Traditional fallows support resilient farming on semi-arid sandy soils
The arid southern highlands of the Bolivian Andes are a harsh environment for even the most hardened farmers. The ‘quinoa boom’ and the move to mechanisation have led to shortened fallows and a drastic drop in soil organic matter. The dry sandy soils and the natural vegetation they support are increasingly degraded, but in the face of climate change and higher risks of drought, frosts and hailstorms, technical recommendations pay little attention to soil health. Farmers in the community of Lloco, however, have preserved their traditional practices that care for their fragile sandy soils and maintain resilience.
Volume: 31.1
ISSN: 2210-6499
Éditeur: ILEIA, Center for Learning on Sustainable Agriculture
Auteur: Alejandro Bonifacio Flores
Organisation: ILEIA, Center for Learning on Sustainable Agriculture
Année: 2015
Pays: Bolivia (Plurinational State of)
Couverture géographique: Amérique latine et les Caraïbes
Type: Étude de cas
Texte intégral disponible à l'adresse: http://www.agriculturesnetwork.org/magazines/global/soils-for-life/traditional-fallows
Langue: English