Estudio comparativo de la captura de carbono en el suelo de dos ecosistemas: herbazal de páramo y bosque siempreverde de páramo en la Reserva de Producción de Fauna Chimborazo.

Abstract

The study aimed to compare the concentration of organic carbon from the soil of two ecosystems: Herbazal moorland and siempreverde moorland forest in the wildlife Chimborazo Production Reserve (CHPR), for which the amount of carbon was quantified, also determining its physical conditions and the economic value. To quantify the carbon content, they were taken soil samples at 30 and 60cm deep; 16 sampling points in the forest and 21 in the Herbazal, subsequently they were analyzed in the laboratory through the Lost Ignition method, and calculate its content by applying the formula: (ton/ha) = (% C /100) *DA * (E = *A). Once determined stored carbon the physical characteristics that favor its capture was identified. On the other hand, the economic value was estimated by multiplying the values of the referential price by the number of total hectares and carbon. Finally, a soil management proposal was formulated, based on conservation values and threats that face these ecosystems. After the analysis, it can be evidenced that the greatest amount of stored carbon is on the floor of the Forest, with a total average of 496.71 Tn / haC, at a depth of 60 cm, and 374.23 to 30 cm. The physical properties of the soil such as dark color, depth, high stony, moisture, sandy texture, and granular structure, facilitated carbon capture in the forest. The economic income that generates the ecosystem Herbazal by carbon storage would amount to 21 987 900.50 USD per year, while, in the forest, it would amount to 7 522 065.36 USD per year. To sum, the proposal for the preparation of a soil management plan was directed towards training and awareness of the 14 communities that make up the reservation and implementation, so it is recommended of a payment model for ecosystem services.