Agroecology -Tlaxcala

7/27/2019 Agroecology -Tlaxcala

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http://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/cajete.html

Education and Production on a School Farm: Can Both Be Sustainable?

Ecologically-Based Pest Management at UC Berkeley's Albany Gill Tract Field

Planning an Urban Market Garden in Toronto, Canada

Adoption Process of Agroecological Alternatives in a "Campesinos" Farming System in Yucatan,Mexico

Integrated Cropping Systems Trials (WICST) in Wisconsin, USA Biointensive Agroecology on a Community Farm in California, USA

Thermophilic Composting of Human Manure in Pennsylvania, USA

Options for Sustainable Sugarcane Farming in the Everglades Agricultural Area, Florida, USA

Using Agroecology in a Botanical Garden, Santa Barbara, California, USA

Fiber Production from Hesperaloe in Arizona, USA

Community Development with the Bribri of Costa Rica

"Milpa" Agroecosystems in Yucatan, Mexico

Ecological Principles of Vineyard Vegetation Management on California's Northern Coast
http://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/CollegeAtlantic.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/CollegeAtlantic.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Albany_Gill.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Albany_Gill.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/urbanmarketgarden.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/urbanmarketgarden.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/campesinos.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/campesinos.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/campesinos.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/WICST.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/WICST.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/biointensive.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/biointensive.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/humanmanure.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/humanmanure.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/sugarcane.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/sugarcane.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Lotusland.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Lotusland.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/hesperaloe.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/hesperaloe.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Bribri.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Bribri.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/milpa.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/milpa.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/vineyards.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/vineyards.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/vineyards.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/milpa.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Bribri.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/hesperaloe.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Lotusland.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/sugarcane.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/humanmanure.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/biointensive.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/WICST.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/campesinos.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/campesinos.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/urbanmarketgarden.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Albany_Gill.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/CollegeAtlantic.html


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Seattle Tilth, Urban Agroecology in Western Washington, USA

Biological Weed Management of Leafy Spurge, Montana, USA

United Indian Health Village - Ecosystem and Community Restoration in Arcata, California, USA

City Rooftops in Toronto, Canada

Post-War Reconstruction using Sustainable Agriculture in Chalatenango, El Salvador

Community Supported Agriculture in Santa Cruz, California, USA

Organic Control of Peach Brown Rot in California, USA

Beef Cattle Finishing and Narrow Strip Cropping System in Kansas, USA

Using Weed Borders to Manage Insect Pests in California Cauliflower Fields

Soil Ecology of Grape Phylloxera and the Potential for Biological Control

Pre-Hispanic Raised Field Systems in the Quintana Roo, Mexico

Cover-Cropping with Rye and Bellbeans in California, USA Vegetable Production

Mustard Cover Crops in Apple Orchards in California, USA

Broccoli/Lettuce Intercropping in California, USA

Beneficial Insectary Plants in Oregon, USA

Organic Strawberries in California, USA

Cajete Terracing Systems in Mexico

Tropical Agroforestry Homegardens in Nicaragua

Corn-Bean-Squash Intercrop in Mexico

Zapopano Maize Agrecosystem

Establishment and Agronomic Productivity of Silvopastoral Systems with Pelibuey Sheep in Yucatan,Mexico

From a conventional agriculture system to a system of self sustaining management practices: the case of Cuba
http://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/SeattleTilth.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/SeattleTilth.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/leafyspurge.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/leafyspurge.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/UIHV.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/UIHV.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/rooftops.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/rooftops.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Chalatenango.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Chalatenango.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/CSA.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/CSA.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/brownrot.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/brownrot.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/beef.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/beef.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/weedborers.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/weedborers.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/phylloxera.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/phylloxera.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/raised_fields.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/raised_fields.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/covercrop.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/covercrop.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/mustard.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/mustard.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/broccoli_intercrop.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/broccoli_intercrop.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/biocontrol.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/biocontrol.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/strawberries.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/strawberries.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/cajete.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/cajete.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/homegardens.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/homegardens.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/cornbeansquash.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/cornbeansquash.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Zapopano_maize.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Zapopano_maize.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Pelibuey_sheep%20.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Pelibuey_sheep%20.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Pelibuey_sheep%20.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Cuba.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Cuba.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Cuba.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Cuba.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Cuba.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Pelibuey_sheep%20.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Pelibuey_sheep%20.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Zapopano_maize.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/cornbeansquash.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/homegardens.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/cajete.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/strawberries.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/biocontrol.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/broccoli_intercrop.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/mustard.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/covercrop.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/raised_fields.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/phylloxera.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/weedborers.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/beef.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/brownrot.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/CSA.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/Chalatenango.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/rooftops.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/UIHV.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/leafyspurge.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/SeattleTilth.html


