Characteristic of the upper layer of soils in Delta del Cauto farms

Abstract

One of the main edaphological limitations of the soils of Delta del Cauto is the little thickness of A horizon, the low to moderate compaction and high saturation, associated with the forming factors and their geographical location that limit their productivity. The objective of the research was to determine the characteristics of the superior thickness of the soils in different farms, in order to establish possible strategies that improve their productivity. The upper layers of soils were neutral, but with certain limitations. A physical deterioration were observed in the distribution of aggregates, little presence of agronomically valuable aggregates (1-5 mm) and predominance of aggregates larger than 10 mm. The soils presented a medium percentage of moisture, colors from dark gray to black and medium phosphorus contents (The Mango 1 and Guamito farms of 7.23 and 8.02 mg.kg-1, respectively). In Umoa, The Mango 2, and Sule farms the phosphorus contents were high with levels of 14.37, 17.37 and 19.87 mg.kg-1. The values of organic matter in all the layers were medium and of high fertility. The main chemical limitations were the relationship of exchangeable bases due to the predominance of magnesium in the soluble fraction, indicative of accumulations of this at the soils interface; these ratios were lower in Umoa and The Mango 1 farms. The nitrite contents of all thicknesses were low (0.21-0.29 mg.kg-1), and the nitrates, extremely low (<0.33 mg.kg-1). productive capacity, strategies, fertility.