GEOSTATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF GLEYSOL SOIL IN TABASCO, MEXICO

Abstract

The water content stored in soil depends on its physical properties and spatial variation. Unfortunately, in the Sierra de Tabasco region, no studies provide information on the spatial variability of water in the soil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to apply geographic information systems to the physical variables of the soil and the water table stored in Gleysol soil on the “La Victoria” farm, in the municipality of Teapa, Tabasco. The physical properties of texture, bulk density (Da), field capacity humidity content (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), and saturation point (Psat) of the soil were evaluated. The water tables stored at depths of 0–30, 30–60, and 60–90 cm were also assessed. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and maps and semivariograms were produced. The results showed that at all three depths, there was a higher percentage of clay content and an average Da of 1.14 g cm^-3. The soils had high humidity content, which affects the stored water sheets. For soil properties, the models varied at all three depths and had the lowest R² values, while for stored water variation, the R² values were greater than 0.9. The construction of maps using geographic information systems is an important tool for understanding the spatial distribution of stored water and determining potential areas with water deficits or excesses.