Evaluation of soil management techniques for pasture production in the Valle del Rio Tarqui

The project is based on the need to improve the possibilities to produce fodder crops in soils with physical limitations (little permeable, compacted clay). This research will evaluate two soil management techniques for the production of Ray Grass grass cultivation; This crop is one of the most used to the south of Ecuador as fodder to feed coil cattle. The proposed project focuses its interest in three areas of action, (1) monitoring of meteorological agro parameters, (2) monitoring of edaphological parameters and (3) development of technological applications. In this sense, information regarding the soil -plastic relations -atmosphere will be generated, these relationships will be evaluated by experimental plots. Periodic and punctual monitoring of the different variables will be carried out. The main tools for the evaluation will be: (1) It is considered a protocolized management of agricultural work, (2) the response of the soil and crop is permanently evaluated, (3) Edaphological information is used to calculate amendments and supplies necessary and to maximize the superficial drainage network, (4) Labor systems are applied optimized to favor aeration and permeability to the ground profile, (5) For the control of frost and weather droughts by registering information in real time. With the information collected it will be possible to study the characteristics of the main problems that limit agricultural potential in these soils in the Tarqui River Valley region. The project proposes to evaluate 2 soil work techniques (conventional and subsolated plow) for pasture production. 2 Specific objectives are proposed: 1 Evaluate the changes in the Edaphological characteristics in the soil profile between the tillage techniques investigated 2 Evaluate the phenological and productive characteristics of the pastures between the tillage techniques investigated The research will be carried out in the experimental plot in the farm of IRquis, the possibility will be provided for research teachers, and students visualize technological applications through the information generated Equipped plot to experience soil and long -term land management and cultivation techniques.

14th RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION