para las condiciones de esta investigación. Por esta razón, el método aquí descrito debería ser probado en otras zonas del país con un mayor número de ensayos de campo y con contenidos más variables de materia orgánica y clases texturales del suelo.

Abstract The generation of permeability maps is based on the analysis and interpretation of geology, environmental morphology, land use, and slope, which enables the selection of sampling areas with similar characteristics. The method represents the integration of the physical characteristics of the study area and then determines the infiltration capacity differences in the most representative geopedologic units. In determining the basic data, minidisc infiltrometers were used to perform seventy-two infiltration tests in different types of soils with varying organic matter content, texture, soil structure, and vegetation cover, which showed the spatial variability that exists in two cantons of Loja province, Ecuador. In addition, it was observed that the infiltration rate depended mainly on the content of the organic matter in the soil and is consistent with information collected on permeability worldwide. In this study, generated pedotransfer function (FTP) coefficient of determination R. 0.78, the determination of the coefficient indicates a satisfactory estimate of the permeability with the variables that were analyzed; in addition, the methodology for assessing the permeability was suitable for the conditions of this investigation. For this reason, the method described here should be tested in other areas of the country with a greater number of field trials and with more variable contents of organic matter and soil textural classes.

Resumo Este artigo expõe a forma como as gramíneas africanas e variedades de gado nativas da Índia modificaram o uso da terra na periferia costarriquenha, especificamente nos municípios de Mora e Puriscal. Em particular, destaca nas primeiras décadas do século XX a expansão nessas áreas de uma determinada gramínea chamada Calinguero -Melinis multiflora- promovida pela Revista da Escola Nacional de Agricultura, um meio de divulgação científica. Na reconstrução dessas transformações produtivas, bem como nos efeitos na paisagem desses dois municípios, foram utilizadas fontes primárias como documentos de arquivo, publicações da época e entrevistas com agricultores e vaqueiros octogenários de ambos os municípios; assim como fontes secundárias que nos permitem compreender esta parte da história ambiental do país centro-americano, especificamente em regiões não cafeeiras dedicadas à produção de alimentos. Por fim, a seleção das gramíneas plantadas foi feita entre variedades provenientes de latitudes tropicais incluídas nas rotas comerciais organizadas pelos europeus. Assim, as pastagens dominaram outras espécies e outras superfícies produtivas, verificando uma simplificação ecológica mais acentuada do que a ocorrida em agroecossistemas como a policultura e os cafezais.

Resumen El presente artículo expone la manera en la cual pastos africanos y variedades de ganado vacuno provenientes de la India modificaron el uso del suelo de la periferia costarricense, específicamente en los cantones de Mora y Puriscal. Resulta clave para las primeras décadas del siglo XX la expansión en estas zonas de una gramínea particular llamada Calinguero -Me-linis multiflora- impulsada por la Revista de la Escuela Nacional de Agricultura, un medio de divulgación científica. En la reconstrucción de estas transformaciones productivas al igual que en los efectos en el paisaje de estos dos cantones se utilizaron fuentes primarias tales como documentos de archivo, publicaciones de la época y entrevistas a agricultores y vaqueros octogenarios de ambos cantones; así como fuentes secundarias que permiten entender este acápite de la historia ambiental de este país centroamericano, específicamente en regiones no cafetaleras dedicadas a la producción de alimentos. Finalmente, la selección de los pastos sembrados fue realizada entre variedades que provenían de latitudes tropicales incluidas en rutas comerciales organizadas por los europeos. Así, los pastos dominaron sobre otras especies y demás superficies productivas, constatándose una simplificación ecológica más acentuada que la ocurrida en los agroecosistemas tales como el policultivo y el cafetal.

Abstract This article describes how African grasses and cattle varieties from India modified land use of peripheral zones in Costa Rica, specifically in the cantons of Mora and Puriscal. During the early decades of the 20th century, the expansion of a particular grass called Calinguero -Melinis multiflora in these areas was of key relevance, as promoted by Revista de la Escuela Nacional de Agricultura, a scientific dissemination publication. To reconstruct these production transformations and their effects on the landscape in these two cantons, we used primary sources such as archival documents, publications of the time, and interviews with farmers and octogenarian stockbreeders of both cantons; additionally, we used secondary sources that allow us to understand this part of the environmental history of this Central American country, specifically regarding non-coffee regions engaged in food production. Finally, the selection of the grasses sown consisted of varieties from tropical latitudes included in the commercial routes organized by the Europeans. Thus, grasses were predominant over other species and other production surfaces, evidencing an ecological simplification that was more marked than the one that took place in agroecosystems such as polycultures and coffee plantations.

Urban development in South Africa should be preceded by a preliminary stage geotechnical investigation to facilitate decision-making regarding site selection and project feasibility, and to aid the Environmental Impact Assessment process. These desk studies generally rely on information obtained from published sources, including regional geotechnical maps, typically only available for major urban centres. It is proposed that use be made of pedological information contained in published land type inventories available for most of the country, or resulting from detailed soil mapping surveys. The proposed refined Soils Effects Grouping (SEG) system provides a relatively simple scientifically based tool that allows conversion of pedological information into the relevant geotechnical parlance in accordance with industry-standard parameters suitable for use in preliminary stage geotechnical investigations. Application of this system over a period of more than a decade has provided cost-effective and reasonably accurate results in support of urban planning and Environmental Impact Assessments.

Abstract Sustainability - the new hype of the 21st century has brought discomfort for the government and society. Sustainable agriculture is essential to face our most concerning challenges: climate change, food security, and the environmental footprint, all of which add to consumers' opinions and choices. Improvements in reproductive indexes can enhance animal production and efficiency, guaranteeing profit and sustainability. Estrus detection, artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), estrus synchronization (ES), and multiple ovulations are some strategies used to improve animal reproduction. This review highlights how reproductive strategies and genetic selection can contribute to sustainable ruminant production. Improved reproductive indices can reduce the number of nonproductive cows in the herd, reducing methane emissions and land use for production while preserving natural resources. st society challenges change security footprint consumers choices efficiency sustainability detection AI, AI , (AI) ET, ET (ET) ES, ES (ES) reproduction herd resources (AI (ET (ES