Caracterización de horizontes orgánicos en cuatro tipos de cobertura vegetal en una zona de la parte alta de Nero

Abstract

Vegetation cover such as natural forests, exotic forests, and grasslands have faced intense human pressure due to the growing demand for agricultural and livestock services, causing degradation and changes in vegetation cover. This anthropogenic activity affects a wide range of ecological and biophysical processes. The importance of natural forests lies in the fact that trees provide organic matter, which is essential for maintaining soil health and associated biodiversity. This study was conducted in the Sunsun Yanasacha protective forest, between the Baños and Victoria del Portete parishes in the highlands of Nero, Azuay province. The physical and chemical properties and characterization of the organic horizon were evaluated in four types of vegetation cover: natural forest, pine forest, grassland and pasture. Soil samples were obtained by random sampling for subsequent laboratory analysis. In the soils of pine forests, it is common to find Oe horizons, where the thickness is greater, while the native forest has a greater thickness in the Oa horizon in relation to the other coverages. Significant differences were found in the pH variable of the O horizon, where the range varied from 3 to 6 in the different vegetation covers. The characterization of organic horizons reveals a significant variability in the chemical properties of vegetation cover, influenced by factors such as vegetation, climate and altitude