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Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the presence of mesquite (Prosopis laevigata) and the soil fertility in the community of El Alberto, Municipality of Ixmiquilpan, State of Hidalgo.

Design/methodology/approach: The physicochemical parameters evaluated were based on NOM-021-SEMARNAT-2000 and covered four sampling sites (with and without mesquite) with 9 samples per site for a total of n=36. A paired student t test (p<0.05) was performed to determine the relationship between soil fertility and the presence or absence of mesquites.

Results: The results show a significant difference in the content of organic matter, humic substances, and humic acids which is larger in soils with natural vegetation with mesquite compared to soils with natural vegetation without mesquite. In agricultural soils, there is a difference in favor of soils with mesquites compared to soils without mesquites, but this difference is not significant.

Limitations on study/implications: The study does not describe changes in microbiological or other species that influence the organic mater and humic substances content.

Findings/conclusions: It is concluded that mesquite is a priority species that favors the fertility of the soils in the area, for this reason it is important to propose management strategies for this species in the Mezquital Valley.