CARACTERIZACIÓN AMBIENTAL EN UN SISTEMA SILVOPASTORIL EN LA REGIÓN FRAILESCA DE CHIAPAS, MÉXICO

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The presence of the tree component above the herbaceous stratum in a silvopastoral system changes the microclimate, with implications for pasture growth. <strong>Objective</strong>. To compare the conditions generated in the microclimate of a silvopastoral system composed of hybrid <em>Brachiaria sp.</em> grass cv. CIAT BRO2/1752, under scattered trees and full sun exposure. <strong>Methodology</strong>. An experimental procedure was followed under field conditions in two experimental variants: pasture grown in full sun and pasture grown under shade of scattered trees from July 2022 to February 2023. Microclimatic variables were evaluated: diurnal air temperature, relative humidity, photosynthetically active radiation, soil moisture, soil temperature and vapor pressure deficit. <strong>Results.</strong> The dispersed trees attenuated 85% of the incident solar radiation, while in full sun there was an increase of 1.1 ºC in air temperature compared to the variant under dispersed trees. There were no significant differences in relative air humidity. Soil moisture was 5.6% higher in full sun and vapor pressure deficit was lower in full sun. <strong>Implications</strong>. The environmental differences observed, in <em>Brachiaria</em> grassland under scattered trees or in full sun, open new questions about their effect on pasture physiology, animal behavior or soil microflora. <strong>Conclusions</strong>. Scattered trees in a silvopastoral system modify the microclimate by attenuating the intensity of PAR and decreasing air temperature. Nevertheless, higher soil moisture values are maintained in full sun than under tree shade. </p>