Calidad del suelo mediante indicadores físicos, químicos y biológicos del parque botánico del cantón Sucúa

Abstract

The main objective of the current research was to determine the soil quality of the Botanical Park located in Sucúa County, doing an analysis of physical, chemical and biological indicators in the forest soils of the Botanical Park, besides the application of the Soil Quality Index, and the Diversity Indexes. It applied field research with a mixed approach with a methodology based on a simple random sampling in the study area where 30 soil samples were taken, and then a GPS was used to locate the sampling points in the extension of the Botanical Park. The samples were taken to the Science Laboratory of the “Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo” where physicochemical parameters such as bulk density, humidity, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter were analyzed and for the biological evaluation the edaphic macrofauna of the site was identified. As a result, it determined the Soil Quality Index which showed a Class 2 corresponding to High Quality, being evidenced by the high content of organic matter, good water drainage and an optimum pH for plant growth and development. The biological analysis recognized that the Haplotaxida family formed by earthworms was a greater dominance in relation to the rest of organisms (Detritivores/Non Detritivores) which also indicated a high quality in the soils of the Botanical Park with the purpose to maintain a good quality in the soils of the site. Finally, it recommends studying the soil considering the parameters already analyzed and making comparisons to identify if exist significant variations that disturb the soil quality and to be counteracted.