Lizeth Karina Mahecha-Virguez

Mrs. Lizeth Karina Mahecha-Virguez

Universidad de la Amazonia
+1
orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

6Years (2021-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
7 December 2021 in Agronomy
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CRCarlos H. Rodríguez-León
Carlos H. Rodríguez-León
CPClara Peña
Clara Peña
ASArmando Sterling
Armando Sterling
Daniel CastroDaniel Castro
Daniel Castro
LMLizeth Karina Mahecha-Virguez
Lizeth Karina Mahecha-Virguez
AOAdriana Silva Olaya
Adriana Silva Olaya
Successional processes in abandoned pastures in the Amazon region have been well-documented for the floristic component; however, soil succession has been poorly studied. This study assessed the physical, chemical and biological responses of soils in the Amazon region during the natural succession process in two main landscapes of the Colombian Amazon. Soil data on soil physico–chemical (bulk density, macroaggregates, pH and minerals) and biological (soil macrofauna) composition were evaluated along chronosequence with four successional stages: (i) degraded pastures, (ii) young (10–20-year-old), (iii) middle-age (25–40-year-old) and (iv) mature forests, in two different landscapes (hill and mountain). Individual soil variables and a synthetic indicator of soil quality (GISQ) were evaluated as tools for natural succession monitoring. The results corroborated the negative impact that cattle ranching has on Amazon soils. After 10 years of natural succession, the physico–chemical and biological soil components were widely restored. Less soil compaction and organic carbon occurred in older successional stages. Soil macrofauna richness and density increased along the chronosequence, with an evident association between the macrofauna composition and the macroaggregates in the soil. None of the individual soil properties or the GISQ indicator discriminated among natural succession stages; therefore, new soil quality indicators should be developed to monitor soil quality restoration in natural successions.