Innovation
Experimentation, development and the search for process improvement are constants at Las Marías. Thanks to the commitment and care of each employee when carrying out their tasks, the results reach the consumer through each of our products.
Vegetative reproduction
Las Marías was a pioneer in the research and development of yerba mate plants. After more than 30 years of work, in our nursery we managed to select the best yerba mate and tea shoots, and through vegetative reproduction today we obtain plants that are identical in productivity. This is a natural selection that allows the plants to express the full potential of their species.
Having selected varietals allows the product to always maintain the same flavor and color, thus ensuring superior quality and yield from the source.
Integrated pest management and soil care
In 1986 we started the Integrated Pest Management project. Together with INTA and university institutions, over the years we have gained in-depth knowledge of every corner and organism present in the Las Marías agroecosystem. To protect our crops from pests, we preferentially choose biological products that do not harm the environment and are harmless to humans, favoring the natural action of beneficial insects.
In addition, we replace insecticides with natural products specially developed under our integrated system.
Minimum tillage and contour lines
In order to protect soil fertility from erosion caused by the region's heavy rainfall, we use minimum tillage for tea, yerba mate and forest species crops. This consists of intervening as little as possible in the soil when cultivating it so as not to interfere with the natural processes that take place there.
In addition, we cultivate on contour lines, which also prevents soil erosion since the contours increase water infiltration.
Weeds and green roofs
The study and controlled maintenance of some weeds allowed us to maintain the balance of the plantation environment. Their monitored presence creates the necessary conditions for predators and pests to coexist at acceptable levels for production.
Furthermore, during pruning, by leaving the ground covered with branches we also managed to avoid water drag and erosion. In this way we add more care to the soil and the Las Marías agroecosystem.
