Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type

greenhouse for the application of

permaculture in high Andean moorlands

Diseño agronómico de un invernadero subterráneo tipo walipini

para la aplicación de la permacultura en páramos altoandinos

Freddy Marco Armijos-Arcos

Natali Lissete Figueroa Jara

Madison Aracelly Chango Chango

Karol Susana Ruiz Tello

Abstract: This research proposes an agronomic design for a walipini,

or subway greenhouse, in an Andean paramo zone; for which, the

conditions for its implementation, agricultural and hydraulic

operational indicators, including integrated pest and disease

management, are analyzed. The proposed size is 20 x 5 x 2 m, with

tomato, sweet potato, chard and bell pepper planting in the beds; and

plantain, mint, chamomile, oregano, sweet grass, basil, aloe, passion

fruit, and strawberries on the walls. The feasibility of its

implementation is determined, with the subsequent application of the

principles of permaculture and agroecology, to contribute to the food

sovereignty of the communities of the high Andean zones.

Keywords:Agronomical design, subway greenhouse, walipini,

permaculture, permaculture

Published

Edwards Deming Higher Technological

Institute. Quito - Ecuador

Periodicity

October - December

Dates of receipt

Received: May 19, 2023

Approved: July 03, 2023

http://centrosuragraria.com/index.php/revista

vol. 1. Num. 19. 2023.

pp. 79-102

Correspondence author

freddym.armijos@espoch.edu.ec

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License, Attribution-

NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0

International.https://creativecommons.org/lice

nses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.es

1. Ingeniero Ambiental, Máster en Sistemas Integrados de Gestión. Facultad de Administración de Empresas, Escuela Superior Politécnica

de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). freddym.armijos@espoch.edu.ec, https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2687-3339

2. Ingeniera En Biotecnología Ambiental, Máster en Prevención de Riesgos Laborales. Instituto de Investigaciones, Escuela Superior

Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH). lissete.figueroa@espoch.edu.ec, https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9489-1833

3. Ingeniera Agrónoma. Grupo de Investigación para la Sostenibilidad de Cuencas Hidrográficas. madyssondaisy@hotmail.com

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8247-8118

4. Ingeniera Agrónoma. Grupo de Investigación para la Sostenibilidad de Cuencas Hidrográficas. karolruizt@gmail.com,

https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4965-7797

Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type greenhouse for the application of permaculture in

high Andean moorlands.

Resumen: La presente investigación propone un diseño agronómico

para un walipini, o invernadero subterráneo, en una zona de páramo

andino; para lo cual, se analizan las condiciones para su

implementación, los indicadores operacionales agrícolas e

hidráulicos, que incluyen el manejo integrado de plagas y

enfermedades. El tamaño propuesto es de 20 x 5 x 2 m, con siembra

de tomate, camote, acelga y pimiento en camas; y de llantén, menta,

manzanilla, orégano, hierba buena, albahaca, sábila, granadilla, y

frutillas en las paredes. Se determina la factibilidad de su

implementación, con la subsecuente aplicación de los principios de

permacultura y agroecología, para contribuir a la soberanía

alimentaria de las comunidades de las zonas altoandinas.

Palabras clave: Diseño agronómico, invernadero subterráneo,

walipini, permacultura

Introduction

High Andean moorlands offer a number of ecosystem services;

however, they are currently threatened by changes in land cover,

expansion of the agricultural frontier and cattle ranching due to the

population increase of rural communities who must build houses, crops

and grazing activities in even higher areas for their survival (Chuncho-

Morocho & Chuncho, 2019)..

In addition, climate change affects the páramos and also current

agricultural systems, including reductions in food production of 10-

15% (IPCC, 2022). (IPCC, 2022).. Given this reality, there is a need for

research and action for the implementation of resilience strategies with

a sustainable approach aligned with environmental governance; of these

permaculture and agroecology recognize the social and cultural

contribution of traditional farmers considering environmental care,

social justice and economic viability (Armijos-Arcos et al., 2023;

Cuadras-Berrelleza et al., 2021)..

As a viable alternative in the high Andean communities, subway

greenhouses also known as walipinis, panqar huyu, sayaris or muya

urkus are established as a viable alternative for agriculture because they

generate a favorable microclimate and can implement irrigation and

energy efficiency strategies in places that have extreme thermal

amplitudes, strong winds and water scarcity. (Armijos-Arcos et al.,

2023; FAO, 2012; Iturry, 2002)..

