Análisis económico de la implementación de fertirriego en un sistema de riego por aspersión en el cultivo de banano

Abstract

The economic analysis conducted in this thesis focuses on the implementation of a fertigation system in banana cultivation, specifically in a sprinkler irrigation system. The main objective of the research was to perform an economic analysis of fertigation implementation in banana cultivation using economic parameters such as NPV, IRR, and cost-benefit ratio, in order to assess the economic feasibility of using this system in the crop; compare the profitability of different fertigation systems to be adopted and analyze the sensitivity of case studies in situations of decreased income and increased expenses. To achieve these objectives, Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and cost-benefit ratio were used as tools for economic evaluation. Four case studies were compared: 100% fertigation, 75% fertigation, 50% fertigation, and a standard soil treatment. The results indicated that only case studies 2 and 3 (75% and 50% fertigation) are economically feasible for the producer, as they present positive NPV, IRR, and cost-benefit ratio figures, with case study 3 being the most profitable (NPV: $6,695.00; IRR: 55%, CB Ratio: 1.05). Likewise, case studies 2 and 3 maintain profitability in situations of decreased income and increased expenses, while case study 4 (soil treatment) is only profitable with a 5% decrease in income and increase in expenses. This suggests that investment in fertigation can be economically viable, by improving irrigation efficiency and nutrient application in banana cultivation. However, it is identified the importance of carefully evaluating the different implementation options to maximize economic and environmental benefits.