Geochemical Characterization of Soil and Water in an Agricultural Area for the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

Ana C. González-Valoys (), Tamir Chong, Jonatha Arrocha, Javier Lloyd, Jorge Olmos, Fidedigna Vergara, Medin Denvers, Juan Jaén, Samantha Jiménez-Oyola and Francisco Jesús García-Navarro
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Ana C. González-Valoys: Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Campus Universitario Dr. Víctor Levi Sasso, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama
Tamir Chong: Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro, Campus Universitario Dr. Víctor Levi Sasso, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama
Jonatha Arrocha: Centro Experimental de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Vía Tocumen, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama
Javier Lloyd: Centro Experimental de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Vía Tocumen, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama
Jorge Olmos: Centro Experimental de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Vía Tocumen, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama
Fidedigna Vergara: Centro Experimental de Ingeniería, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Vía Tocumen, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama
Medin Denvers: Grupo de Investigación de Materiales, Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Campus Universitario Harmodio Arias Madrid, Panama 4, Panama City P.O. Box 3366, Panama
Juan Jaén: Grupo de Investigación de Materiales, Departamento de Química Física, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Exactas y Tecnología, Universidad de Panamá, Campus Universitario Harmodio Arias Madrid, Panama 4, Panama City P.O. Box 3366, Panama
Samantha Jiménez-Oyola: Faculty of Engineering in Earth Sciences, ESPOL Polytechnic University, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo, Km. 30.5 Vía Perimetral, Guayaquil 090902, Ecuador
Francisco Jesús García-Navarro: Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos de Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha University, Ronda de Calatrava 7, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 7, 1-36

Abstract: The Herrera township (86.0 km 2 ), located in La Chorrera, is Panama’s leading pineapple production area. Ensuring sustainable agricultural management in this region is crucial for long-term productivity, resource conservation, and environmental protection. This study evaluates soil and irrigation water quality to provide insights into improved management practices. Soil samples were analyzed for pH, EC, OM, SM, CEC, texture, and content of Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, N, P, Si, Sr, and Zn. Water samples, including surface water and groundwater, were assessed for Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, N, HCO 3 , SO 4 , PO 4 , NO 3 -N, and salinity. Soil quality was evaluated using the Igeo, and geospatial techniques were applied to map the soil parameter distribution. The water quality analysis confirmed its suitability for irrigation, though groundwater in the central area requires caution due to elevated Na levels and a moderate risk of salinization. Soil maps indicate adequate levels of essential nutrients but highlight the need for N amendments. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of an agricultural township in Panama, providing critical data for decision-making and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices that enhance resource management and mitigate climate change impacts.

Keywords: agricultural soil; irrigation water; nutrient mapping; Panama Oeste; smart amendments (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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