Soil suppressors: a description in the context of Cuban agricultural systems
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Abstract
Context: The decline in soil biological characteristics and functions is primarily caused by intensive crop production. Biologically active soils can suppress infections caused by plant-pathogenic microorganisms. However, little is known about how this function manifests in Cuban agricultural systems.
Objectives: Explain how soil disease suppression is a function that has not been widely used as an indicator of soil quality using a case study.
Methods: The research focused on gathering information about current conditions causing soil degradation in Cuba. A case study was conducted to evaluate the impact of agricultural management practices on the suppression of Rhizoctonia solani Kühn in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivation in Cuba.
Results: The case study shows that soil suppression differs between agricultural systems, with higher levels in organically managed systems. These differences may be fundamentally related to the use or non-use of chemicals. Agriculture is not exempt from the problems that cause soil degradation and therefore requires more knowledge to implement agricultural practices that improve soil quality.
Conclusions: Further study on soil suppression of diseases in the Cuban context is needed to expand knowledge and assess soil quality in agricultural systems.
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