Abstract

ROBERTO REVELLI, Germán; CLAUDIO GAGLIARDI, Roberto; SBODIO, Oscar Alberto  and  TERCERO, Esteban Juan. Physicochemical properties of predominant soils in Northwestern Santa Fe and Southern Santiago del Espero provinces, Argentina. Cienc. suelo [online]. 2010, vol.28, n.2, pp.123-130. ISSN 1850-2067.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in evaluating soil quality and health. The resource soil is a fundamental component of the biosphere, participating in the production of food, fibers and energy and consequently impacting on the environmental quality. The indiscriminate expansion of agriculture added to the inadequate management in many areas has led to the deterioration of soil structure and to the consequent reduction in organic matter levels, affecting the soil chemical and physical fertility. A total of 175 soil samples were collected in the northwestern area of Santa Fe and in the southern part of Santiago del Estero provinces during the 2001-2009 period. Physicochemical analyses were carried out (pH, Total Nitrogen, Nitrate- Nitrogen, Nitrate, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sulfur and Organic Matter) with the objective of categorizing the soil samples according to fertility and aptitude for agricultural-cattle use. In general, soil samples were deficient in Nitrogen (TN = 0.127 ± 0.032%, N-NO₃- = 13 ± 10.349 mg kg-1 and NO₃- = 56 ± 45.830 mg kg-1) and had a lightly acidic hydrogen potential (pH = 6.4 ± 0.623), showing a greater acidification trend in recent years. A balanced fertilization program is of strategic importance when seeking optimum yields in these areas. The adoption of conservative management practices such as minimum tillage and crop rotation are fundamental for sustainable agricultural development in the region.

Keywords : Zonal characterization; Soil acidification; Balanced fertilization.

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