On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, we visited Norberto and his family at their agroecological farm in Lucas González, Nogoyá Department, Entre Ríos.
Norberto and his family raise cattle using the Voisin grazing system. They also grow some crops agroecologically, enjoy experimenting, and regularly exchange crops and experiences with other farmers. For example, they once tried planting cassava, but due to the droughts in recent years, it didn’t thrive. This year, they decided to join the Corn Trial Network supported by Bioleft and to evaluate the performance of two corn varieties compared to one they have been selecting themselves.
Link: Geographic location
The objective of the trial is to evaluate the performance of two corn varieties improved by farmers who are also part of the network: Chucul and Quarentín, both developed by Claudio Demo, a producer from southern Córdoba. These varieties will be compared to a corn variety that Norberto has been selecting for several years from a commercial hybrid.
The trial occupies nearly 1.5 hectares on a plot with a north-south slope. Two replications per treatment were planned, with strips measuring 13 meters wide by 190 meters long, laid perpendicular to the slope
Sowing was done with a 5-row Migra planter at 70 cm row spacing, using a Massey Ferguson tractor. Before starting, we adjusted the planter to sow 5 seeds per meter. The good soil moisture, thanks to rainfall in the preceding weeks, provided ideal sowing conditions.
We started by planting the control (Norberto’s selected corn), placing the two corresponding strips at the edges of the plot. We then continued with Quarentín and finished with Chucul. Each time we switched varieties, we opened and cleared the planter’s hose and plate system to prevent mixing. At the end of the day, a brief shower fell, ensuring a strong start for the crop.
With this corn trial, Norberto hopes to learn about and evaluate Claudio’s varieties for possible incorporation into his farm’s production system.
We admire Norberto and his family’s commitment to agroecology and participatory breeding. At Bioleft, we’re grateful for their enthusiasm and dedication, and we hope this is the beginning of many shared harvests.
If, like Norberto, you’re interested in participatory plant breeding, don’t hesitate to contact us through our social media.