BIODIGESTOR MÓVIL PARA LA PRODUCCIÓN DE BIOGÁS UTILIZANDO ESTIÉRCOL DE OVINO

The objective of this study was to conceptually design a field biodigestor that is characterized by being mobile, integrating other renewable energies in its operation and functioning, and a high capacity for dry matter, with the aim of having an alternative source of energy for the Mexican highlands and to care for the environment. The research was done in Salinas, San Luis Potosí, México; sheep manure was chosen as organic residue, and the optimization of transport and location of storehouses was performed based on the availability in the municipality. Manure filtration assays were done and the dry weight was obtained in the laboratory. The mobile thermophilic biodigestor presented the possibility of improving the biogas production process with the following effects: reduction of the water necessary in more than 50 % due to the high dry matter. Because of the mobility, energy is saved for transport of the material supply and biofertilizer distribution. Solar heating of the substrate allows reducing the processing time around 50 %. The process of mixing the hydraulic, mechanic, pneumatic substrate is not necessary because only the liquid moves. In addition, soil compacting is reduced because of the weight reduction of the biofertilizer. It is possible to use the biodigestor in a mobile, transportable or stationary way. Assays are necessary in the production with different technological uses to receive experiences of feasibilityEl objetivo de este trabajo fue diseñar conceptualmente un biodigestor de campo que se caracterizara por tener movilidad, integración de otras energías renovables en su operación y funcionamiento, y alta capacidad de materia seca, con el fin de disponer de una fuente alternativa de energía para el altiplano mexicano y cuidar el medio ambiente. La investigación se realizó en Salinas, San Luis Potosí, México. Se eligió estiércol de ovino como residuo orgánico, se realizó la optimización de transporte y ubicación de almacenes según la disponibilidad en el municipio. Se efectuaron ensayos de filtración en estiércol y se obtuvo el peso seco en laboratorio. El biodigestor móvil termofílico permitió mejorar el proceso de la producción de biogás al reducir la cantidad de agua necesaria en más del 50 % por la alta concentración de sólidos totales utilizados; al ahorrar energía para el transporte del suministro del residuo y distribución de biofertilizante por la movilidad del biodigestor; y al reducir el tiempo de digestión del sustrato alrededor del 50% por su calentamiento usando energía. Además, no es necesario el mezclado del sustrato de forma hidráulica, mecánica o neumática, dado que esa función la realiza la recirculación del líquido y del biogás en el biodigestor. Se mejoran también las propiedades físico-químicas de los suelos agrícolas al aplicar el biofertilizante coproducto del proceso. Es posible utilizar el biodigestor en forma móvil, transportable o estacionario. Es necesario realizar ensayos de producción de biogás con el biodigestor para determinar su factibilida

Characterization of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production system in the Zacatecas, Mexico.

Objective: Characterize the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production system in the state of Zacatecas. Methodology: The study was carried out in the UPAs of the state of Zacatecas, through a cross-sectional design, qualitative-quantitative method, the instrument was a questionnaire and the sampling was non-probabilistic. Results: Tilapia cultivation is carried out in different types of ponds where, on average, 2,340 organisms are planted per pond, and they produce 5,705.88 kg*year-1, with a sale price of $116.47 pesos*kg-1 of fresh fish gutted at the farm. Production costs are concentrated in concentrated feed and electrical energy. Regarding the analyzed characteristics (financial), the aquaculture production units (UPAs) are grouped into four types of production: basic UPAs as a complementary activity with limited economic resources; pre-intermediate UPAs with basic infrastructure with adult aquaculturists (49-55 years); Intermediate UPAs dedicate full time and average profitability; Finally, upper-intermediate UPAs have optimal infrastructure and activity with adult aquaculturists (30-55 years) and an inclination to adopt technological innovation in aquaculture activity. Limitations/implications of the study: The present study has no important limitations Conclusions: In general, aquaculturists perceive a stagnation in their activity, due to the lack of promotion of their product, production scheduling and insecurity, limitations that show the need to create an inter-institutional strategy where universities and research institutions participate. research and government agencies that promote elements of policy, financing and training.Objective: To characterize the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) production system in Zacatecas, Mexico. Methodology: Seventeen Aquaculture Production Units (APU) in Zacatecas were analyzed, using a cross-sectional design and qualitative-quantitative method. The instrument used was a questionnaire, and the sampling was non-probabilistic.  Results: Tilapia cultivation is conducted in various types of ponds, with an average of 2340 organisms per pond, yielding a production of 5705.88 kg year-1, and a sale price of$116.47 pesos kg-1 of fresh gutted fish at the farm gate. Production costs are primarily associated with concentrated feed and electrical energy. Regarding the financial characteristics analyzed, APUs are categorized into four types of production: basic, as a complementary activity with limited economic resources; pre-intermediate, characterized by basic infrastructure and managed by adult aquaculturists (49-55 years old); Intermediate, full-time dedication with average profitability; and high-intermediate, with optimal infrastructure and activity managed by adult aquaculturists aged 30-55 years with a propensity to adopt technological innovation in aquaculture. Limitations/ Study Implications: No major limitations were identified. Conclusions: In general, aquaculturists perceive stagnation in their activity due to lack of promotion, production scheduling, and insecurity. It is necessary to develop an inter-institutional strategy where universities, research institutions, and government agencies participate to promote elements of policy, financing, and training.

