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Production of Organic Tomato in the Dry Zone of the Loja Province (ECUADOR)
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| Overview | Improve the structure of soils, to document the advantage of water that is deep in the soil, to limit the use of pesticides. In the future it is possible to diversify the agroecosystems. |
| Scale | Scale: Crops to small scale (1/4 Ha) with community focus; subsistence farm. |
| Location | Country = Ecuador / Province = Loja / Cantones = Espindola, Paltas (04* S, 79* W) |
| Elevation | 500 - 1600 meters above sea level |
| Climate | Tropical and Subtropical Steppe, with a dry warm microclimate |
| Agricultural Region | Rudimental Sedentary Cultivation |
| Population Density | Population Density: 8 persons/ square kilometer |
| Principle Crops | Coffee Cofia arabiga, Corn Zea maiz, Banana Mussa sp, Pineapple Ananas sp, Peanut, Vegetables, etc. |
| Domestic Animals | Principal Domestic Animals: Chickens, turkeys, rabbits, etc. |
| Soils | Ultisoles (Ustults); There are some soils of metamorphic origins |
| Natural Vegetation | Broadleaf deciduous, shrub forms of maximum height 3 feet. Grass and other herbaceous plants. There are also orchids and medicinal plants. |
| Ecoregion | Subtropical Steppe Province. Dry steppe, desert shrub, semi desert savanna |
| Basic Principles addressed | Use Renewable Resources: , Minimize Toxics, Conserve Resources, Manage Ecological Relationships, Adjust to Local Environments, Diversify, Empower People, Value Health |
| Page Author and Date | Rodrigo Alexander Solano Bayancela, 2001 |
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Tomato crops in the Loja province have been grown with the exaggerated used of chemical pesticides. In this case study I present ways to improve soil quality in areas that have been abandoned to fallow in the dry season. One way to improve of the soil quality is with the incorporation of green fertilizer from the legume cover-crops such as, beans, peas, etc. It would also be useful to make the most of the rainy period in the months from January to April in this area of the Loja province. It is also important to involve the communities of this sector in a participatory study. |
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a) The legume cover crops improve the soil structure, aerate the soil, and are rich in nitrogen which accelerates the decomposition of organic matter. b) It is possible to provide the soil with infiltrated water, and in rainy periods to make productive soils without the use of irrigation. c) It is possible to change the vision of the people with the implementation of an organic crop, in this case tomatoes, without the use of pesticides. d) This type of agriculture avoids the expansion of the agricultural border in search of higher quality soils. |
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Use Renewable Resources The legume cover crops provide nitrogen and improve the structure of soils. Minimize Toxics The use of agroecological techniques such as integrated pest management limit the use of pesticides. Conserve Resources The quantity of organic matter is increased and the water after the rainy period is used. Also, if people are working on their own farms and mountains, they will maintain the natural life of the area. Manage Ecological Relationships To encourage the use of agroecological techniques such as biological control. Adjust to Local Environments Because there are resource poor people in the zone of the country, it is necessary to adapt all tools, knowledge, etc. to the local environment. Diversify The abandoned soils in the dry season could be used for different types of crops in order to improve the area's productivity. Empower People People in the area will quickly adapt to new techniques. Value Health Changing the cropping techniques and reducing pesticide use by using agroecological principles will improve soil quality and subsequently improve the health of people in the region. |
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