Resumen Antecedentes: La alteración del reservorio de carbono, tiene implicación en la modificación a los ciclos biogeoquímicos. El cambio de uso y cobertura de suelo (CUCS) es uno de los principales precursores de estas alteraciones. Como consecuencia de las actividades primarias que ocurren en zonas áridas, los reservorios de carbono son continuamente modificados. La poca información y heterogeneidad de estas zonas incrementan la incertidumbre sobre los efectos en la dinámica del carbono por CUCS. El desarrollo de nuevas metodologías, como la incorporación del análisis de imágenes aéreas RGB (rojo/verde/azul) de alta-resolución, permitirá monitorear extensiva y continuamente el carbono en zonas áridas. Preguntas: ¿Es posible estimar almacén de carbono aéreo utilizando imágenes RGB obtenidas mediante vehículos aéreos no tripulados? Sitio y años de estudio: Comunidades de matorral subtropical y pradera de buffel localizadas en la región central de Sonora, México. Agosto-octubre, 2019 y 2020. Métodos: a) Se realizaron censos de vegetación leñosa in situ, para estimar almacén de carbono en biomasa aérea (ACBA) con ecuaciones alométricas (método directo), b) Se calculó ACBA, utilizando ecuaciones alometricas y métricas de vegetación obtenidas de imágenes RGB (método indirecto). Resultados: La introducción de buffel implica la reducción de individuos leñosos, y disminución del ACBA. En total, el matorral contiene 10.35 Mg C/ha, y la pradera 3.20 Mg C/ha. Se encontró correlación y significancia entre método directo e indirecto. Conclusiones: Establecer buffel, reduce el ACBA hasta un 70 %. El uso de imágenes RGB permitió estimar ACBA en zonas áridas/semiáridas.

Abstract Background: The alteration of the carbon reservoir stored in vegetation, imply the modification of biogeochemical cycles. The change of land use and cover (CUCS) is one of the main drivers for these alterations. As a consequence of the primary activities occurring in arid/semiarid lands, carbon reservoirs are continually modified. The limited information and heterogeneity of these environments increase the uncertainty regarding the effects on carbon dynamics consequence of CUCS. The development of new methodological approaches, such as the incorporation of aerial high-resolution RGB (red/green/blue) imagery analyses, will allow extensive and continuous monitoring of carbon in arid zones. Questions: Is it possible to estimate aboveground carbon stock using RGB images obtained by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles? Site and years of study: Subtropical scrub and buffel grassland communities, located in the central Sonora, Mexico. August-October 2019 and 2020. Methods: a) In situ woody vegetation censuses were carried out to estimate carbon stock in aerial biomass (ACBA) using allometric equations (direct method), b) ACBA was calculated, using allometric equations and vegetation metrics obtained from aerial RGB images. Results: The introduction of buffel grassland implies the reduction of woody individuals, therefor, a decrease in ACBA. In total, the scrub contains 10.35 Mg C/ha, and buffel grassland around 3.20 Mg C/ha. There are correlation and significance between direct and indirect methods. Conclusions: Establishing buffel grassland reduces the ACBA, up to 70 %. The use of RGB images allowed us to estimate ACBA in arid zones.

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the productive performance and nutrient export of maize intercropped with drought-tolerant forage grasses. The experimental design was a randomized blocks in a 2x2x2+1 factorial scheme (two forage grasses species – Massai and Buffel; two forage sowing methods - in the furrow and broadcast; and two forage sowing times - anticipated and simultaneous; and monoculture maize as an additional control), with three replicates. The maize+forage intercropping promoted greater competition for resources, especially water, limiting N uptake, chlorophyll synthesis, and biomass production by maize under semiarid conditions. Early sowing gave forage plants a competitive advantage, favoring forage establishment before or immediately after the sowing of maize. Thus, the simultaneous sowing of forage grasses in a semiarid environment is a more appropriate option considering the importance of high levels of chlorophyll to ensure high photosynthetic activity in maize plants and greater capacity of biomass synthesis. Massai intercropped with maize exhibits a greaterpotential for biomass production than Buffel under semiarid conditions. Maize+Buffel result in highest macronutrient export by maize, while maize+Massai result in highest macronutrient exports by total forage biomass under a semiarid environment. The choice of the forage species and its sowing time in relation to maize are the main determinants of successful intercropping systems under semiarid conditions.

