Terra Latinoamericana is a quarterly journal. The main objective is to publish original scientific articles conducted by specialists in the Soil Science community around the world. All sections are subject to a peer evaluation process, in the double-blind mode. It is available digitally for consultation in open access files.

Terra Latinoamericana is the dissemination mean of the Mexican Society of Soil Science, A.C. (SMCS) since September 1983; however, it is not limited to publishing the results of the research conducted in Mexico, but goes beyond, including all Latin American and countries around the world. Terra Latinoamericana publish articles, research notes, reviews, essays, reviews, memoirs and letters to the editor, in order to disseminate the results of unpublished scientific and technological research, carried out by specialists in soil science, coupled with a holistic approach that lies in the understanding of agrosystems, which is why fields related to edaphology are considered in order to understand the soil system itself.

Terra Latinoamericana publish in Spanish, Portuguese, French and English. All articles that are not published in English, include the title, abstract, keywords, table titles and figures in English. Published contributions are the sole responsibility of the authors. The partial or total reproduction of this journal is authorized, citing it as a source of information.

 

The Journal Terra Latinoamericana is committed to respecting and complying with the principles of transparency and good practices in academic publications in accordance with the Committee on Publications Ethics (COPE, for its acronym in English. http://publicationsethics.org/) and is governed by his principles. In general terms, Terra Latinoamericana's code of ethics refers to the integrity of the Editorial Committee, the Reviewers and the Authors, and under this argument, Terra Latinoamericana forces the Editorial Committee to act with objectivity and transparency in the process of review, to the Authors that their manuscripts are authentic and original and all those involved are required not to incur in scientific fraud.

 

Editorial Committee

The Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Committee of Terra Latinoamericana has the following commitments:

• Work to maintain the good reputation of the journal, promoting only publication of original, relevant scientific and technological papers concerning the field of Soil Science.
• Rule on the publication of historical and educational material related to Soil Science.
• Publish on time and in proper form the four numbers that compose the annual volume of the journal.
• Determine whether it is feasible, in terms of their relevance and adherence to the journal’s format, for the received manuscripts to continue in the process of arbitration.
• Ensure that national and international researchers directly related to the subject of the manuscript will conduct the arbitration process.
• Review the decisions of the referees and make the final decision and, when the manuscript is rejected, communicate the reasons to the author(s).
• Preserve the anonymity of both the author(s) and reviewers as well as the editors.
• Respect authors’ right of reply concerning the arbitration process and the opinions of the submitted manuscript.
• Provide the authors timely information about the state of their contribution, from reception until acceptance or rejection.
• Transparency and respect toward the authors, with an open attitude in terms of hearing their questions and answering accurately.

 

Reviewers

The reviewers of Terra Latinoamericana have the following commitments:

• Maintain confidentiality regarding the manuscript received for evaluation, in terms of divulging by any means its content, the authors' names, as well as the reviewer’s resolution.
• Review and rule on only those contributions related to their research area(s).
• Read the manuscript meticulously and express objective observations and constructive criticism.
• Avoid use of disrespectful language.
• Issue a ruling, pointing out in the revised text or attached document (no name or signature) where the manuscript can be improved, or the reasons the reviewed contribution should not be published.
• Comply with the arbitration time (two weeks) permitted for delivery to the Associate Editor of observations, the attached document (if applicable) and the decision format, properly completed.
• Be available to the Associate Editor, Editor-in-Chief, Format Editor, Administrative Executive to clarify or explain any doubt.

 

Associate Editors

• Protect the confidentiality of the arbitration process, ensuring the anonymity of the reviewers and authors.
• Continually improve quality standards in the selection of manuscripts, reviewers and the review process, always considering the scientific relevance of the manuscript, its originality, clarity and pertinence.
• Carry out the review process and opinion of the manuscripts and their content without distinction based on race, gender, religious beliefs, ethnic origin, nationality, sexual orientation or political philosophy of the authors.
• The decision of the editor to accept or reject a manuscript for publication must be based on scientific relevance and originality.

 

Authors

The author(s) who submit articles for publication in Terra Latinoamericana have the following commitments:

• Send unreleased contributions, i.e. work that has not been published nor in the process of being published in another journal.
• Submit outstanding scientific and technological contributions in the field of soil science, properly drafted and with data (charts, graphics, images, etc.) that support the proposed hypotheses.
• Advise the Editor-in-Chief when a contribution is submitted with initial or partial data of a study, in order to treat it as a Technical Note.
• Advise the Editor-in-Chief when a contribution is a historical type or a review, in order to handle it as Letter to the Editor.
• Invariably, follow the Author’s Guide, which is available on the journal´s website.
• Always give credit to the sources consulted and avoid plagiarizing data or text contributions.
• Cite author’s own ideas published in previous papers, avoiding excess, to promote criticism and discussion when contrasting with ideas of other authors.
• Provide full and accurate information of the references consulted, following the format given in the Author’s Guide.
• Consider, in all seriousness, comments and recommendations from referees and Associate Editor, Editor-in-Chief or Format Editor.
• Promptly send the information or clarifications requested by the Associate Editor, Editor-in-Chief or Format Editor.
• Show respect for the Associate Editor, Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board of the journal, even when the decision is not favorable.
• Promptly send the respective voucher of the deposit of publishing costs, when requested by the Editor-in-Chief, Administrative Executive or Format Editor of the journal.
• Always be available to answer any question put forth by the Associate Editor, Editor-in-Chief, Format Editor or Administrative Executive.

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All manuscripts received by the platform of Terra Latinoamericana are subject to evaluation based on their research originality and quality. The Editorial Committee of Terra Latinoamericana does not favor any potential authors nor do they discriminate against any potential authors regardless of nationality, race, sex, or any other reason or condition. Appropriate measures will be taken as indicated against any non-compliance with these principles declared by resolution of the competent authority.

 

The Editor-in-Chief of Terra Latinoamericana, together with the Editorial Committee, takes the principles of equity and non-discrimination seriously, taking particular care regarding gender equality.