Evaluación de las propiedades fisicoquímicas de los suelos y mesofauna afectados por los incendios en el ecosistema herbazal del páramo Navag, cantón Colta

Abstract

In global regions, the gravity, persistence, and temporality of forest fires are increasing. Being the Ecuadorian moorlands an example of this phenomenon with potential consequences on soil properties and biodiversity. The research addressed the evaluation of the physicochemical characteristics of the soil and mesofauna at the Herbazal ecosystem in Navag moorland in Colta town, specifically in areas affected by fires compared to conserved areas. The methodology included a simple random sampling with 40 total samples, dividing the surface extension into two strata: conserved moorland soil and soil under fire. Four transects of 200 meters each were established using the method recommended by the BFST program with 10 sampling points separated by 20 meters. Soil monoliths were collected for physicochemical analysis, and macrofauna were identified at the taxonomic family level. The results revealed notable disparities between burned and preserved areas. The affected areas showed lower bulk density, higher moisture content, different textures, a slight increase in pH, and decreased microelement levels compared to the conserved areas. Edaphic mesofauna included 8 classes, 11 orders, and 19 families, the Geophilidae family is prominent in both areas. However, it has a marked difference in abundance: 22 individuals in the fire-affected area versus 308 in the conserved area. Diversity indices reflected low to medium diversity in the transects, highlighting the homogeneity and dominance of specific species in the fire-affected zones. In conclusion, the research showed marked disparities in soil physicochemical properties and biodiversity between the affected and conserved areas.