MECHANIZED AND TRADITIONAL TILLAGE ON TERRACES OF THE HIGH ANDEAN SMALL AGRICULTURE IN PERU: TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC COMPARISON

Abstract

The fragile food security along with the economic and environmental crisis affecting the most vulnerable populations in the High Andean zone of Peru, have highlighted the importance of small-scale agriculture. The objective of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis between mechanized and traditional tillage based on technical and economic variables. For this, energy expenditure of operators, performance of tillage equipment or tools, depth and mean weight diameter (MWD) of tilled soil, and tillage times and costs per hectare were determined. Traditional tillage included the use of the bar and the yoke, while mechanized tillage was conducted with three models of motor cultivators.  The plots were type 3, type 3-2, and type 2 terraces. The statistical design was completely randomized blocks. For the statistical analysis, an ANOVA and the LSD test were used. The results indicate that the types of tillage and terraces that require the lowest tillage times and costs are cultivators, the yoke, and type 2 terraces, benefiting rural economy and food security. The yoke and motor cultivators can be used in combination for plowing and loosening the soil, respectively. To improve the evaluation of technical variables (energy expenditure, depth and MWD of tilled soil), a longer study period and increased repetitions are required. Future studies might evaluate other technologies and agricultural practices, including the participation of female farmers.