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Cajete Terracing Systems in Tlaxcala, Mexico

Cajete Terracing Systems in Tlaxcala, Mexico

Overview

The Cajete terrace system of collecting water andreducing soil erosion has been in use since pre-Hispanic times (1000 B.C.). Particularlyimportant in present agriculture practices where

people must grow their food on steep, erosion prone slopes.

Scale Community, farm, region

Location Tlaxcala, Mexico (19.2N, 98.1W)

Elevation 1500 to 3000 meters

Climate Undifferentiated Highlands (Cfa- G. T.Trewartha)

Agricultural Region Subsistence Crop and Livestock Farming - K

Population Density 25 - 50 persons / square kilometer

Principal CropsCorn (Zea mays), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris),Squash (Cucurbita sp.), Maguey cactus (Agavesp.), Wheat (Triticum aestivum),

Domestic Animals none

SoilsDuripan (tepetate) and clay soils. Mountain Soils- Ustic great groups of Alfisols, Entisols,Inceptisols, Mollisols and Ultisols


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Natural Vegetation Mixed: Broadleaf deciduous and needleleaf evergreen trees - M

Ecoregion Rainforest Altitudinal Zone

Basic Principles addressedConserve Resources, Manage EcologicalRelationships, Diversify, Empower People,Manage Whole Systems

Page Author and Date Chris Bley from studies by Steve Gliessman

Cajete Terrace agroecosystems have been in place for three thousand years in hillside regions in Tlaxcala,Mexico. These rainfed Corn-Bean-Squash agroecosystems must survive several adverse conditions to besuccessful; food is grown on steep erosion prone slopes and rainfall is concentrated between May andSeptember and often occurs in sudden downpours. Archaeological evidence shows that settlements in theTlaxcala area used sloping terraces to slow runoff from rainfall and prevent soil erosion. Sloping terracesfeed excess water into tanks (cajetes) which are storage catches for water which would not otherwise beabsorbed into the soil. Water collected inside cajetes slowly percolates into the surrounding soils after therain has ended. Eroded soils are also trapped inside of the cajetes, preventing soil loss down the slope.

Nutrient rich soils inside of the cajetes are later gathered and distributed into the fields.

The success of the cajete/terrace complex can be judged primarily by its longevity, but the use andmaintenance of the cajetes has been gradually declining. Farmers attribute this decline to the rising cost of labor, but there are also socioeconomic factors. Many of the farmer's children have left the rural farm for higher paying jobs thus leaving the cajetes in disrepair. Success in the traditional system can also be seenin the problems that are found in government modernization projects in the Tlaxcala region. Increasedincidence of erosion are evident in traditional farming where tractors have entered the fields, filled in thecajetes, and disrupted the complicated canal system which maintained the water runoff. Tractors are notsolely to be blamed for examples such as this, but rather the attempt to modernize or improve farming

practices without looking at existing well established practices first.

Conserve Resources

The cajete/terrace complex slows the rate of intense rainfall runoff which often comes in bursts, therebyminimizing erosion while conserving water. After rainfall events, the cajete enables captured water to


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slowly percolate into the fields making for an efficient irrigation system.

Manage Ecological Relationships

Cajetes trap concentrated nutrients and soils eroded from fields and leaf litter from border plants are

trapped in cajetes as well, producing compost pits that are periodically emptied and to recycle nutrientsback to the fields.

Diversify

By creating cajetes along hillslopes, landscapes are diversified in a form of contour tillage.

Empower People

Evidence of canals in association with terraces dating back to 1000 B.C. shows that indigenousknowledge has evolved into a sophisticated system of water and soil management which does not degrade

the agroecosystem.

Manage Whole Systems

By building cajetes within agroecosystems, the hydrology of landscapes is modified to conserve soil and water, enhancing nutrient cycling and water availability for crops.

