Prevención y control de contaminación de recursos hídricos en la Mancomunidad del Chocó Andino : Alternativas de prácticas ganaderas sostenibles en la parroquia Nanegalito.

Abstract

Cattle ranching is a productive activity that has been present for over 50 years in the northwestern region of the Pichincha province and occupies the most land. The objective of this work was to propose alternatives for regenerative livestock farming to mitigate the impacts caused to the Nanegalito parish. To achieve this, traditional livestock production practices were identified at the “Los Cedros” farm. Then, the water quality of a section of the Alambi River was determined during the beginning of the rainy season, using the parameters: temperature, pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, oils and fats, BOD5, COD, nitrites, and phosphates. These parameters were compared with the acceptable quality criteria for the preservation of aquatic and wildlife according to Ecuadorian regulations. It was determined that the water quality of the Alambi River, in the studied section and at the time of sample collection, does not meet the criteria for oils and fats, coliforms, and dissolved oxygen concentration for preservation purposes. Regarding the impact on soil resources in the study farm, analyses of N, P, K, % organic matter, and texture determined the susceptibility of pastures to droughts and frosts due to a low level of potassium in the soil. Based on this, regenerative livestock farming is proposed for the study farm, such as: the preparation of organic fertilizer (biol) for the soil from collected manure; rational Voisin grazing after zoning and determination of the farm's carrying capacity; and the establishment of watering points for the proper use and management of water. The implementation of these practices, along with other validated practices with local ranchers by the Andean Forests Program and the EcoAndes Project, could mitigate the impact caused to the soil and thereby increase the profitability of livestock activities compared to conventional farming currently used.