Relevant social groups in search of agroecological technologies to restore soil fertility in horticulture systems of Cordoba, Argentina

Abstract

The article analyzes a portion of the diversity of interpretations in relation to the technological proposal of organic amendments (compost and bocashi) as an alternative to the fertility problem of horticultural soils in the Central Region of the province of Cordoba. Three relevant social groups were identified: agricultural producers, waste managers and professionals. From a qualitative methodological approach, the functioning of the technological artifacts studied is understood as a contingency that is socially, technologically and culturally constructed. Therefore, the objective of this work is to understand the interpretations of the different relevant social groups, linked to the search for alternatives to recover the fertility of horticultural soils from an agroecological framework. By way of conclusion, we identified that professionals considered that both compost and bocashi can contribute to improve attributes that have a positive impact on the soil, while for producers they are costly tools and difficult to implement due to the labor demand they require. The possibility then arises of exploring other management alternatives in accordance with the agroecological framework.