Soil physical properties as indicators of histosol degradation in Colombia

Abstract

Changes in soil use have detrimental effects on its properties. This research was conducted to evaluate the physical degradation of histosol soils in the Putumayo department, Colombia. To do so, two types of areas were assessed: those without intervention (T0) and areas affected by mound structures caused by combined actions of livestock and high humidity, commonly known as "tatucos." These areas were categorized based on the percentage of deformation incidence: low degradation (T1); moderate (T2); and high (T3). Sampling was done at a depth of 15 cm, both in the tatucos-affected zone and its surrounding area. The height and diameter of the mound were measured, along with physical properties: apparent and bulk density, porosity, volumetric moisture, penetration resistance, and degree of organic material decomposition. The primary soil use in the area is extensive livestock farming. It was established that in areas with high degradation (T3), there was an average mound diameter of 151.9 ± 4.46 cm and a height of 22.7 ± 2.59 cm. Regarding physical properties, there was an apparent density of 0.24 g.cm-3, a bulk density of 1.62 g.cm-3, and a penetration resistance of 0.71 MPa. These values were significantly higher than those observed in the areas without intervention. Therefore, it is inferred that the alteration of land use causes a change in physical properties, which are vital for agro ecosystems in the southern regions of Colombia.

Keywords

• compaction
• hydraulic conductivity
• land use
• mound
• sapric
• organic soils