Innovation with lagoon sediments for soil conservation and sustainable intensification in the Ecuadorian Andes. ^†

Agricultural production outlines the constant antagonism between the quest to achieve the highest yields and the need to preserve the physical / chemical properties of soils. The constantly increasing global demand for food prompts producers to apply more agrochemicals to increase their production; generating soil degradation, which is a costly and complex problem to repair. On this basis, the following objectives: a) evaluate the effectiveness of lagoon sediments in soil recovery, b) analyze the effect of sediment on the yield of the coriander crop, c) determine soil reclamation costs. The experiment was developed in the province of Imbabura, located in the north of Ecuador, had a surface area per plot of 3 m² and used a completely randomized block experimental design. Four doses of sediment were applied mixed with the soil. The benefits of the use of lagoon sediments are evidenced in the nutritional quality of the soil after its application, determined by the physical and chemical analysis that reveals an increase of 3.9 ppm of the initial N, even after vegetative consumption, as well as a best C.E. of 0.85 mS/cm that promote a higher crop yield compared to the control treatment, becoming an innovative alternative for soil recovery, allowing to reconcile the intensive agriculture with soil conservation.