CHARACTERIZATION OF SOILS CULTIVATED WITH COFFEE (Coffea L.) IN SIERRA MADRE DE CHIAPAS, MEXICO

Abstract

Objective: To study the physical and chemical characteristics of soils cultivated with coffee (Coffea sp.) in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico.

Design / methodology / approximation: 100 plots were analyzed, in which a composite sample of soil at 0-30 cm was obtained. The determinations of pH, organic matter (MO), interchangeable cations (CIC), texture, phosphorus and micronutrients were analyzed and interpreted according to NOM-021-SEMARNAT-2000.

Results: The pH of 5.7 (± 0.43) indicates a generalized acidity. The average MO was 10.3% (± 5.33). The CIC value was 14.67 (± 7.10) meq / 100g and is influenced by the pH (R2 = 0.2843). 60% of the cases were below the critical limit of 15 mg kg^-1 phosphorus. The 18, 14 and 19% of the analyzed sites were located in the classes of low and very low content for Ca, Mg and K respectively. 100, 97 and 81% of the cases presented adequate levels of Fe, Cu and Zn respectively. Boron was deficient in 87% of the cases.

Limitations of the study / implications: It is important to evaluate alternative solutions to the limitations found and to carry out studies of extraction of nutrients by the crop.

Findings / conclusions:

The acidity could be limiting the mineralization of the MO and the CIC. In 67, 60 and 87% of the cases there could be a response from coffee to the application of nitrogen, phosphorus and boron. In 22%, 9% and 63% of the cases are required to raise the saturation level of the CIC by Ca, Mg and K respectively, to optimum levels