Trends of Aboveground Net Primary Productivity of Patagonian Meadows, the Omitted Ecosystem in Desertification Studies

The United Nations defines desertification as the loss of productivity in arid and semiarid environments. extended steppes Patagonia harbor small meadows whose compounded area is comparatively small, but their aboveground net primary production (ANPP) up to ten times higher than surroundings. These then represent a key ecosystem for cattle grazing systems, there are no descriptions trends ANPP and, consequently, carrying capacity, result, degradation syndromes. Our objectives were follows: (1) analyze mean spatial heterogeneity annual neighboring relate them with precipitation temperature, (2) evaluate impact on livestock capacity region, (3) these meadows, based novel description proposed characterize trend syndromes type ecosystems. We identified meadow areas across subcontinental scale Patagonia, covering range from 129 936 mm. estimated monthly basis 2000 2019 via regional calibrated remote sensing information. In last two decades, decreased 74% studied areas, while remaining relatively stable nearby steppes. This decrease was end analyzed gradient. Hence, global all by 8%. Finally, we four combination its heterogeneity, calculated standard deviation. predominant syndrome, 55% area, associated negative both heterogeneity. results could help prioritize where specific management decisions, given different syndromes, revert trends.