Evaluación de la productividad del cultivo de zanahoria (Daucus carota L.) con tres diferentes sistemas de labranza secundaria del suelo

Abstract

This research was conducted in the Octavio Cordero Palacios parish of the Cuenca canton. The objective was to assess the development and phenology of carrot cultivation in relation to its productivity, costs, and income, using three tillage tools (treatments) that differ in the type of tillage. Three treatments were considered as independent variables: the use of a motohoe, plow roller (roller), and hoe. At three stages of cultivation before tillage implementation, after, and at the end of cultivation physical and chemical soil factors were evaluated under an randomized block experimental design (DBA).Phenological variables of carrot plants were calculated, and the time spent on agricultural activities specific to carrot cultivation was also determined. Finally, income and costs per treatment were calculated to obtain economic indicators and verify the profitability of this cultivation. In the analysis of results, the apparent density was not statistically different in any of the treatments evaluated.The number of plants or germination was higher with the motohoe and plow roller, while the number of thinned plants was higher with the motohoe and hoe. The best time (least) recorded for land preparation was with the motohoe. Conversely, the best times for hilling were recorded with the hoe and plow roller. The highest total production costs were for the motohoe. The project proved to be profitable according to the cost-benefit ratio, as it was higher for one of the three treatments. Additionally, the best profitability was with the motohoe.