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Pedogeomorphological homogeneity in high mountain slopes, Alto Motatán Subbasin, Mérida state, Venezuela

Abstract:

From the physiographic and morphological characterization of the lands located in areas of high mountain slopes, the pedogeomorphological homogeneity in two sectors located at the Alto Motatán Subbasin of the Miranda municipality at Mérida state, Venezuela, was determined. 18 soil profiles were described, considering the physiographic characteristics of the sectors under study and the morphological characteristics of the epipedon and endopedon. With this information an original data matrix was built, from which the grouping were made for homogeneity analysis, by applying the Automated Information System of Land Homogeneity (AISLH) to calculate the Index of Multiple Homogeneity (IMH). In the sector I, located at the area of the Alisal-El Pedregal and Cruz Chiquita irrigation committees, the roots and tubers crops (carrot and potato) predominate. Sector II included the area of the Rincón de La Venta irrigation committee and was intended for agricultural use under green leafy vegetable crops. The results showed that the soils grouped in the sector I (transitional life zone to subalpine paramo) were more homogeneous than the soils in sector II (montane wet forest). It's concluded that the analysis allows to generated basic information for planning purposes of use, management and soil conservation in mountainous areas.