Evaluación del contenido de carbono orgánico en el suelo del área protegida “Bosque y Vegetación Protectora Cerro Casigana” en la Parroquia Santa Rosa en el Cantón Ambato, Provincia de Tungurahua

Abstract

The evaluation of the soil organic content of carbon (SOCC) in the Protected Area Forest and Protective Vegetation Cerro Casigana was carried out in this research, which is located in Santa Rosa, in Canton Ambato. The measurements, observations and analysis in-situ were made, to know about the different physical characteristics of the study area and establish the physiographic and dendrological features of the species within the two plots implanted toward the north at the top of the hill. The soil samples were collected at three depths (10, 20 and 30cm) and the analyzes were supplemented with tests in the Laboratory of Natural Resources of the Escuela Superior Politecnica de Chimborazo using the technique LOSS ON IGNITION, that allows to quantify the content of organic matter, and determine the SOCC, taking as a result to the 30cm depth the greatest content with 0.46 (t/ha), being under 10cm in depth with 0.09 (t/ha) of SOCC. It is concluded that there is a positive correlation of 77.6 % between the %Organic Matter and SOCC, the same way between the %Moisture and SOCC with a positive correlation of 34.4%, however the correlation between bulk density and SOCC evidence to be low, product of an inappropriate soil management and changes that have occurred. It is recommended to promote a sustainable development of the Protected Area Forest and Protective Vegetation Cerro Casigana, to publicize the management environmental programs and responsibilities, suitable for recovery the environment, also it is important to make this kind of research on similar projects.