Geolocalización de los principales cultivos agrícolas de las parroquias rurales San Luis y Quimiag del cantón Riobamba provincia de Chimborazo.

Abstract

This present investigation aimed to generate thematic maps of the main agricultural crops of the rural parishes San Luis and Quimiag belonging to Riobamba canton, province of Chimborazo. Descriptive methods and quantitative analysis were applied, the maps of soil orders, soil textures, predominant crops from the National Information System (NATIS) were obtained for the elaboration of the thematic maps. The study areas were delimited with the Geoprocessing tool (Clip), using as a base map the cartography of political division provided by the Military Geographic Institute (IGM), Afterwards, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) was visited to approach the presidents of each community and make surveys to the different farmers of the parishes under study in order to identify the main crops. Using a Garmin GPS (Global Position System) the geolocation data of each crop in each parish were gathered, which were transferred to the ArcGis 10 software. Finally, by applying surveys to agricultural producers, it was possible to identify the main marketing chains. The results of this investigation showed that the main crops are vegetables and corn in the parish of San Luis, whereas in the parish of Quimiag the main crops are potatoes, beans and corn, and the preferred markets for both parishes are the wholesale markets of Riobamba and Ambato and local markets. A constant evaluation of the parishes under study is recommended.