Draft:Chocho

Scientific name: Lupinus mutabilis

Agriculture

The cultivation of Chocho has a long history in the Andean highlands, where it has been a staple crop for centuries. The plant is known for its adaptability to diverse ecological conditions, thriving in altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 3,800 meters.

Cultivation Practices:

Chocho as a crop requires low agricultural input, and has high adaptability to temperate and cold climates, low-fertile soils, high altitudes, and harsh conditions. The roots grow up to 6 ft long, and the plants grow to be between 0.5 cm to 2.50 cm, averaging at 1.80 cm. Chocho grows in loamy and sandy-loam soils with nutrients and good drainage. During the beginning growth stages, Chocho is susceptible to low temperatures. Throughout its 240-300 day growth period, Chocho requires ~350-800mm of rainfall, cannot grow in shade, and thrives in acidic and neutral pH soil. It is also drought tolerant.

Economic and Cultural Importance:

Chocho holds a special place in the indigenous cultures surrounding Ecuador and the Andes, where it has been an important plant for centuries, having been cultivated for at least 2,500 years.Chocho's impacts both economically and culturally extends to its role in crop rotation and as a cover crop, benefiting indigenous communities and farmers. In crop rotation, Chocho enhances yields for subsequent crops while reducing weed populations. This practice proves crucial for sustainable agriculture, providing a valuable resource for indigenous communities relying on traditional farming methods.

Environmental Benefits

Chocho, a resilient leguminous plant native to the Andes, plays a pivotal role in environmental sustainability through its nitrogen-fixing prowess. Forming a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria, Chocho assimilates atmospheric nitrogen, leaving up to 400 kg ha−1 N in the soil as post-harvest residues. This not only enriches soil fertility but also reduces the need for external fertilizers, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices.

Chocho's cultivation practices further emphasize its environmental benefits. Its suitability for minimal tillage before sowing minimizes soil disruption and decreases reliance on extensive fertilization, contributing to both economic and environmental sustainability. Integration into crop rotation systems enhances subsequent crop yields and weed control, particularly beneficial in highland agriculture systems. As a cover crop, Chocho provides protective ground cover, aiding soil conservation and weed suppression.

Adapting to diverse environmental challenges, Chocho demonstrates resilience in drought conditions by increasing water retention in its tissues. This adaptability is particularly crucial in regions with extreme dryness, such as the Altiplano. Beyond grain production, Chocho serves various environmental roles as forage, green manure, and contributor to soil conservation. Additionally, a meta-analysis indicates that leguminous plants like Chocho, with their nitrogen-fixing ability, store 30% more soil organic carbon compared to other species. This not only enhances soil health but also positions Chocho as a key player in fostering sustainable agricultural practices with a positive impact on the local environment and global carbon balance.

Nutrition

Chocho, celebrated for its nutritional prowess, is a key player in delivering a robust plant-based protein source. Each Chocho bean contains an impressive 52-58% protein, boasting a complete amino acid profile with elevated levels of essential amino acids (9/9), including leucine, lysine, and valine (BCAAs). This makes Chocho an outstanding choice for those seeking comprehensive amino acid supplementation through a plant-based diet.

Grown in the Andes Mountains, Chocho stands out for having the highest protein content among all plant sources. Its versatility extends to gluten-free baking, where it serves as a substitute for traditional flour. Despite the absence of formal organic certification in Ecuador, Chocho adheres to organic practices, emphasizing regenerative farming and eschewing pesticides and chemicals. In essence, Chocho emerges as a nutrient-dense and adaptable plant-based protein, contributing to the growing demand for versatile and sustainably sourced dietary supplements.