Comparison of texture, electrical conductivity and pH in the 16 districts of the province of Cañete

Saldivar-Villarroel J.; Cruz-Martínez R.V.; Bendezu Diaz L.F. · Idesia (2025) · DOI: 10.4067/0718-3429-idesia-2025-43-e29

Resumen

The analysis of soil physicochemical parameters allowed for the evaluation of their influence on agricultural quality and productivity in the province of Cañete. The study aimed to compare the texture, electrical conductivity, and pH of agricultural soils from 16 districts. A quantitative, applied approach was used, with a non-experimental, descriptive, and comparative design. Three hundred and twenty samples were collected by simple random sampling and processed in the Soil Laboratory of the National University of Cañete using standardized protocols. Variability between districts was assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis test (α = 0.05). The results indicated that the dominant texture was sandy (72.72%), followed by silt (14.23%) and clay (12.94%), with significant differences in all fractions (p < 0.05). San Luis and Cerro Azul stood out for their higher clay content (26%), while San Vicente and Mala recorded 90% sand, reflecting low water retention capacity. Regarding electrical conductivity, significant differences were found (H = 42.67; p = 0.004); Calango presented the highest value (7.02 dS/m), associated with high salinity, while Lunahuaná (0.34 dS/m) and Quilmaná (0.54 dS/m) showed low values, suitable for sensitive crops. The pH ranged from 5.56 (Santa Cruz de Flores, acidic) to 8.26 (San Antonio, alkaline), with significant differences (p = 0.007). It was determined that the province has high soil heterogeneity, which requires adapted management strategies, providing a technical basis for optimizing crop selection, soil fertility, and soil conservation for each district.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional San Luis Gonzaga; Universidad Nacional de Cañete