Characterization of farm fields of Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) according to technological level. The case of the Maule region, Chile

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the Technological Level (TL) of blueberry crops (Vaccinium corymbosum) in the Maule Region, Chile, according to technical variables and associated characteristics. The TL for each production quarter was determined using the Weighted Linear Combination technique and the evaluation of an expert team for weight assignment. The procedure was implemented in a Geographic Information System, where thematic cartography was also generated. The results indicate that 59% of the area of blueberry quarters in the Maule Region, Chile, show a medium technological level (TL2), while the rest of the area is divided between high and low levels (TL1 and TL3) with 19% and 22%, respectively. In conclusion, it is established that the highest percentage of planted area of blueberries presents medium technologies, with an increase in the implementation of higher TL in the last decades.