ABSTRACT
Rangeland lmprovement systems in the "|espinales"| of the subhumid Mediterranean zoneof Chile. II. Botanical composition and pastoral value

Julia Avendaño R1 y Carlos Ovalle M.2
 

The results of yield production and vegetation cover in part I and part II the botanical composition, pastoral value and global discussion of both parts were analyzed, under four different stablishment methods and with seven seed species during the first three years. The superficial cultivation systems were the best ones during all the years. The surface sown systems, with or without sheep trampling can be a long-term improvement method (third year after seed broadcasting), specially with the naturalized ecotypes. Medicago polymorpha, Lolium multjlforum (naturalized ecotipes) and Trilolium brachycalycinum cv. Ciare were the species best established. In the fertilized range the Pastoral Value increased in 8 to 24%, in relation to the unfertilized. With seed broadcasting this increase was larger, 71 to 94% and 28 to 43% in the first and second year, respectively, in relation to the fertilized range.

Keywords: rangelands, Mediterranean zone, surface sown.
1 Subestación Experimental Cauquenes (INIA), Casilla 165, Cauquenes, Maule, Chile.
2 Estación Experimental Quilamapu (INIA), Casilla 426, Chillán. Chile.