A New Nitrogen Index for Assessment of Nitrogen Management of Andean Mountain Cropping Systems of Ecuador

Escudero, Luis; Delgado, Jorge A.; Monar, Carlos; Valverde, Franklin; Barrera, Víctor Hugo; Alwang, Jeffrey

doi:10.1097/ss.0000000000000052

Cited by 8 publications

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“…However, barriers to the adoption of reduced tillage systems by small farmers include the lack of equipment and that initially the crop yields may be smaller than those of conventional systems (Büchi et al, 2017; Martínez et al, 2016; Soane et al, 2012). Several studies suggest that precision conservation in the Andes can improve long‐term stainability (Barrowclough et al, 2016; Delgado et al, 2019; Gallagher et al, 2017; Escudero et al, 2014). Escudero et al (2014) reported that yields with the farmers’ traditional farming practices and a N fertilizer application of about 40 kg N ha −1 were almost doubled with an additional application of 80 to 100 kg N ha −1 (total application of 120 or 140 kg N ha −1 ).…”

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confidence: 99%

“…1). Excessive use of agrochemicals and machinery has led to a steady rise in production costs and a significant reduction in yields (Barrera et al, 2012; Barrowclough et al, 2016; Escudero et al, 2014).…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Physical and environmental vulnerability studies conducted in the Illangama watershed, a subbasin of the Chimbo River, show that due to inappropriate soil management and the use of fallow the soils have deteriorated and crop productivity has declined (Barrera et al, 2012; Escudero et al, 2014; Monar et al, 2013). Soils in this region are Andisols of volcanic type, characterized by a deep A horizon with high organic matter content (commonly exceeding 10%) and consequent low apparent density (Buytaert et al, 2007; van Breemen and Buurman, 2003).…”

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confidence: 99%

“…Vulnerability analyses suggest the use of conservation agriculture practices to solve the problems of soil deterioration, increase productivity, and intensify production (Barrera et al, 2012; Escudero et al, 2014; Delgado et al, 2019). Conservation agriculture includes three basic principles: minimal disturbance of the soil, permanent cover, and improved rotations (FAO, 2016).…”

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Conservation Agriculture Increases Yields and Economic Returns of Potato, Forage, and Grain Systems of the Andes

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Physical and environmental vulnerability analysis conducted for the Illangama watershed located in Ecuador's Andean highlands, shows deteriorated soil quality and declining crop productivity. These problems are caused by soil erosion in steep slopes and inappropriate soil management practices. Research projects conducted from 2011 to 2014 adopted and examined the feasibility of conservation agriculture practices for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), oat (Avena sativa L.) and vetch (Vicia sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), bean (Vicia faba L.), and a mixture of pastures (annual ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum Lam.], perennial ryegrass [L. perenne L.], orchardgrass [Dactylis glomerata L.], white clover[Trifolium repens L.], and red clover [T. pratense L.]). The practices included surface water deviation ditches, reduced tillage, residue retention, and application of N, all within an improved rotation. The study examined crop yields and economic returns in an effort to identify the best practices. Results indicate that crop productivity and net (of cost of production) benefits of the system were increased as much as 25 and 24%, respectively, using a feasible conservation agriculture system compared to conventional practices. This study shows that conservation agriculture increases yields and saves on production costs due to less tillage. We also found that N fertilization with these conservation agriculture practices increases yields and net returns. This study concludes that conservation agriculture practices are good alternatives for these high‐altitude Andean soils. The practices should be promoted among Andean producers to increase the productivity and sustainability of their potato–grain–pasture systems. Core Ideas The Andean region of Ecuador is critical for the country's food security. Cultivation of high‐slope mountainous agriculture is accelerating erosion. Conservation agriculture is an attractive management alternative. Implementation of reduced tillage could contribute to higher net income for farmers. These practices could benefit nearly 200,000 Ecuadorean farms.

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Conservation Agriculture Increases Yields and Economic Returns of Potato, Forage, and Grain Systems of the Andes

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“…INIAP has been conducting research on conservation agriculture for over a decade, assessing the potential for using conservation agriculture, reduced tillage, decreased crop residue removal, cover crops, and other conservation practices to improve yields while minimizing erosion and increasing sustainability and potential for climate change adaptation (Barrera et al, 2012;Escudero et al, 2014). The studies conducted and some of the unpublished data presented in this article cover some of these efforts by INIAP in cooperation with SANREM, Virginia Tech, USDA-ARS, USAID and Penn State and other U.S. and Ecuadorean institutions.…”

Section: New Cover Crops Residue Management and No-till Systemmentioning

confidence: 99%

Potential use of cover crops for soil and water conservation, nutrient management, and climate change adaptation across the tropics

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Advances in Agronomy

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Conservation agriculture can help the South American Andean region achieve food security

Barrera

Delgado

Alwang³

2021

Agronomy Journal

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The Andean region of Ecuador is dominated by small-scale agriculture on steep slopes vulnerable to erosion, soil degradation, and subsequent productivity loss. Soil erosion rates exceed the average rate of soil formation by 9-286 times, making current agricultural practices in the region unsustainable, and threatening to increase food insecurity. The projected effects of a changing climate vary across the Andean region, with higher precipitation and erosion rates projected for some areas. However, even in areas where the precipitation rates are expected to be lower, the projected erosion rates will still be unsustainable. Research on conservation agriculture (CA) practices conducted from 2008 to 2017 in the highlands of Ecuador suggests that yields and cost savings ultimately make several CA production systems profitable compared to conventional practices. In the very short term, large gains did not emerge, and the best that could be said about CA is that it did not reduce productivity. Over the medium term, improvements in soil health (lower erosion) led to higher profitability that made the practices more profitable than conventional practices over the entire rotation. However, adoption of these alternatives by local producers, even in research areas, is low. Lack of public or private agricultural extension contributes to slow diffusion of new technology and best management practices in the region. There is a need to develop improved communication with local farmers to more effectively relay how CA protects the soil, mitigates degradation, and provides a means to achieve food security and avoid a humanitarian crisis. GLOBAL CHALLENGES TO FOOD SECURITY 1.1Climate change and intensive agriculture could increase erosion rates, potentially catalyzing a regional catastrophe in the Andes One of the greatest challenges facing the Andean region of South America is how to mitigate potential impacts of Abbreviations: CA, conservation agriculture;

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A New Nitrogen Index for Assessment of Nitrogen Management of Andean Mountain Cropping Systems of Ecuador

Cited by 8 publications

References 2 publications

Conservation Agriculture Increases Yields and Economic Returns of Potato, Forage, and Grain Systems of the Andes

Conservation Agriculture Increases Yields and Economic Returns of Potato, Forage, and Grain Systems of the Andes

Potential use of cover crops for soil and water conservation, nutrient management, and climate change adaptation across the tropics

Conservation agriculture can help the South American Andean region achieve food security

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