Repercusión del saber local en el manejo y conservación del suelo de los cantones de Gonzanamá y Quilanga de la provincia de Loja, Ecuador

Abstract

Abstract:Soil management is fundamental for obtaining crops and conserving the ecosystem, which depends on local knowledge. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to identify the indicators of soil fertility and contrast local knowledge with the scientist. To obtain the information, semi-structured surveys were carried out in Gonzanamá and Quilanga, which consisted of 35 questions and allowed to know the main indicators of soil fertility, the form of contamination and the strategies for their conservation according to local knowledge. The results indicate that the clay and sandy texture of the soil demonstrates its fertility, in addition to its black color and shallowness; although this is also observed in the presence of plants such as corn, banana and yucca, in addition to the presence of worms and cuzos. The knowledge on techniques of management and conservation of soils has been acquired from the relatives, among these measures emphasizes the incorporation of residues of the crops and manure in the soil, in addition to the rest of the soil.