Cambios en la fertilidad de un suelo luego de 13 años bajo manejo con duraznero (Prunus persica L. Batsch)

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of the change of land use on the integral soil fertility, in an area located in the sector Cucurucho, near La Colonia Tovar, Aragua state, under two types of use: natural conditions a peach orchard. Soil and tissue samples were taken in a completely randomized design with four replications to evaluate: physical,chemical, and biological soil properties and nutrient content in the peach crop. Results indicate that the evaluated soil showed good physical condition,due to its coarse texture, low bulk density, porosity,and dry cohesion, and that these characteristics were not affected by planting peaches. The soil under natural conditions was acid and had low nutrient content, despite its high organic matter content. Peach planting improved the contents of phosphorus and sulphur, although most of the other soil nutrients continued at a low level. The differences in soil haracteristics between the compared land uses were attributed to fertilization (organic and inorganic) effect on the soil pH and nutrient supply, and agrochemicals applied to the crop. The crop nutritional status did not reflect the nutrient levels in the soil