Abstract

DIAZ, Miriam. Ecología experimental y ecofisiología: Bases para el uso sostenible de los recursos naturales de las zonas áridas neo-tropicales. INCI [online]. 2001, vol.26, n.10, pp.472-478. ISSN 0378-1844.

The soil and climatic conditions characteristic of tropical arid and semiarid lands make them very fragile ecosystems sensitive to degradation processes which lead to desertification. They are largelly affected by human settlements and global climatic changes. They are affected, above all, by traditional agricultural practices that apply techniques developed for other areas of the world, with different requirements and conditions. It is necessary to incorporate ecological studies of natural ecosystems, experimental ecology and ecological principles into developmental planning, in order to attain a sustainable development. The results of ecophysiological studies performed in northwestern Venezuela, reveal that plant productivity and phenology depends on ephemeral rains rather than seasons and that there is high compatibility of trees and alternative crops, especially with succulents, whose productivity is enhanced by the association with native trees. These findings are reviewed and agroforestry systems are proposed which include alternative succulent crops (Aloe vera and Agave cocui among others), and the preservation of native trees as one of the possible solutions for agricultural production and the amelioration of degradation processes in tropical arid lands.

Keywords : Uso Sostenible ; Recursos Naturales; Zonas Áridas Neo-Tropicales .