RESUMO O objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo e a exportação de nutrientes do consórcio de milho com gramíneas forrageiras tolerantes ao estresse hídrico. O experimento foi delineado em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2x2x2+1 (duas espécies de gramíneas forrageiras – Massai e Buffel; dois métodos de semeadura – no sulco e a lanço; e duas épocas de semeadura – antecipada e simultânea; e monocultivo de milho como um controle adicional), com três repetições. O consórcio milho+forragem promoveu maior competição por recursos, principalmente água, limitando a absorção de N, síntese de clorofila e produção de biomassa pelo milho para condições semiáridas. A semeadura precoce deu vantagem competitiva às plantas forrageiras, favorecendo seu estabelecimento antes ou imediatamente após a semeadura do milho. Assim, a semeadura simultânea de gramíneas forrageiras em ambiente semiárido é uma opção mais adequada, considerando a importância de garantir altos teores de clorofila e, consequentemente, alta atividade fotossintética nas plantas de milho para garantir a capacidade de síntese de biomassa.Massai consorciado com milho apresenta maior potencial para produção de biomassa do que Buffel em condições semiáridas.Milho+Buffel resulta em maior exportação de macronutrientes pelo milho, enquanto milho+Massai resulta em maior exportação de macronutrientes pela biomassa forrageira total em ambiente semiárido.A escolha da espécie forrageira e sua época de semeadura em relação ao milho são os principais determinantes do sucesso do consórcio no semiárido.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of corn crop residues as mulch and its impact on soil moisture content and the establishment, development and productivity of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L). A randomized block design with three replications was used. The treatments were: sowing of 10 kg ha-1 of buffel grass seed (Bs); vegetation cover on soil with 10 t ha-1 of corn crop residues (Vc); Bs + Vc combination; and control (no grass sowing and no vegetation cover). The Bs + Vc treatment maintained a higher soil moisture content (P≤0.05), with 13.8 % vs 10.6 % of the control. Consequently, the number of grass plants m-2, buffel grass cover, plant height, chlorophyll index and dry biomass production had a tendency to respond better, with values of 518.5 plants m-2, 51.23 %, 31.8 cm, 162 and 167.8 g m-2, respectively, and they exhibited a tendency toward a statistically similar response as to this treatment when applied separately (Vc and Bs). Photosynthesis (µmol s-2s-1), stomatal conductance, transpiration (mmol H2O m-2 s-1), and water use efficiency were not affected by any of the treatments in this study, their response being equivalent to that of the control.

Resumen El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el uso de residuos de cosecha de maíz como cobertura vegetal y su impacto en el contenido de humedad del suelo y el establecimiento, desarrollo y productividad del pasto buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L). Se usó un diseño de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. Los tratamientos fueron: siembra de 10 kg ha-1 de semilla de pasto buffel (Sp); cobertura vegetal en suelo con 10 t ha-1 de residuos de cosecha de maíz (Cv); combinación Sp + Cv; y testigo (sin siembra de pasto y sin cobertura vegetal). El tratamiento Sp + Cv mantuvo un mayor contenido de humedad en el suelo (P≤0.05), con 13.8 % contra 10.6 % del testigo. En consecuencia, el número de plantas de pasto m-2, cobertura de pasto buffel, altura de la planta, índice de clorofila y producción de biomasa seca, tuvieron una tendencia de mejor respuesta, con valores de 518.5 plantas m-2, 51.23 %, 31.8 cm, 162 y 167.8 g m-2, respectivamente, con una tendencia de respuesta estadísticamente similar este tratamiento al aplicarse de manera separada (Cv y Sp). La fotosíntesis (µmol s-2s-1), conductancia estomática, transpiración (mmol H2O m-2 s-1) y uso eficiente del agua, no fueron afectadas por ninguno de los tratamientos de este estudio, con respuesta equivalente a la del testigo.

Abstract The objective of the study was to evaluate, in the first year of establishment, the number of plants established, forage production, morphological composition, seed yield, physical and physiological quality of seed in seven native Mexican grasses and buffel, in Tulancingo, Hidalgo. The experiment was established in April 2020 under irrigation in a completely randomized block design. To analyze the data, GLM of SAS and Tukey (α= 0.05) were used. In the establishment, the highest number of established plants (14 plants m-2; p< 0.05) was observed in gigante. The highest production of forage in dry matter was observed in buffel and gigante (5 814 and 5 094 t ha-1; p> 0.05) respectively, followed by engordador grass (3 619 kg ha-1; p< 0.001). The highest weight per plant was observed in buffel (62 g plant-1; p< 0.001), while the highest leaf:stem ratio (p< 0.001) was observed in navajita (2.7) and banderita Herguz (2.59). In seed production, gigante grass produced the largest amount with 685 kg ha-1 (p< 0.01), filling, viability and therefore, the largest amount of viable pure seed per hectare (p< 0.001). Gigante, buffel and engordador are grasses that can be potential species of grass for reconversion in the Tulancingo Valley.

