Soil Suitability for Coffee Cultivation in Non-traditional Areas of Panama-Herrera Province

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the suitability of soils for coffee cultivation in the province of Herrera, Republic of Panama. Planting robusta coffee is gaining greater interest among Panamanian farmers as an alternative for soil conservation. On 19 farms in the province of Herrera, samples were taken (0-20 cm) to determine their properties and initiate a sustainable fertilization program that contributes to improving productivity. Digital maps were created using the Q-GIS v.3.32.1 program. The soils of the province of Herrera presented a high percentage of aluminum saturation, with low porosity problems, pH acid, low levels of organic matter and phosphorus, and low in potassium. Low average calcium content and medium magnesium content. A negative and statistically significant correlation was found between organic matter and % Al saturation, Ca and Mg, indicating that the organic matter was still in the process of mineralization. According to the principal component analysis, the soils of Las Minas district are highly influenced by the percentage of Al saturation, Mn, Cu and organic matter. The soils of Los Pozos district by pH, CEC, Ca and Mg. The results of this characterization study and the maps prepared for each soil property are expected to contribute to decision makers, technicians, scientists and producers having a baseline knowledge of the productive coffee soils in the province of Herrera and to allow the development of plans to achieve sustainable coffee production.