Mountjoy, D.C., and S.R. Gliessman. 1988. Traditional management of a hillside agroecosystem in

Tlaxcala, Mexico: An ecologically based maintenance system. American Journal of AlternativeAgriculture. 3:-10.

Corn-Bean-Squash Intercrop in Mexico


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Overview Corn (maize), Bean and Squash polyculture cropping system

Scale field, subsistence farm, collective, village, township, localregion

Location Tabasco, Mexico (21.5N, 103.0W)


Climate Undifferentiated Highlands (H - G.T. Trewartha)

Agricultural Region Subsistence Crop and Livestock Farming - (K)

Population Density 10 - 25 persons / square kilometer

Principal Crops Maize (Zea mays), Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), Squash(Cucurbita sp.)

Domestic Animals n/a

Soils Mountain Soils, ustic great groups of Alfisols, Entisols,Inceptisols, Mollisols and Ultisols

Natural Vegetation Needleleaf evergreen trees, growth singly or in groups or patches (Ep)

Ecoregion Tropical/Subtropical Steppe Altitudinal Zone

Basic Principles addressedUse Renewable Resources, Conserve resources, ManageEcological Relationships, Diversify, Empower People,

Maximize Long-Term Benefits



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A polyculture of maize, beans and squash are planted together in the same cropping system. This systemhas many mutually beneficial effects, including allelopathic inhibition of weed growth, nitrogen fixationand increased resistance to insects and disease, which are shown to dramatically reduce the need for outside inputs and increase the overall output.

Successful intercropping system of maize, beans and squash is seen primarily in the tropics where a high percentage of agricultural production is still grown in polyculture mixtures. As many farmers are unableto afford inputs, they have adapted low input, high yield strategies such as corn-bean-squashintercropping. The results of a series of studies has shown that maize yields in corn-bean-squashintercrops can be increased by as much as 50% over monoculture yields. Although the yield for the twoother crops was reduced dramatically, the overall yield for the three combined crops was greater than if they were grown separately in monocultures.

Use Renewable Resources

Beans in this polyculture nodulate more, increasing biological nitrogen fixation and supplying nitrogen tothe maize.

Conserve Resources

Planting at the beginning of the rainy season reduces dependence on off-farm water sources.


The presence of squash leaves helps manage pests, diseases, and weeds, while beneficial biota areenhanced in the soil by mycorrhizal fungi interconnecting the root systems. Intercropping also promotesbeneficial insects and deters herbivorous insects.

Diversify


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Natural Vegetation Broadleaf evergreen trees (B)

Ecoregion Rainforest Province, constantly humid, broadleaf evergreen forest (Tr3)

Basic Principles addressed

Use Renewable Resources, ConserveResources, Manage Ecological Relationships,Adjust to Local Environments, Empower People, Manage Whole Systems, MaximizeLong-Term Benefits


From 800 BC to 200 AD, a vast wetland-based agroecosystem was managed in southeastern Mexicousing canals, raised beds (platforms), and other water management structures that occupied nearly 20,000hectares. These structures evidence several strategies used by prehispanic Maya of the Yucatan Peninsulato cultivate in conditions of excess water, caused by annual precipitation averaging 2,000 mm of which76% occurs between May and October. By analyzing the remains of these canal and platform systems,scientists have deduced strategies for their use. Mayans excavated canals down to the bottom of thetopsoil layers and formed platforms by mounding the removed soil to create planting surfaces between thecanals. Soils eroded from platforms included organic materials that slowly filled canals. It is not knownexactly what types of crops were planted in this system due to quick plant decomposition in the tropics,

but work in other regions suggests maize and cotton were important crops.

Many agroecosystems are situated in wetlands or regions that are periodically flooded during a wetseason. Management of these wetland systems requires limiting water in times of inundation andextending the cropping season in times of draught. Much can be learned from prehistoric wetland basedagroecosystem management and the current indigenous farming techniques in wetland areas of Mexico that were most likely handed down from Mayan ancestors. Periodic cleaning of canals returnsrich soils to the planting platforms, and soil studies demonstrate that nitrogen levels were highest on the

platforms and dropped off rapidly with increased depth. Maize yields are over four times greater in thesetraditional indigenous farming systems compared to adjacent fields that have been cleared, drained andfarmed using modern techniques.

http://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/raised_fields2.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/raised_fields2.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/raised_fields2.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/raised_fields2.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/raised_fields2.htmlhttp://www.agroecology.org/Case%20Studies/raised_fields2.html


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Crop and non-crop residues are left on the soil surface and recycled as fertilizer for the following crop.

