Evaluación de la calidad del suelo de uso agrícola en las parroquias La Matriz y San Felipe de Rumipamba del Cantón Quero-2022

Abstract

Quero is a canton that belongs to the province of Tungurahua; it is characterized because, in recent years, the soil for agricultural use has been wearing away, thus producing low crop yields, which has led to the excessive use of agrochemical products in order to increase their productivity. This study aimed to determine the soil quality for agricultural use to ensure food quality in the parishes of La Matriz and San Felipe de Rumipamba in the province of Tungurahua. This study had a qualitative and quantitative approach. First, the survey of a baseline was carried out to know the state in which the Quero canton was located. Fifteen control points were identified in which soil sampling was carried out in various sectors distributed throughout the study area to carry out an analysis of physical, physicochemical, chemical and heavy metal parameters that determined the state of the soil for agricultural use to finally measure the impacts produced by agricultural activities using a Leopold matrix. The results were that the soil has a loamy-sandy texture with a low presence of organic matter, with a variable pH from highly acidic to neutral with low amounts of salinity, leading to low levels of nitrates, nitrogen and calcium. However, high levels of phosphorus and potassium are recognized. In addition, it does not present significant Hg, Pb, Cd, Se and As values. Nickel concentrations were from 18.97 to 39.39 mg/kg, which exceeded the values established by current Ecuadorian environmental regulations. It is concluded that the quality of the agricultural soil of the parishes is low, and it is necessary to implement a correct dosage of agrochemicals that help to conserve the soil and the crops produced.