Degraded lands in the southern part of the Carchi province (Ecuador), and the possibilities of their rehabilitation for agriculture

Degraded lands in the Southern Part of the Carchi province (Ecuador) are investigated. The territory is located in the equatorial Andes. Laboratory analysis of selected samples showed that the soils are poor in organic matter and nitrogen. At the same time, an increased content of potassium was noted. Investigation of microelements showed a low content of iron, copper, manganese and zinc in the soil. There is an increased content of magnesium and calcium. For the restoration of degraded lands and their use in agriculture, irrigation is necessary, especially in the dry season. It is also necessary to restore the balance of organic matter and nitrogen, create forest belts to protect against wind erosion. The region is characterized by a strong division of the relief, elevation differences and the presence of small-scale farmholdings separated by degraded and neglected lands. All this creates difficulties in the formation of an economically justified, unified system of land rehabilitation.