Determinación del flujo de carbono en el ecosistema herbazal de páramo en el noroeste de la subcuenca del río Chambo

Abstract

This research is focused on doing a project within two moorlands. In order to achieve a correct comparison, it was established as an objective to determine the carbon flow in the herbal system of the moorland at Igualatas zone (mitigation) and Quimig (intervention) both parts of Chimborazo province. The method used was based on the analysis of the carbon flow through entrances ( biomass, necromass, roots, and land), and exists corresponding to the edaphic respiration for each conglomeration. It was established 10 tracking points, 7 points for Igualata, and 3 for Quimiag. Each of these points represents a plot; having in total 20 samples for air biomass, 90 samples for necromass and roots, and 180 samples for land obtained from the undergrounds of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Finally for the respitration, 60 samples at a depth of 0-15 cm. In the laboratory, the physical-chemical proprieties and the edaphic respiration were analyzed. Through this methodology, it was possible to determine that Igualata has a bigger biomass (21,5 MG/ha) than Quimiag (7,3 Mg/ha). This suggests a greater living organic material and a higher carbon provision. The necromass is similar in both zones. This indicates comparable rates of decomposition. Igualtas has a slightly higher number of roots (0,34 Mg/ha) than Quimiag (0,27 Mg/ha). This contributes to the carbon provision of the land. However, the carbon content on Quimiag land is much higher, causing possible human impacts on the carbon balance. Both zones reflect microbian activity and organic material decomposition. At Igualata, there is higher edaphic respiration (116,03 mg C02-C/Kgd) than at Quimiag (99,56 m mg C02-C/Kgd). Within the context of these results, it was determined the importance of conserving and managing the moorland in a sustainable way to maintain the functioning of carbon drains and guarantee the health of these ecosystems.