Soil environmental study of the endemic plant Coccoloba Cholutecensis, in the community of Cofradía, Francisco Morazán

Abstract

The need to know which are the species that present the greatest threat, to which species to allocate efforts and resources for their recovery, has motivated carrying out these evaluations. One of the most important natural resources is the soil. Soil studies can be used to determine the suitability of new lands for colonization or for conservation projects of both endemic species and important species in Honduras. Coccoloba cholutecensis is a plant endemic to Honduras, which is critically endangered according to the IUCN. One of the regions that can be located C. cholutecensis It is in the municipality of Cofradía, Francisco Morazán. The objective of the study is to determine the edaphic-environmental conditions of the species C. cholutecensis and obtain essential scientific data for its ex-situ conservation. For soil analysis, 10 sub-samples were taken with a 20-centimeter-deep cut. The results show a slightly acidic pH, little amount of Organic Matter and with the presence of different macronutrients. The use of the areas for livestock, grazing, as well as forest fires in the area, have caused the soil and environmental conditions of the area to be altered, affecting the habitat of C. cholutecensis