Biotic and abiotic factors affecting soil quality for the development of Guadua angustifolia Kunth in four areas of the provinces of Gualivá and Bajo Magdalena in the department of Cundinamarca (Colombia).

Abstract

At four locations in the provinces of Gualivá and Bajo Magdalena in the department of Cundinamarca, Colombia, the main physicochemical and microbiological components of soils associated with stands of guadua (Guadua angustifolia Kunth) were analyzed. The results showed differences among the soils evaluated and their effect on the diameter measurements of mature stems. Despite altitudinal and biogeographic variability, it was evident that bamboo forests have a wide growth range, from sandy loam to soils with higher clay content. The sampling site with the best plant performance among culms was in the La Carbonera area in the municipality of Guaduas, perhaps due to its association with fertilization practices used in agriculturally important crops in the area. This study contributes to the understanding of the soil characteristics required by the species for future field propagation programs, natural resource conservation, intercropping systems, and self-consumption within the production unit.