Influencia del manejo de dos suelos del trópico húmedo sobre sus propiedades químicas

Abstract

An Inceptisol and an Ultisol were studied in the greenhouse after previous exposure to high or low intensity of cultivation. The Ultisol is more responsive to similar management practices than the Inceptisol, as it becomes more acid under the influence of cultivation and loses more Ca, Mg and K. The extraction of Ca, Mg and K was studied, using tomato as the test plant, when three levels of liming (0%, 150% and 300% of acidity present) were applied. Greater changes were found in the Ultisol than in the Inceptisol, due to the lower CEC of the former soil. In order to neutralize 9.5%of the acidity, three times the theoretical level of lime was needed. An appreciable residual effect of the lime was found, as well as a rapid reduction of the level of cations. It was concluded that these soils can quickly lose their original fertility if they are intensively farmed.