Resumen El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar en el primer año de establecimiento, número de plantas establecidas, producción de forraje, composición morfológica, rendimiento de semilla, calidad física y fisiológica de semilla en siete pastos nativos mexicanos y buffel en Tulancingo, Hidalgo. El experimento se estableció en abril de 2020 en riego con en un diseño en bloques completamente al azar. Para analizar los datos se usó GLM de SAS y Tukey (α= 0.05). En el establecimiento, se observó en pasto gigante mayor número de plantas establecidas (14 plantas m-2; p< 0.05). La producción mayor de forraje en materia seca se observó en buffel y gigante (5 814 y 5 094 t ha-1; p> 0.05) respectivamente, seguido de pasto engordador (3 619 kg ha-1; p< 0.001). El peso mayor por planta se observó en buffel (62 g planta-1; p< 0.001), mientras la relación hoja:tallo mayor (p< 0.001) se observó en navajita (2.7) y banderita Herguz (2.59). En producción de semilla, pasto gigante produjo la cantidad mayor con 685 kg ha-1 (p< 0.01), llenado, viabilidad y por tanto, mayor cantidad de semilla pura viable por hectárea (p< 0.001). El pasto gigante, buffel y engordador son pastos que pueden ser potenciales especies de pasto para reconversión en el Valle de Tulancingo.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el desempeño productivo y el estado nutricional de ovinos mestizos alimentados con una dieta que contenía ensilaje de pasto buffel (EPB) en sustitución de ensilaje de maíz (EM). Treinta y dos (32) ovinos Santa Inês machos con un peso corporal promedio de 20.09 ± 2.0 kg se distribuyeron en un diseño de bloques completamente al azar con cuatro tratamientos (0, 33.3, 66.6 y 100 % de sustitución de ensilaje de maíz por ensilaje de pasto buffel) y ocho animales por tratamiento. Se evaluó la ingesta de materia seca, la digestibilidad aparente de nutrientes, el balance hídrico, el balance de nitrógeno y el desempeño productivo de los animales. Los diferentes niveles de sustitución de ensilaje de maíz por ensilaje de pasto buffel promovieron una disminución lineal en el consumo de extracto etéreo (P=0.001) y carbohidratos no fibrosos (P<0.001), digestibilidad aparente de carbohidratos no fibrosos (P=0.019), ingesta de agua vía alimentos (P<0.001), ingesta total de agua (P=0.008), excreción de agua vía orina (P=0.004), excreción total de agua (P=0.001), entre los cuales los valores más altos se observaron en animales alimentados con 100 % de ensilaje de maíz. La excreción de agua vía heces (P=0.017) y el balance de nitrógeno (P=0.047) mostraron una función cuadrática, aumentando a medida que la sustitución con ensilaje de pasto buffel se incrementó de 0 a 33.3 %. No se observaron diferencias significativas (P>0.05) en el desempeño productivo de los ovinos, con una ganancia diaria de peso promedio de 140.16 g/día. La sustitución del 66.6 % de EM por EPB proporciona resultados satisfactorios para la ingesta de materia seca y nutrientes, y la ingesta de agua, con una ganancia de peso de hasta 155 g/día para ovinos mestizos Santa Inês en los semiáridos brasileños.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance and nutritional status of crossbred sheep fed a diet containing buffel grass silage (BGS) in substitution of corn silage (CS). Thirty-two male Santa Inês sheep with an average body weight of 20.09 ± 2.0 kg were distributed in a completely randomized block design with four treatments (0, 33.3, 66.6, and 100 % of substitution of corn silage with buffel grass silage) and eight animals per treatment. Dry matter intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, water balance, nitrogen balance, and productive performance of animals were evaluated. The different levels of substitution of corn silage by buffel grass silage promoted a linear decrease in the consumption of ether extract (P=0.001) and non-fibrous carbohydrate (P<0.001), apparent digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrate (P=0.019), water intake via food (P<0.001), total water intake (P=0.008), water excretion via urine (P=0.004), total water excretion (P=0.001), among which the highest values were observed in animals fed 100% corn silage. Water excretion via feces (P=0.017) and nitrogen balance (P=0.047) showed a quadratic function, increasing as substitution with buffel grass silage increased from 0 to 33.3 %. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed in sheep productive performance, with an average daily weight gain of 140.16 g/d. The replacement of 66.6 % of CS for BGS provides satisfactory results for dry matter and nutrients intake, and water intake, with weight gain of up to 155 g/d for Santa Inês crossbred sheep in Brazilian semi-arid.

