Comparative analysis of the eroded soils on the slopes of the Calderon region, Ecuador

The paper presents the comparative analysis of the eroded soils on slopes. The analysis is based on the materials of field investigations and soil erosion loss models. The developed and earlier approved mathematical soil erosion models proved not to be effective for the Equatorial Andes zone. The results, in relative measurements, may be taken into consideration only as the prerequisites for potential soil erosion loss and be primarily used to support the choice of a key-site for field investigations. The slope soils vulnerable to erosion were investigated. It is revealed that the soils are poor in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. The comparative analysis of the soils on the steep slopes indicated insignificant change of their characteristics in accordance with the slope angle inclination.