Estudio comparativo de producción y comercialización de dos sistemas de producción: convencional y agroecológico del cultivo de lechuga en el cantón Cuenca

Abstract

Currently coexist in the global food system distinct needs. A sector demand food for consumption mass while other sector demand food with traits qualitative differential. There are many views about the best system of production, whereas the conventional as extremely polluting system, but necessary and how-friendly but unprofitable agro-ecological system.

In this context is develops the present study in which is used a design experimental of blocks to the random to evaluate two systems of production of lettuce: conventional and agroecological taking as variable of them plants, the weight, height and diameter, to assess them through an analysis of variance, that showed significance in them lettuce of the system agroecological with a diameter of 0, 42 cm and a height of 0, 17 cm , while in weight the conventional system was significant with 1, 98lb.

We also evaluated the nutritional composition of lettuce through bromatologic analysis whose results show that; in humidity, matter dry, fat, ash and elements not nitrogen, not exist differences significant among them treatments in study, but in proteins and fiber the lettuce of the treatment agroecological is significant.

In surveys conducted for the test of palatividad and preferences, outcomes defined agroecological lettuces are acceptable taste and visually are preferred by consumers.

The study also includes the calculation of the cost benefit of crops resulting in a net profit by has from $5.539,24 to $6.801,67 for the agro-ecological system and the conventional system