Revista Agro Productividad
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Forest Management and Tree Species Diversity in a Temperate Forest of the Meseta Purhépecha, Michoacán
Objective: To evaluate how traditional forest management practices impact the diversity and structure of temperate forests in the Nuevo San Juan Parangaricutiro Indigenous Community (ICNSJP), with the goal of providing information on the sustainable management of these forests.
Design/methodology/approach: Forest inventory data were collected and analyzed in stands treated with four thinning (A4) through the Silvicultural Development Method (SDM) and contrasted with stands that have not been intervened for more than 30 years (A0). Diversity indices and stand variables were used to statistically compare the effects of the treatments.
Results: In total 20 species were recorded, 13 in A0 and 18 in A4. The true diversity (q1) recorded a value of 3.3±1.6 in A4 and 1.9±0.8 in A0, although this difference was not statistically significant. The species with highest importance value were Pinus douglasiana Martinez (30%) for A0 and P. pseudostrobus Lindl (27%) for A4.
Limitations on study/implications: According to the SDM, the cutting cycle in A4 has not yet ended since the release and regeneration treatments are missing, therefore, monitoring is recommended to evaluate the effect of the SDM more comprehensively on diversity and structure in the forests of the ICNSJP.
Findings/conclusions: Forest management in the ICNSJP has shown a positive effect in terms of species diversity and due to its commercial value, the development of P. pseudostrobus has been favored. In general, forest management has contributed to socioeconomic development by promoting species diversity, a key element for sustainable development
Physical-chemical and nutritional parameters of liquid porcine effluent from a biodigester supplemented with a lagoon system.
Objetive. Determining the concentration of physical-chemical and nutritional parameters of the wastewater derived from a biodigester complemented with lagoon train.
Metodology. A study was carried out in the CEAJAL livestock production module, 12 gestating sows, fresh solid excreta was collected manually (shovel and wheelbarrow), the lagoon-type biodigester was fed daily with two levels of organic load (CO), CO5% and CO15%. The biogas and wastewater were evaluated in four periods of 40 days each. The Influent washing water (INF) entered the biodigester, then the liquid effluent (EFL) was subjected to complementary treatment of EFL stabilization pits, Pit 2, Pit 3 and Pit 4, determining physical-chemical parameters such as TSS, pH, CTE and COD, and nutritional parameters such as NT and FT. The data were analyzed using descriptive and differential statistics.
Results. The methane content in the biogas was 59.8%; CO5% and 60.2%; CO15% (p>0.05). The physical-chemical parameters of INF such as SST ml/L was 67.4; CO5% and 81.3; CO15%. EFL was 23.2 and 48.0, respectively, in COD ml/L of INF was 738.7; CO5% and 1807.7; CO15%. EFL was 1444.2 and 2522.5, respectively, in NT ml/L of INF was 128.3; CO5% and 111.9; CO15%. EFL was 436.9 and 554.6, respectively.
Conclusions. Despite a lower CO, methane production is in the normal range and the physical-chemical and nutritional parameters of the wastewater as it passes into stabilization lagoons can be taken as a reference to determine the CO that should enter to the biodigester with the purpose of providing complementary treatment of the wastewater generated in pig farms
Innovation and development of a new snack based on blue corn and grasshopper.
Objective: Develop a similar snack to marzipan, with higher nutritional quality by adding protein to provide a healthy consumption alternative.
Design/methodology/approach: A snack made from blue corn flour, grasshopper, agave honey and cocoa was elaborated. The proportions of the aforementioned ingredients were modified in four different formulations. Acceptance tests were conducted with 140 individuals to determine the formulation with the highest degree of approval and laboratory tests were carried out to determine its nutritional quality.
Results: In this research it was possible to develop an innovative nutritional product such as marzipan containing protein, which had a 72% acceptance rate by the participants in the sensorial test. Furthermore, it was managed to use a carbohydrate source from blue corn, which is low on the glycemic index. On the other hand, an attractive packaging design was proposed to capture the consumer's attention, so not only a nutritious snack was developed, but also a marketing package was proposed for its commercialization.
