An inter-institutional team of scientists uses a method pioneered in Mexico to study eroded territory: the use of exposed tree roots.
Osvaldo Franco Ramos is the researcher at UNAM’s Institute of Geography (IG) responsible for this technique, which makes it possible to study erosion rates over hundreds of years and is applied in places like Paricutín, Michoacán and Huasca, Hidalgo, where high rates are recorded. of deterioration.
The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources indicates that approximately 40% of Mexico’s territory has some degree of erosion.
Consequences of erosion and risk for agricultural production
Erosion causes soil degradation and is linked to areas of intense deforestation for agricultural or livestock purposes, or changes in land use. Decreased fertility of “bare” soils may mean that there is not enough land with agricultural potential to supply the population with food. This deficit can cause social problems such as migration and increase the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which would have repercussions on the increase in global temperature.
Study of the eroded territory Paricutín and Huasca with exposed roots
In Paricutín, Michoacán, and Huasca, Hidalgo, scientists found relatively high erosion rates, up to 60 centimeters per year and up to 80 centimeters per year, respectively. In the case of Huasca, erosion seems to have accelerated in recent years, which may be related to climate change and more intense rainfall in the area.
Application of dendrogeomorphological methods in Mexican species
The exposed tree roots method is based on dendrogeomorphology, that is, on the study of the formation of annual rings in trunks and roots sensitive to climate changes.
The investigation, which began in 2019, is the first of its kind in Mexico and has the collaboration of specialists who have studied the phenomenon in Europe.
The knowledge gained through these studies can be used in many parts of Mexico where there is a significant problem of erosion and trees with annual rings to be dated, such as central Mexico or the high parts of the Sierra Madres.
The information obtained is useful for determining public policies and making decisions about reforestation, conservation or adequate use of agricultural practices to not severely damage the soil, as well as for land use plans.
Pending information on the method applied to the eroded territory
- The application of an innovative method in Mexico that uses exposed tree roots to study soil erosion.
- The eroded territory in Mexico affects about 40% of its surface, according to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
- Soil degradation due to erosion can create risks to agricultural production and food security.
- Erosion in areas like Paricutín and Huasca is alarmingly high, possibly related to climate change and more intense rainfall.
- The exposed roots method is based on dendrogeomorphology, which studies the formation of annual rings in trunks and roots sensitive to climate change.
- The research, a pioneer in Mexico, has the collaboration of international experts and began in 2019.
- The results of these studies can contribute to the formulation of public policies and decisions on reforestation, conservation and sustainable agricultural practices to prevent erosion of the territory.
- The acquired knowledge has application in different regions of Mexico affected by erosion, such as the center of the country and the Sierra Madres.