Fertilidad de algunos Andepts dedicados a potreros en Costa rica

Abstract

Grassland soils of the Cordillera Volcánica Central of Costa Rica were seperated in two groups, sampled and tested for soil reaction, exchangeable cations, extractable phosphorous, organic carbon and texture. The first group included the soils form the Irazú-Turrialba Volcanic region and the second included the soils from the Poás-Barva Volcanic area. Soils form group one presented acid reactions, both in H2O and KCl, high extractable phosphorous content, adequate amounts of exchangeable cations, high organic carbon contents and predominantly sandy loam texture. The soils from the second group behaved very similarly to those from group one but their sodium, phosphorous and magnesium contents were lower and the organic carbon content higher. Both soil groups had high Na contents but the average for group one (1.2 meq) was three times as high as that of group two and two times higher than the K content of both groups. The fertility status of the soils is considered adequate.