Limitations on study/implications: During the development of this product, no preservatives were used, therefore the shelf life for this product is shorter if no preservatives are added.
Findings/conclusions: A considered functional snack was successfully developed which also has great potential for becoming a distinguished quality product since it is made with local ingredients from the region or country. The product was well accepted; besides it was suggested a packaging for its preservation and distribution.bjective: Develop a similar snack to marzipan, with higher nutritional quality by adding protein to provide a healthy consumption alternative.
Design/methodology/approach: A snack made from blue corn flour, grasshopper, agave honey and cocoa was elaborated. The proportions of the aforementioned ingredients were modified in four different formulations. Acceptance tests were conducted with 140 individuals to determine the formulation with the highest degree of approval and laboratory tests were carried out to determine its nutritional quality.
Results: In this research it was possible to develop an innovative nutritional product such as marzipan containing protein, which had a 72% acceptance rate by the participants in the sensorial test. Furthermore, it was managed to use a carbohydrate source from blue corn, which is low on the glycemic index. On the other hand, an attractive packaging design was proposed to capture the consumer's attention, so not only a nutritious snack was developed, but also a marketing package was proposed for its commercialization.
Limitations on study/implications: During the development of this product, no preservatives were used, therefore the shelf life for this product is shorter if no preservatives are added.
Findings/conclusions: A considered functional snack was successfully developed which also has great potential for becoming a distinguished quality product since it is made with local ingredients from the region or country. The product was well accepted; besides it was suggested a packaging for its preservation and distribution
Bioremediation alternatives for total petroleum hydrocarbon removal in agricultural soil
Objective: The purpose of the present study is to highlight the importance of assessing bioremediation and total petroleum hydrocarbon removal by bioaugmentation and biostimulation on the rhizosphere.
Design/methodology/approach: An 89-day experiment was established with treatments considering plant (corn) establishment–crude petroleum (25,000 mg kg-1)–bacteria and hydrocarbonoclastic fungi–adding nitrogen and phosphorus to agricultural soil. At the end of the experiment, hydrocarbonoclastic fungal and bacterial populations and total petroleum hydrocarbon removal were assessed.
Results: Both microbial groups increased in number and time. The treatment with 120 kg nitrogen ha-1 and 12.5 kg phosphorus ha-1 allowed the highest population (227 x 103 g-1 of colony forming units (CFU) of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria). A total of 83% petroleum hydrocarbon removal was obtained as established in 89 days.
Limitations on study/implications: The effectiveness of bioremediation can vary significantly in real environments due to factors, such as soil variability, climate.
Findings/conclusions: The previous results highlight the importance of using these bioremediation techniques to eliminate hydrocarbons in contaminated agricultural soils
Agroecological Alternatives for Pest and Disease Management in Mexican Lime [Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle] Cultivation
agroecological alternatives for the integrated management of recurrent pests in Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia); as well as to establish possible synergies with the commercial bioinsecticide.
Design/methodology/approach: This experiment was conducted in two phases: 1) visual monitoring and pre-identification of pests and fungal diseases in the Mexican lime crop, and 2) application and evaluation of the effect of application of commercial bioinsecticide (Biocanela) and mineral broths (bordeaux broth and sulfocalcium broth) alone and mixtures.
Results: The pests with highest incidence were thrips (Pezothrips kellynus), Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), and red spider mite (Tetranychus urticae), while the main fungal diseases were sooty mold (Capnodium citri), red algae (Cephaleuros virescens), citrus greasy spot (Mycosphaerella citri), and anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum). The mixture of mineral broths with the bioinsecticide Biocanela showed the highest fungicide and insecticide activity, and repellency on various pests and diseases of the Mexican lemon crop.
