PHYSICAL, CHEMICAL, AND BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SOIL FROM THREE SHADE-GROWN COFFEE FARMS IN JILOTEPEC, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Abstract

The soil of shaded coffee plantations in Veracruz, Mexico, provides environmental services such as water regulation, carbon storage, and support for soil biodiversity. However, it has traditionally been treated solely as a physical support for crops, resulting in the overuse of agrochemicals and deterioration of functionality. In light of this problem, this study had the objective of characterizing the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil in coffee plantations in the municipality of Jilotepec, Veracruz, to generate useful information for monitoring and promoting sustainable management. Three farms were evaluated: La Barranca, Los Bambús, and San Isidro. La Barranca showed the highest organic matter content (11.87 %), mulch accumulation (57.74 g m^-2), and microbial activity (705.7 µg C-CO₂ kg^-1 d^-1), but also had the lowest earthworm density (9.2 individuals m^-2), possibly limited by its acidic pH (4.81) and low phosphorus availability (2.04 mg kg^-1). Los Bambús farm had a pH value of 5.24, a loamy-clay texture, high microbial respiration (700 µg C-CO₂ kg^-1 d^-1), and the highest earthworm density (17.6 individuals m^-2), despite containing a low organic matter content (6.38 %). San Isidro, with a clay texture, had low microbial activity (645 µg C-CO₂ kg^-1 d^-1) and intermediate earthworm density (15.2 individuals m^-2), which could be related to its strongly acidic pH (4.09) and low available phosphorus (4.98 mg kg^-1). The results reflect the complexity of the edaphic system and the need to consider multiple indicators for integrated soil management that take into account its physical, chemical, and biological properties to improve the sustainability and resilience of coffee systems.