Evaluation of short cycle cultures in rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) in Mexico using IET

Abstract

Biodiversity is one of the fundamental principles of agroecology, and polycultures are generally more efficient than monocultures. This research was carried out with the objective of evaluating the efficiency of land use with short cycle crops intercalated in a rambutan plantation and with it, their socioeconomic contributions. Semester crop planting began in November 2009. Short cycle crops were used: sesame (Sesamum lapense L.), maize (Zea mays L.), bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and pumkin (Cucurbita pepo L.), during the first three years of the establishment of rambutan. The sowings were carried out until the first half of 2012, in Villa Comaltitlan Chiapas, Mexico. The productive efficiency of planted intercropping in monoculture was compared, for which the equivalent land use index IET (according its acronyms in Spanish) was used. Polyculture systems were more efficient than monocultural plantings, presenting higher IET values than the unit and without affecting the yields of the main crop. It was demonstrated that associating short cycle crops with the rambutan during the first three years of its establishment, allows obtaining diverse crops with bi-annual plantings, obtaining different agricultural products generating additional income, while it makes possible to improve the food security of the peasant families of Soconusco, Chiapas. On the other hand, the intercalation of crops of short cycle in rambutan, indicates that technically it is possible and economically profitable.