Análisis y perspectivas del estudio de los ecosistemas terrestres de México: dinámica hidrológica y flujos de nitrógeno y fósforo

Here we assess the current state of the art of two major research fields in ecosystem ecology in Mexico: hydrological dynamics and fluxes of nitrogen and phosphorus of terrestrial ecosystems. This assessment was based on a review of published indexed papers (1990 to 2016). We found 100 papers, approximately half in hydrology and half in biogeochemistry, authored by 135 Mexican and 63 international scientists. Most of these studies were published in the last decade. A small group of field sites from desert scrub, tropical dry forests and temperate and cloud forests have been intensively investigated. Research with an integrated approach are scarce (most studies analyzed one or a few components of the hydrology or nutrient cycling in relation to abiotic factors) and fewer investigated water-nutrient interactions. Most of the studies were short-term (< 5 years) and were conducted at the plot, slope or watershed spatial level. New methodologies (stable isotopes, remote sensing, Eddy Covariance towers) and collaborative research networks have substantially advanced ecosystem research in Mexico. Gradually, the ability to investigate research gaps of ecosystem function have improved the opportunities to inform decisions regarding water management, protection of critical habitats for the provision of ecosystem services, conservation and ecosystem management.