The role of organic matter in the acidification of agricultural soils in Ecuadorian Amazonia

Abstract

The research focuses on understanding how agricultural practices and the decomposition of organic matter contribute to changes in soil acidity, a phenomenon critical to soil health and productivity in this area. The study uses scientific methods to analyze soil samples, evaluating the composition of organic matter and its relationship to soil acidity. The influence of organic matter on soil acidity was evaluated, highlighting that Amazonian soils tend to be more acidic and clay soils predominate. The study uses a coefficient of determination of 0.662 to evaluate the relationship between organic matter and soil acidity, indicating that approximately 66.2% of the variability in soil acidity can be explained by organic matter. The researchers conclude that the presence of organic matter plays a significant role in soil acidification, especially in regions such as the Amazon, where higher acidity is observed. They also highlight the predominance of clay soils in these areas, which may influence nutrient retention and the ability to neutralize soil acidity. These findings underscore the importance of considering organic matter and specific soil characteristics when developing agricultural management and conservation strategies in regions with acid soils such as the Amazon.