Farmers’ Indigenous Knowledge of Soil Management in an Altitudinal Gradient in Southern Ecuador

Génesis Hualpa, Vinicio Carrión-Paladines, Wilmer Jiménez, Daniel Capa-Mora, Pablo Quichimbo, Natacha Fierro and Leticia Jiménez ()
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Génesis Hualpa: Carrera de Biología, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110107, Ecuador
Vinicio Carrión-Paladines: Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110107, Ecuador
Wilmer Jiménez: Facultad de Ingeniería, Programa de Maestría en Gestión Ambiental y Sostenibilidad, Universidad de los Hemisferios, Quito 170527, Ecuador
Daniel Capa-Mora: Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110107, Ecuador
Pablo Quichimbo: Carrera de Agronomía, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Departamento de Recursos Hídricos y Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010201, Ecuador
Natacha Fierro: Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110107, Ecuador
Leticia Jiménez: Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad Técnica Particular de Loja, Loja 110107, Ecuador

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 11, 1-20

Abstract: This study aimed to (i) identify soil management practices implemented by farmers at the local level, (ii) determine the local soil fertility indicators recognized by farmers along an altitudinal gradient, (iii) evaluate the influence of altitude on soil properties, and (iv) integrate local and scientific knowledge of soil indicators and soil management. A total of 368 surveys were conducted to document traditional knowledge, visible indicators of soil fertility, and perceptions of soil health. These were compared with field-based measurements of soil organic carbon, texture, and environmental variables. A significant convergence was found between farmers’ perception of soil texture and scientific classification. A moderate correlation was observed between soil color and soil carbon stocks. Altitude showed a clear influence on carbon stocks, with soil at a higher elevation, characterized by greater rainfall and lower temperatures, storing more carbon. This integration of local and scientific knowledge offers practical value for farmers, extension agents, and institutions by supporting context-specific soil management decisions. It empowers farmers to actively participate in the design of sustainable agricultural practices that are both ecologically sound and culturally relevant. The study demonstrates that combining experiential knowledge with scientific data contributes to more resilient agroecosystems in mountainous rural areas.

Keywords: indigenous knowledge; carbon stocks; organic matter; temperature; precipitation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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