Servicios ecosistémicos del suelo en la producción de leche en Chitagá, Norte de Santander, Colombia.

Soils are an important part of the production of agricultural systems. Their physical, chemical, and biological characteristics provide ecosystem services for the functioning of the water cycle and nutrients that are not recognized as benefit production systems, such as dairy. This research allowed the recognition of ecosystem services of the soil among the milk producers of the municipality of Chitagá, Norte de Santander, which are suppliers of the raw material for the producers of Chitagá type cheese that has a projection to the denomination of origin. A survey related to the valuation of ecosystem services was applied to 58 milk producers and fertility analysis was carried out on 10 soil samples with a dairy vocation. Milk producers are in high mountain areas, with cold weather, and an area dedicated to Kikuyu grass in association with legumes. Organic matter for most soils is low, and so is cation exchange capacity, without limitations for potassium, but for magnesium. Phosphorus for most soils is high and little available due to the acid pH. Soil fertility, fresh water supply, temperature regulation, and precipitation were recognized by farmers as the most important direct contributions in milk production. The evaluation of ecosystem services and the use of methodologies allow decision-making associated with the sustainable management of natural resources applied to productive chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]