Propiedades morfológicas de suelos de bosques de rivera de la microcuenca del río Pachanlica-provincia de Tungurahua

Abstract

The Pachanlica River, located in the province of Tungurahua, currently suffers from contamination due to unregulated discharges, human activities and industrial development in the area, directly affecting riparian forests. This research aimed to characterize the morphological properties of the riparian forest soils in the Pachanlica River micro-watershed. Sampling was carried out in 10 points of the micro-basin, obtaining a total of 40 samples to analyze. To determine the texture, the Bouyoucos Day method was used, and for the rest of the characteristics, the Schoeneberger Manual for the description and sampling of soils was used; in addition, parameters such as colour, consistency, apparent density, absolute density and total porosity of the soils. The predominant texture in the riparian forests was "loamy-sandy" in 75% of the samples analyzed. In addition, significant variability in the soils' colour, consistency and density was observed. Information booklets were prepared with the purpose of identifying and classifying riparian forests, as well as knowing the most vulnerable areas. These booklets will be an essential tool for applying restoration plans and improving the quality of riparian forests, which will contribute to the protection of the Pachanlica River. In conclusion, this research allowed obtaining detailed information on the morphological properties of the riparian forest soils in the Pachanlica River micro-watershed. The elaboration of these primers will significantly contribute to the project that the Honorable Provincial Council directs jointly with the ESPOCH since the information presented will facilitate the study and identification of the most vulnerable areas, which will allow them to be applied plans for restoring degraded areas and improving the Pachanlica River's quality.