Deteriorated yerba mate management proposals. A small yerba mate producer case

Abstract

Family farming represents the productive model and lifestyle in Chispas Area from Garavi Town in Corrientes Province. This producers’ characteristic is influenced by diversification in subsisting activities. This is the case of a small yerba mate producer, who sought to change his way of producing his yerba mate lots by applying new techniques. In this way, he conceived the management of his yerba mate lots with a systematic approach. The harvesting system was modified, as well as the handling of chemical and organic fertilizers regarding dosage and application times. These management and fertilization practices achieved an increase in the harvest of yerba mate lots, increasing from 3,835 kilograms per hectare to 11,523 kilograms of green leaf yerba mate. The introduction of green covers to maintain the soil with vegetal coverage was crucial for correct soil usage and preservation. The training sessions, being essential to instruct and share knowledge with the workers, were not far from this prospect. The success of these practices is due to the conscientious work performed between producers and workers, but it is also necessary to consider the support provided by technicians who carried out their extension activity visualizing this situation on the ground.