Caracterización de los suelos cultivados con café en la sierra madre de Chiapas, México

Objective: To study the physical and chemical characteristics of soils cultivated with coffee (Coffea sp.) in the Sierra Madre de Chiapas, Mexico.Design/methodology/approximation: 100 plots were analyzed, in which a composite sample of soil at 0-30 cm was obtained. The determinations of pH, organic matter (MO), interchangeable cations (CIC), texture, phosphorus and micronutrients were analyzed and interpreted according to NOM-021-SEMARNAT-2000.Results: The pH of 5.7 (0.43) indicates a generalized acidity. The average MO was 10.3% (5.33). The CIC value was 14.67 (7.10) meq/100g and is influenced by the pH (R20.2843). 60% of the cases were below the critical limit of 15 mg kg1 phosphorus. The 18, 14 and 19% of the analyzed sites were located in the classes of low and very low content for Ca, Mg and K respectively. 100, 97 and 81% of the cases presented adequate levels of Fe, Cu and Zn respectively. Boron was deficient in 87% of the cases.Limitations of the study/implications: It is important to evaluate alternative solutions to the limitations found and to carry out studies of extraction of nutrients by the crop.Findings/conclusions: The acidity could be limiting the mineralization of the MO and the CIC. In 67, 60 and 87% of the cases there could be a response from coffee to the application of nitrogen, phosphorus and boron. In 22%, 9% and 63% of the cases are required to raise the saturation level of the CIC by Ca, Mg and K respectively, to optimum levels.