Territorial transformation: analysis of the process of agricultural intensification in the catchment of the protected area of Esteros de Farrapos, Uruguay

Abstract

Agricultural intensification has generated deep territorial transformations in Uruguay. It has decreased grazing lands and is threatening the activity of small livestock producers who alternated grazing in and out of the protected area, and are now facing conservation requirements within the area and a land decrease outside it. It is described the change in the basin as a factor of threat, evaluating, during 1998–2011, the intensification and structural diversity, as well as variation in pasture area and its fragmentation. The intensification was evaluated through an intensification index, the structural diversity using the Shannon index and the dispersion of grassland by the Moran index. In 1998, 60% show less intensive uses, and 40% more intensive uses. In 2011, this ratio changed to 20% and 80% respectively, forestry decreased 92% and grasslands 52%. The basin’s structural diversity decreases, grassland is fragmented and dispersed. Indicators show the dynamics of intensification and the actual decrease in grazing lands. From Agroecology, it is discussed land use which separates production-conservation, to raise one that integrates both functions.