Evaluación y clasificación de tierras agrícolas para la conservación de suelos en áreas montañosas tropicales, subcuenca Alto Motatán, Mérida-Venezuela

Abstract

A methodology to evaluate and classify land in mountain areas for the purpose of soil conservation, based on the soil productivity index (IP) and soil erosion risk (IRE) were applied. The study area includes plots of Los Caracoles (1.05 has) and El Rincon del Picacho (5,95 has), Alto Motatan subbasin, Merida State, Venezuela. Land suitability and classes and soil conservation requirements were determined. El Rincon del Picacho soils showed better aptitude soil productivity in comparison with Los Caracoles, for both the IRE was a moderate aptitude. The plots are classifi ed as lands in reserve (mainly in Los Caracoles) and in sub-critical condition (mostly in El Rincon del Picacho). The utilization of practices for soil conservation, combining intensive practices of management, management of vegetable cover and moderate practices of control of runoff mountainside are recommended.