Development of a Quality Index to Evaluate the Impact of Abiotic Stress in Saline Soils in the Geothermal Zone of Los Negritos, Michoacan, Mexico

In recent years, salinity-induced soil quality impairment and the misuse of management practices have led to the reduced productivity of agroecosystems. This has prompted a search for simple and effective agricultural management strategies that improve the sustainability of agricultural production through soil quality assessments. In this context, the objective of this study was to establish an integrated soil quality index (SQI) by assessing the influence of different types of abiotic stress in two different seasons, using physical, chemical and biological indicators at three sites in the geothermal zone of Los Negritos, Michoacan, Mexico. Thirty-nine indicators related to soil fertility attributes and C, N, P, and S cycling-identified as the total dataset (TDS)-were evaluated. Principal component analysis (PCA) and the Spearman correlation matrix (r(2) & GE; 0.6) were used to calculate the SQI using an integrated quality index (IQI) equation, with the indicators total nitrogen (TN), cation exchange capacity (CEC), lithium (Li), and zinc (Zn) identified as the minimum dataset (MDS). Significantly higher SQI values related to the better performance of soil functions were detected during the rainy season.

Automated summary

In recent years, salinity-induced soil quality impairment and mismanagement have affected agricultural productivity. This study aimed to establish an integrated soil quality index (SQI) by evaluating different abiotic stress types in different seasons in the geothermal zone of Los Negritos, Mexico. A total of 39 indicators related to soil fertility and nutrient cycling were assessed, and the minimum dataset (MDS) consisting of total nitrogen (TN), cation exchange capacity (CEC), lithium (Li), and zinc (Zn) was used to calculate the SQI. Higher SQI values were found during the rainy season, indicating better soil performance.