A Pedological Catenal Characterization along Steeply Sloped and Perhumid Regions: The Case Study of Piedemonte Llanero, Colombia

Abstract

Owing to data scarcity, the soil properties of the Colombian “Piedemonte Llanero” are poorly quantified. To provide basic information about how pedogenic properties along a steeply sloped and perhumid landscape are related to its use (which can help lead toward better management and establishment of a sustainable crop production system), this work addresses the characterization of the morphogenetic and chemical features of selected Piedemonte Llanero soils. Research was conducted in a sequence of soils composed of four profiles located in a transect of 200–1800 m of altitude. After macromorphologically identifying, describing, and analyzing soils based on these data, soil weathering and general fertility were interpreted. Ultisols, Inceptisols, Entisols and Oxisols were fundamentally identified according to Soil Taxonomy; that is, Lixisols, Cambisols, Umbrisols, and Ferralsols, according to IUSS Working Group WRB (2015). The dominant effect of humidity attributes in soil formation, with slope and slope gradients, was the major controlling factor for the contrasting soil genesis and properties along the watershed sequence. The acid character, low cation exchange capacity, and degree of saturation stood out, and, including the inherent increase in Al3+ of change, were the most outstanding characters. The data obtained by this study present a substantial basis for good land use planning and will facilitate technology to be transferred from one area to another with a similar environmental picture.