Comprehensive characterization of high Andean sugarcane production systems (Saccharum officinarum) for panela production in Colombia¹

ABSTRACT

Worldwide, a comprehensive characterization has been implemented in different farming systems but not in sugarcane agroecosystems for panela production in high Andean regions. In Colombia, panela is an important staple food, being the second largest producer in the world; however, the predominant cropping systems in different regions have not yet been fully described. Using secondary information, as well as the implementation of semi-structured surveys with farmer participation, together with geographic information system analysis tools, 341 farms and management measures were identified in a large sugarcane productive region in Colombia. Sufficient soil and climatic conditions were found for production, siltstone parent material (38.84%), predominant spine relief (83.23%), rainfall (1,000 mm), relative humidity (86%) and annual temperature (23 °C). The types cropping systems were determined, characterizing their management, as well as variables of the socioeconomic structure of the region. The production systems were classified into five gropus, were the typification of farms was mainly by three cutting systems called “parejo”, “entresaque” and a new cutting system was identified, called “parejo” without renewal. As a complement, deficiencies were found in socioeconomic, technical and technological aspects in the province of Gualivá (Cundinamarca), being a generalized panorama in this important productive system in the country.

Keywords
typologies; weather; soil; social; rural