Abstract

LUIS HERNANDO, Estupiñán; GOMEZ, Jaime Eduardo; BARRANTES, Víctor Javier  and  LIMAS, Luis Fernando. EFFECT CAUSED BY AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES ON SOIL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE PARAMO EL GRANIZO (CUNDINAMARCA -COLOMBIA). rev.udcaactual.divulg.cient. [online]. 2009, vol.12, n.2, pp.79-89. ISSN 0123-4226.

At the paramo El Granizo (Colombia), strategic for the capital district because of its hydric regulation and actually dedicated in a high percent to agricultural activities and cattle raising, an exploratory study was performed. The purpose of the research was to determine the effect caused by these activities on some physical and chemical soil characteristics. As references, areas without traces of human actions, areas with agricultural performances and / or livestock and areas in a resting period, were evaluated. It was proven that the agricultural practices cause negative effects on the soil characteristics of the paramo. As consequences, soil compaction, increase of bulk density and the decrease of moisture retention, stand out. In reference to the altered chemical properties, it was detected that the levels of nitrogen, of phosphor and the relation of bases were altered, influencing negatively the paramo´s natural conditions. In general it was observed that the augmentation of the farming frontier at the paramo makes that the soil is compacted in some cases and, in others, eroded and that the water retention, its main function, decreases, causing the well known negative consequences.

Keywords : Anthropogenic; impact; paramo.

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