Assessment about Spatial Variability in Soils from “Hato Viejo’s Farm” La Plata, Town

Abstract

Abstract: The primary sector of the economy in Colombia should be more competitive and one of the limitations to be overcome is the excessive use of fertilizers, even when the nutritional needs of plants are known. The research was carried out in Hato Viejo farm at La Plata Huila. The objective was to evaluate a sampling metodology in soils based on precision farming principles and specific agriculture by site adjusted to the environment. At first we developed soil segmentation, aiming at physical characterisation by color and texture to the touch. This allowed an initial approach to spacial  variability of soils in coffee lots in production, finding in this farm a variability average  of 61 %. Technologies were used in this study such as the geodesic positioning system which made possible to locate in the field the sectors with different physical and  chemical  characteristics. This work established that the field variability of soil is so high that the conventional metodology of soil sampling used would not be relevant to the nutritional needs of the lots. A more specific management by site is needed, i. e. microlots. In this way we will contribute to improve the return of coffee enterprises by providing sustainability conditions to the coffee grower and his family. This sort of studies should be expanded in the region to improve the determination of soil variability.