F. Fillat. Els estudis dels prats de San Juan de Plan (Huesca) dintre del marc conceptual dels agrobiosistemes d’en Pere Montserrat
L'Atzavara, 15: 63-68

The studies of the San Juan de Plan meadows (Huesca) within the framework of the agroecosystem concept of Pedro Montserrat

The main contributions achieved by studies conducted in the San Juan de Plan meadows (Huesca) from 1984 to 1990 according to P. Montserrat ideas are assembled in four sections under the title Agroecosystems. 1- A complex stockbreeder landscape is interpreted by seasonal changes that are detected through panoramic photographs: the overall change of colours and shades vary according to geology, altitude and exposure of allotments. 2- With more detail, it is possible to elucidate the structure and function of topographically identified allotments: monitoring of seasonal changes determined by the interaction among climate, soil depth and farming schedule shows clear differences, such as snow altitudinal distribution or topographic shadows that delay spring recovery of meadows. 3- Interaction with local farmers enriched the discussion about historic utilization of the meadows: it was discussed how traditional practices used until the end of the 19th century changed to current farming practices. The possibility of generalizing or maintaining traditional farming practices in specific sectors of the valley were also considered. 4- Some future changes were predicted, and the opinion of residents and visitors about simulated landscapes was evaluated: the opinion clearly differed among summer visitors, young and old residents. Finally, we overview the four sections, giving some recommendations for further studies in other mountain valleys.

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