October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023

Then, a walipini has the capacity to provide the population with food

security and food sovereignty, i.e., that "people have at all times

physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to

meet dietary needs, in order to lead an active and healthy life." (Gordillo

& Obed Méndez, 2013).

The objective of this research is to propose an agronomic design for a

walipini, which implies defining the set of data and proposals related to

the productive part of species of agricultural and economic interest to

facilitate decision making in the planning of planting, rotation,

association, management and irrigation to be implemented.

Materials and methods

The present research is applied, since it uses knowledge and know-how

for the practical solution of the problem of agricultural production in

high Andean zones; exploratory, since it generates the general image of

the implementation of a walipini that will serve for future and more

complex applications; qualitative, since it seeks to understand the

reality of the agronomic design by determining the species to be planted

and their respective problems; and field research, since the data

collection is based on the characteristics of the Guamote canton

(Editorial Etecé, 2021). (Editorial Etecé, 2021).

In turn, the techniques used, being a qualitative research are: direct and

unstructured observation, to determine the feasibility of the

implementation of the proposal and the collection of information from

the site; and bibliographic research, which explores what is written

about the crops to be analyzed and the support and support of the design

for the walipinis (Montagud Rubio, 2020). (Montagud Rubio, 2020).

The research will take into account four steps, as shown in Figure 1,

and detailed below.

Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type greenhouse for the application of permaculture in

high Andean moorlands.

Figure 1. Methodology for the proposed agronomic design of the

Walipini.

Source: Authors, 2023

The parishes of La Matriz and Palmira in the Guamote canton of the

province of Chimborazo, which have high Andean climatic and

geological characteristics, are considered as the implementation point.

According to (GADMG, 2019; GADPCh, 2018; Lara Vásconez, 2020;

MAGAP, 2013) for the canton Guamote it is found that most of it is

dedicated to Conservation and Production, mainly by the unaltered and

altered herbaceous moorlands (52.5%); it is followed by Livestock use

(16.In third place is the very altered humid herbaceous vegetation,

which corresponds to a Conservation and Production use (13.5%),

which has been affected by the introduction of livestock, and in fourth

place is agricultural use (9.3%) with a predominance of barley, beans

and potatoes; and the rest (8.6%) is for other uses.) The size of typical

October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023

plots is small, up to 5 hectares, with a total area of 30002 ha, which

corresponds to 78.7% of identifiable and applicable plots, with an

average of 3.35 ha per Productive Unit. Regarding irrigation, only

28.9% of the identifiable units in the canton have been identified as

irrigation systems. Additionally, according to in-situ observation and

bibliographic compilation, it is established that the canton's production

is maintained by the family nucleus, and each household seeks to

produce different crops, and 39.5% of the production is destined for

self-consumption with 60.5% destined for the market, with occasional

salaried labor.

The initial model proposed for the agronomic and hydraulic design of

walipini-type subway greenhouses is 20 m long and 5 m wide, with

heights of 1.8 m to 2 m, i.e., a cultivation area of 100 m2, with use of

the structure of the walls for vertical gardens, which will be used for

family consumption. As shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Walipini model dimensions

Source: Authors, 2023

For the implementation of walipinis the (FAO, 2012) indicators should

be considered as soil, topography, orientation, dimensions, water and

drainage, ventilation, and amendments as detailed in Table 1.

Table 1. Indicators of walipini implementation

Indicator

Definition

Unit

Soil

The predominant factor is recommended in loam soils,

which are more clayey than sandy. They should not be

permeable soils

Type of soil

Topography

The slope of the land will define the orientation and

should allow for excavation and construction of walls

and berms if necessary. Flood zones should be avoided.

Pending

MEDIDAS WALLIPIN E

20 m

5 m

1,80 m

2 m

ENTR ADA

Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type greenhouse for the application of permaculture in

high Andean moorlands.

Orientation

Related to the use of sunlight so that the long section

points from east to west. It must be protected from the

wind, so the direction is analyzed, and it is not

recommended that the lower part of the roof points

towards the wind.

Address

Dimensions

Varies according to the type of production

Meters

Water

The amount of water will depend on the type of crop,

plant development and production. Harvesting methods

play a fundamental role in trapping and redirecting

surface and rainwater.

Cubic

meters

Drainage

Infrastructure to control and reduce the effects of soil

salinity caused by continued irrigation.

