Evaluación de carbono orgánico del suelo en el ecosistema de páramo de la microcuenca del río Chimborazo en base a las actividades antrópicas.

Abstract

Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) was evaluated in the Chimborazo River Microbasin based on anthropic activities (agriculture and grazing). Two samples of 1 kg of soil were collected at two depths: 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm (GIDAC protocol) according to the mixed experimental design (78 combined samples in total), the Organic Mater (OM), physicochemical and organoleptic properties were analyzed, the SOC content was estimated through the direct combustion method. The importance of the variables in the health of the High Andean Ecosystem was evaluated through the multivariate statistical analysis; the techniques of interview, survey, photography and literary revision were applied to obtain information about anthropic activities developed in the Microbasin. The results indicate: the soils have a pH from strongly acid to neutral (5-7) according to the international soil fertility manual, an average electric conductivity of 58,82 μS/cm, granular structure, sandy-loam texture (mainly), approximate relative humidity of 20%, bulk density of 1,26 g/mL and OM content of 4,88%. Soils with anthropic intervention showed an increase in the SOC content with respect to the non-intervention paramo, possibly due to the contribution of OM provided by the deposition of the cattle and the addition of nutrients in the farming. The ANOVA indicated that anthropic activities and soil depth significantly influence the SOC content (p<0,05) (the SOC decreases when the depth of the soil increases). In conclusion, the High Andean Ecosystem can be seriously affected by changes in land use.