Ecological and economic rehabilitation of degraded ‘Espinales’ in the subhumid Mediterranean-climate region of central Chile

摘要: Abstract Faced with deplorable ecological and economic conditions in the Acacia caven dominated ‘Espinales’ of Mediterranean-climate zone central Chile, we have undertaken a long-term project aimed at combining sustainable resource development region rehabilitation Espinal ecosystems landscapes. The hypothesis this is that introduction compatible appropriate legume/N2-fixing microsymbiont ‘couples’ can (1) optimize amount atmospheric nitrogen fixed degraded arid or semiarid land ecosystem, (2) promote associated plants, (3) improve soils enhance possibilities for spontaneous assisted return native plants animals. A schematic model presented ecosystem degradation Chilean Espinales together three alternative responses to it (restoration, reallocation). roles ‘artificial negative selection’ ‘positive these processes are discussed. Finally, compare landscape typical farming village south-central Chile as seen today, could become when bio- agro-ecological diversity recognized best guarantors stability, resilience, productivity.