Cubic

meters

Ventilation

Opening of windows that allow the regulation of

temperature and humidity inside the walipini, taking

into account that sufficient heat must be stored to

contrast the low temperatures at night.

Degrees

Celsius

Amendments

Incorporation of a homogeneous mixture of soil with

animal and vegetable manure to obtain a nutrient-rich

soil.

Kilograms

Source: Based on. (FAO, 2012; Iturry, 2002).

The agronomic design is the first phase for the study of the potentialities

and limitations of soil and water resources under the climatic conditions

of a place, based on the interests and preferences of the farmers

(Villafañe, 1998). (Villafañe, 1998).. Based on this and the

agrometeorological conditions of the sector, drainage needs and

irrigation management strategies are designed, with the objective of

reducing costs and increasing the quality and quantity of irrigation

(Olivares & Torrealba, 1998). (Olivares & Torrealba, 2011).. The

indicators to be used are shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Operational performance indicators for a walipini

Indicator

Definition

Unit

Cultivation

Agricultural product or crop are plants

that can be grown and harvested

extensively for profit or subsistence.

Species and

family

Altitude

It generates an arrangement of vegetation

formations in tiers, since the higher the

a.s.l.m.

October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023

altitude, the higher the precipitation and

the lower the temperature.

Optimum

temperature

It affects the rate of plant development

through its various stages and the

production of leaves, stems and other

components.

Degrees

Celsius

Energy

efficiency

Sourced from the roof surface to capture

solar energy and create a microclimate

W/m

Harvest time

Harvesting is the separation of the mother

plant from the plant portion of interest at

the appropriate time.

Days

Water

requirements

Water supply is one of the determining

factors for plant development and

production. Which is different from the

phases: germination, development,

maturation and harvest.

/plant/day

Sowing distance

Factor to determine the area to be

occupied by the garden, where to place

each crop and how many plants can be

placed.

Pests

Organisms that compete for cultivated

food are a constant threat to crop

development, but also include damage to

health, property and resources for other

living things.

Diseases

Processes that alter the metabolism of

plants causing symptoms, thus affecting

plant growth or development from

sowing, transplanting or planting until

after harvest.

Performance

The ratio of total production of a certain

harvested crop per hectare of land used.

kg/ha

Source: Based on. (Deguine et al., 2021; López, 2003; Muñoz, 2019;

Pereira et al., 2021; Rawson & Gómez, 2001; Rivera & Wright, 2020).

In addition, pest and disease control follows the precepts of Integrated

Pest Management to consider available techniques and the subsequent

integration of appropriate measures to reduce the development of pest

populations and reduce diseases. (Oyarzún et al., 2002).

Feasibility is analyzed according to the parameters of technical

analysis, environmental impact assessment and socio-economic impact

Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type greenhouse for the application of permaculture in

high Andean moorlands.

assessment according to the top-down and down-top approaches of

(Dey, 2001).

Result

Given that walipini is destined for family consumption (MAGAP,

2013) based on permaculture principles (Armijos-Arcos et al. (Armijos-

Arcos et al., 2023) vegetables, fruit trees, edible plants, aromatic and

medicinal plants should be integrated. Table 3 shows the proposed

species and their requirements.

Table 3. Selected Species and Requirements

Cultivation

Temp

(° C)

Harvest

(Days)

Water Req.

Water

(l/plant/day)

Sowing

distance

(cm)

References

Sweet potato

20 - 35

6-6,5

80 - 125

3,3

30 - 40

(Cobeña

Ruiz et al.,

2017).

Chard

15 - 25

60 - 80

0,56

25 - 30

(Rodriguez-

Chiunti &

Vidal-

Gamboa,

2021)

Bell pepper

20 - 25

6,5-7

35 - 50

25 - 30

(Eguez

Enriquez et

al., 2022).

Tomato

18 - 27

5-6,8

90 - 100

1,8 - 2,7

40 - 60

(Tamayo-

Ruiz et al.,

2020).

Strawberry

10 - 20

6,5-7,5

150 - 180

0,25

20 - 30

(Morales et

al., 2017)

Granadilla

14 - 24

6-6,5

365

400 x 400

(Gaona-

Gonzaga et

al., 2020).

Mint

20 - 25

5-7,5

20 - 30

(Barral

Espejo,

2020)

Beets

8-25

6,2-7,5

70-80

0,88

18-22

(Rattin et

al., 2022).

