Influence of vegetation type on the ecosystem services provided by urban green areas in an arid zone of northern Mexico

Urban green areas (UGA) in arid regions potentially offer ecosystem services such as the regulation of biogeochemical cycles (water and carbon), which can help make efficient use of water and mitigate climate change in these areas. However, the type of vegetation (native or exotic) in a given area can directly influence the ability of UGAs to provide these services. Arid zones are characterized by water scarcity, so making efficient use of water in UGAs is relevant, especially in a climate change scenario. In order to understand the influence of xerophilous native and exotic vegetation on the hydrological and carbon cycles of UGAs in arid zones, we used two approaches: field observations in UGAs and greenhouse experimentation to simulate drought in mesocosms with the native and exotic vegetation of arid zones. We determine plant water use to maintain the aesthetical appearance (amount of irrigation, evapotranspiration rate, and water efficiency), for climate regulation influence, measure the carbon released to the atmosphere (soil respiration: RS), and the soil carbon storage as an indicator of support service. The results show that in arid zones, the UGAs with xerophilous native vegetation use water more efficiently and their soil carbon release is lower, even in periods of drought, mainly due to their adaptation to climate conditions. The results of this study can be used by decision-makers who should encourage the use of native species in the UGAs in arid zones since they offer more environmental services than exotic species do.