Incidence of Hevea brasiliensis on the chemical properties of the soil in the Colombian Amazon

Abstract

The cultivation of Hevea brasiliensis (rubber) is promoted as a productive and ecological alternative, especially in agroforestry systems, although research is still required to address its impact on soil chemical conditions. This study aimed evaluate the possible effects of five types of land use on the chemical properties of horizons A and B in soils of the Colombian Amazon: agroforestry system of H. brasiliensis with timber and fruit trees, agroforestry system of H. brasiliensis associated with stubble, H. brasiliensis monoculture, secondary forest as positive control and native grass as negative control. The conditions of pH, exchangeable aluminum, organic carbon, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, base saturation and cationic exchange capacity were evaluated. Similarities in soil chemical properties were found between secondary forest, agroforestry systems with fruit trees and agroforestry systems associated with stubble. The H. brasiliensis monoculture did not present significant differences with the native pasture. The pH was the only variable affected by soil use, while the percentage of organic carbon and the contents of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium changed depending on the A and B horizons, demonstrating that the variability of the chemical fertility of the clay soils of the Amazon are more related to the characteristics of their horizons than to the type of land use.