The soils of Ecuador They are distinguished by their great diversity. The Republic of Ecuador is formed by a continental zone and an insular zone formed by the Galapagos Islands.
It has limits with Colombia, Peru and the Pacific Ocean. The line of the equator (zero parallel) segments both the continental territory and the insular one in two parts.
Wind erosion and overgrazing in the sandy páramos of Chimborazo, Ecuador
Also, the Andes mountains , which crosses the country from south to north, divides its continental zone into three different regions: coastal plane, highlands and Amazonia.
Each of them is a complex and diverse system of climates, soils, biodiversity and present landscapes due to the combination of the equatorial character of the area and its altitude.
Main characteristics of the soils of Ecuador
In general, the soils of Ecuador They are among the most diverse on Earth. According to its components, these are grouped in: alluvial soils (zones near the rivers, easily flooded), soils on volcanic ash and soils on other materials (ancient rocks).
On the other hand, the volcanic activity in the highest areas of the Andes has resulted in the formation of fertile volcanic and prairie soils with dark superficial layers rich in organic matter.
On the coast, the alluvial plains have accumulated fertile sediments from the highlands. These coastal soils are of great fertility. So much so that in the Amazon basin, the soils seem to be diverse, but they have not been fully studied and mapped.
Soil types of Ecuador
Floors of the coastal plane
These lands range from the coastline to the western slope of the Andean mountain range. They occupy about 46 thousand km² of the extension of the country.
They owe their high fertility to the presence of andosoles soils (formed on ash and volcanic glass) and molisols (great concentration of organic matter and nutrients).
Soils of the highlands
They are found in the western and eastern Andean mountains. They have an extension of around 47 thousand km² . This area is rich in Andosols soils rich in ash and mineral components
Soils of the Amazon
The Amazon region extends from the foot of the eastern slope of the Andes. This region occupies about 26 thousand km² .
These soils benefit from the erosion action of the high Andes that deposit volcanic ash and mineral components in their skirts. At the same time, due to its jungle configuration, it receives a high organic component.
Floors of the Galapagos Islands
The Insular region consists of 5 main islands, 14 islets and 68 islets or ancient rocks all located in the Pacific Ocean. All these formations are due to successive eruptions of underwater volcanoes that formed them.
Applications
9.9% of rural areas are occupied by both permanent and transitory crops. Bananas, potatoes, corn, sugar cane, African palm, rice, coffee and cocoa are grown in these areas, among other items.
As regards soils used for pasture, they correspond to 19.4% of the Ecuadorian territory. They are used to raise cattle, pigs, poultry and, to a lesser extent, other live species. In addition, 17.3% is engaged in logging
The rest, 53.5% of Ecuador's soils, is occupied by urban areas.
References
- Moreno, J.; Bernal, G. and Espinosa, J. (editors) (2017). The soils of Ecuador. Cham: Springer.
- Knapp, G. W. et al. (2017, November 30). Ecuador. Retrieved on December 29, 2017, from britannica.com.
- National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (Ecuador) (2012). Survey of Surface and Continuous Agricultural Production. Retrieved on December 29, 2017, from ecuadorencifras.gob.ec.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility. (s / f). Welcome to Ecuador - Geography. Retrieved on December 29, 2017, from chancellery.gob.ec.
- Ibáñez; J. J. (2008, March 02). Soils of Peru and Ecuador. Retrieved on December 29, 2017, from madrimasd.org.