Influence of intensive potato cultivation on the properties of red ferralitic soils in the “Amistad Cubano-Búlgara” CPA

Abstract

The agricultural sector in Cuba plays an important role for the economy, with a contribution to GDP of around 20%. However, approximately 67% of agricultural land has some agroproductive limiting factors. This situation is aggravated by the implementation of inadequate farming systems and by the lack of knowledge of the measures to be adopted based on the limiting agro-productive factors of the agroecosystems. In the research, the study of the properties of Red Ferralitic soils (Order Oxisol) is carried out in the agroecosystems intensively dedicated to the cultivation of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), in the CPA “Amistad Cubano-Búlgara”, one of the most important production entity in the Mayabeque province. As a result of the research, evident negative impacts are observed on the quality of the soil due to its intensive use and monoculture. This has caused soil degradation, highlighting the low content of organic matter, potassium and phosphorus, along with the reduced cation exchange capacity. Likewise, compaction and poor drainage problems were identified, which negatively affects the development of the crop. Sustainable management measures and the implementation of agroecological practices are proposed to improve the sustainability of food production in the region and counteract the negative effects of intensive agriculture.