Lesson plan
Paradas method
The paradas method ( , sistema de paradas) was a process to extract nitrate from caliche by leaching. In this method caliche was boiled in water in large pans called "paradas". It was a firewood and labour-intensive process, and it required the frequent relocation of the mining camps. The paradas method was phased out in the 1850s by a new system invented by Pedro Gamboni which required less fuel and labour. The paradas method led to a massive deforestation of Pampa del Tamarugal around La Tirana and Canchones and some areas to the south of these localities.
Article summary
The paradas method ( , sistema de paradas) was a process to extract nitrate from caliche by leaching. In this method caliche was boiled in water in large pans called "paradas". It was a firewood and labour-intensive process, and it required the frequent relocation of the mining camps. The paradas method was phased out in the 1850s by a new system invented by Pedro Gamboni which required less fuel and labour. The paradas method led to a massive deforestation of Pampa del Tamarugal around La Tirana and Canchones and some areas to the south of these localities.
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