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Investigaciones geográficas
On-line version ISSN 2448-7279Print version ISSN 0188-4611
Abstract
ALCONADA MAGLIANO, Margarita M.; BUSSONI, Adriana; ROSA, Raúl and CARRILLO RIVERA, José Joel. Bio-drainage as control to water excess in the Pampa Arenosa, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Invest. Geog [online]. 2009, n.68, pp.50-72. ISSN 2448-7279.
The northwest region of the province of Buenos Aires presents cyclical periods of flooding and drought. The last humid cycle started in 1970 with large flooding areas, a rise of the water-table, severe economic losses in the farming sector, environmental deterioration, and social problems. Biodrainage is a technique where vegetation is used to control excess water flow in the landscape by means of evapotranspiración. Good results have been reported in various countries in regard to efficient control of: flooding, soil salinization, and water-table rise. The plantation of forest species with bovine-cattle ranching (silvopastoral system) is recommended in areas of recharge abd transit to local groundwater flow systems and areas of transit to intermediate groundwater flow systems, and Tipic Udipsament, Tipic Ustipsament, Entic Hapludol, and Entic Haplustol soils. The annual profit by means of the annual forest rent and silvopastoral system is evaluated. Pinus taeda, Eucalyptus viminalis, and E. tereticornis, gave positive results. Prosopis sp and E. camaldulensis, appear to lack financial feasible. Prosopis sp could also be considered as it has good behaviour during the dry season, improves cattle ranching, and controls the water-table. A correct site selection to implant is essential; it should be selected based on the quality and quantity of the related groundwater flow system, which must be defined with proven scientific techniques. This way, the environmental problem of flooding in the northwest Bonoaerense is approached under a holistic vision of the physical and environmental geography. The importance of knowing the functioning of the landscape is highlighted, as well as the understanding of its dynamics, evolution, and relation with the physical, biological and human settings; such considerations are a must before proposing any environmental, economic and social practices that might prove to be sustainable.
Keywords : Biodrainage; flood; silvopastoral system; forest rent; groundwater; Prosopis.