Multidimensional performance of periurban horticulture: assessing agroecological transition and soil health

This study aims to produce evidence on the performance of horticultural systems in the peri-urban area of Buenos Aires (Argentina), based on the 10 Elements of Agroecology with an emphasis on soil health. To this end, we performed a survey with the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Agroecology and sustainable food systems 2024-02, Vol.48 (2), p.281-310
Main Authors: Sokolowski, Ana Clara, Álvarez, Valeria E., Mangiarotti, Agustín, Gonçalves Vila Cova, Carola, De Grazia, Javier, Rodríguez, Hernán A., Barrios, Mónica B., Prack McCormick, Barbara
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agroecology
Biological properties
Ecological farming
family farming
Family farms
Farms
green belt
Horticulture
Organic carbon
Organic soils
Performance evaluation
SDG 12: Responsible consumption and production
SDG 15: Life on land
SDG 2: Zero hunger
Social factors
soil
Soil chemistry
Soil quality
Soils
Sustainable intensification
Urban areas
vegetable production
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Summary:This study aims to produce evidence on the performance of horticultural systems in the peri-urban area of Buenos Aires (Argentina), based on the 10 Elements of Agroecology with an emphasis on soil health. To this end, we performed a survey with the Tool for Agroecology Performance Evaluation (TAPE) Step 1, and we measured soil physical, chemical, and biological properties in family farms self-defined as agroecological or conventional. Results reflected overall low transition-to-agroecology indices and poor soil quality in the studied area. However, self-defined agroecological systems have made significant strides toward agroecological transition with higher scores mainly affecting Elements describing management and innovation aspects of the agroecological transition but also those describing the social aspects and the enabling environment. Finally, self-defined agroecological farms exhibit better soil health scores for the indicators aggregates stability, soil organic carbon, and soil basal respiration, than conventional farms. Nevertheless, there is still potential to be exploited and constraints to be overcome to improve the transition to agroecology of horticultural systems in this area.
ISSN:2168-3565
2168-3573
DOI:10.1080/21683565.2023.2279972