Soil quality assessment in culture-tree-pasture systems, micro Cuenca Tecomapa, Somotillo-Nicaragua

Abstract

In order to evaluate the eff ects of cropping systems-tree-grass on soil quality and soil erosion on three farms in the micro basin Tecomapa; were established fi ve experimental plot: traditional burning (Q); Quesungual (SAQ) agroforestry system secondary forest (Bs); improved pastures with Brachiaria sp- Marandú (Pm); and silvopastoral system (SSP). In which two sub plots located in the high and lower position was monitoring soil quality and soil erosion sheet during 2011, 2012 and 2013. As a result, the rate of soil erosion out site was moderately only in the system of agricultural burning (Q) with 28.3 t ha-1 a-1. The in soil erosion rate in site was moderate between 10-50 t ha-1 a-1, in the BS and Pm systems, and high (50 to 200 t ha-1 a-1) in the SAQ and SSP systems. The soil quality was infl uenced by the contents of SOM, contents that were greater than 4000 kg ha-1 in the SAQ, SSP and B systems. This indicator was negatively correlated with increasing clay in the surface horizon of soils used pasture by previous erosion. Finally, soil quality indicators that increase crop yields of corn and beans were the high the organic thickness of soil, rapid soil infi ltration rates, and the soil erosion rate.