Evaluation of physical and chemical erosion of soil in the north-western zone of the province of Bolivar-Ecuador

Abstract

Evaluation of physical and chemical soil erosion took place in the north-western zone of the province of bolivar-Ecuador, communities Coal, Culebrillas and Los Casaiches. By its topography each locality was divided into upper, middle and bottom; for descriptive-comparative and dynamic erosion profiles A, B and C. The physical variables were evaluated analysis: Gravitational and denudativa erosional processes, morphogenetic and soil texture; and chemical pH and organic matter. Texture analysis showed heterogeneity by various depths community: Casaiches (15.66%) sandy soil depths (0-10 cm), with growth to depths of 30 cm (19.91%) and decreasing to 50 cm (15.18%); sandy texture Coal and Culebrillas down to depth of 50 cm. Culebrillas provided at all levels of silt content (14.14% to 18.15%) higher than Coal and Casaiches. Clay content presented similarities 0- depth of 10 cm (37.12%), growing as the depth increased; Coal showed the higher clay content with 52.27%. The chemical parameters indicated slightly acidic soil pH between 5.60 and 6.45 and increases organic matter in the eluvial horizons. The results reported anthropic erosion is the main factor of degradation (to depths of 0-30 cm) in the area, generating profound changes in topography, biota and the physical and chemical properties of soil