Conserve Resources

Efficient irrigation systems conserve water, enabling Mayans and their ancestors in wetland regions to

roduce food where otherwise impossible. Use of local varieties of seeds conserves genetic resources.


Soil nutrients are recycled from canal bottoms and returned to the raised platforms. After harvest, maize stalks are left on the soil to recycle nutrients and organic materials.

Adjust to Local Environments

Strategies such as raised beds and canals adapt farming systems to the physical limitations of the farmlandscape.

Empower People

Farmers in lowland regions of Mexico use indigenous knowledge handed down from generation toeneration.


By harvesting and recycling sediments, aquatic systems are kept clear of sediment accretion whilemaintaining fertility of raised beds, managing nutrients across entire landscapes.


Raised bed and canal systems have proven to be long-term strategies of farming, sustaining productivityunder continuous use for more than 1000 years.


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A soil profile through a raised bed

"Milpa" Agroecosystems in Yucatan, Mexico

Overview

Milpa in Yucatan is an intercropping system of corn, beans, lima beans and squash that is managed throughslash and burn with fallow periods and the use of mulch.


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The "Milpa" system is a traditional intercropping system of corn, lima bean, common bean, and squash.Present day Mayan farmers cultivate this intercropping system through the practice of slash and burntogether with small plots of other vegetable crops such as chiles. Corn, beans, squash and chile from"milpa" systems are produced as well as consumed locally, and constitute the essential staple crops for local and regional food consumption needs. The milpa cycle involves two years of cultivation and eightyears of fallow, or secondary growth, to allow for natural regeneration of vegetation. As long as thisrotation continues without shortening fallow periods, the system can be sustained indefinitely.

The system of rotation of agricultural plots in the slash-and-burn system allows for the regeneration of secondary vegetation; creating ecosystems that are favorable for traditional forest management andsubsistence hunting. Nevertheless, demographic pressures and rural development policies are promotingthe increased use of agrochemicals and have reduced the agricultural productivity of this system.Comparisons of genetic diversity of crops grown by communities practicing milpa versus those that havemodernized agriculture with mechanization, agrochemicals and improved varieties show that traditionalmilpa systems conserve genetic diversity resources in situ while agricultural modernization erodes them.

Minimize Toxics

ilpa systems make minimal use of toxic agrochemicals that are now promoted by government development programs.

Conserve Resources

Traditional landraces are sustained by Milpa systems, conserving crop genetic resources.


The intercropping association of corn-beans-squash increases biological N fixation and the biological control of insects and disease. Fallow and mulching periods in Milpa systems are adjusted to manage

roductive potential, with longer fallow periods increasing biomass production and nutrient recycling that boosts crop yields after cultivating fallow areas.


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Diversify

Crop genetic diversity is high in communities using milpa systems, with more than fifteen local varietiesof corn, five of bean, three of squash and six of chile. Fallow areas of the milpa are habitat for birds and

small mammals, conserving natural biodiversity and creating diverse landscapes. Milpa systems provide

or the varied needs of entire farming community, including subsistence food crops, forage crops (squashulp), rural construction materials, fuel-wood, flowering plants and secondary vegetation for apiculture,and animals that may be hunted .

Empower People

Using traditional Milpa systems conserves local knowledge, enables farmers to control their geneticresources, and provides for local subsistence food production.

Milpa plot

Related Publications:

Arias, L. 1995, La milpa en Yaxcaba, Yucatan, en: Hernandez X., E. Bello y S. Levy, La produccion de lamilpa en Yucatan, Colegio de Postgraduados, Montecillos, Mexico.


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Using Weed Borders to Manage Insect Pests in

California Cauliflower Fields

OverviewWeed borders are used in an agroecosystem to attractinsects, facilitating colonization in the adjacentcauliflower crop.

Scale field, patch, local region

Location Santa Cruz, California, USA (36.6N, 122.0W)


Climate Mediterranean or Dry Summer Subtropical (Cs)

Agricultural Region Mediterranean Agriculture - H

Population Density >35 persons / square kilometer

Principal Crops Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis L.)

