Soil Management and Degradation in Ocros, Ayacucho

Abstract

This research was carried out with the aim of evaluating the degree of soil degradation of plots with agricultural use and grazing. Soil analysis was carried out on eight plots located in different areas in the District of Ocros, Province of Huamanga, Region and Department of Ayacucho, Peru. Physical, chemical and biological properties were evaluated. The values of each property were classified according to critical levels of degradation pre-established as low, medium and high. The results of the soil analysis revealed a variation in physical degradation according to the textural class, sandy clay loam soils with 37.5 % showed a high physical degradation. In the chemical degradation of the soils, they revealed a high prevalence of nitrogen and potassium degradation, with 50 % and 87.5 % of the soil, respectively, presenting high and medium degradation. Phosphorus, with 25 %, showed high degradation. The pH of the soil showed a generalized imbalance, with 87.5 % of the soil presenting high degradation. In the biological degradation they revealed a worrying degradation of organic matter in the soil, with 50 % of the samples showing high degradation. Take action to protect and restore degraded soils. Soil health is fundamental for the sustainability of ecosystems and food security, so it is crucial to take actions for its conservation for future generations.