Browsing by Author "D'Adamo, Robert"

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    Conservation Agriculture Increases Yields and Economic Returns of Potato, Forage, and Grain Systems of the Andes
    Barrera 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.
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    Nitrogen Management Can Increase Potato Yields and Food Security for Climate Change Adaptation in the Andean Region
    Delgado, Jorge A.; Barrera, Victor H.; Alwang, Jeffrey R.; Cartagena, Yamil E.; Escudero, Luis O.; Neer, Donna; D'Adamo, Robert; Zapata, Angelica C. (Springer, 2023-04)
    The Andean region of Ecuador is being impacted by climate change, and improved best management practices for agriculture are needed to increase yields and food security. We conducted a study comparing different nitrogen (N) rates to determine the optimum N application rate for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) systems in this region. We examined five application rates of N: 0, 100, 200, 300, and 400 kg N ha(- 1). The results suggest that an N application rate of 300 kg N ha(- 1) increased productivity and net income by 87% and 146%, respectively, compared to no application of N. We transferred these improved practices to farmers, and all farms increased their yields and net economic returns. The average yields and net economic returns for these farmers increased by 50% and 64%, respectively. Additional N use efficiency (NUE) studies are needed to continue increasing yields and economic returns for farmers in the Andean region.
  • Potential Use of Tillage, Crop Residue, and Nitrogen Management for Soil and Water Conservation, Higher Yields, and Increased Economic Returns in Cropping Systems of the Andes
    Delgado, Jorge A.; Barrera, Victor H.; Escudero, Luis O.; Cartagena, Yamil E.; Alwang, Jeffrey R.; Stehouwer, Richard C.; Arevalo, Juan C.; D'Adamo, Robert; Dominguez, Juan M.; Valverde, Franklin; Alvarado, Soraya P. (2018-07-22)