Abstract Introduction: In arid regions, soil losses are caused by torrential rainfall events and by the erosive energy of runoff. Objectives: To quantify the impact of the use of different types of vegetation cover on soil erosion and soil deposition caused by overland flow. Methodology: The experiment was carried out from July to September 2017 under a randomized block experimental design with three replications. The treatments evaluated were maize harvest residues and buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) sowing (MHR + G), maize harvest residues (MHR), buffel grass sowing (G), and the control (C). Results: The MHR + G treatment reduced erosion by 44 % (26.3 t·ha-1) compared to the control (58.6 t·ha-1). Soil deposition was 47.6 and 51.7 t·ha-1 with MHR + G and G, respectively, while in C was 26.1 t·ha-1. Limitations of the study: The results found are valid for the soil and water conditions of this study Originality: There are few technical and scientific reports on the behavior of soil particle removal and deposition processes under runoff conditions. Conclusions: The layer thickness of soil removed and deposited, under overland flow conditions, depends on the type of soil cover. The MHR + G treatment significantly reduced soil erosion, making it a viable alternative.

Resumen Introducción: En regiones áridas, las pérdidas de suelo son ocasionadas por eventos pluviales torrenciales y por la energía erosiva de los escurrimientos hídricos superficiales. Objetivos: Cuantificar el impacto del uso de diferentes tipos de cobertura vegetal sobre la erosión-deposición del suelo causada por el flujo laminar. Metodología: El experimento se llevó a cabo de julio a septiembre de 2017 bajo un diseño experimental de bloques al azar con tres repeticiones. Los tratamientos evaluados fueron: residuos de cosecha de maíz y siembra de zacate buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) (R+Z), residuos de cosecha de maíz (R), siembra de zacate buffel (Z) y testigo (T). Resultados. El tratamiento R+Z redujo la erosión en un 44 % (26.3 t·ha-1) con respecto al testigo (58.6 t·ha-1). La deposición de suelo fue de 47.6 y 51.7 t·ha-1 con R+Z y Z, respectivamente, mientras que en el T fue de 26.1 t·ha-1. Limitaciones del estudio: Los resultados obtenidos son válidos para las condiciones del suelo e hídricas de este estudio. Originalidad: Existen pocos reportes técnicos y científicos sobre el comportamiento de los procesos de remoción y deposición de partículas de suelo bajo condiciones de escurrimiento superficial. Conclusiones: El espesor de la capa de suelo removida y depositada, bajo condiciones de flujo laminar, depende del tipo de cobertura del suelo. El tratamiento R+Z redujo significativamente la erosión del suelo, convirtiéndolo en una alternativa viable.

Resumen: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la ingesta, digestibilidad aparente, balance hídrico, balance de nitrógeno y rendimiento productivo en corderos alimentados con ensilaje de nopal asociado con forrajes tropicales. En el experimento se utilizaron 40 corderos machos cruzados intactos, con un peso corporal inicial de 18.85 ± 1.2 kg. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar, con 5 tratamientos y 8 repeticiones. Los tratamientos consistieron en dietas con diferentes proporciones de pasto buffel y salvado de trigo como fuentes de fibra detergente neutro (FDN), en ensilaje de alimento total (EAT) a base de nopal: EAT1 - 279 g/kg de pasto buffel; EAT2 - 240 g/kg de pasto buffel y 17 g/kg de salvado de trigo; EAT3 - 198 g/kg de pasto buffel y 34 g/kg de salvado de trigo; EAT4 - 108 g/kg de pasto buffel y 74 g/kg de salvado de trigo; EAT5 - 118 g/kg de salvado de trigo. La ingesta más baja de FDN se encontró en corderos que consumieron EAT5 (402 g/día). La digestibilidad aparente de los carbohidratos no fibrosos fue mayor para EAT5, mientras que la digestibilidad aparente de FDN de EAT5 y EAT4 fue mayor que la de EAT1. Las dietas promovieron una ganancia diaria de peso promedio de 180.8 g/día. En condiciones experimentales, el uso de nopal forrajero y concentrado en forma de raciones mixtas totales de ensilaje conduce a una mayor ingesta de proteína cruda, carbohidratos no fibrosos, extracto etéreo y mayor digestibilidad de carbohidratos no fibrosos y fibra detergente neutro, sin embargo, todas las dietas fueron viables en la alimentación de ovinos confinados, proporcionando ganancias de hasta 198 g/d según la formulación de la dieta.

