Physical-chemical characterization of corn cultivated soils in the Sinu Valley, Colombia

Abstract

The Sinu Valley is a subregion with the largest corn planting and production area in Colombia. Corn yield in recent years have presented a stagnation, despite having agri-ecological technologies and conditions suitable for cultivation. It is presumed that continuous soil tillage through the years has generated a high degree physical and chemical deterioration of soil characteristics. This research was carried out with the objective of diagnosing corn cultivated soil fertility based on some physicochemical properties. Sampling was carried out in 80 farms, where corn have been continuously planted, and rotated with cotton. The results indicated that from the chemical point of view, in general soils present an adequate fertility for crop development and productivity; however, some degree of deterioration on the physical characteristics was observed, and evidenced by variables such as apparent density, basic infiltration, and distribution of roots in the profile, mainly conditioned to the type of tillage that has been practiced. This has probably affected the root growth, free water and gas circulation, and nutrition of corn crops. A more detailed study on root distribution in the soil profile was recommended to propose strategies for soil recovery.

Keywords

• diagnosis
• degradation
• root distribution