Evaluación multiparamétrico de calidad del suelo y sanidad de cultivo de dos especies, (Hylocereus megalanthus y Undatus) en producción sustentable, Huambi, 2023

Abstract

Globally, agriculture has evolved from being a secondary cause of environmental degradation to become the main factor in the loss and fragmentation of habitats and biodiversity, compromising its capacity to provide ecosystem services. The widespread use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers aggravates the problem, generating negative impacts on environmental and human health. In Morona Santiago province, Ecuador, the lack of local information on soil quality and crop health has prompted the need for research to improve sustainable pitahaya production systems in the region. Therefore, the aim of this research was “To evaluate soil quality and crop health of two species (Hylocereus Megalanthus and Undatus), through a multiparametric analysis, in a sustainable production, Huambi, 2023”. The methodology used had a qualitative and quantitative approach, based on adapted regional indicators, addressing both yellow pitahaya (Hylocereus Megalanthus) and red pitahaya (Undatus). Using this methodology, the data corresponding to each parameter was determined, and the indicator value was measured, revealing moderate sustainability in relation to soil quality and good sustainability for plant health in both the yellow pitahaya and red pitahaya crops. Based on these results, proposals were designed for the different parameters according to an evaluation scale that varied between values of 1 (low) and 5 (moderate) where these proposals seek to maintain the balance between pitahaya production and environmental preservation, addressing aspects such as sustainable soil management, minimization of environmental impacts and promotion of biodiversity.