Spatial Modelling of Soil Quality and Lime Requirement for Precision Management in Humid Tropical Coffee Systems

Soil heterogeneity and acidity are major constraints to Coffea arabica production in the Amazonian soils of Peru. This study developed a spatial predictive framework that integrates a weighted Soil Quality Index (SQIw) and geostatistical modelling (Regression–Kriging and Ordinary Kriging) to estimat...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Díaz Chuquizuta, Henry, Mejia Maita, Sharon Yahaira, Mercado Chinchay, Ruth Lizbeth, Arroyo Julca, Michell Karolay, Ore Valeriano, Ruddy Adely, Díaz Chuquizuta, Percy, Manrique Gonzales, Luis Fernando, Sánchez Ojanasta, Martín, Quispe Matos, Kenyi Rolando
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:Perú
Institución:Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria
Repositorio:INIA-Institucional
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.inia.gob.pe:20.500.12955/3052
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12955/3052
https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering8030079
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Soil quality index
Regression kriging
Soil acidity
NDVI
Índice de calidad del suelo
Kriging de regresión
Acidez del suelo
https://purl.org/pe-repo/ocde/ford#4.01.06
Café; Coffee; Encalado; Liming; Fósforo; Phosphorus; pH del suelo; Soil ph; Agricultura de precisión; Precision agriculture
Descripción
Sumario:Soil heterogeneity and acidity are major constraints to Coffea arabica production in the Amazonian soils of Peru. This study developed a spatial predictive framework that integrates a weighted Soil Quality Index (SQIw) and geostatistical modelling (Regression–Kriging and Ordinary Kriging) to estimate lime requirements (LRs) and delineate management zones. A total of 69 coffee-cultivated soil samples were analysed, and spectral information (NDVI) was incorporated to estimate relative yield (RR). Multivariate analysis defined a Minimum Data Set (MDS) composed of exchangeable Na, available P, pH and silt percentage; the highest weights were assigned to P (Wi = 0.292) and pH (Wi = 0.276). SQIw exhibited wide variability (0.01–0.87; CV = 51.8%) and was grouped into five classes, with low (43.5%)- and very low (21.7%)-quality classes predominating. SQIw showed a strong relationship with RR (r = 0.64). Geostatistical models performed differently between localities: in Nuevo Huancabamba, Regression–Kriging improved prediction accuracy (SQIw: R² = 0.58; LR: R² = 0.396), whereas in San José de Sisa, Ordinary Kriging provided better fits only for LRs (R² = 0.32). Nuevo Huancabamba is dominated by moderate-to-high-quality soils (87.29%; SQIw > 0.6) and low lime requirements (74.94%; <0.84 t ha⁻¹), in contrast with San José de Sisa, where low-quality soils prevail (89.45%; SQIw < 0.4) alongside high LRs (75.26%; 2.54–7.13 t ha⁻¹). The resulting maps enable targeted interventions—precision liming and focused P fertilisation—to correct acidity and phosphorus deficiency, thereby improving input-use efficiency and enhancing the sustainability of Amazonian coffee systems.