ChileanJAR

In this study, the ecology and agronomical aspects of annual medics will be analized, with particular emphasis on the naturalized species in Chile. The agronomic potential of the naturalized species Medicago polymorpha in the interior dryland (secano interior), located in the Mediterranean zone, will be also showed. Due to the extension, it is presented in three parts: I. Comparison with Australia; II. Ecophysiology; III. Potential of the ley farming system in the interior dryland of the subhumid Mediterranean zone. A comparison of the agroclimatic conditions between Chile and Australia, shows that important differences exists in soil pH and annual distribution of the rainfall. Six species are found in Chile, of which M. polymorpha and M. arabica are the most abundant. Naturalized species, especially M. polymorpha, are widely distributed within the Mediterranean zone, from de arid to the perhumid area.