Abstract This study aimed was to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility, water balance, nitrogen balance, and productive performance in lamb fed cactus pear silage associated with tropical forages. Forty male intact crossbred lambs, with an initial body weight of 18.85 ± 1.2 kg, were used in the experiment. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 5 treatments and 8 replications. The treatments consisted of diets with different proportions of buffelgrass and wheat bran as sources of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), in total feed silage (TFS) based on cactus pear: TFS1 - 279 g/kg of buffelgrass; TFS2 - 240 g/kg of buffelgrass and 17 g/kg of wheat bran; TFS3 - 198 g/kg of buffelgrass and 34 g/kg of wheat bran; TFS4 - 108 g/kg of buffelgrass and 74 g/kg of wheat bran; TFS5 - 118 g/kg of wheat bran. The lowest NDF intake was found in lambs that consumed TFS5 (402 g/d). The non-fibrous carbohydrates apparent digestibility was higher for TFS5, while the NDF apparent digestibility of TFS5 and TFS4 was higher than TFS1. Diets promoted an average daily weight gain of 180.8 g/d. Under experimental conditions, the use of forage cactus pear and concentrate in the form of total mixed rations silage leads to greater intake of crude protein, non-fibrous carbohydrates, ether extract and greater digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates and neutral detergent fiber, however, all diets were viable in the feed of confined sheep, providing gains of up to 198 g/d according with the formulation of the diet.

Resumo: O armazenamento prolongado pode levar a perda da qualidade das sementes, influenciando negativamente na germinação e vigor e impedindo a obtenção de um estande promissor. A qualidade das sementes é um fator crucial, e o desempenho do lote pode ser alterado pelo vigor, dormência e principalmente, pelo tempo e condições em que as sementes ficaram armazenadas. No experimento foi avaliada a qualidade fisiológica de sementes de 14 genótipos de capim-bufel (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) armazenados por treze anos em câmara fria. As sementes foram submetidas a tratamento para indução da germinação com nitrato de potássio (KNO3), e posteriores avaliações para identificação da presença e ausência de embrião. O período em que as sementes ficaram armazenadas afetou sua capacidade de germinação e o KNO3 utilizado não induziu aumento na germinação das sementes. Baixo número de sementes cheias foi verificado para o genótipo 613 (12%). As porcentagens de germinação relativa não subestimaram o potencial de germinação das sementes de C. ciliaris, como usualmente é calculada, fornecendo distinção melhorada entre os genótipos avaliados. O KNO3 incrementou positivamente nas partes das plântulas de alguns genótipos, bem como na biomassa seca destas, sendo uma característica importante para a forragicultura em geral. O armazenamento prolongado afetou a qualidade fisiológica das sementes de C. ciliaris. A produção de sementes sem embrião é um problema encontrado nessa espécie, interferindo na qualidade final dos lotes produzidos.

Abstract: Prolonged storage of seeds may lead to decreases in seed quality, negatively affecting germination and vigor and preventing the obtaining of a promising stand. Seed quality is a critical factor, and the performance of the lot can be altered by vigor, dormancy and, mainly, by the time and conditions in which the seeds were stored. In the experiment, the physiological quality of seeds 14 genotypes of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) genotypes stored for a period of thirteen years in cold conditions was evaluated. The seeds were subjected to germination induction treatment with potassium nitrate (KNO3) and evaluated to identify seeds with presence and absence of embryos. The seed storage period affected their germination capacity and the use of KNO3 did not increase seed germination. A low number of full seeds was found for genotype 613 (12%). The relative germination percentages did not underestimate the buffel grass seed germination potential, as it is usually calculated, providing an improved distinction between the evaluated genotypes. The use of KNO3 increased the seedling root and shoot weights of some genotypes, as well as the dry matter weight of seedlings, an important characteristic for forage production. The prolonged storage affects the physiological quality of buffel grass seeds. The production of seeds without embryo is a problem found for this species, which affects the final quality of the seed lots produced.

RESUMO No cenário das mudanças climáticas, o estudo das emissões de gases do efeito estufa (GEE) e de medidas de mitigação na Caatinga são estratégicos e podem fornecer a base para planos de mitigação. Objetivou-se avaliar os fluxos de CO2, CH4 e N2O do solo, bem como determinar uma linha de base anual para as emissões de GEE, em um sistema de produção silvipastoril de referência no semiárido brasileiro, a fim de fornecer subsídios para estudos futuros de mitigação das emissões de GEE. Os fluxos de GEE foram monitorados durante um ano, em pastagem de capim buffel e em área de Caatinga pastejada e nativa, as quais são componentes de um sistema silvipastoril de longa duração. Os fluxos de CO2 variaram de -19,98 a 179,12 mg m-2 h-1 de C-CO2, os de CH4 de -76,21 a 113,87 µg m-2 h-1 de C-CH4, os de N2O de -1.043,12 a 471,37 µg m-2 h-1 de N-N2O e a umidade do solo foi o principal fator limitante para os fluxos de GEE. As emissões totais convertidas para CO2-equivalente nas áreas antropizadas foram menores que na área de vegetação nativa (65 % para o capim buffel e 741 % para a Caatinga pastejada). Portanto, pode-se afrmar que as emissões de GEE nas áreas pastejadas no bioma Caatinga não são tão altas quanto na Caatinga nativa, o que é um importante indicador da sustentabilidade ambiental do sistema silvipastoril avaliado.

