Soil characterization along an altitudinal gradient in Ecuador

Abstract

In Ecuador, the quality and quantity of information of both climate and soils is very general, so greater precision for decision making processes is required in forest and agricultural production. This review examines the characteristics of volcanic soils from Ecuador, along an altitudinal gradient. Soils were analyzed in seven locations, including sites in the Coastal and Sierra regions. These sites were selected trying to include places with contrasting weather conditions but maintaining similar soil parent material. It was concluded that the climate is the most important factor that influences soil development, which is related to altitude, although the distance from the volcanoes is an important factor, especially in textural changes. The nutrient supply is linked to changes in altitude and soil texture. The soils of the Sierra region are younger, richer in sand and silt, and accumulate more organic matter due to the colder climate, but are also more acidic, poorer in exchangeable bases and higher in aluminum.