Integrated assessment of environmental, economic and social sustainability of maize in Chiapas, Mexico

In this research, the sustainability of traditional and alternative maize producing agroecosystems was assessed in three ejidos in the Selva Region of Chiapas, using an agroecological approach (MESMIS). The study was conducted over two farming cycles: milpa and tornamil. In the first, the slash, fell and burn (S-F-B) system was assessed, with no burning and in rotation with velvet bean (Mucuna deeringiana Bort.). In the second cycle, three systems with no burning and differing periods of velvet bean use were analysed, and plant density was modified to analyse its effect on production. Economic and social indicator values were found with participative techniques. During milpa, fire was found to have a positive effect on weed and pest (Diatraea liniolata Walker) control. The alternative systems with use of green manure showed better agronomic results. Grain yield was found to be higher, and profitability was greater in the systems with modification of plant density. In the final integrated analysis, the alternative systems obtained better results, although positive results were observed in some variables due to the S F-B system's adaptation to the environment. So, its use in the region constitutes an ethnocultural reality which is far from disappearing in the near future.