Domestic Animals none

SoilsSpecific: Sandy loam General: Mountain Soils - Xericgreat group of Alfisols, Entisols, Inceptisols,Mollisols and Ultisols (X5)

Natural Vegetation Needleleaf evergreen trees (E), Douglas fir- Redwood(29)

Ecoregion Mediterranean Province (H11)

Basic Principles addressedUse Renewable Resources, Minimize Toxics, ManageEcological Relationships, Diversify, Maximize Long-Term Benefits



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In a study undertaken in Santa Cruz, California, three types of half meter weed border strips were used to

attract insects to cauliflower fields: 1) wild mustard (Brassica campestris) and radish (Raphanus sativus),2) acorn spurry (Spergula arvensis) and 3) lamb's-quarters (chenopodium album). Insect populations thatwere attracted to and colonized the cauliflower field, both pests and beneficials, were then measured.Lamb's-quarters borders reduced the occurrence of two pests dramatically, the cabbage looper and flea

beetle. The opposite was true of the mustard and radish border which attracted the cabbage looper andflea beetle, but which also attracted the greatest number of beneficial parasitoids, increasing parasitizationof aphids on the cauliflower crop.

Populations of both harmful and beneficial insects are greatly affected by insecticide applications,reducing the role of insects in agroecosystems. Because monocultures attract insect pests, these pests havefew predators in sprayed fields, so that pests must be killed with insecticides. Results from this studyindicate that weed borders can help attract beneficial predatory insects to agroecosystems, giving organicfarmers some degree of control over pest populations. In some cases these border strips can also repel

pests, thereby slowing, delaying, or even preventing their arrival in the field while the plant is vulnerable.


Planting weed borders attracts beneficial insects as an alternative to purchased insecticides, eliminating non-renewable off-farm inputs.

Minimize Toxics

Controlling insect pests with weed borders reduces or eliminates the use of materials that have theotential to harm the environment the health of farmers, farm workers, or the consumer.


Using weed borders to attract beneficial insects helps to manage pests instead of "controlling" them.

Diversify


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Biodiversity is increased in agroecosystems by attracting insects with weed border plants.


The use of weed borders incorporates long-term sustainability into overall agroecosystem design and

management.

Ruiz-Rosado, O. 1984. Effects of weed borders on the dynamics of insect communities in a cauliflower agroecosystem. M.A. Thesis, University of California, Santa Cruz.

Adoption Process of Agroecological Alternativesin a "Campesinos" Farming System in Yucatan,

Mexico

Overview

Green manures and cover crops, IPM, manuring,

agroforestry and organic horticulture alternativesare developed, tested and transferred through participatory adoption processes with farmers.

Scale Field, household, subsistence farm, organization,collective, village, local region, bioregion

LocationSisal and Southern Yucatan zones (Merida,Sahcaba, Hocaba, Hunucma, Tekit, Mani, andother communities) (88-90.1 W, 20.1- 21N)

Elevation 0 to 152.5 meters

ClimateTropical Steppe and dry forest with coolest month18 C (BSh) up north, and Tropical Savanna andforest with dry season in winter (Aw) down south.

Agricultural RegionPlantation agriculture (G) up north, Rudimentalsedentary cultivation (D) down south; andShifting cultivation (C) spread all over the region.


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Population DensityFrom 1-10 persons / square kilometer, up to 25-50

persons / square kilometer in the gradients southto north of the state.

Principal Crops

Improved Milpa: Maize (Zea mays), Beans

(Phaseolus vulgaris, P. lunatus, Vignaunguiculata), Squashes (Cucurbita pepo, C.moschata, C. maxima) and Velvetbean (Mucunadeeringiana); Organic Horticulture: Tomato(Lycopersicum sculentum), Chili (Capsicumcapsici), Watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris),Cucumber, Melon, Radish, Coriander, Lettuce(Lactuca sativa); Agroforestry systems: Ramon(Brosimum alicastrum), Leucaena (Leucaenaleucocephala), Star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis),Taiwan (Pennisetum purpureum), Guinea

(Pannicum maximum) Plantations: Sisal (Agavefourcroydes), Papaya (Carica papaya), Orange(Citrus aurantifolia), Lemon (Citrus lemon), Aloe(Aloe vera)

Domestic Animals

Homegarden: Chickens (Avis spp.), Turkeys,Pigs, and Cattle (Bos indicus)

Agroforestry Systems: Goats and Sheep

Soils

Mollisols (soils of the steppe with thick, black organic rich surface horizons and high base cationsupply); Rendolls (M3) formed on highlycalcareous parent materials (Rendzina).

