Caracterización hidrofísica del material parental a escala de parcela en una zona de páramo, caso de estudio

Abstract

The paramo represents a reliable source of water for communities in the Ecuadorian Andes. The present study was conducted in Quimsacocha (province of Azuay), predominated by Paramo area. Where two experimental plots of 300 m2 each and different vegetation (plot1: grassland, plot2: grassland and pine trees) were established. The work consisted of drillings, pits, in-situ and laboratory tests; and analysis of the effect of vegetation cover on soil permeability, with the aim of perform the hydrophysics characterization of the parent material. Each plot was made 28 drillings, where: in the plot1 a representative percentage (> 80%) reached the horizon "C"; and the plot2 10% came to this. This horizon emerges at an average depth of 43cm, the texture is sandy loam and the bulk density (pa) is 1.20 g/cm3. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) in plot1 is 5.3mm/h and in the plot2 is 1.7mm/h. The pF curve, a difference of 10% was observed in water loss (saturation point - wilting point) of mineral soil samples taken in direction of the slope and vertical to it, presenting anisotropy. The drainable porosity (pF = 0-pF = 2.4), by controlled compaction is 18.7%, value that is very close to thatrecorded pF curve (lost water 18%). Determining that the experimental method used gives very good results. The methods used in estimating Ks, the best results are obtained with: inverted auger hole test and Guelph permeameter.