Temperature behavior in three soil types using the Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope tests on the Ecuadorian coast.

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8135425100713

• Palavras-chave: soil temperature, agricultural soil, climate change, vegetative cover.

• Keywords: soil temperature, agricultural soil, climate change, vegetative cover.

• Abstract: Global changes in climatic factors are generating significant impacts on agricultural systems, especially in equatorial regions where agriculture is a predominant activity. In this context, the present study analyzed the influence of ambient temperature on three types of agricultural soils with different types of cover: bare soil, dry cover (mulch), and live cover (grass). A climate dataset recorded over six consecutive years, from 2015 to 2020, was used, with measurements taken at a depth of 20 cm in humid tropical agricultural soils. The research combined descriptive statistical analyses with linear regression models and Pearson correlation coefficients to establish relationships between ambient and soil temperatures. In addition, the non-parametric Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope methods were applied to detect and quantify trends in the temperature time series. The results showed statistically significant correlations between ambient and soil temperatures, with greater thermal stability observed in soils with live and dry vegetative cover. The trends identified indicate a decrease in ambient temperature (-23.22%) and a stronger negative trend in soils covered with grass (-32.63%) and mulch (-28.54%), compared to bare soils. These patterns were consistent at both annual and monthly levels. It is concluded that vegetative cover acts as a thermal regulator for soil, mitigating extreme temperature fluctuations. Continuous monitoring of these variables is essential to anticipate the effects of climate change on tropical agricultural systems and to propose adaptive strategies that support the sustainability of production.