Propuesta de un plan de restauración de suelos para áreas afectadas por la pequeña minería en la finca Suritiak, cantón Gualaquiza, provincia de Morona Santiago.

Abstract

This research aimed to prepare a proposal for a plan for soil restoration in the areas affected by small-scale mining on the Suritiak Farm, Morona Santiago province. The research was based on a bibliographic method, according to the collection of theoretical information, which served as the basis for the structuring of the experimental process in the field. The study area was divided into three zones, naming them with the letters A, B, and C, with different times of affectation by mining activity, four-year affectation, four-month affectation, and the last one without close affectation, respectively. In the three zones, several soil subsamples were taken to make up the primary sample, which was sent to the INIAP laboratory in Pichilingue to carry out the soil analysis; where the physical, and chemical variables such as pH, Sulfur, Iron, Copper, and Zinc among others were evaluated; heavy metals: concentration of Cadmium, Lead; cation exchange capacity and organic matter. The analysis determined that the soil in the study area was acid-type due to its low pH, low clay content, and organic matter with high concentrations of Iron and Copper that can damage the ecosystem. The soils where the mining work is carried out are clearly degraded, and according to the plan developed for bioremediation, it requires pH amendments with fertilizer, limestone, and organic matter. It was concluded that implementing the plan would improve the degraded soil conditions of Suritiak Farm. It is recommended to establish recovery, rehabilitation, and structuring programs, not only for ecosystems affected by mining but for any degraded area.