On this occasion we are going to share with you some considerations about the soil survey and the classification given to them, based on some indicators that have been evaluated by some related institutions. Such information is relevant for the correct management of ecosystems and in that way to know what type of crops can be established.
In that sense, when a soil survey is carried out it is done with the intention of knowing some particular characteristics of a specific area, in this regard Duran (2009), mentions that carrying out such a survey allows a classification of the same, and predicting the use that can be given to the land intended for agricultural use, that without a doubt, will allow efficiently managing ecosystems and thus avoid the depletion of the natural elements present in it, for example there are soils that are ideal for planting fruits and vegetables, but many times the land is underutilized, since, sowing pastures for the establishment of livestock, what brings to later is compaction of the soil by the animals.
For the reasons mentioned in the previous chapter, some institutions have given themselves the task of carrying out soil surveys, to carry out the respective classification and in this way organize the agricultural sector of their countries in a more efficient way, which facilitates the good use of the soil resource. In addition, to guide agricultural producers on what type of crops they can sow by sometimes offering them financing to be able to establish them. Next, I will share the classification used in Venezuela by the Commission of the National Plan for the Use of Hydraulic Resources and the National Land Institute regarding the management of agricultural, livestock and forestry land use.
| Clasificación interpretativa de los tipos de suelos |
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- Type I soils Cultivable without limitations of use: in type I soils are grouped those that are almost flat, well drained, with good moisture retention and with an acceptable natural fertility. This type of soil is ideal for plantation crops such as bananas, corn, among others of agricultural interest.
Type II Soils and III Cultivable with slight limitations of use: these types of soil tend to have gentle slopes, they can become flooded with medium fertility, therefore, it is necessary to carry out drainage work, among other agronomic practices that are necessary to grow fruits and vegetables.
Type IV Soils that can be cultivated occasionally due to having severe limitations of use: they are soils considered with low fertility, which can be cultivated by performing necessary agronomic tasks, they can have strong slopes and the crops that are usually planted in them are pastures, for the establishment of livestock farming.
- Type V VI and VII soils Used grazing and reforestation: in this type of soil, grasslands are cultivated, they are good for livestock production, but the pastures must be managed correctly to avoid erosion because sometimes it has strong slopes, they can also present flooding problems, that's why it is necessary to cultivate species of pastures that withstand humidity and perform corresponding drainage tasks.
- Type VIII Soils Lands without agricultural and forestry use: They are soils that must be used for wildlife use, they can become skeletal, stony soils, bare rocks, with extreme slopes.
Dear readers, knowing the classification that is given to soils in our countries is fundamental, to plan agricultural activities in the production units, the institute in charge of agriculture must handle this type of information to carry out a land and crop management, I hope that this type of information allows each of you to know a little more about certain aspects related to the soil resource.
- Duran, F. (2009). Soil study management and conservation of agricultural soil.Colombia: Latin Group.
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