Heavy metals and soil fertility at NChannelirrigation, Puno, Peru

Abstract

Mining activities generate frequent conflicts of an environmental nature with farmers. This research aims at determining the presence of heavy metals, characterization of soils and the perception of farmers of the Canal N -Cupi irrigation, due to the contamination of natural resources in the area of the Llallimayo basin; For this, soil samples were systematically collected in two areas, A (under irrigation) with Rye grass, forage crops and oats, and B (not irrigated) with natural pastures and oats; samples were analyzed using the method EPA Method 200.8 Rev.5.4 1994 Agricultural Soil and, characterization analysis Methods of analysis for soils, plants and Waters of California, Division of agricultural sciences USA; Interpreting the results of the analyzesindicate that, the Mercury with 259 and 249 mg/kg corresponding to both zones exceed the environmental quality standards (ECA) 6.6 mg/kg D.S. N° 011-2017-MINAM, and the characterization analysis qualifying as: Loamy and silty loam texture, Organic Matter,Total Nitrogen and Low Carbonates, moderately alkaline pH in irrigated soils and natural pastures, slightly acidic in oat soils under dry land, Non-saline electrical conductivity, medium Olsen phosphorus method, high potassium and calcium, medium magnesium, normal sodium, high cation exchange capacity in irrigated soils under perennial cultivation and, medium in irrigated annual cultivation and in non-irrigated ones; concluding that: Mercury Exceeds ECA constituting a risk for the environment and health, soils with medium fertility, framers perceive that mining activities pollute water and soil resources