October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023

Source: Authors, based on the above references

Water supply is one of the limiting factors for the development and

production of plants, since they must fulfill their entire vegetative cycle

of germination, development, maturation and harvest. Therefore, to

meet the needs, an irrigation lamina of 3 mm will be required in

vegetable species, so as to cover the superficial roots, and that of fruit

trees that exceed 60 cm in depth.

Drip irrigation is preferred, where for the specified area 175 drippers of

1.6 l/h at distances of 20 cm and an irrigation time of 23 minutes are

required. This may vary according to the arrangement of the beds.

Based on Integrated Pest Management, the possible organisms that

attack the plants must be identified, and thus propose an effective attack

in harmony with socio-environmental responsibility and productivity.

Tables 4 and 5 show the pests and diseases to which a wallipini can be

subject.

Carrot

16-18

5,5-7,0

115-120

0,125

10-15

(Forero

Ulloa et al.,

2015).

Chamomile

15 - 20

5,8-7,5

20 - 30

(Ramírez-

Navarro et

al., 2022).

Plantain

15 - 22

10 - 20

(Ramirez et

al., 2018)

Aloe

17 - 27

6,5-7,5

360

60 - 100

(Khajeeyan

et al., 2019)

Oregano

15 - 20

6,5-7,5

60 - 90

(National

Forestry

Good Grass

15 - 30

6,5-7,6

20 - 25

(Quintero,

Julian,

2016)

Basil

20 - 25

4,3-8,2

25 - 40

(Ojeda-

Silvera et

al., 2015).

Miramelinda

6.1-7

39-60

(Amaya-

Santana &

Martinez-

Vanegas,

2022)

Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type greenhouse for the application of permaculture in

high Andean moorlands.

Table 4. Pests by species implemented in a walipini

Common Name

Species

References

White Spider

Bell pepper Tomato

Mint

(Chemonics International,

2008; Gallardo A., 1993;

University of Puerto Rico,

2018).

Red Spider

Bell pepper Tomato

Strawberry Strawberry

Blueberry Beet Mint

Aloe Oregano Basil

Basil

(Chemonics International,

2008; National Forestry

Stem borer

Strawberry

(Quintana et al., 2022).

Blind Hen

Sweet Potato

Strawberry

(Cobeña Ruiz et al., 2017;

Perdomo, 2019).

Wireworm

Sweet potato Chard

(Cobeña Ruiz et al., 2017).

White worm

Chard

(Vallejo Amaya, 2013)

Budworm

Strawberry

(Perdomo, 2019; Quintana et

al., 2022).

Fruit worm

Strawberry

(Morales et al., 2017;

Perdomo, 2019).

Gray Worm

Chard

(Vallejo Amaya, 2013)

Heliothis

Bell pepper Tomato

(National Forestry

Commission, 2006)

Leafminer

Tomato, Beetroot

Basil

(Bernal Areces et al., 2012;

Chemonics International,

2008; Demanet Filippi &

Canales Cartes, 2020).

Whitefly

Sweet Potato Aloe

Herb Buena Herba

(Cobeña Ruiz et al., 2017;

Japón Quintero, 1985; Romero

et al., 2010).

Beet fly

Chard, Beets

(Rattin et al., 2022; Vallejo

Amaya, 2013).

Flower bud fly

Granadilla

(Gaona-Gonzaga et al., 2020).

Tomato moth

Tomato

(Chemonics International,

2008; Flores et al., 2012).

October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023

Aphids

Sweet potato Chard

Chard Pepper Tomato

Strawberry Strawberry

Mint Chamomile

Chamomile Aloe

Grass Basil

(Bernal Areces et al., 2012;

Cobeña Ruiz et al., 2017;

Flores et al., 2012; Gallardo

A., 1993; Sádaba Díaz de

Rada et al., 2004).

Flea

Chard

(Vallejo Amaya, 2013)

Green Doughnut

Bell pepper Beets

(National Forestry

Commission, 2006; Demanet

Filippi & Canales Cartes,

2020).

Trips

Bell pepper

Strawberry

Passionfruit

Passionflower Mint

Chamomile Basil

(AGEXPORT, 2017; Bernal

Areces et al., 2012; Gaona-

Gonzaga et al., 2020; UNIDO,

2015; University of Puerto

Rico, 2018).

