Evaluation of the Management of Agrochemical Residues Generated in Avocado Production (Persea americana)

Avocado production in Sibundoy, Putumayo faces challenges associated with the use of agrochemicals for agronomic management. It is essential that these products, as well as the waste they generate, are managed in an environmentally sound manner throughout their entire life cycle, from acquisition to final disposal. Agrochemicals and their residues must be handled responsibly to safeguard worker health and maintain ecosystem balance. Despite their relevance, the management of these products and their residues has been scarcely evaluated in the region. The objective of this research was to evaluate the management of agrochemical waste generated in avocado (Persea americana) production in Sibundoy, Putumayo. A survey was administered to avocado producers, and on-farm visits were conducted. Data collection was carried out every 15 days in order to classify agrochemical residues according to type, toxicological category, and weight. Survey data were tabulated using SPSS statistical software, and cluster analysis was performed. Of the containers collected, 36% corresponded to insecticides, 38% to fungicides, 10% to herbicides, and 16% lacked labeling. Among the 19 farmers surveyed, 61.11% reported storing containers in a safe manner. Nevertheless, overall management practices were found to be inadequate, posing risks to both operator safety and ecosystem balance.Key words: agriculture; pollution; harvesting; hazardous waste.