Title
Technical and Economic Analysis of Aeroponics and other Systems for Potato Mini-Tuber Production in Latin America
Date Issued
01 August 2013
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Mateus-Rodriguez J.R.
Maldonado L.
Barker I.
Otazú V.
Frisancho R.
Bastos C.
Pereira A.S.
Medeiros C.A.
Montesdeoca F.
Benítez J.
Publisher(s)
Potato Association of America
Abstract
Producing large quantities of high quality mini-tubers at low cost is essential for an economically viable supply of seed potatoes. Here we systematize the technical and economic aspects of aeroponics and provide a benchmark comparison of this technology with other mini-tuber production systems as developed in Latin America: conventional, semi-hydroponics, and fiber-cement tiles technology. Research methodologies included: 3-year registration of cash flows and production registers of aeroponics, economic and technical surveys, in-depth inquiry with managers of technologies. Results show that aeroponics as promoted by the International Potato Center (CIP) has several advantages, including high multiplication rates (up to 1:45), high production efficiency per area (> 900 mini-tubers per m2), savings in water, chemicals and/or energy, and positive economic indicators. The fiber-cement tiles technology from Brazil is also shown to be highly efficient and slightly more robust compared to aeroponics. Preconditions for the successful adoption of the different technologies in developing countries are discussed. © 2013 Potato Association of America.
Start page
357
End page
368
Volume
90
Issue
4
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Agronomía
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-84879781802
Source
American Journal of Potato Research
ISSN of the container
1099209X
Sponsor(s)
Acknowledgments This research was conducted with funding from INIA Spain and FONTAGRO under the umbrella of the LatinPapa Network project. The authors acknowledge the valuable feedback from specialists from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Brazil.
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus