Soil Quality and Health Indices in Pasture Production Systems for Dairy Cattle

This project focuses on evaluating the potential of soils for pasture production to enhance dairy farming in the El Pisque river micro-watershed. The study addresses the need to optimize forage production, recognizing that pasture growth critically depends on soil moisture and nutrients. The proposed methodology involves establishing soil fertility and topography indices. This includes systematic identification and sampling of approximately 350 sites, analyzing physicochemical (pH, nutrients, texture) and microbiological variables (aerobic mesophiles, molds, and yeasts). Results will be thematically mapped using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and integrated into custom software to calculate soil quality and health indices, along with optimal fertilization requirements. Furthermore, topography will be analyzed using orthophotos to classify potential soil use, zoning areas suitable for grazing. Finally, findings will be disseminated through workshops and the delivery of diagnostic guides, recommendation manuals, and scientific articles to beneficiaries, public institutions, and the academic community.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To determine the potential use of soils suitable for pasture production by establishing soil fertility and topography indices, aiming to enhance dairy farming in the El Pisque river micro-watershed.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Social and environmental interrelationships of dairy activity