Bioturbations as quality indicators of Typic Argiudolls in the Southeast of Buenos Aires, Argentina. A micromorphological approach.

ALVAREZ, M.F.; POCH, R.M.; OSTERRIETH, M.L.

Roma

Simposio; Global Symposium on Soil Biodiversity-FAO; 2020

FAO, postergado para 04/21 por COVID-19

The aim this study is to validate a methodology for the quantification of bioturbation on thin sections of Typic Argiudolls of Argentina, for its use as soil quality indicators. Soil samples were taken from surface horizons in plots with different land uses: natural, agricultural, eucalyptus plantation, pines plantation. In each site bulk density, penetration resistance, structural stability, organic matter and pH were determined. For each land use, volume percentages of total porosity and biopores were determined in the thin sections using two methodologies, deferring on the time spent of image edition and final accuracy. In natural and forested plots the % of biopores represented 80% of the total porosity, while in A plot the 40%, indicating higher biological activity. This activity is linked to the high content of organic matter and high structural stability. Bioturbations would be good indicators of soil quality and, in consequence the methodologies used can be an easy-to-use tool for the determination of bioporosity in soils.