Robust Soil Quality Index for Tropical Soils Influenced by Agricultural Activities

• DOI: 10.4236/jacen.2017.64014
• Publication Date: 2017-11-17T03:41:14Z
• Authors: Jesus Gabriel Ran...; Edith Padilla-Gasca; Rosalía López-Cor...; Jaime Rochín Medina; Yaneth Bustos-Ter...; Leonel Ernesto Am...; Abraham Efraim Ro...; Tomás Osuna-Enciso
• Keywords: Cation-exchange capacity; Soil Quality; Statistical Analysis

The knowledge of the soil quality plays a vital role in agricultural sector. Despite its importance, there is scarce scientific information concerning this regard. objective research to develop methodology identify and select most appropriate indicators Soil Quality Index (SQI) region with high activity. For conformation, descriptive statistical analysis Pearson correlation matrix were performed that showed greater variation identified using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). A sensitivity was carried out sensible SQI identified. This procedure also used specify weights SQI. variables resulting from multiparametric pH, organic matter, sodium, calcium, iron, zinc, cation exchange capacity electrical conductivity. robustness obtained study demonstrated through simulations by numerical optimization simplex method. range (0.54 - 0.75) locates Culiacan Valley soils as moderate/high quality.