Thinner pod walls might contribute to increased yield potential and adaptation of lupins. Fourteen autumn-sown genotypes of Lupinus albus L. were evaluated over 2 years at four sites in southern Chile. Pod wall proportion (PWP), pod wall specific weight (WSW) and five other pod-related characters were measured to estimate their genetic variation, heritability across years and sites, and genotypic and phenotypic correlations among the characters. Ranges for PWP and pod WSW were 22.9)43.1% and 16.4)37.4 mg/cm 2 , respectively. PWP in cultivated L. albus was similar to that reported in L. angustifolius; however, specific weight was substantially lower. Highly significant genotypic effects were found for both characters. Broad sense heritabilities were high for PWP (0.63) and moderate for pod WSW (0.46). These characters were significantly correlated, more so genotypically (r g ¼ 0.67) than phenotypically (r ph ¼ 0.36). Selection for low PWP should lead to lower pod wall thickness or density, both of which contribute to pod WSW. Nevertheless, selection for pod WSW could achieve further reductions, particularly if practised among low PWP materials.

ResumenEl suelo es uno de los recursos indispensables para el desarrollo de la vida, ya que este se convierte en una pieza clave en el ciclo natural de materia y energía. Cuando se habla del suelo en la agricultura debe cumplir condiciones específicas para la producción vegetal, conocido como "suelo fértil". Esta definición se centra tanto en las condiciones físicas, químicas, biológicas ideales como en la disponibilidad de nutrientes que el suelo presenta para un adecuado desarrollo de las especies que se desea obtener. Sin embargo, este criterio es muy limitado, es necesario reconocer todas las funciones de este recurso y la importancia que tienen para la sostenibilidad del ambiente y la creciente necesidad de producción de alimentos más sanos. El evaluar los cambios del suelo mediante diferentes indicadores edáficos y de manejo se convierte en un instrumento que permite valorar la calidad ambiental del recurso y proporciona información para tomar las medidas necesarias que permitan su conservación y el mejoramiento de la producción agrícola. El presente articulo pretende contribuir en la toma de decisiones para el manejo del cultivo de maíz en el cantón Loreto, utilizando como instrumento el estudio del suelo actual mediante el análisis de la repercusión de diferentes tipos de fertilización del cultivo de maíz en nueve indicadores edáficos que son: temperatura, pH, infiltración, materia orgánica, nitrógeno amoniacal, fósforo, potasio, calcio y magnesio, así como las repercusiones que tiene el uso de diferentes fertilizantes en los índices de calidad. AbstractOne of the indispensable natural resources for the development of life is the soil. This is because it is a key piece in the natural cycle of matter and energy. When we talk about soil in agriculture, we are making reference to "fertile soil" which must meet specific conditions for plant production. This definition focuses on the physical and chemical conditions and the availability of nutrients that the soil presents for an adequate development of the species which an individual desires to get. However, this criterion is very limited. It is also necessary to recognize all the functions of this resource and the significant role they play in the sustainability of the environment as well as the growing need for the production of healthier foods. The evaluation of soil changes, by means of different edaphic indicators and management, has become a necessary tool to assess the quality of the resource. It also provides information to be able to take the necessary measures to allow soil conservation and improve agricultural production at the same time. This paper focuses on contributing to decision making in the management of maize cultivation in the Loreto canton. The instrument used is the knowledge of the current state of the soil, and this is done through the analysis of nine indicators which include: temperature, pH, infiltration, organic matter, ammonia nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The repercussions that the use of different fert...