Evaluation of allelopathic effect of exotic and native tree litter on native palatable forbs for the design of sustainable silvopastoral systems

Abstract

The Caldenal is a region of Argentina of xerophilous forests dominated by Prosopis caldenia
and natural grasslands that has suffered a considerable loss of forest surface and a strong
process of fragmentation and degradation, with serious environmental and productive consequences.
The objective was to evaluate the allelopathic effect of different litters on native
forage forbs. An experiment was conducted in a greenhouse in order to evaluate the effect of
litters of Prosopis caldenia, P. chilensis, Parkinsonia aculeata, Pinus halepensis, Juglans regia
and natural grassland on the herbs Adesmia incana, Lathyrus pubescens, Piptochaetium
napostaense and Poa ligularis. The results did not support the initial hypothesis that supposed
a greater allelopathic effect by exotic tree species. Bare soil and grassland litter could have a
negative physical effect while native tree legumes could have a positive effect on forbs.