Posted: August 28, 2024
Daniel Guarín Estrada's PhD research provides a comprehensive look at how bedrock geology, landforms, and human activities shape soil properties and impact both forest and agricultural ecosystems. This research, encompassing studies in Pennsylvania, Peru, and Colombia, highlights the critical need to understand these complex interactions for sustainable land management.
Daniel Guarín Estrada's doctoral dissertation at The Pennsylvania State University presents an in-depth exploration of how bedrock geology, landforms, and human activities influence soil properties, forest ecosystems, and agricultural landscapes in Pennsylvania, Peru, and Colombia. His research underscores the critical role of these interactions in sustainable land management and ecosystem health.
Key Findings
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Windblown Sediments in Appalachians
Guarín identified that windblown silt deposits significantly enhance soil fertility and water retention in the central Appalachian mountains. These deposits, driven by glacial winds, have left distinct geochemical markers that aid soil mapping and historical landscape modeling. -
Impact of Periglacial Landforms
The study highlights the influence of solifluction terraces on soil moisture, nutrients, and forest composition. Guarín discovered that tree species like chestnut oak thrive on wetter slopes, whereas drier sites see a dominance of white pines and red maples. -
Cadmium Contamination in Cacao
In Peru and Colombia, the dissertation investigated cadmium (Cd) accumulation in cacao plants. Results revealed that fertilizers and local geology are major contributors to Cd levels, with higher concentrations found in leaves and beans, posing challenges for sustainable cacao farming. -
Human Activities and Soil Health
The research connects selective logging in Pennsylvania to oak decline and highlights how agricultural practices in cacao regions contribute to cadmium contamination in soils and crops.
Implications
Guarín’s findings emphasize the importance of integrating geological and geomorphological understanding into agricultural and forestry practices. The research provides actionable insights for:
- Tailored land management strategies.
- Mitigation of heavy metal contamination in crops.
- Enhanced forest regeneration by addressing species-specific site requirements.
Daniel Guarín Estrada is a Ph.D. graduate in Soil Science from Penn State, with expertise in soil-geomorphology interactions and the anthropogenic impact on ecosystems. His work, supported by multiple institutional and governmental bodies, bridges science with practical solutions for land and ecosystem sustainability.
Daniel now works in the Netherlands for a company focused on carbon accounting.
