Crop and non-crop productivity in a traditional maize agroecosystem of the highland of Mexico

• Main Authors: Martínez-Bernal Angélica, Basurto-Peña Francisco, González-Amaro Rosa, Vibrans Heike
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2009-01-01
• Series: Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
• Online Access: http://www.ethnobiomed.com/content/5/1/38

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In Mexico, the traditional maize cultivation system has resisted intensification attempts for many decades in some areas, even in some well-connected regions of the temperate highlands. We suggest that this is due to economics.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The total useful biomass of several fields in Nanacamilpa, Tlaxcala, are evaluated for productivity and costs.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Maize grain production is low (1.5 t ha^-1) and does not cover costs. However, maize stover demands a relatively high price. If it included, a profit is possible (about 110 US $ ha^-1). We show that non-crop production (weeds for food and forage) potentially has a higher value than the crop. It is only partially used, as there are constraints on animal husbandry, but it diversifies production and plays a role as a back-up system in case of crop failure.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The diversified system described is economically rational under current conditions and labor costs. It is also stable, low-input and ecologically benign, and should be recognized as an important example of integrated agriculture, though some improvements could be investigated.</p>