Abstract

PALMA-LOPEZ, David Jesús et al. Changes in Soils Properties of Eucalyptus Plantations in Tabasco, Mexico. Ecosistemas y recur. agropecuarios [online]. 2015, vol.2, n.5, pp.163-172. ISSN 2007-901X.

The eucalyptus plantations are an alternative for reforestation in the southeastern of Mexico. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in chemical and physical soil properties in the Huimanguillo Savannah, Tabasco, Mexico. To do this, four commercial eucalyptus plantations with different ages, a natural grassland and a secondary vegetation site known as acahual, were selected, for a total of six study sites selected. Within each site, soil samplings at 0 to 10 cm and 10 to 30 cm depth, with four replications were performed to determine the contents of OM, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, as well as soil texture. The results indicate that the study sites are located in three subunits of soils natural grassland and eucalyptus 8.4 years in the Acrisol Hiperdistri-Ferric; those of acahual and eucalyptus 5.3 and 4.3 years in Acrisol Plinthic; and eucalyptus 3.6 years in Acrisol Ferric. All study sites kept the same soil OM thanks to leaf litter residues. No changes were observed in the chemical properties of Acrisol soils by effect of production systems. But N, P, K, Ca and Mg must be applied via fertilizers to maintain fertility and not compromise the future sustainability of plantations of eucalyptus soils. The texture of the soils provides a good surface drainage which promotes the growth of the eucalyptus trees.

Keywords : Acrisol; soil fertility; eucalyptus; sustainability.