Losses of Soil Under different productive arrangements in the Biological Corridor in National Nature Park and Guacharos Cave Pérdidas de suelo bajo diferentes arreglos productivos en el corredor biológico entre parques nacionales naturales Puracé y Cueva de los Guácharos

Abstract

The purpose is to assess the soil loss from runoff plots using Equation USLE and the application of the Epic (Environmental Policy Integrated Climate). Three farms were selected, located in the town of Palestine (Jerico y Pinos) and Pitalito (Marengo farms) with conventional management and alternative crops. Were performed physical and chemical analysis of soils in the plots, rain gauges were installed, intake structures and gauging for measuring sediment and runoff in each plot. In the laboratory is determined the total sediment concentration by filtering and drying processes. Quantified and simulated soil loss (ton/ha) for each rainfall event by measuring and application of the models. Alternative management plots showed significantly lower soil losses compared to conventional plots.