Changes in soil utilization exert detrimental effects on its properties, emphasizing the critical need for a thorough evaluation to mitigate their repercussions on the ecosystem. This investigation was conducted aiming to assess the physical degradation in histosol soils in the Putumayo department, Colombia, caused by alterations in land use. For this, we assessed two types of areas: those without intervention (T0) and those affected by deformation in mound structures caused by the combined actions of livestock and high moisture, commonly known as “tatucos”. The assessment categorized these areas based on the percentage deformation incidence: low degradation (T1), moderate degradation (T2), and high degradation (T3). Sampling was conducted at a depth of 15 cm, both in the tatuco-affected zone and its surrounding area. Measurements were taken for mound height and diameter, as well as physical properties such as bulk and real density, porosity, volumetric moisture, penetration resistance, and the degree of organic material decomposition. The primary land use identified in the study area was extensive livestock farming. It was established that in areas with high levels of degradation (T3), there was an average mound diameter of 151.9 ± 4.46 cm and a height of 22.7 ± 2.59 cm. Regarding physical properties in the area adjacent to the mound, there was a bulk density of 0.24 g.cm-3, a real density of 1.62 g.cm-3, and a penetration resistance of 0.71 MPa. These values were significantly higher than those observed in areas without intervention. Hence, it can be inferred that the alteration in land use is causing a substantial change in the physical properties of these soils, which are vital for the agroecosystems in the southern regions of Colombia. Changes in soil utilization exert detrimental effects on its properties, emphasizing the critical need for a thorough evaluation to mitigate their repercussions on the ecosystem. This investigation was conducted aiming to assess the physical degradation in histosol soils in the Putumayo department, Colombia, caused by alterations in land use. For this, we assessed two types of areas: those without intervention (T0) and those affected by deformation in mound structures caused by the combined actions of livestock and high moisture, commonly known as “tatucos”. The assessment categorized these areas based on the percentage deformation incidence: low degradation (T1), moderate degradation (T2), and high degradation (T3). Sampling was conducted at a depth of 15 cm, both in the tatuco-affected zone and its surrounding area. Measurements were taken for mound height and diameter, as well as physical properties such as bulk and real density, porosity, volumetric moisture, penetration resistance, and the degree of organic material decomposition. The primary land use identified in the study area was extensive livestock farming. It was established that in areas with high levels of degradation (T3), there was an average mound diameter of 151.9 ± 4.46 cm and a height of 22.7 ± 2.59 cm. Regarding physical properties in the area adjacent to the mound, there was a bulk density of 0.24 g.cm-3, a real density of 1.62 g.cm-3, and a penetration resistance of 0.71 MPa. These values were significantly higher than those observed in areas without intervention. Hence, it can be inferred that the alteration in land use is causing a substantial change in the physical properties of these soils, which are vital for the agroecosystems in the southern regions of Colombia. Changes in soil utilization exert detrimental effects on its properties, emphasizing the critical need for a thorough evaluation to mitigate their repercussions on the ecosystem. This investigation was conducted aiming to assess the physical degradation in histosol soils in the Putumayo department, Colombia, caused by alterations in land use. For this, we assessed two types of areas: those without intervention (T0) and those affected by deformation in mound structures caused by the combined actions of livestock and high moisture, commonly known as “tatucos”. The assessment categorized these areas based on the percentage deformation incidence: low degradation (T1), moderate degradation (T2), and high degradation (T3). Sampling was conducted at a depth of 15 cm, both in the tatuco-affected zone and its surrounding area. Measurements were taken for mound height and diameter, as well as physical properties such as bulk and real density, porosity, volumetric moisture, penetration resistance, and the degree of organic material decomposition. The primary land use identified in the study area was extensive livestock farming. It was established that in areas with high levels of degradation (T3), there was an average mound diameter of 151.9 ± 4.46 cm and a height of 22.7 ± 2.59 cm. Regarding physical properties in the area adjacent to the mound, there was a bulk density of 0.24 g.cm-3, a real density of 1.62 g.cm-3, and a penetration resistance of 0.71 MPa. These values were significantly higher than those observed in areas without intervention. Hence, it can be inferred that the alteration in land use is causing a substantial change in the physical properties of these soils, which are vital for the agroecosystems in the southern regions of Colombia.

Andisols are highly productive soils formed by the progressive weathering of volcanic products. Two volcanic areas of Colombia were evaluated to compare soil characteristics and the influence of volcanic products on regional soil components. Fifty-four sites were sampled in the Tapias-Guacaica (TGMVF) and Guamuez-Sibundoy (GSMVF) monogenetic volcanic fields, and different production systems were assessed using soil physicochemical parameters. The results indicate that the soils of the TGMVF have a neutral pH, good cation exchange capacity, structural stability, macroporosity, and adequate drainage of water and nutrients, with low retention capacity. In contrast, the soils of the GSMVF exhibit high levels of organic matter, carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, as well as microporosity, mesoporosity, and efficient mobility and fixation of water and nutrients. Based on these parameters, the analysis of variance identified two and three distinct groups for the TGMVF and GSMVF, respectively. The behavior of the physicochemical variables, mainly total porosity (Pr), bulk density (ρa), particle density (ρr), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and structural stability (SS), may be affected by external factors such as compaction and internal factors such as soil wetting and drying cycles, especially in the pasture system of both volcanic fields. In general, the physicochemical variation of the soils has been influenced by factors such as geological time, soil management, vegetation, topography, and parent material. These results establish the basis for promoting appropriate agricultural practices in the fields.

Andisols are highly productive soils generated from the progressive weathering of volcanic products. This study evaluates Andisols from two volcanic zones of central and southwestern Colombia to compare the soil characteristics and to determine the influence of volcanic products on soil components in the region. For this, 54 sites were sampled within the volcanic fields: the Tapias-Guacaica (TGMVF) and the Guamuez-Sibundoy (GSMVF) monogenetic volcanic fields. The sampling included a range of systems, such as secondary forests, pines and blackberry crops, cut grass and paddock. Subsequently, analysis of variance was performed for statistically evaluated cells, cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Results indicate that the TGMVF soils exhibit a neutral pH, good cation exchange capacity, structural stability, macroporosity, adequate water and nutrient drainage, but difficulty in retention. In contrast, the GSMVF soils exhibit elevated levels of organic matter, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, microporosity, mesoporosity, efficient water and nutrient mobility, and fixation. Based on these parameters, the variance analysis showed two and three distinctive groups for the TGMVF and GSMVF, respectively. It is proposed that the behavior of the physicochemical variables, mainly Pr, ρa, ρr, CEC and SS, can be affected by external forces such as animal trampling, and internal forces such as soil wetting and drying cycles, especially in the paddock system of both volcanic fields. Overall, the physicochemical variation of soils has been influenced by factors such as geological time, soil management, vegetation, climate, topography and parent material. These results establish the basis for promoting appropriate agricultural practices in the fields.