Source: Authors, based on the above references

Table 5. Diseases of the species implemented in the walipini.

Causal Agent

Species

Reference

Albugo

ipomoeae

Sweet potato

(Cobeña Ruiz et al., 2017).

Alternaria solani

/alternata

Granadilla Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Flores et al., 2012; Gaona-

Gonzaga et al., 2020).

Aphanomyces

cochlioides

Beets

(Demanet Filippi & Canales

Cartes, 2020; Morales et al.,

2017).

Ascochyta pisi

Bell pepper Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

University of Puerto Rico, 2018).

Begomovirus

CMV

Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Flores et al., 2012).

Botritys cinerea

Bell pepper Tomato

Strawberry

Passionfruit Oregano

Basil

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Gaona-Gonzaga et al., 2020;

UNIDO, 2015; University of

Puerto Rico, 2018).

Cercospora

capcisi / beticola

Bell pepper Beet

Basil

(Demanet Filippi & Canales

Cartes, 2020; Morales et al.,

Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type greenhouse for the application of permaculture in

high Andean moorlands.

2017; University of Puerto Rico,

2018).

Cilindrocarpon

spp.

Strawberry

(Morales et al., 2017; UNIDO,

2015).

Cladosporium

fulvum

Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Flores et al., 2012).

Clavibacter

michiganensis

Bell pepper Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

University of Puerto Rico, 2018).

Closterovirus

Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Flores et al., 2012).

Colletotrichum

spp

Bell pepper Tomato

Strawberry

Strawberry Passion

fruit Oregano

(Flores et al., 2012; Gaona-

Gonzaga et al., 2020; Rivera &

Wright, 2020; University of

Puerto Rico, 2018).

Erwinia

chrizanthemi

Sweet potato Beet

Aloe

(Cobeña Ruiz et al., 2017;

Morales et al., 2017).

Erysiphe betae /

cichoracearum/

galeopsidis

/polygoni

Chard Beetroot Mint

Oregano

(Barral Espejo, 2020; Morales et

al., 2017).

F. oxysporum /

lycopersici

Sweet potato Chard

Chard Pepper

Tomato Strawberry

Strawberry Blueberry

Beet Beet

Chamomile Aloe

Vera

(AGEXPORT, 2017; Cobeña

Ruiz et al., 2017; Flores et al.,

2012; Morales et al., 2017;

University of Puerto Rico, 2018).

Glomerella

singulata

Mint

(Gallardo A., 1993; Rivera &

Wright, 2020)

Helminthosporiu

m sp.

Basil

(Barral Espejo, 2020)

Meloidogyne sp.

Sweet potato Pepper

Passionfruit Beet

Mint Chamomile

Oregano

(AGEXPORT, 2017; Cobeña

Ruiz et al., 2017; Gaona-

Gonzaga et al., 2020; Morales et

al., 2017; University of Puerto

Rico, 2018).

October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023

Mycosphaerella

fragariae

Strawberry

(Morales et al., 2017; UNIDO,

2015).

Oidium

lycopersici

Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Flores et al., 2012).

Peronospora

farinosa/destruct

Beets

(Demanet Filippi & Canales

Cartes, 2020)

Black Death (3

viruses)

Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Flores et al., 2012).

Phoma betae

Beets

(Demanet Filippi & Canales

Cartes, 2020)

Phomopsis

obscurans

Strawberry

Granadilla

(Gaona-Gonzaga et al., 2020).

Phytophthora

capcisi /

infestans

Bell pepper Tomato

Strawberry

Chamomile

Chamomile Oregano

(AGEXPORT, 2017; UNIDO,

2015; University of Puerto Rico,

2018).

Pseudomonas

solanacearum

Bell pepper Tomato

Beet

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Morales et al., 2017; University

of Puerto Rico, 2018).

Pseudoperonosp

ora cubensi

Basil

(Barral Espejo, 2020)

Puccinia

menthae /

rubsaameni

Peppermint Oregano

Herba Buena

(National Forestry Commission,

2006)

Pythium spp.

Sweet potato Chard

Chard Pepper

Tomato Strawberry

Beet Chamomile

(AGEXPORT, 2017; Chemonics

International, 2008; Cobeña Ruiz

et al., 2017; Morales et al., 2017;

UNIDO, 2015; University of

Puerto Rico, 2018).

