Soil, the living matrix - Soils Museum of the Caribbean

soil

theLivingMatrix

In the morning dew, when the soil is moist, we can observe the phenomenon of guttation. This process occurs when root pressure in the plant is high, and water exudes through small pores or specialized structures on the leaves. Forage peanut (Arachis pintoi) is one of the plants evaluated and validated for use as a cover crop in tropical areas. Among its attributes, it belongs to the Fabaceae family and has the ability to establish symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the atmosphere. This adds organic nitrogen to the soil, which in turn helps and promotes fertility.

Soil, the world beneath our feet,

the cosmos under the sky,

of which we are and will be a part.

A day after the rain,

our bare humanity feels

the delicate rise of earthy particles around our feet

as our toes shape the revealed clay.

In this intimate connection,

a symphony of electron migration

and energy exchange grounds us,

seeking balance and homeostasis.

Plantains and bananas are two of the most important crops in Puerto Rico, contributing millions to the local economy. Previously concentrated in mountainous areas, new technologies have enabled expansion to the coastal plains in the south. (Rivera-Ocasio, 2019).

Thus,

a day after the rain,

the plants dance to the rhythm

of the breeze in the fields,

where the furrows become part of the melody.

It's a canvas, a work of art,

the field planted and cultivated with love,

where the soil is protected and respected.

It’s a sublime manifestation, the trunks of Pterocarpus, also known as "palo de pollo." Observe how diverse ecosystems exist, where certain plants and organisms adapted to their environment predominate. Freshwater forested wetlands with tidal inlets occupy a limited ecological space, with their balance determined by the interaction between saltwater and freshwater. In the Caribbean, there are several wetland forests that host the tree species Pterocarpus officinalis. This tree primarily depends on the water present in the unsaturated soil surrounding it (Colón-Rivera, 2014).

In ancient forests,

time becomes part of each tree ring,

capturing information about climatic conditions.

Dendrochronology,

a science that unravels memory

like a thread through the flow of time,

holds in each ring the testimony of the past.

Was it a period of drought or abundant rain?

You’ll tell me, dear ring.

Diploglossid lizards are common in the Caribbean islands, with many endemic species. Puerto Rico has its own endemic species, Diploglossus pleii, whose evolutionary history is complex due to its scarce fossil record.

A lizard with legs,

dancing as it walks,

evokes the image of a mermaid

emerging from the sea.

The diploglossid lizard

prompts reflection

on evolutionary processes

from millions of years ago,

recalling the time when fish evolved into tetrapods.

However, it is a very current species.

Anadenobolus sp., known as the yellow-banded or bumblebee millipede, is native to the Caribbean. Millipedes play a crucial role as decomposers in terrestrial ecosystems. They feed on decaying organic matter, such as dead leaves and branches, helping to break down these materials and return nutrients to the soil.

In its folds,

a thousand secrets lie hidden,

an enigma to unravel.

How many steps have you taken,

dear millipede?

A stealthy march in a humid night,

each segment a verse,

a somber note.

In tropical dry forests of Puerto Rico, cyanobacteria are part of the resilient soil microbiome, particularly during dry periods. These microorganisms, along with other bacteria, thrive under low rainfall conditions, playing a crucial role in soil processes such as nutrient cycling. Their presence, although less abundant than other phyla, contributes to maintaining soil health, especially in ecosystems facing different temperatures and climate conditions. Cyanobacteria help stabilize soil through interactions with other microorganisms, supporting ecosystem stability and resilience (Rivera-Rivera, M.J., & Cuevas, E, 2020).