Evaluación de la calidad de los suelos de páramo intervenidos y no intervenidos de la comunidad El Calvario, cantón Tisaleo, provincia de Tungurahua.

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the quality of intervened and non-intervened soils in the moorland of El Calvario community, Tisaleo City. The physical, chemical, and biological properties were analyzed. In addition, the organic carbon content of the soil samples obtained in the study sector was quantified and determined. A completely randomized experimental design was used to determine the range of microbial activity of the two soils evaluated. The analysis phase regarding the physical and chemical properties of the samples extracted from the intervened and non-intervened soil were developed in the AGRORUM laboratory in the Quito City and TOXCHEM in Riobamba City, while the biological analyzes were carried out in the Chambo City of Chimborazo Province with this we sought to specify quantifiable parameters in aspects of: texture, apparent density, pH, chemical analysis (micro and macronutrients present in the samples) and the units of microorganism colony-forming. An average value of 7.28% of organic matter is obtained and in soils without intervention in the soils of intervened moorland was 9.14%. It was demonstrated that the values coincide with the structural class of the soils, whose difference is the low cation exchange capacity between the soils of the different study areas, being evident that the presence of human activity in the sector influences many soil properties. It was determined similarities between the two areas, since these moderately acid soils are generally of the sandy loam type with a potassium deficiency. It is suggested to continue with the long-term monitoring of the parameters evaluated to maintain the quality of the soils considering the results of the present investigation.