Ralstonia

solanacearum

Bell pepper Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

University of Puerto Rico, 2018).

Rhizoctonia

spp./bataticola

Sweet potato Chard

Chard Pepper

Tomato Strawberry

Beet Chamomile

Aloe Vera

(AGEXPORT, 2017; Chemonics

International, 2008; Cobeña Ruiz

et al., 2017; Morales et al., 2017;

UNIDO, 2015; University of

Puerto Rico, 2018).

Sclerotinia

sclerotiorum

Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Flores et al., 2012).

Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type greenhouse for the application of permaculture in

high Andean moorlands.

Sclerotium

rolfsii

Bell pepper Tomato

Beet Mint

(Morales et al., 2017; Rivera &

Wright, 2020; University of

Puerto Rico, 2018).

SPCSV

Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Flores et al., 2012).

SPFMV

Sweet potato Pepper

Passionfruit Beet

Mint Chamomile

Oregano

(AGEXPORT, 2017; Cobeña

Ruiz et al., 2017; Gaona-

Gonzaga et al., 2020; Morales et

al., 2017; University of Puerto

Rico, 2018).

Sphaerotheca

macularis

Strawberry

(UNIDO, 2015)

Stemphylium

solani

Tomato

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Flores et al., 2012).

Streptomyces

Sweet potato Beet

Aloe

(Cobeña Ruiz et al., 2017;

Morales et al., 2017).

Verticillium

daliae

Tomato, Strawberry

Mint

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Rivera & Wright, 2020; UNIDO,

2015).

Xanthomonas

campestris /

fragariae

Bell pepper Tomato

Strawberry Beet

(Chemonics International, 2008;

Demanet Filippi & Canales

Cartes, 2020; Morales et al.,

2017; University of Puerto Rico,

2018).

Source: Authors, based on the above references

The key to crop protection is early detection and combining preventive,

mechanical, manual, physical, biological and chemical control

methods. Methods of for agroecological management are the

preparation of chili and onion tea and garlic against sucking insects and

chewing worms, vegetable oils of tea and orange, natural pyrethrins

from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, copper compounds, sulfur,

control by microorganisms such as Ampelomices quisqualis, Bacillus

amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, and chemical compounds such as

laminarin, spinosad or azadirachtin. (Cabildo de Tenerife, 2019;

National Center for Technology and Forestry, 2008)..

Figures 3a and 3b show the area and dimensions of the proposed

walipini, considering three compartments: beds, seedbed and sprouts.

October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023

For the beds an area of 90 m2 is intended, and for the seedbed and

sprouts an area of 5 m2 each, in these areas a vertical handling on

shelves of the trays is expected, with the objective of taking advantage

of the height of the walipini.

Figure 3: Distribution of walipini

3a) Top view 3b) 3D view

Source: Authors

As can be seen, it is proposed the formation of 14 beds of 3 m long by

0.80 m wide, in which 4 agricultural species could be distributed:

tomato, sweet potato, chard and bell pepper.

Beds 1, 2 and 3 are for tomato cultivation, in this case, 5 seedlings will

be placed in each bed. In beds 4, 5, 10 and 11 sweet potato plants, each

with 12 tubers. Beds 6, 7 and 14 would have 10 chard plants per bed

and finally, beds 8, 9, 12 and 13 would have 10 bell pepper seedlings

per bed. This distribution is recommended on the basis of Tables 3, 4

and 5, in order to minimize future pest or disease attacks.

Wall A would have an area of 32.40 m2, in which the following species

will be distributed: plantain, mint, chamomile, oregano, mint, good

grass, basil and aloe vera, which are characterized by their allelopathic

action at the agricultural level and their medicinal benefits at the social

level. These species can be placed in holes of 10 cm in diameter directly

in the wall with a substrate, you can use materials such as:

geomembrane or a more homemade method such as sponges in the stem

of the plants, the objective is basically to conserve moisture for root and

Tomate

Plantas

0.40 m

2 m

2,5 m

18 m

5 m

1 m

SE MI LLE R O

CAMA

CAMINO

EN T RAD A

2,5 m

GERMINADOS

CAMINO

Cam ote

Plantas

Cam ote

Plantas

Acel ga

Plantas

Pimi ento

Plantas

Pimi ento

Plantas

Tomate

Plantas

Tomate

Plantas

Cam ote

Plantas

Cam ote

Plantas

Acel ga

Plantas

Pimi ento

Plantas

Pimi ento

Plantas

Acel ga

Plantas

BASE

0.80 m

3 m

WAL LI P I N E 1

ENTRADA

Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type greenhouse for the application of permaculture in

high Andean moorlands.

leaf development. The recommended distance between plant and plant

is 45 cm x 45 cm, taking into consideration the growth of foliage, the

need for aeration and amount of light.

