Sowing Management and Plant Population in Organic Quinoa Production for Food and Nutrition Security

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the population density of quinoa plants sown by broadcasting or in rows to improve agronomic indicators of an organic farming system focused on increasing food and nutrition security of the population.   Method/design/approach: The study was conducted in 2020, in Augusto Pestana, RS, Brazil, using a randomized block experimental design with four replications, in a 2×4 factorial arrangement consisted of 2 sowing methods (sowing in rows spaced 0.20 m apart and by hand broadcasting) and 4 plant population densities (10, 40, 80, and 120 plants m-2). Thinning was performed in the plots of both sowing methods approximately 20 days after emergence for achieving the desired plant densities. Grain yield and other traits of agronomic interest were evaluated under an organic cropping system.   Results and conclusion: The arrangement of 70 quinoa plants m-2 through sowing in rows or by broadcasting ensures satisfactory crop yields without using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers. The incorporation of these more sustainable practices into quinoa production systems contributes to the promotion of agroecological and organic agriculture, resulting in a high-quality nutraceutical food.   Originality/value: This study provides significant contribution to the advancement of research on quinoa in Brazil, bringing new information benefiting farmers, technical assistance agents, and the food industry and improving the production system efficiency to ensure food and nutrition security and care for the environment and society.