Efecto del cambio de uso del suelo sobre las propiedades físico químicas en base a la percepción local de indicadores de la fertilidad del suelo, en un ecosistema disturbado del sur de Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract: Tropical ecosystems are under the increasing pressure of soil use changes (SUC) to provide ecological services; these changes significantly alter the capacity of the landscape, thereby minimizing the chances of mayor development and human well-being. The goals of the study were (i) evaluate the effect of SUC in the main soil physical-chemical properties, located next to the buffer zones of Parque Nacional Podocarpus (PNP) and (ii) compare if there s concordance between the scientific and local knowledge about soil fertility indicators and practices management. Soils were study by laboratory analysis [apparent density (g/cm3), texture, pH and total carbon (%)] and, local knowledge obtained by semi-structured interviews. The results revealed more similitude in crops and pastures against forests soil use, due to a major alteration in the crops and pastures zones, presenting changes in the soil fertility indicators. The inclusion of farmers perception shown that they know the soil use local indicators visible in the field and identify the physics parameters within.