Cover crops associated with quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) in the Peruvian Altiplano: Erosion reduction, improved soil health and agricultural yield

The Peruvian Altiplano presents increasing fertility losses, being susceptible to natural erosion. For many years, conventional agricultural management has generated losses of the topsoil and deterioration soil properties, impacting in crop yields deepening degradation this vulnerable ecosystem. aim research was determine benefits cover crops against erosion, health quinoa yield. trial carried out Huancarani Cahualla towns, Mañazo district, Puno; with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) four treatments: without clover (Medicago hispida G.), vetch (Vicia villosa) mulch covers. We evaluated physical, chemical, biological characteristics soil, biomass results showed that treatments clover, covers reduced erosion by 59.61%, 51.87% 49.50%, respectively. Likewise, use increased organic carbon (29.71% 31.16%), nitrogen (36.94% 48.65%), available phosphorus (26.11%). Finally, associated yield grain 17% significantly. These show have great potential for restoring improving