Changes in Soil Quality Associated with the Implementation of Ecological Agriculture Techniques in Coffee Plants under Different Coverings

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the changes in the soil quality associated with the implementation of ecological agriculture (EA) techniques in coffee plantations under different coverings (banana, mandarin, and a mix of citrus fruits) in San José de Pare, Boyacá. To this effect, changes in physicochemical parameters, the abundance of functional groups of microorganisms (phosphate solubilizers, cellulolytic microorganisms, nitrogen fixers), and enzymatic activities (acid and alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, urease, and protease) were determined. The soil samples were collected on a bimonthly basis for a period of ten months in plots cultivated with coffee plantations with three different coverings: banana, mandarin, and a mix of citrus fruits. The results showed modifications in the soil quality indicators as a consequence of the application of EA techniques, finding a significant increase in the content of phosphorus, carbon, phosphate solubilizing bacteria and fungi, and cellulolytic fungi. In contrast, no significant changes were observed for enzymatic activity.