EVALUATION OF THE SOIL QUALITY OF AN URBAN ORCHARD IN XALAPA, MEXICO.

Abstract

The soils of the cities have a history of particular formation, which means that they have variable properties that must be adjusted when they are intended to be used agriculturally. In this work we evaluate the soil quality of an urban green area in Xalapa, Veracruz (Mexico), prior to the implementation of a university orchard, through the rapid determination of some physical, chemical and biological properties. Soil samples were taken using the technique described by NOM-021 RECNAT-2000 and the TSBF method. he results obtained showed that the soil evaluated is brown and sandy franc texture, with aggregates of poor stability, the apparent density (DA) was (2.52 g/cm3), the field capacity (CC) was 49.04 %, the pH is optimal for growing vegetables (6.58) and organic matter (MO) is of middle class (6.45 %). On a biological level, the density of worms was 67.2 ind/m2 and the number of edaphic groups (5) per square meter turned out to be poor. The amount of leaf litter in the mulch (118.4 g/m2) and the depth of the roots (30.3 cm) was moderately good; In addition, microbial respiration and glomalin milligrams showed signs that enzyme processes are developing efficiently. The soil quality evaluated was moderate condition; however, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive soil management plan to improve some properties and strengthen others synergistically