Influencia de la cobertura vegetal en la capacidad de infiltración en el sector dique de los mecánicos, río Chilcayacu

The study carried out in the Dique de los Mecánicos sector, Chilcayacu River, addressed the influence of vegetation cover on soil infiltration capacity. The problem investigated focused on understanding how the presence of forests and pastures affects infiltration and soil properties at different distances from the river. The objective was to analyze this relationship in order to evaluate the impact of vegetation on local hydrology. The methodology employed, of a quantitative and bibliographic nature, included measurements of flow, infiltration velocity, soil physical properties in forest, and pasture plots at different distances from the river. The main findings revealed that the pasture exhibited a higher moisture content compared to the forest, highlighting the relevance of the grassland in water infiltration. Significant differences in infiltration velocity and bulk density were observed between forest and pasture areas, with infiltration velocities of 0.341 cm/sec in forest and 0.335 cm/sec in pasture. The bulk density was higher in the forest in contrast to the pasture. The most relevant conclusion drawn from this study was the important need to conserve vegetation cover, especially grass, in order to prevent erosion, facilitate infiltration and improve water retention in the soil. These results emphasize the importance of promoting sustainable agricultural practices and the conservation of vegetation.