Limitations on study/implications: Generate scientific knowledge regarding to the best agroecological alternatives for the integrated management of citrus pests and diseases that are economically and environmentally profitable.
Findings/conclusions: Application of the mixture of sulfocalcium broth and Biocanela showed repellency effectiveness against pests such as thrips (Pezothrips kellyanus), Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), and fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster). Likewise, it was effective against sooty mold (Capnodium citri), red algae (Cephaleuros virescens), and citrus greasy spot (Mycosphaerella citri), while the effect was lighter against anthracnose (Colletotrichum acutatum). Additionally, it induces new, healthy shoots in Mexican lemon trees
Control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina Crous, Sarr & Ndiaye with Trichoderma spp. and botanical and chemical pesticides
Chili is the most important traditionally consumed vegetable in Mexico; however, production is reduced by soil fungi. The objective of the research was to evaluate in in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions, the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides for the control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina. In vitro, greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to evaluate the control effect of different pesticides for the control of M. pseudophaseolina. It was determined that all the evaluated strains of Trichoderma spp. They had a fungistatic effect against M. pseudophaseolina, and T. reesei showed the greatest antagonism and antibiosis against M. pseudophaseolina. High, medium and low doses of NeemAcar® and high and medium doses of Regalia® Maxx inhibited 100% the growth of M. pseudophaseolina mycelium. In the greenhouse, the lowest percentage of severity was obtained in the treatment with Regalia® Maxx + T. reesei. In the field, the lowest severity was determined with the application of NeemAcar® CE + Headline®. The preventive or curative application of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides did not influence the severity of the disease.Objective: The objective of the research was to evaluate in in vitro, greenhouse and field conditions, the effectiveness of biological, botanical and chemical pesticides for the control of Macrophomina pseudophaseolina.
Design/methodology/approach: In vitro, greenhouse and field experiments were carried out to evaluate the control effect of different pesticides for the control of M. pseudophaseolina.
Results: It was determined that all the evaluated strains of Trichoderma spp. they had a fungistatic effect against M. pseudophaseolina, and T. reesei showed the greatest antagonism and antibiosis against M. pseudophaseolina. High, medium and low doses of NeemAcar® and high and medium doses of Regalia® Maxx inhibited 100% the growth of M. pseudophaseolina mycelium. In the greenhouse, the lowest percentage of severity was obtained in the treatment with Regalia® Maxx + T. reesei. In the field, the lowest severity was determined with the application of NeemAcar® CE + Headline®.
Limitations on study/implications: Our results are essential for the management of this disease by producers.
Findings/conclusions: The implementation of the use of Trichoderma spp., botanical pesticides and chemical insecticides is recommended for the control of M. pseudophaseolina,
Challenges and Opportunities in the Specialization of Maize Cultivation
Objective: To identify current scientific information on maize (Zea mays L.) in relation to the challenges and opportunities associated with the specialization of this crop.
Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic search was conducted in high-impact journals focusing on the difficulties and opportunities in maize cultivation.
Results: Several key challenges in maize cultivation were identified, including the impact of climate change, limited access to technologies for small and medium producers, variability in grain price, and the availability of improved seed to increase yields in their reproductive zones. One potential solution involves access to improved short-cycle varieties with tolerance to adverse factors (both biotic and abiotic), combined with sustainable agricultural techniques such as conservation agriculture.
Limitations on study/implications: Despite existing research on maize cultivation, its composition, nutritional contribution and economic importance, the profitability of this crop is affected by factors such as price variation, climate change, and the incidence of pests and diseases. Therefore, further research is needed to identify varieties with more competitive markets to enhance sustainability.
Findings/conclusions: Maize is a globally important crop with industrial applications and uses for both human and livestock consumption. The increasing demand underscores the need to improve its performance and profitability. A strategy to increase production involves promoting diversification through the specialization of varieties with more competitive markets and the adoption of sustainable agricultural techniques
Infiltration in three soil management for soybean growing under rainfed agriculture
Objective: To study infiltration parameters (infiltration rate, cumulative infiltration, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and sorptivity), on the basis of three soil management treatments (subsoiling, ploughing, and harrowing), for soybean (Glycine max) growing, under rainfed agriculture, during three discontinuous years (2020, 2022, and 2023).