Natural Vegetation

Broadleaf deciduous, with shrubs forms withminimum height of 3 feet (Ds) up north; andSemideciduous, with broadleaf evergreen and

broadleaf deciduous trees (S) down south.

Ecoregion

Savanna province, with seasonally dry forest,open woodland and tall grass (Tr1) up north; andRainforest province, constantly humid, with

broadleaf, evergreen forest (Tr3) down south.

Basic Principles addressed

Use Renewable Resources, Minimize Toxics,Conserve Resources, Manage EcologicalRelationships, Adjust to Local Environments,Diversify, Empower People, Manage WholeSystems, Maximize Long-Term Benefits, ValueHealth


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Page Author and Date Adrian Javier Lopez Perez, 2001

Integration of agroecological alternatives such as: green manure and cover crops based systems (largely based on use of legumes, intercropping, minimum tillage, rotations, mulch management, improved localand introduced varieties), agroforestry systems (based on goats and sheeps managed under fodder,firewood, fruits and timber trees, and grasses), organic intensified horticultural systems (using integrated

pest mangement (IPM), rotations, improved "ka'anche", composting, and intercropping), and intensive production of local landraces (such as "cashpelona" chickens); and the spreading out of differentagroecological practices, technologies and managements such as: IPM, composting and fertilitymanagement, water management (rope's pumping), and biodiversity management (intercropping, mixedfarming and rotations).

About the agroecological alternatives: some keys for the success have been starting from knowledge of traditional agricultural systems and the environment, diversification, use of local resources, use of locallandraces, recovering of local varieties, intercropping and rotation schemes, improving fertility with local-internal improved inputs, synchronization of nutrient fertility and availability with the improvement of soil life and organic matter as well as water (through mulch and soil management, sowing dates, andintercropping patterns), use of plant-plant and plant-insect positive interactions as base for IPM plans, and

further integration of animals with crop products and byproducts.

About the strategy: Agroecological alternatives are developed, tested and transferred through participatory farmers' adoption processes through schemes such as farmer to farmer, farmers'experimentation, farmers' field schools, training centers for farmers, "campesinos" local promoters, andmicrocredit systems. Encouraging knowledge and learning based alternatives (including farmers inresearch, development, design, testing, training, promotion and extension of the alternatives) is the best

path for sustainability of adoption processes and rural development.


Highly labor based systems with low use of fossil energy, relying mostly on highly efficient cultural management practices.

Minimize Toxics

Low application of agrochemicals in the agroecosystems, inoculants, plant regulation substances, and


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chemical fertilizers to the land.

Conserve Resources

Efficient management of water and diversification with native landraces.


Intercropping of green manure and cover cropping legumes with maize.

Adjust to Local Environments

Diversification of milpa according to soils heterogeneity and topography, under rainfed conditions.

Diversify

Intercropping and more intensive rotations with local native landraces and some highly adapted introduced species and varieties of crops allow farmers increase the agrobiodiversity at different scales(farm, community, landscape and region), while respecting the forest at the same time.

Empower People

Include local people in the decision making process, through the use of highly extended participatorytraining processes, encouraging networks of "campesinos" promoters directly linked to local farmers, and encouraging microcredit schemes.


Integration of products and byproducts of green manure and cover crops based on milpa systems withanimals feeding in agroforestry systems and using residues from both for producing enriched compost allows farmers better maneuvering capacities to manage their farming systems though resourcesallocation, low external inputs use, and improved rotations and intercropping schemes.


Green manure, cover cropping, and agroforestry systems are the best examples of obtaining long-termbased benefits with higher returns to labor, capital, and land after some years of adoption, and have

roven to do better as compared with their best competitive conventional alternatives.

Value Health

Low use of agrochemicals, by reducing the frequency and quantity of sprayings of herbicides and esticides will largely improve the health safety for farmers in the region.


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(no photoavailable) Zapopano Maize Agrecosystem

Overview In this agroecosystem, we will transition to sustainable agriculture.

