Ciencia del Suelo (Dec 2010)
Propiedades fisicoquímicas en suelos predominantes del noroeste de Santa Fe y sur de Santiago del Estero, Argentina Physicochemical properties of predominant soils in Northwestern Santa Fe and Southern Santiago del Espero provinces, Argentina
Abstract
Un total de 175 muestras de suelos fueron recolectadas en la zona noroeste de Santa Fe y sur de Santiago del Estero durante el período 2001-2009. Se realizaron análisis fisicoquímicos (pH, Nitrógeno Total, Nitrógeno Nítrico, Nitrato, Fósforo, Potasio, Azufre y Materia Orgánica) con el objetivo de categorizar las mismas en función a su calidad y aptitud para uso agrícola-ganadero. El perfil de los suelos analizados destaca deficiencias en Nitrógeno (NT = 0,127 ± 0,032%, N-NO3-= 13 ± 10,349 mg kg-1 y NO3- = 56 ± 45,830 mg kg-1) y un potencial de hidrógeno levemente ácido (pH = 6,4 ± 0,623), observándose una marcada tendencia a aumentar la acidificación en los últimos años. La fertilización equilibrada adquiere importancia estratégica a la hora de obtener óptimos rendimientos en los suelos de la zona, y la incorporación de prácticas de manejo conservadoras tales como labranza reducida, aumento de materia orgánica y rotación de cultivos son fundamentales para el desarrollo sostenible de la región.In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in evaluating soil quality and health. The resource soil is a fundamental component of the biosphere, participating in the production of food, fibers and energy and consequently impacting on the environmental quality. The indiscriminate expansion of agriculture added to the inadequate management in many areas has led to the deterioration of soil structure and to the consequent reduction in organic matter levels, affecting the soil chemical and physical fertility. A total of 175 soil samples were collected in the northwestern area of Santa Fe and in the southern part of Santiago del Estero provinces during the 2001-2009 period. Physicochemical analyses were carried out (pH, Total Nitrogen, Nitrate- Nitrogen, Nitrate, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur and Organic Matter) with the objective of categorizing the soil samples according to fertility and aptitude for agricultural-cattle use. In general, soil samples were deficient in Nitrogen (TN = 0.127 ± 0.032%, N-NO3- = 13 ± 10.349 mg kg-1 and NO3- = 56 ± 45.830 mg kg-1) and had a lightly acidic hydrogen potential (pH = 6.4 ± 0.623), showing a greater acidification trend in recent years. A balanced fertilization program is of strategic importance when seeking optimum yields in these areas. The adoption of conservative management practices such as minimum tillage and crop rotation are fundamental for sustainable agricultural development in the region.
