tepetate habilitation by effect of biological improvers

Abstract

One of the main problems in Mexico is soil degradation due to the change of its use as cropland

this change causes deterioration, which may lead to total loss and outcrop of tepetate. Tepetates are hardened layers of volcanic origin in zones of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

they present low percentages of organic matter and of nutrients, and a massive structure, which makes them impermeable and limits plant growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three organic amendments, one vegetal species (Ficus carica L.), mycorrhiza (Glomus spp), and time, on the physical and chemical characteristics of a fragmented tepetate. The experimental design was completely randomized with a 4x3x2 factorial arrangement of treatments with the following factors and levels: 1) amendment (without amendment, compost, vermicompost, and manure), 2) rig tree (without plant, with plant, and plant plus inoculum)

time (6 and 12 months). Application of organic matter, rig tree, and mycorrhiza favored the formation of aggregates from tepetate and their stability. The pH, CIC, content of organic matter, and exchangeable cations of tepetate were favorably modified and allowed developing of the rig tree. The changes in physical and chemical characteristics of tepetate through addition of amendments, time, and fig tree, favor its habilitation and incorporation to productivity.