Balanço energético e diagnóstico de qualidade do algodoeiro cultivado com sementes nativas em Lima, Peru

Abstract

Studies of energy flow in agroecosystems are very important in agricultural production worldwide, in order to achieve a more sustainable agriculture. The objective of this study was to characterize the energy efficiency and to perform a quality diagnosis of cotton in a cultivation system in Lima, Peru. Participatory methodologies have been adopted to promote greater interaction between farmers and researchers to obtain information about the agroecosyste m. The energy balance was achieved by the ratio between achieved production (output) and energy expenditure (input). The quality diagnosis was constructed through the scores observed by the farmer. In conclusion, the cotton cultivation system presented an unsatisfactory positive energy balance and low quality diagnosis related to nutritional factor, weed competition and afforestation.