Conocimiento de los agricultores sobre la ceniza volcánica en los suelos de Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract:The present work focuses on determining the local knowledge of farmers about the importance of volcanic ash for the benefit of the fertile soils of Ecuador, and with it, document and improve empirical understanding in contrast to scientific knowledge. In this way, the study was carried out through 689 surveys with 19 questions each, in where open, closed dichotomous and multiple choice questions are considered, focused on the identification of volcanoes that represent a danger to farmers, effects, benefits, strategies and training on ash fall and improvement of the floors thanks to this gray mineral dust; obtaining as results that; he Cotopaxi volcano is considered the most dangerous, but there is also Chalupas, which despite Not being well known represents a risk. Farmers from all over the territory agree that human beings are the most affected, but 50% also say that it improves the physical part of the soil and contribute to the control of pests and diseases, with this seeks to facilitate the work of design and implementation of management and conservation plans the ecosystems; that guarantee success when applied in the study area.