Effects of the timing of defoliation after controlled burning of preferred and non-preferred perennial grasses in southwestern Buenos Aires
This project constitutes the Doctoral Thesis work of Agr. Engineer Leticia Ithurrart in the Agronomy Department, National University of the South. The most appropriate timing for defoliation of the perennial grass study species (Nassella claraziii and N. tenuis, preferred; Amelichloa ambigua, rejected), abundant in rangelands of central Argentina, will be studied after controlled burnings. Mechanisms responsible of plant responses (tiller and plant demography and growth; root length density; arbuscular mycorrhiza; 15N uptake; available soil N) will also be evaluated. These studies will contribute to a better vegetation management and conservation of forage resources. Studies will be conducted in collaboration with researchers of the Chacra Experimental de Patagones, Patagones, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina.