Determinación del índice de calidad de suelo a dos altitudes en dos sistemas de labranza para el cultivo de maiz (Zea mays l.) en Tunshi

Abstract

This investigation aimed to determine the soil quality index at two altitudes in two tillage systems for corn (Zea mays L.) cultivation in Tunshi. The study plots were randomly arranged under conventional tillage and reduced tillage. The determination of soil shear strength, infiltration rate, topsoil depth and earthworm count were measured directly in the field, while the determination of soil texture, structure, colour, moisture, bulk density, real density, porosity, electrical conductivity, pH, organic matter, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium, were determined in the laboratory, for which 16 composite soil samples were taken at 30 cm depth, for the elaboration of the maps in ArcGis Pro. Points were taken from the plots and sampling sites with the GPS Spectra Precision. The results indicate that conventional tillage negatively affected moisture, bulk density, real density, porosity, depth of the arable layer, infiltration rate, soil resistance to shearing and the presence of earthworms, getting a soil moderately suitable for the establishment of the corn crop. It was concluded that soil properties are affected in relation to the tillage system applied and that the use of GITs constitutes a fundamental tool for the elaboration of soil maps which let know the current state and follow up in the future to the changes that may occur over time.