Soil erosion and conservation research in Ecuador

Resumen

area of 270,670 km2, is relatively small. It is characterised by the richness of its renewable natural resources, owing primarily to its equatorial loca-tion and the volcanic cordillera of the Andes. The mountains are respon-sible for a wide range of weather types, which vary over short distances, and soils with a rich agricultural potential. Since time immemorial man has profited from these favourable conditions and developed a flourishing agriculture with a great diversity of products ranging from tropical to temperate. At present, agriculture is a primary source of foreign exchange together with petroleum products (accounting for 40 % and 50 % of ex-ports respectively).