The Soils of Ecuador by José Espinosa Julio Moreno & Gustavo Bernal

Author:José Espinosa, Julio Moreno & Gustavo Bernal
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Springer International Publishing, Cham

Due to its composition, the volcanic deposits of the cold summits weathered quickly and the large accumulation of humus, with the ability to complex the aluminum (Al), promoted the formation of stable humus-Al complexes. This strong Al complexation by humus limits the possibility of coprecipitation of Al and Si released from the weathering volcanic ash , which in turn limits the formation of allophane . For this reason, the soils of high altitude from the Northern Highlands are dominated by humus-Al complexes and have little allophane (Poulenard et al. 2003; Sollins 1991; Wada and Kakuto 1985; Zehetner et al. 2003). These soils are characterized for having dark colors, high carbon content, low base saturation , low bulk density, loamy, sandy loam or mainly silty loam texture, acid pH, and high amount of free Al3+ (MIDENA et al. 2013a).

Representative soils from the cold summits are classified mostly as Cryands (Soil Survey Staff 2006). Figure 3.6 and Table 3.1 describe the characteristics of a soil classified as Histic Cryaquands . This type of soil is located in valleys or glaciers surfaces with gentle slopes. The horizons have gley dark colors, histic features, and a high water table. The horizon sequence in the profile is as follows: Ao/Bg1/Bg2 (IEE 2015a).

Fig. 3.6Profile of a soil classified as Histic Cryaquands (left) located in Pusin Pungo, Chambo, Chimborazo, covered with natural grass and pads (right) (IEE 2015c)

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