Physical and chemical characterization of soils of volcanic origin with agricultural activity, near the Tungurahua volcano

Abstract

With the aim of characterize agricultural soils of Tungurahua province, thirty-two samples were taken in four cantons near the Tungurahua volcano (Baños de Agua Santa, Pelileo, Quero and Tizaleo) and their physical and chemical properties were determined. All soils had similar physical properties, as they are a sandy loam texture, slightly acidic pH (5.45-6.15) and low bulk density (0.98-1.21 g/cm³), characteristic of soils from volcanic ash. The chemical properties varied because agricultural practices as seen in a lower concentration of organic matter (2.04 % in Pelileo), a higher concentration of phosphorus (105 ppm in Baños de Agua Santa) and higher cation exchange capacity (18.89 meq/100g in Tizaleo). Soils with better characteristics for the development of agriculture were the cantons Baños de Agua Santa and Tizaleo. The results show that both the volcanic deposits as agricultural activity exert a clear influence on the properties of soils