Caracterización fisicoquímica de suelos agrícolas en Santiago de Anaya, Hidalgo

Soil is an essential resource for life, as it provides nutrients, water and ecosystem services. Nevertheless, its degradation seriously affects food production, considering that 95% of food comes from it. FAO estimates that agricultural demand will increase by 60% by 2050; however, 33% of the world’s soil is currently infertile. The study aimed to characterize the physicochemical properties of the soil in Santiago de Anaya, Hidalgo. The research was conducted in 2025 using a randomized complete block experimental design to determine potential crops and promote agricultural production. The results show that the soils have a sandy loam texture, which favors water and nutrient retention and is related to the bulk density that oscillates between clay and loam soils (1.02 to 1.23 g cm-3). All the soils evaluated are classified as having a very low organic matter concentration (less than 4%). Regarding pH, soils are classified from medium to strongly alkaline, with values of up to 9.79. Electrical conductivity indicates low salinity, in ranges of 1.5 to 3 dS m-1. Total carbonates have high values (35%), associated with Leptosols and Phaeozems. The cation exchange capacity is classified as high, with values of 29 to 33.5 Cmol(+) kg-1. Tukey’s multiple mean comparison test (p≤ 0.05) indicates that the soils of Santiago de Anaya, Hidalgo, Mexico are suitable for short-cycle, drought-resistant crops, such as forages, legumes and certain tubers and roots.