Diversidad y abundancia de malezas presentes en pasturas de las zonas ganaderas en la comunidad de Chuguin grande de la Parroquia Ingapirca del Cantón Cañar

Abstract

The study on the diversity and abundance of weeds in the pastures of the Chuguin Grande community in the Ingapirca parish, located in the Cañar canton, Ecuador, was aimed at determining the variety of species present in the region's livestock areas. A statistical sampling methodological approach was used, which included the delimitation of the study area and the installation of sampling plots to collect representative botanical samples. The analyses carried out allowed the identification of 17 families and 27 species of weeds, with dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) being the most abundant species. The results also indicated a higher density of weeds in the lower altitudinal levels, suggesting a direct influence of the environment on the proliferation of these plants. Diversity indices such as Shannon's and Margalef's were calculated, which highlighted the great variability in the distribution of weeds in the different Agricultural Production Units (APUs). The study concluded that knowledge of weed diversity and distribution is essential for efficient pasture management, since these plants can compete for vital resources with crops and affect livestock productivity.