Abstract

HERNANDEZ, Dilsa M.  and  VITERI, Silvio E.. Selecting green manure for managing and reclaiming acid sulphate soils of Boyacá (Colombia). Agron. colomb. [online]. 2006, vol.24, n.1, pp.131-137. ISSN 0120-9965.

The Tundama and Sugamuxi valley in Boyacá covers around 3,000 hectares of land covered by acid sulphate soils whose management requires high quantities of chicken manure to be applied, a non-viable agronomic practice from the environmental and production cost point of view. The study was conducted with the aim of identifying species of green manure presenting potential as an alternative source of organic matter for the appropriate management and reclamation of acid sulphate soil. The species evaluated in this study were oats (‘Cajica’ and ‘Cayuse’) (Avena sativa L.), rye (Cecale cereale), sunflowers (Hybrid Hi-Doris) (Helianthus annus L.), forage corn (Zea mays), forage turnips (var. Oleiferus Metzg) (Raphanus sativus L.), forage radishes (Raphanus raphanistrum), forage sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.), quinua (Chenopodiun quinoa), andvicia (Vicia sativa L.). A randomized complete block experimental design was used, having 10 treatments and cuatro replications. Seed germination percentage, percentage of area covered, plant height, root development, number of plant species and weeds, and green and dry matter production variables were determined. The results indicated that forage turnips and forage radishes were the species having the highest potential for managing and reclaiming acid sulphate soils, followed by oats (‘Cajica’ and ‘Cayuse’) rye, sunflowers and vicia. Forage corn, quinua, and forage sugar beet species did not show any potential. This is the first research aimed at identifying green manure species having potential for managing and reclaiming Boyaca’s acid sulphate soils.

Keywords : organic matter sources; forage species; Raphanus.

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