Figure 4: Distribution of Walipini Lateral Wall A

Source: Authors

Wall B of the walipini could be used for the implementation of vine

type fruit trees such as the granadilla, with which trellis type trellising

is managed, and benefits both the development of the plant and the

fixation of the soil on the wall, avoiding its collapse, besides being

visually striking and decorative.

Figure 5: Distribution of Walipini Lateral Wall B

Source: Authors

2 m

1,8 m

20 m

18 m

2 m

LLANTEN

MIRAMELINDA

LLANTEN

MIRAMELINDA

SABILA

LLANTEN

MENTA

MANZANILLA

ORE GANO

HIE RBA

BUENA

HIE RBA

BUENA

HIE RBA

BUENA

HIE RBA

BUENA

HIE RBA

BUENA

HIE RBA

BUENA

ALB AHAC A

SABILA

WA L L I P IN E 1

PARE D A

0,45 m

2 m

1,8 m

20 m

18 m

2 m

6 m

EN T RAD A

3 Plantas de Gr anadilla/ Ma rac uyá

WA L L I P IN E 1

PARE D B

October - December vol. 1. Num. 19 - 2023

Finally, wall C and D, which corresponds to an area of 9 m2, it is

recommended to place a vertical garden with easily accessible recycled

materials, the system would consist of plastic bottles interconnected by

means of a thread that also has an automatic home irrigation system. In

this case the implementation of strawberries is suggested since their

botanical and visual characteristics make them ideal for this type of

system.

Figure 6. Distribution of Walipini Side Walls C and D.

Source: Authors

The technical feasibility of growing crops in subway greenhouses is

supported by. (FAO, 2012; Iturry, 2002) and its practice regarding

operability, maintenance, construction feasibility and temporal duration

has been taken into account in the present article, coinciding with the

experiences exposed by. (Gil Rosendo, 2018).

In the environmental aspect, the proposal follows permaculture

principles (Armijos-Arcos et al. (Armijos-Arcos et al., 2023) with a

sustainable agriculture approach to integrated pest management

(Cabildo de Tenerife, 2019; Oyarzún et al. (Cabildo de Tenerife, 2019;

Oyarzún et al., 2002).. It should be considered that high Andean areas

are under anthropogenic pressure and their ecosystem services need to

be maintained (Chuncho-Morocho & Chuncho, 2019; MAGAP, 2013).

Therefore, the impact that the walipinis will have on the páramo

ecosystems must be analyzed.

On the other hand, regarding the socioeconomic impact, 40% of the

production is for self-consumption under the high Andean conditions

of Ecuador (Lara Vásconez, 2020). (Lara Vásconez, 2020).In the case

of Guamote, the average productive units are 3.5 hectares (MAGAP,

2013). (MAGAP, 2013)Therefore, the walipini proposal allows for a

production alternative with a focus on food sovereignty, for

commercialization and income generation with the aim of improving

1,8 m

5 m

EN T RAD A

22 Plantas de f rutilla

WA L L I P IN E 1

PARE D C

Agronomic design of a subway walipini-type greenhouse for the application of permaculture in

high Andean moorlands.

the quality of life (Vallejo Amaya, 2013).. However, specific studies

are needed to further analyze the political, economic, social and legal

aspects for its implementation, as well as the economic feasibility and

investment or community credit.

Conclusions

This study concludes that there is technical feasibility for the

implementation of a walipini of 20 m x 5 m x 2 m, defining in its

agronomic design the planting in 14 beds of different species, including:

tomato, sweet potato, chard and bell pepper; additionally the walls can

be used with planting of plantain, mint, chamomile, oregano, good

grass, basil and aloe, in the walls that require soil stabilization can be

planted granadilla, and other walls can include hydroponic use with

strawberries. In this combination of plants, rotation systems,

association, management, and integrated pest and disease management

with agroecological methods are considered.

Future studies are proposed to establish the economic feasibility of

implementation in community areas and an environmental cost-benefit

study if implemented in páramo ecosystems.

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