Características físicas y químicas de la semilla de calabaza para mecanización y procesamiento

In order to and processing on a product, it is important to take into account its specific physical, chemicals and biological characteristics for this material. Method The selection of any tool utilized as well as its material has great importance in order to undertake successful process, since the product offers a significant mechanical and chemical resistance. It is required to study the effect between the tools utilized and the processed material. Results Results indicate that seeds from pumpkin (Cucúrbita ssp.), can be considered as feedstock (flour) to elaborate several products, such as crunchy fried tortilla, where it holds a larger amount of cooking oil if the flour comes from pumpkin seeds processed with their exterior case. Pumpkin seeds contain a total amount of 48, 92% oil, where 29% is oleic acid and 51, 9% is linoleic acid. The healthy qualities of these lipid acid are widely recognized for the people overall health. Conclusion The high content of good quality oil, in addition to the protein contained inside the seed support the use of pumpkin seeds in a large number of technological developments.Para procesar un producto es importante tomar en cuenta las características físicas, químicas y biológicas del material a procesar. Método La selección del material y de las herramientas usadas, para realizar el proceso es de gran importancia debido a la resistencia mecánica y química. El estudio de la reacción entre las herramientas usadas y el material procesado requiere esta información. Resultados Los resultados indican que la semilla de calabaza de castilla (Cucúrbita ssp.), puede ser considerada como materia prima (harina) en la elaboración de productos como totopos, encontrando una mayor retención de aceite si la harina se elabora con semilla de calabaza sin descascarillar. La semilla de la calabaza contiene un 48,92% de aceite, del cual un 29% es ácido oleico y 51,9% ácido linoleico; ácidos grasos que están ampliamente reconocidos por sus beneficios a la salud. Conclusión El alto contenido de aceite de buena calidad y la proteína de la semilla, la hacen atractiva para utilizarla en numerosos desarrollos tecnológicos

Evaluation of fertilization of hydroponically cultivated castor bean (Ricinus communis L.)

Objective: To determine the influence of fertilization on growth and seed yield of five accessions of castor bean (Ricinus communisL.) in hydroponics. Design/methodology/approach: Five outstanding accessions of the ColPos-Campus SLP castor bean collection were grown under hydroponics: El Orito (EO), Encarnación de Díaz (ED), Salinas (SA), Ranchería de Guadalupe (RG) and San Luis (SL). The NPK proven fertilization levels (ppm) were: low (NB; 140-50-150), medium (NM; 210-80-250); high (NA; 280, 110, 350), and a control (SF; without fertilizers). The experimental design was a randomized blocks, with a 5x4 factorial arrangement (accession x fertilization level). Results: The differences in seed production were only significant (?= 0.05) between the fertilization levels (1103, 973 and 967 g plant-1, for NB, NM, and NA, respectively) and the control treatment (31 g plant-1); there were no differences among accessions, having ED the highest seed yield (681 g plant-1). Regarding plant height, accessions without fertilizer (SF) reached 60 cm, while fertilized plants had a, average height of 170 cm, being SA the highest (180 cm). On the other hand, the highest oil content (38.4%) was obtained with the ML fertilization. Limitations of the study/implications: The present study did not show obvious limitations. Findings/conclusions : Regarding seed yield, there were significant differences only between not fertilizing and fertilizing at any level. Among the levels with fertilization, however, the differences were not significant, as well as between accessionsObjective: To determine the influence of fertilization on the growth and yield of five accessions of castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) cultivated in a hydroponic system. Design/Methodology/Approach: Five outstanding accessions of the castor bean collection at COLPOS-Campus SLP were established: El Orito (EO), Encarnación de Díaz (ED), Salinas (SA), Ranchería de Guadalupe (RG) and San Luis (SL). The NPK (ppm) fertilization levels tested were: low (LL; 140, 50, 150), medium (ML; 210, 80, 250); high (HL; 280, 110, 350) and a control (NF; No fertilizer). The experimental design was a randomized blocks, with a 5x4 factorial arrangement (accession x fertilizer level). Results: The differences in grain production were only significant (?=0.05) between the NF control (31 g plant-1) and the three levels of fertilization (1103, 973 and 967 g plant-1, for LL, ML, and HL, respectively, with no differences among them). Regarding accessions, no differences were observed among them, having ED the highest yield (681 g plant-1). In the case of plant height, NF treatment reached 60 cm, while the other levels had an average height of 170 cm, with HL being the highest (180 cm). The highest oil content (38.4%) was obtained with the ML fertilization. Study Limitations/Implications: The present study had no obvious limitations. Findings/Conclusions: For seed yield, significant differences were found only between not fertilizing and fertilizing at any level. Between fertilized levels, however, the differences were not significant, as well as among accessions