Browsing by Author "Barrera Mosquera, Victor H."
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
Results Per Page
Sort Options
- Conservation Agriculture Increases Yields and Economic Returns of Potato, Forage, and Grain Systems of the AndesBarrera Mosquera, Victor H.; Delgado, J. A.; Alwang, Jeffrey R.; Escudero López, Luis O.; Cartagena Ayala, Y. E.; Dominguez Andrade, Juan Manuel; D'Adamo, Robert (2019-11)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.
- Potential use of cover crops for soil and water conservation, nutrient management, and climate change adaptation across the tropicsDelgado, Jorge A.; Barrera Mosquera, Victor H.; Alwang, Jeffrey R.; Villacis, Alexis H.; Cartagena Ayala, Yamil E.; Neer, Donna; Monar, Carlos; Escudero López, Luis O. (Elsevier, 2021-01-01)One of the greatest challenges in the 21st century is the question of how humanity will adapt to a changing climate to continue producing food at the production levels that will be necessary to feed an increasing global population while conserving soil and water resources. While there are political, social and economic factors that impact agricultural development, this paper will not be focusing on those factors, instead focusing on the potential use of cover crops as a nutrient management tool, a soil and water conservation practice, and a good approach to adapting to a changing climate. The potential of using cover crops for climate change adaptation and mitigation will be reviewed. Cover crops are a key tool that could contribute to increased yields, conservation of surface and groundwater quality, reduced erosion potential, sequestration of atmospheric carbon (C), and improved soil quality and health across the tropics. However, there are a lot of research gaps, and there is a need for additional research about the potential use of cover crops for soil, human, and animal health, as well as a need for an open-access data information system about research on cover crops in the tropics. While cover crops show a lot of promise, they are not a silver bullet, and in some circumstances, they can also contribute to reduced yields. We evaluated the use of cover crops and we ranked the different ways that cover crops can contribute to climate change adaptation, on a scale ranging from very low potential to contribute to climate change adaptation to very high potential. For example, cover crops have very high potential to reduce erosion generated by a changing climate in humid systems. On average, cover crops appear to be a good practice for climate change adaptation and mitigation across the tropics, and nutrient managers, agronomists, and soil and water conservation practitioners could add them to their management toolbox for different regions of the tropics. The 4 Rs of cover crops should be applied when using this tool (the right cover crop, the right timing of placement, the right timing of killing, and the right management).