EVALUATION OF THE BIOINDICATORS OF SOIL QUALITY IN THREE ALTITUDINAL ZONES OF TUNGURAHUA, ECUADOR

Abstract

The objective of the work was to evaluate the soil quality of the micro basin Jun Jun, by registering bioindicators such as Lumbricus terrestris. Three altitudes were selected in the micro basin 3027, 3210 and 3405 meters above sea level. In each of them, 3 earthworm samplings were carried out in soils with pastures (P) and soils without fallow crops (B), 18 samplings were carried out. The relation of the bioindicators with the amount of organic matter (OM, CO, pH, temperature and Total Nitrogen) existing in the soil was established. With emphasis on the L. terrestris, the count was made following the methodology developed by the United States Department of Agriculture. The soils of the upper part had a higher (P = 0.0041) density of earthworms (18.75 individuals / m2) and the soils of the middle zone had a lower density (0.50 individuals / m2). The results reflect the intensification by mechanization and use of pesticides that are receiving these soils, as well as a weak contribution of the ecological functions of earthworms to the soil.