The Colca River Valley is an important agricultural and touristic region in southern Peru ranging from 2,500 to 4,000 meters above sea level. Many of the challenges associated with farming in this hyper-arid region were overcome through the establishment of unique terraces on the steep hillsides centuries ago, which have improved soils and help retain water and heat. However, the cold temperatures in this region prevent farmers from growing many warm-season crops such as tomatoes and zapallo, which bring high returns in larger cities like Arequipa. Fitotoldos are temporary greenhouse like structures created using earthen bricks and a plastic covering. Much like high tunnels or polyhouses in the U.S., these structures can help extend the growing season and allow farmers to grow new warm season crops that bring higher returns. In the past five years, many initiatives from the Peruvian government and several non-governmental organizations have provided funds to establish fitotoldos in the Colca River Valley. However, the farmers recieved little guidance on how to effectively manage soils and crops in these structures. This has led to poor quality crops and the abandoment of many of these structures. To help overcome this challenge, we conducted a survey of soils and farming practices in these structures. Soil samples were subject to several tests to quanitify soil physical, chemical, and biological properties and determine how these properties were impacted by the farmer’s management practices. Results were shared with farmers and used to design training programs that will help local farmers better manage these structures and their crops over the long-term.
