Sampling the spatial variability of grassland soil properties

Abstract

The properties of grazed grassland soils are frequently degraded in tropical areas. The objective of this work was to review the literature on the theory and results of sampling and analysis of the spatial variability of grassland soil properties worldwide and in Ecuador. The methodology, results, and discussion of 15 articles were reviewed, available in the databases: Scopus, SciELO, ScienceDirect, Scimago Journal & Country Rank, Dialnet, and SpringerLink, and the respective theory of 5 books. It was found that worldwide there are soil sampling works that evaluate the spatial variability of their properties, while at the national level, the samples do not consider such variability. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct research in Ecuador on the spatial variability of soil properties with grasslands, allowing reliable decisions to be made for their management and conservation.