Determinación de materia orgánica en la biomasa de páramo, Ozogoche, Chambo y Pungalá

Abstract

The Andes moorland contains a large amount of organic matter, a high capacity to retain water, and important nutrients for soil fertility and ecosystem development. This research determines the percentage of organic matter (OM) in the aerial biomass (straw) and underground biomass (roots) of the sectors, Ozogoche, Chambo and Pungalá at a different altitude, degree of intervention and lithology. Through 49 samples (with triangle-shaped clusters), 26 in intervened moorland and 23 in non-intervened, collected at altitudes ranging from 2600 to 4200 m.s. n. m., selected in 10 different lithologies, JP (quartzite, schist, volcanic meta), Pg (andesite, porphyritic, rhyolite, non-rhyolite), Tc (Terraces, ash), PT (agglomerate, lava, dacite), PLs (tuffs, agglomerates, andesites), Dg (deposits glaciers), SvS (volcanic, sedimentary and lava rocks), T1 / 3 (terraces 1-3), PA (pyroclastic, tuff) and Da (alluvial deposit). The OM percentage was determined by the gravimetric method (at 105 degrees Celsius for 24 hours). It is concluded that the highest concentration of OM in biomass is found in the areas of moorland non-intervened. In the biomass at 3800-4000 m s. n. m. with 83% in Ozogoche and the underground biomass in Chambo with 87%, at an altitude of 3600-3800 m s. n. m., in Dg and PA lithologies respectively. Statistical analysis of the data using the InfoStat version (2015) program indicates significant differences in altitude, degree of intervention and lithologies in the percentage of organic matter in the above-ground and underground biomass of the moorland in Ozogoche, Chambo and Pungalá of the Chambo River sub-basin, accepting the alternative hypothesis. It is recommended to study these fragile areas to promote ecological balance.