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Organic production strategies based on the use of bocashi-type fertilizer for the strengthening of sustainable agriculture in the municipality of Líbano, Tolima
Contextualization of the topic: Over the years, agriculture in the municipality of Líbano (Tolima) has faced significant challenges related to soil degradation, coupled with the high cost of inputs and, due to a lack of knowledge, the use of chemical fertilizers that significantly impact environmental sustainability. Therefore, developing activities focused on soil conservation through organic practices is established as a viable alternative that promotes agricultural sustainability and contributes to achieving the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)
Knowledge gap: In the agricultural sector of the municipality of Líbano, a significant gap has been identified in applied research regarding the efficiency of bocashi-type fertilizer under mountain agroecological conditions, especially concerning its potential effectiveness in crops that are the livelihood of farmers.
Purpose of the study: To achieve the evaluation of the environmental and technical viability of bocashi-type fertilizer as a sustainable environmental and organic production strategy that contributes to organic production that helps conserve and recover the soil, which has been so degraded in recent years, thereby reducing production costs and, above all, increasing food sustainability in the municipality of Líbano, Tolima.
Methodology: This field study was conducted through a field analysis with an experimental approach, following the guidelines of the Project Management Institute (PMI). This process began with surveys of rural producers, the collection of mountain microorganisms, the preparation of bocashi-type fertilizer, and its application to experimental cilantro crops cultivated by students of the Rurality, Environment, and Sustainability (RAS) research group.
Results and conclusions: The results show that the use of Bokashi significantly increased the height, number of branches, and yield of the crop compared to the control group without fertilization. There was also a significant reduction in time to harvest. Based on the above, it can be concluded that this fertilizer is a sustainable, environmentally friendly, viable, and economical alternative for rural agricultural production. It also contributes to SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger), 13 (Climate Action), and 15 (Life on Land), and promotes soil conservation, water protection, environmental protection, and, above all, clean production.