ABSTRACT In the climate change scenario, studying greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and measures of mitigation in the Caatinga biome are strategic and may provide a basis for mitigation plans. This study aimed to evaluate the soil CO2, CH4 and N2O fluxes, as well as determining an annual baseline for GHG emissions, in a reference site of silvopastoral production system in the Brazilian semiarid region, in order to provide subsidies for future studies on GHG emissions mitigation. The GHG fluxes were monitored over one year, in a buffel grass pasture and in grazed and native Caatinga areas, which are components of a long-term silvopastoral system. The CO2 fluxes ranged from -19.98 to 179.12 mg m-2 h-1 of CO2-C, CH4 fluxes from -76.21 to 113.87 µg m-2 h-1 of CH4-C, N2O fluxes from -1,043.12 to 471.37 µg m-2 h-1 of N2O-N and the soil moisture was the main factor limiting the GHG fluxes. The total emissions converted to CO2-equivalent in the anthropized areas were lower than in the native area (65 % for the buffel grass pasture and 741 % for the grazed Caatinga). Therefore, it is possible to afrm that the GHG soil emissions from grazed areas in the Caatinga biome are not as high as in the native Caatinga, what is an important indication of the environmental sustainability of the evaluated silvopastoral system.

Resumen Se describen las larvas del tercer estadio de Listrochelus cristagalli (Arrow), L. granti Saylor, L. juvenilis (Fall), L. nogueirana (Morón) y L. yaqui Saylor con ejemplares procedentes del municipio El Fuerte, Sinaloa, México. Las larvas se recolectaron en parcelas de temporal, cultivadas con frijol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), sandía (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad), maíz (Zea mayz L.), zacate buffel (Pennisetum sp.) y en vegetación natural con remantes de bosque tropical caducifolio. Se incluyen ilustraciones de las estructuras características y comentarios sobre las diferencias taxonómicas. Se presenta una clave para identificar las especies del género Listrochelus.

Abstract The third instar larvae of Listrochelus cristagalli (Arrow), L. granti Saylor, L. juvenilis (Fall), L. nogueirana (Morón) and L. yaqui Saylor are described based on specimens from the municipality El Fuerte, Sinaloa, Mexico. Larvae were collected in rainfed plots, cultivated with beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris Schrad), corn (Zea mayz L.), buffel grass (Pennisetum sp.) and in natural vegetation with remnants of tropical deciduous forest soils. Illustrations of characteristic structures and comments on taxonomic differences are included. A key to identify the described larvae of the genus Listrochelus is presented.

Divorce is a painful and traumatic experience that disrupts the lives of people. Research has shown that the phenomenon of divorce among black South Africans is escalating on a yearly basis. This is accompanied by emotional, spiritual, and psychological effects which impact on the well-being of people. Furthermore, divorce is understood as a disruption of normal life and it also threatens the stability and sustainability of social institutions. As the article is written from a context of pastoral therapy, it acknowledges the existence of other forms of care beyond the boundaries of the Christian ministry of healing. The indigenous African marital therapy plays a vital role in black African communities in strengthening marital bonds and its longevity. Even though this African model has been disrupted by the wave of industrialisation and urbanisation, the article argues that its methods of healing, counselling and mediatory role are necessary for African people and in response to the collapse of the institution of marriage.

ABSTRACT The silvopastoral system is characterized by association of livestock, trees and pasture, the interaction between these components provides benefits to the soil, pasture, livestock and trees and allows an increase in productivity and diversification of production. In order to know the influence of the arboreal component of the silvopastoral system on the organic matter content of the soil, an exploratory study was carried out on private properties located in the Boquerón and Presidente Hayes Departments of the Paraguayan Central Chaco. Eight permanent plots of 1 ha each were installed in which all the carob trees (Prosopis spp) were measured and recorded, pasture samples were identified and extracted from subplots of 1 m2 that were located under the tree canopy and outside In order to compare the biomass of the pasture, the soil samples were extracted under the mentioned conditions and at two depths, from 0 to 10 cm and from 10 to 30 cm, to compare the content of organic matter, carbon and nitrogen. The tree component was composed of white carob (Prosopis alba) and black carob (Prosopis nigra) associated with implanted pasture, Gatton panic (Panicum maximum cv Gatton panic), Pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) and Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) mostly. There were no significant differences in the organic matter content, carbon and nitrogen between sun and shade conditions, but they did vary with depth. Under the conditions of the present study, there was no significant influence of the tree component on the content of organic matter.

