Physical-chemical characterization and classification of the hillside soil managed under the Milpa Intercropped with fruit trees system

Abstract

In an agrosystem in the northern highlands of Oaxaca, Mexico, the soil is characterized by its low fertility, mainly low phosphorus contents and exchangeable bases, strongly acid reaction, high exchangeable acidity and is unprotected against water erosion. In 2007, an experiment was established with the milpa system intercropped with fruit trees (MIAF) on hillside with a slope of 29.8%. After six years, the topography changed due to tillage and agronomic management of the species. The objective of the work was the physical and chemical characterization of the soil of the MIAF module after six years of study, as well as defining its classification according to the Soil Taxonomy and the World Base of Soil Resources. The analysis comprised the recipient and donor areas of the MIAF module. Soil profiles were made in three positions over the width of the slope that comprised the experimental site. The results indicated that the sediment receiving area and the area where the runoff filter of the living wall rests, improved the physical and chemical properties of the soil with respect to the donor area. The soil was classified as Typic hapludults and Acrisols Haplic (Chromic).