Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
9447903 | Journal of Arid Environments | 2005 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
The distribution and density of Agave salmiana ssp. crassispina within the state of Zacatecas, Mexico in the period from May 2001 to October 2002 is reported here for the first time. A field sampling was conducted based on a stratified random design. The resulting sample size was 154 plots, which were distributed randomly in three strata: high, medium, and low density. In each plot the following parameters were determined; latitude, longitude and number of agave plants that were classified into the following stages: juvenile; pre-reproductive; reproductive; and mature. The spatial data analysed using GIS showed that Agave salmiana ssp. crassispina is distributed over approximately 59,905Â ha. Out of this total area, about 1142 ha were classified as high density, 51,529Â ha as medium density, and 7234Â ha as low density. The estimated density of agave plants in high-density strata was an average of 3125 individuals per hectare in comparison with 788 and 652 individuals per hectare for medium, and low density, respectively. It is recommended to protect the areas with higher density and to establish plantations in those with low density, but with the necessary conditions for the development and sustainability of this specie.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Earth-Surface Processes
Authors
M. MartÃnez-Salvador, R. Valdez-Cepeda, H.R. Arias, L.F. Beltrán-Morales, B. Murillo-Amador, E. Troyo-Diéguez, A. Ortega-Rubio,