RESUMEN El sistema silvopastoril se caracteriza por asociación de ganadería, árboles y pastura, la interacción entre estos componentes aporta beneficios tanto al suelo, como a la pastura, al ganado y a los árboles y permite un aumento en la productividad y la diversificación de la producción. Para conocer la influencia del componente arbóreo del sistema silvopastoril sobre el contenido de materia orgánica del suelo se llevó a cabo un estudio exploratorio en propiedades privadas ubicadas en los Departamento de Boquerón y Presidente Hayes del Chaco Central paraguayo. Se instalaron 8 parcelas permanentes de 1 ha cada una en las que se midieron y registraron todos los individuos de algarrobo (Prosopis spp), se identificaron y extrajeron muestras de pastura de subparcelas de 1m2 que se ubicaron bajo la copa de los árboles y fuera de la copa para comparar la biomasa de la pastura, se extrajeron muestras de suelo bajo las condiciones mencionadas y a dos profundidades, de 0 a 10 cm y de 10 a 30 cm, para comparar el contenido de materia orgánica, carbono y nitrógeno. El componente arbóreo estaba integrado por algarrobo blanco (Prosopis alba) y algarrobo negro (Prosopis nigra) asociados a pastura implantada, Gatton panic (Panicum máximum cv Gatton panic) pasto Pangola (Digitaria decumbens) y pasto Buffel (Cenchrus ciliaris) mayoritariamente. No se registraron diferencias significativas en el contenido de materia orgánica, carbono y nitrógeno entre condiciones de sol y de sombra, pero sí al variar la profundidad. Bajo las condiciones del presente estudio no se registró una influencia significativa del componente arbóreo sobre el contenido de materia orgánica.

Resumen El pasto buffel (Pennisetum ciliare L.) es una especie forrajera importante. Es necesario continuar con la exploración de la variabilidad natural de este pasto y seleccionar materiales con potencial para la ganadería. Actualmente el Instituto Internacional de Investigaciones Pecuarias (ILRI, por sus siglas en inglés) en Etiopía conserva de manera ex situ 157 materiales de buffel; es importante caracterizarlos para identificar materiales con potencial productivo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la diversidad fenotípica de 147 ecotipos y 10 variedades de pasto buffel e identificar materiales con potencial de producción de forraje y semilla. El estudio se realizó en 2014 en la estación experimental Zwai en Etiopía. Los materiales se establecieron en parcelas con 36 plantas cada una. Las variables medidas indirectamente para identificar ecotipos con potencial para la producción de semilla fueron: panículas por planta (PP), espiguillas por panícula (EP) cariópsides por panícula (CP) y días a 50 % de floración (DF), mientras que para producción de forraje las variables fueron altura de planta (AP, cm) y de forraje (AF, cm). Se realizaron análisis de agrupamiento y discriminante. La colección de pasto buffel mostró alta variabilidad en todas las características medidas. Los intervalos de altura de planta y forraje fueron de 34 a 139 y de 24 a 118 cm, respectivamente. La variación de PP fue de 6 a 322, EP de 13 a 285 y para CP fue de 3 a 113. El corte de estandarización al 50 % de floración fue de 48 a 71 días. Se observó una alta correlación (r = 0.98) entre altura de planta y de forraje, y una correlación negativa (r = -0.62) entre panículas por planta y días al 50 % de floración. Cuatro grupos (P < 0.0001) fueron identificados para los 157 materiales. Con excepción de AF, las demás variables contribuyeron significativamente a la separación de grupos. La colección de pasto buffel presentó alta variabilidad en las características medidas; además, los ecotipos 1442, 19448, 19457, 19459, 19462 y 19464 mostraron potencial forrajero.

