Soil Sustainability Indices in Plots with Organic and Conventional Nopal in Axapusco, Mexico

Abstract

In plots with organic and conventional nopal production in Axapusco, NE, Mexico City, 16 sites
were sampled according to the NOM-2002, where fertility was evaluated and the Agricultural
Soil Sustainability Index (ASSI) was estimated. Fertility in both management conditions was
highly variable with low N, micronutrients and OM contents and pH 5.6 to 7.8. The 68.75% of
the soils had level 3 (sustainability with high use of inputs); 18.75% were level 4 (sustainability
with other land use) and 12.5%, level 2 (sustainability). In spite of the organic management,
in fertility and sustainability there were no differences in the farms. The main parameter of
impact on ASSI was the low proportion of SOC favored by the type of crop and low OM contributions
by the producers. There are various agroecological practices applicable to improve
soil conditions, but the cultural and socioeconomic situation of the producers would only allow
establishing an alternative in the medium and long term.