Diagnosis of the current situation of the mechanization in the cultivation of corn (Zea Mays L.) in the Sinchal community, Santa Elena Canton, Santa Elena Province

Abstract

The present investigation deals with the analysis of the current situation of the mechanization of tasks in corn cultivation in the Sinchal commune of the Manglaralto parish of the Santa Elena canton, starting from the understanding of the reality of the farmers and their motivation in the use of agricultural machinery. The methodology used was based on field work. The main tool was a survey with quantitative and qualitative questions, which was applied to 70 corn producers in the commune. The results showed that the main attributes of the producers are: age, where the majority ranges between 35 and 54 years, the basic level of education prevails, the predominant family nucleus is 3-4 people, most of the producers are owners of his land; the areas of land destined to the cultivation of maize are mostly between 1 ha and 5 ha; all producers apply irrigation systems; Only the soil preparation operation is mechanized, using for this purpose the rental of machinery and implements such as the plow and disc harrow. Other corn growing operations are done manually.