Summary Buffel grass (Pennisetum ciliare L.) is an important forage species. It is necessary to continue exploring the natural variability of this grass and select materials with potential for livestock. Currently, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Ethiopia preserves ex situ 157 buffel materials; it is important to characterize them to identify materials with productive potential. The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic diversity of 147 ecotypes and 10 cultivars of buffelgrass to identify materials with potential forage and seed production. The study was conducted in 2014 at the Zwai Experiment Station in Ethiopia. Materials were established in the field with 36 plants per plot. Variables indirectly measured to identify ecotypes with potential for seed yield were: panicles per plant (PP), spikelets per panicle (SP), caryopses per panicle (CP) and days to 50 % flowering (DF), while for forage production variables were plant height (PH, cm) and forage height (FH, cm). Cluster and discriminant analyses were performed. The buffelgrass collection showed large variability in all measured characteristics. The plant and forage height ranges were: from 34 to 139 and from 24 to 118 cm, respectively. Variation of PP ranged from 6 to 322, SP from 13 to 285 and CP from 3 to 113. The standardization cut at 50 % flowering ranged from 48 to 71 days. A high correlation coefficient (r = 0.98) was observed between plant height and forage height and there was a negative correlation (r = -0.62) between panicles per plant and days to 50 % flowering. Four groups (P < 0.0001) were identified for the 157 materials. With the exception of FH, the rest of variables significantly contributed to the separation of groups. The buffelgrass collection presented high variability in the measured characteristics; also, ecotypes 1442, 19448, 19457, 19459, 19462 and 19464 showed forage potential.

Abstract Moringa oleifera presents adaptation to tropical and semi-arid zones, and has leaves with high protein content. In two types of moringa (short capsule and long capsule), the percentage of germination, emergence, plant height, speed of emergence and growth under nursery conditions were evaluated. The field adaptation was a mixture of seed of both types. The long capsule showed 80 and 70% of germination and emergence, respectively. The emergence speed was similar in both types of moringa, while the growth rate in long capsule was 2.02 and in short capsule 1.24 mm day-1. The incidence of phytopathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum) in seed with testa, seed without testa and only the testa, was higher in short capsule type with 70%. The plants were attacked by Dorylaimus nematodes, which were found in the substrate. In field conditions, there was 97.37% of plant establishment, but, 31% of the population was destroyed by leaf cutter ants, buffel grass competition and low temperatures. The highest physiological seed quality was obtained by the long capsule type, since, it had a germination percentage and a speed of growth higher than the short capsule, and lower incidence of Fusarium oxysporum. These results indicate that M. oleifera has potential for adaptation in the semiarid region of northern Mexico.

Resumen Moringa oleifera presenta adaptación a zonas tropicales y semiáridas, y tiene hojas con alto contenido de proteína. En dos tipos de moringa (cápsula corta y cápsula larga) se evalúo el porcentaje de germinación, emergencia, altura de planta, velocidad de emergencia, y crecimiento en condiciones de vivero. La adaptación en campo se evaluó en una mezcla de semilla de ambos tipos. La cápsula larga presentó un 80 y 70% de germinación y emergencia, respectivamente. La velocidad de emergencia fue similar en ambos tipos de moringa, mientras que el crecimiento en cápsula larga fue de 2.02 y en corta de 1.24 mm día-1. La incidencia de hongos fitopatógenos (Fusarium oxysporum) en semilla con testa, sin testa y solo testa, fue mayor en cápsula corta en 70%. Las plantas fueron atacadas por nematodos Dorylaimus que se encontraron en el sustrato. En campo se tuvo 97% de establecimiento, 31% de la población fue destruida por hormigas arrieras, competencia del zacate buffel y bajas temperaturas. La mayor calidad fisiológica de semilla se observó en el tipo cápsula larga, con mayor porcentaje de germinación e índice de velocidad de crecimiento que la cápsula corta, y menor incidencia de Fusarium oxysporum. Los resultados indican que M. oleifera tiene potencial de adaptación en la región semiárida del norte de México.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of sorghum silage, Buffel grass hay and forage palm fodder in the diet of dairy goats by means of performance tests and economic viability of different roughage sources. Eight Anglo-Nubian goats, multiparous, weighing around 40.13 ± 2.76 kg of live weight were used. The experiment lasted 84 days, consisting of four periods of 21 days, distributed in two Latin squares (4x4). The treatments represented by diets with different volumetric sources: SSCF: (sorghum silage+ forage palm+ concentrate); BHCF: (Buffel grass hay + cactus forage+ concentrate); SS: (sorghum silage+ concentrate) and BH: (Buffel grass hay + concentrate). Nutritional intake, digestibility, feed behavior, milk production and chemical composition and economic analysis were evaluated. Animals fed the BHCF diet had higher nutrient intakes and consequently were more productive in fat, protein, lactose, fat free solids and total solids. The BHCF diet led to a higher gross income in Brazilian currency. The safety margin of the SSCF diet presented the highest percentage, with 43.06%, and the BHCF diet, the lowest percentage, of 14.89. The association of forage palm with sorghum silage and Buffel grass hay can be used as a bulky source in lactating goat diets.