Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Application of a Soil Quality Index (SQI) to Assess Impacts on Stocking Rate Variations in Mediterranean Forests

Picazo-Córdoba M.I
ORCID logo ,
García-Saucedo F.
,
García-Morote F.A.
ORCID logo ,
Wic-Baena C.
,
López-Serrano F.R.
ORCID logo ,
Rubio-Caballero E.M.
ORCID logo ,
Moreno-Ortego J.L.
ORCID logo ,
Andrés-Abellán M.
* ORCID logo
Version 1 : Received: 7 February 2024 / Approved: 8 February 2024 / Online: 8 February 2024 (16:08:18 CET)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Isabel, P.C.M.; Francisco, G.S.; Consolación, W.B.; Antonio, G.M.F.; Ramón, L.S.F.; Eva, R.; Luis, M.O.J.; Manuela, A.A. Application of Soil Multiparametric Indices to Assess Impacts of Grazing in Mediterranean Forests. Land 2024, 13, 411. Isabel, P.C.M.; Francisco, G.S.; Consolación, W.B.; Antonio, G.M.F.; Ramón, L.S.F.; Eva, R.; Luis, M.O.J.; Manuela, A.A. Application of Soil Multiparametric Indices to Assess Impacts of Grazing in Mediterranean Forests. Land 2024, 13, 411.

Abstract

Quantifying different stocking rates effects in three study areas placed at Mediterranean forest (Cuenca, Spain) was conducted by applying a multiparametric soil quality index, SQI, developed in undisturbed forest soils (> 40 years). The main objective is to advance in the development and application of multiparametric indexes which allow for soil condition assessment. For it, is analyse the effectiveness of a multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) as an indicator livestock impacts on the soil in mediterranean forests. Control areas without stocking rates were compared in forest stands with different age (Thicket forest stand, < 30 years; High polewood forest stand, 30-60 years; Old growth forest stand, > 60 years); with various intensity grazing areas (permanent livestock passage: inactive sheepfold for 2-3 years, and active sheepfold; intermittent livestock passage: bare soil, pine stand, scrubland). The multiparametric soil quality index (SQI) applied sensitive to changes in forest ecosystems depending of different stocking rates. However, for even more preci-sion to assess cattle alteration, multiparameter index recalibrated, creating a new one; Soil Status Index by Livestock (SSIL). Correlation between quality ranges obtained with both indexes in dif-ferent study areas suggest that SSIL can be considered a livestock impact reference indicator in Mediterranean forest soils.

Keywords

Stocking rate unit; Livestock unit; Forest-pasture systems; Multiparametric index; Environmental impact assessment

Subject

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Soil Science

Copyright: This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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