Caracterización de fincas hortícolas en Cerro Punta, Chiriquí, Panamá

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize horticultural farms in Cerro Punta, Tierras Altas (Chiriqui, Panama), on socioeconomic and agro-environmental aspects, with emphasis on the pesticides used. Thirty-one farms were randomly selected, and producers were surveyed. In addition, random soil sampling was carried out in five locations for physical-chemical and residue analysis of pesticides such as organophosphates, carbamates, pyrethroids and organochlorines. According to the results, 48% of the respondents were between 41 and 55 years of age, 39% had primary school education and 55% belonged to producer associations. The five main crops are potatoes, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, and onions, and 26% raise animals. Production costs ranged from less than USD 3500 to more than USD 14000 per hectare per year; yields ranged from 3.68 t · ha-1 to 52.62 t ·ha-1, associated with the technologies implemented. Seventy-seven percent of the producers use untreated poultry manure, and 36 different pesticides are used in the area. Fifty-two percent use full personal protective equipment. Laboratory analyses show that the soils are of the Andisol order, with pH between 5.7 and 6.5, organic matter content between 1.34% and 4.34% and effective cation exchange capacity between 8.04 and 26.75.