Avocado trees conquer the hillsides: advantages, realities and challenges in Peru and Chile

Avocado cultivation on hillsides is becoming established as an efficient and profitable strategy in South America, with agronomic, economic and ecological benefits in both Peru and Chile.

Avocado plantations on hillsides offer several advantages over cultivation on flat land: lower risk of frost, better soil drainage, greater sun exposure, and lower land acquisition costs. These conditions promote earlier flowering and accelerated fruit ripening, allowing for earlier harvests with a better commercial return. Furthermore, the naturally well-draining slopes with their acidic pH create ideal conditions for the tree's development, as avocados are sensitive to waterlogging.

In Peru, the expansion of avocado cultivation in Andean regions has opened new opportunities for small farmers, with orchards on hillsides at altitudes up to 3,000 meters above sea level in regions such as Ayacucho, Cusco, and Moquegua. In 2022, nearly 60,000 hectares of avocado orchards were planted on arid hillside soils thanks to drip irrigation technologies, boosting rural economies. However, experts warn of environmental risks if proper planning is not implemented, such as erosion, aquifer depletion, and the emergence of pests.

In Chile, approximately 70% of the national avocado crop is located on hillsides, particularly in the Valparaíso Region, with at least 18,000 hectares on slopes exceeding 30%. This model has allowed for better frost resistance and maximized the efficiency of the drip irrigation systems used in virtually 100% of the plantations. Studies indicate that these crops generate more stable ecosystems and less eroded soils than native lands. For the 2024-2025 season, 55% of Chilean production was destined for export, with Europe as the primary destination.

Source: portalfruticola.com