Scale The zapopan valley has mainly subsistence farm. Production is for thelocal market, the EJIDO, and rural owners.

Location It is located in Jalisco state near to Guadalara city. The latitude is 2042` N and altitude of 100 23).

Elevation It is 1750 m above sea level.

Climate Tropical Savanna (Aw) Cooler uplands stippled.

AgriculturalRegion G (Plantation agriculture).

PopulationDensity unknown

Principal Crops Corn (Zea mayz), Sorghum (Sorgum vulgare), Beans (Phaseolusvulgaris), Star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus).

DomesticAnimals cows, horses, chickens, some pigs.

SoilsArididols (Pedogonic horizons lower in organic matter and dry > 6 mo.of the year (Desert and Reddish Desert *) Salts may accumulated on or near surface. Argids D2 with horizons of clay accumulation.

NaturalVegetation

Broadleaf evergreen, shrubform minimum height 3 feet, growth singlyor in groups or patches.

Ecoregion D2 Tropical Subtropical Steppe Altitudinal Zone (Upland steppe anddesert shrub).

Basic Principlesaddressed

Use Renewable Resources, Minimize Toxics, Conserve Resources,Manage Ecological Relationships, Value Health

Page Author andDate MC Santiago Sanchez Preciado, 2001


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The zapopano corn system originated in the 1960s with a government program called Plan Jalisco whichhad the intention of raising the yield of corn. For this, before the harvest the corn plant was cut, then itwas doubled over so that later the harvest could be done by hand. When the weeds present at this time

began to flower, they were incorporated with machinery, permitting the decomposition of the weeds inthe soil and incorporating the organic matter. It is very common in this region that some rains occur in themonths of December and January, called "cabauelas", which allowed the soil to conserve this moisturedue to its content of organic matter. In addition this moisture was trapped with a light cultivation. Withthe use of new technologies that the producers have adopteded (principally the use of herbicides,fertilizers, and mechanical harvesting) the traditional practices were discarded. This contibuted to raisingthe cost of production, contamination of the environment, and reduction in the amount of organic materialand the fertility of the soil. Due to the loss of price supports that had been given by the government,which had kept them above international prices, corn production no longer was profitable. The latter

bound the farmer to recover traditional practices in order to reduce the cost of inputs. The government hasimplemented programs to recover the fertililty of the soil through the use of compost developed fromwaste and vermicompost, organic fertilizer, and in some cases biofertilizers. Also, the use of biologicalcontrol of insects such as Trichrograma and Crisoperla.

The most important aspects of this agroecosystem are: first, that the farmer did not believe that his production was sustainable by using expensive inputs to raise yields. The average yield when thisagroecosystem study began was was 1200 kl/ha. With traditional management systems the yield wasraised to 2200kl/ha. With the use of conventional technologies an average yield was between 1300 y 1500kl/ha. With this type of production it was not possible to make earnings due to the fact that the costs of inputs fluctuate (there is no set price). There were farmers who obtained yields above 6000 kl/ha in theconventional system but they are not represenative of the majority. It is it the farmers who convincedthemselves that they needed to reduce the costs of production and to make sustainable their main acitivitywhich is farming. The high levels of pesticides and fertilizers of which they apply upwards of 240 kl of nitrogen,120 kl of phosphorus, and in same cases 60 kl of potassium, caused problems with acidity andsoil contamination. To recover agroecological practices in the production of corn in this region wouldhelp us to reach a sustainable agriculture.


The use of organic fertilizer and compost are sources of renewable energy that promote the fixation of nitrogen in a natural form, in place of synthetic inputs. Besides that on many occasions they are recycled on the farm.

Minimize Toxics

The use of fewer chemical products minimizes the toxicity in the soil, the environment, and in plants.


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Conserve Resources

dequately manage soil and water resources by the use of organic material, a readily available input.


key aspect that has helped in the implementation of agroecological practices is the reduction in costs of roduction, which helps the farmers get a greater profit from the agroecosystem. This is done by the

release of beneficical insects such as trichograma to control cogollero y crisoperla to control rizofagas.

Value Health

For the future it is necessary and must be a permanenet obligation of the famers to care for and reducerisks in the health of people, animals, and the environment, and to achieve sustainable development in theregion.

Documents

Agroecology -Tlaxcala