Effects of soil and climate conditions on the physical and chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of Persea americana Mill. var hass fruits grown in the department of Risaralda, Colombia

Avocado is a high-value subtropical fruit with increasing global demand. In this study, the influence of soil and climatic conditions on the physical, chemical and antioxidant properties of Hass avocados grown in Risaralda, Colombia, was evaluated. Further research on precision agriculture should be conducted. Fruits were collected at harvest maturity from twenty-four crops across eight municipalities during two harvest seasons. Climate variables were recorded using local weather stations, soil fertility was analyzed, physicochemical traits were measured, antioxidant activity was assessed using ABTS and lipophilic ORAC assays, and phytosterol and fatty acid profiles were determined by GC–MS. The soils had acidic pH values (4.9–6.2) and high organic matter contents (6.3–17.1%). Calcium deficiencies were detected in the pulp, especially in trees grown in clay soils. Weight, diameter, and length of the fruit were strongly correlated (r > 0.69), influencing fruit size. whereas altitude has a positive influence on weight. Fatty acid composition varied with altitude, particularly that of oleic acid. Multivariate analyses distinguished between municipalities, with Guática and Quinchía standing out, mainly because of soil variables. reflect the interactions among the environment, soil, and fruit composition and contribute to identifying the variability in Hass avocados composition growing in tropical conditions. • Altitude influenced the fatty acid composition, particularly the oleic acid content. • Trees grown in sandy loam and sandy soils have higher calcium levels in the soil • Altitude affects soil conditions • Temperature and humidity, played a crucial role in the development and quality of Hass avocados • Organic matter, organic carbon, soil nitrogen, relative humidity, and elevation were the main variables that distinguished the study sites.