Local management of sugarcane soils in Tlaquiltenango, Morelos, Mexico

Abstract

Local management of sugarcane soils in the municipality of Tlaquiltenango, Morelos, was characterized through interviews with farmers, using the land classes identified by the users themselves as a geographic reference framework. Management data by land class were compared with information from the 2013-2014 harvest provided by the Emiliano Zapata sugar mill, and with leaflets produced for farmers by government institutions. Three types of land were recognized and in order of importance are: Black Clay with Caliche, Black Clay and Brown Clay. The lands were similarly managed in terms of the use of oxen for planting and furrowing, water management, pest control and the use of fertilizers. However, to solve specific problems, different strategies are applied, such as the use of “sacuales” in water conduction, and fertilization with manure or algae accumulated in the channels. Four varieties were identified, which are grown for several cycles. The study verified that the land classes are related to sugarcane yield. There are differences between what the producer does and the technological recommendations of official institutions.