Direct-seeded cucurbit cultivation in Oregon and tropical South America

Abstract

Cucurbits are grown in production agriculture in Oregon as well as in smallholder agriculture in tropical South America. Experimental research was performed at the OSU Research Farm in 2001 with direct-seeded cucurbits, and literature reviews were conducted to develop a characterization of smallholder farming in tropical South America. The two descriptions of different farming systems are used to draw comparisons between production agriculture and subsistence agriculture. Sustainability is used as a means of comparison and is defined as the successful management of resources for agriculture to satisfy changing human needs while maintaining or enhancing the natural resource base and avoiding environmental degradation. Direct seeding was determined to be effective at controlling weeds and raising yields in cucurbit monocultures and may also have a positive influence on sustainability. In smallholder agriculture in tropical South America, modified versions of the direct seeding technique may be used to improve or maintain levels of sustainability. Population control and reevaluation of personal "needs" are leverage points with the potential to improve sustainability.