Chemical Soil Properties of Four Suburban Farms in Santiago de Cuba

Abstract

Context: Soil is an important resource and it is the basis for agricultural forestry exploitation. The chemical properties are linked to nutrient availability. Proper research of the soil chemical nature indicators is needed to understand soil fertility. Aim: To evaluate the behavior of some chemical properties of the soil on four suburban farms in Santiago de Cuba. Methods: The soil was dug to collect samples from every soil horizon. After identification, the samples were taken to the laboratories of Oriente Geomining Company. The contents of calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), aluminum (Al3+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) were determined, along with the cationic ratios, the pH, the effective cationic exchange capacity (CICe), base saturation percentage (V), the saturation associated with CICe, and the organic matter (M.O.) Results: The Ca2+, Na+, and K+ contents underwent a variable behavior, whereas Al3+ and Mg2+ behaved similarly, in all the cases above the soil permissibility limits. The pH was the least variable property, above 7, the V value in all the cases surpassed 85%, and CICe was above 50 cmol.Kg-1. The Ca2+/MG2+ showed a favorable balance, Na+ saturation was high, and the O.M. content was generally low. Conclusions: The chemical properties of the farm soils analyzed were a constraining factor to the development of production. Despite the potential fertility and proper nutrient contents, the ratios between the elements makes them so fixed in the soil in forms that cannot be assimilated by the crops