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Acacia caven is a key native species in the dry land region of south-central Chile. It is a species of high social and productive interest to landowners. Therefore, this study proposes a biomass function for A. caven, which involves incorporating predictor variables that are easily obtainable in the field and less complex than those used in already existing functions for the species. Due to the multi-purpose nature of the species and its potential for silvopastoral systems, these functions typify important planning tools to improve the management of this plant resource. To generate the biomass function, the methodology of destructive analysis of components was used on a total of 71 trees. These trees were selected, cut and weighed in the field to generate and test different models. Statistical analysis models were used and root collar diameter, diameter at breast height and total height served as predictor variables, resulting in a good adjustment of the models (R2 adjusted the 0.97 for stem-branches, 0.90 for stems and 0.96 for total biomass), with high correlations between estimated and real values. These functions may be used safely in plant formations of A. caven located in the same distribution area and within the range of the used variables. In the future, however, they require validation with new measurements in other sectors than the area considered to increase geographical representativeness. Acacia caven, es una de las principales especies nativas presentes en el secano interior de la zona central de Chile. Es una especie que tiene un alto interés social y productivo para los propietarios de este recurso. En este sentido, el objetivo de este estudio es proponer una función de biomasa validada para A. caven, y que incorpore variables predictoras de fácil obtención en terreno y de menor complejidad que las consideradas en funciones ya conocidas para la especie. Dadas las características de especie multipropósito y su potencial para su uso en sistemas silvopastorales, estas funciones son importantes herramientas de planificación para mejorar la gestión y manejo de este recurso vegetacional. Para la generación de la función de biomasa, se utilizó una metodología de análisis destructivo por componentes de 71 árboles, los cuales fueron seleccionados, volteados y pesados en terreno, para posteriormente generar y probar diferentes modelos. A través de análisis estadísticos se seleccionaron modelos que utilizan como variables predictoras el diámetro a la altura del cuello, diámetro a la altura del pecho y altura total. Los resultados muestran un buen ajuste de los modelos (R2 ajust. de 0,97 para fuste-ramas, 0,90 para ramillas y 0,96 para biomasa total), lo que indica un alto nivel de correlación entre valores estimados y valores reales. Estas funciones se pueden utilizar con seguridad en formaciones vegetacionales de A. caven que se ubiquen en la misma zona distribucional del recurso y dentro de los rangos de las variables utilizadas, siendo conveniente en el futuro validarlas con nuevas mediciones de sectores distintos al área considerada para estos análisis, aumentando su representatividad geográfica.

This multi-authored volume contains peer-reviewed chapters from leading researchers and professionals in silvopastoral systems topic in Southern South America (Argentina, Chile and South Brazil). It is a compendium of original research articles, case studies, and regional overviews and summarizes the current state of knowledge on different components and aspects (pasture production, animal production, trees production, carbon sequestration, conservation) of silvopatoral systems in native forests and tree plantations. The main hypothesis of the book is that farmers have integrated tree and pasture/grassland species in their land use systems to reach higher production per unit of land area, risk avoidance, product diversification, and sustainability. These production systems also impact positively in main ecosystem processes. Management of these productive systems, Policy and Socioeconomic Aspects provide great opportunities and challenges for farmers and policy makers in our region. The book is unique on this subject in Southern South America and constitutes a valuable reference material for graduate students, professors, scientists and extensionists who work with silvopastoral systems.

FONDECYT FONDECYT