Landscape agroecology: woody vegetation heterogeneity and its association with natural and human factors at a multifunctional peasant socio-ecosystem from a semi-arid mountain range area (Dry Chaco, Argentina)

ABSTRACTIn this study we investigate the landscape of a multifunctional peasant socio-ecosystem using a dialectic and complex theoretical-methodological framework rooted in agroecology. We describe vegetation floristics and structure, as well as biophysical and anthropic variables. We use maps, multivariate analysis and validation workshops to integrate and analyze information. The vegetation showcases distinct typologies, marked by gradual, non-linear variations, without precise boundaries tied to biophysical and anthropic drivers. Furthermore, based on vegetation structure and floristic heterogeneity, this agroecosystem constitutes a well-managed multifunctional native forest landscape, exemplifying a case of biocultural conservation.KEYWORDS: Dry foresttraditional agricultural landscapeecological complexityhuman-environment relationshipsland use historyagroecology landscapeparticipatory approach AcknowledgmentsThis research would not have been possible without the collaboration and participation of the entire community of San Ramón-San Luis-El Cautivo. Not only did they lend themselves to answering our questions and accompanying us on the walks, they also accommodated us in their homes. The interaction with the families not only allowed our work but also enriched us as human beings. We also thank Laura Fernández, Emma Trono, Paula Ramos and Mirtha Lezana from the NG “Bienaventurados los Pobres (BePe)” for their support, knowledge and company in the territory. Although a small portion of the transdisciplinary project is presented in this article, it was possible thanks to the bond built throughout the project and an ethnographic approach.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Data availability statementThe data used to support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.Supplementary materialSupplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2023.2254719Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by the “Secretaría de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable” and “Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica” (Argentina) under Grant [PICTO 0062, 2014].