Design/Methodology/Approach: The experiment was carried out in the region of Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico. Each treatment was established in 0.50 ha, with independent plots. Two infiltration tests were made per treatment in 2020 and 2023, using cylindrical infiltrometers for 450 minutes in average. During 2020, 2.0 m × 1.50 m soil profiles were made at a depth of 1.50 m to detect the plough layer. Based on this information, the subsoiling depth (0.70 m) was planned. Additionally, three soil samples were extracted at depths of 0-20 cm and 20-40 cm to analyze their physical and chemical properties.
Results: Based on their physical properties, texture, organic matter, and soil conditions, the initial moisture and infiltration parameters (2020) were calculated to compare them with the final results (2023).
Findings/Conclusions The following infiltration parameters had a marked variability in the subsoiling, ploughing, and harrowing soil management systems, for soybean growing under rainfed agriculture: infiltration rate, cumulative infiltration, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and sorptivity. Infiltration parameters were higher with subsoiling than with the ploughing and harrowing systems
Drip-tape irrigation depth: water use efficiency, yield and forage quality in maize
Objective: With the objective of evaluating the effect of the depth of the drip irrigation tape on the efficiency of water use, yield, nutritional quality and profitability of forage corn, a study was established by installing the irrigation tape at a depth of 0.05, 0.15 and 0.30 m.
Design/methodology/approach: A randomized block experimental design was used, the treatments evaluated consisted of the installation of the irrigation tape at three depths: 0.05, 0.15 and 0.30 m, each treatment was replicated on three occasions, the experimental unit consisted 15 m2 (four 5 m long furrows and a separation of 0.76 m between furrows).
Results: The results showed that with the irrigation tape installed at a depth of 0.15 m, the highest biomass production and efficiency in water use were obtained, without modifying the bromatological quality of the forage; However, the best benefit-cost ratio corresponds to the depth of the tape installed at 0.3 m, recovering 1.27 for each MXN peso invested in crop production.
Limitations/ Implications of the study: water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions is a global problem, so it is necessary to use irrigation methods that make water use more efficient without reducing crop yield.
Findings/conclusions: the installation of the drip-tape at a depth of 0.15 m is recommended, due to the improvement in yield and water use efficiency without affecting nutritional quality of the forage or profitability of maize crop
Relationship between feeding protocols and their cost with body development of lactating calves in family milk-production units
Objective: Characterize the feeding protocols and feeding costs, as well as their relationship with the body development of lactating calves until weaning in family milk-production units (FMPU).
Methodology: A prospective observational cohort study was carried out. The feeding protocol, and its cost were recorded, in addition, the daily gains in weight (DWG) and height (DHG) between birth and weaning of 193 calves (n=12 FMPU). The information was subjected to descriptive statistics and analysis of variance.
Results: In some FMPU, up to 5 feeding protocols were used, and calves with 49 and 138 days until weaning. The predominant feeding consisted of milk replacer plus starter concentrate (28.5%). The costs of the feeding protocols (1162 to 2395 pesos), as well as the DWG (0.346 to 0.721 Kg/day) and DHG (0.114 to 0.216 Cm/day), were statistically different between FMPU (P<0.01). The most expensive feeding protocol had a DWG of 0.555 kg/day and a DHG of 0.161 cm/day.
Limitations of study/implications: The nutrient contributions of the feeding protocols were not determined, consequently, whether they covered the calves' nutritional requirements.
Conclusions: In FMPU, there is a lack of standardization in feeding protocols and a high variation in their costs, as well as in the duration to weaning. The body development of the calves is suboptimal, influenced by the feeding protocol, where the highest cost is not reflected in the best body development rate