SOIL NATURAL CAPITAL MODIFICATION THROUGH LANDUSE AND COVER CHANGE IN A TROPICAL FOREST LANDSCAPE: IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the effects of landuse change on soil properties using a space-for-time sampling strategy based on a mosaic of landuses (tropical forest, cropland maize, pastures and natural fallow plots) in three localities that differ in parent material, slope and climate. A multivariate discriminant function analysis was used to describe the results. Some soil properties did not change with landuse while others are use-sensitive. Landuse change from forest to maize has clear negative effects on β-glucosidase, dehydrogenase, total organic carbon concentration, nitrogen, bulk density and electrical conductivity with differences in magnitude between localities. With a change in landuse to pasture and secondary vegetation, soil properties responded positively, showing differential recovery. This study provides information that can be used to promote sustainable agricultural procedures that can change cultivation patterns and promote biological activity.