Plant Diversity Study on Four Suburban Farms in Santiago de Cuba

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the diversity behavior of plants grown on four suburban farms in the province of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Lots of 100 m2 were made for species count. After identification, a floristic list was made. The plants within the same taxonomic category were counted, and the botanical composition was evaluated based on the number of individuals, family, genuses, and species. The group abundance criterion was used to include food plant species, and ecosystem, ornamental, and medicinal services, which were calculated as diversity indicators of alpha diversity (S), Berger-Parker Dominance (d), and general diversity (Shannon H´). For the Beta diversity, the Jaccard index (Ji), Sorenson index (SSi), and Ecological Dependence (ED) were taken into consideration. A total of 39 269 individuals from 45 families, 72 genuses, and 87 species were identified. The botanical composition varied, with an increasing tendency in the number of individuals of the ornamental and medicinal species; the most numerous families were Asteraceae, Leguminosae, Musaceae, Poaceae and Solanaceae. The alpha diversity underwent an increase from one season to another, with values within the set range for each indicator, except for the Shannon H´ index on La Caballería Farm in both periods. The similitude moved between low and dissimilitude, which evidenced the presence of very specific species adapted to the particular environmental conditions of each place

Factores sociales, económicos y ambientales asociados a los ecosistemas cafetaleros: una revisión bibliográfica

Los ecosistemas para la producción de café son el resultado de interacciones sociales, económicas y ambientales, de ahí la importancia de realizar valoraciones en este sentido. El objetivo del trabajo fue profundizar en los aspectos teóricos sobre los factores sociales, económicos y ambientales asociados a los ecosistemas cafetaleros. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica donde se comprobó que el ecosistema cafetalero es una unidad ecológica con más de una población agrícola y varios recursos y componentes que el hombre utiliza para satisfacer sus necesidades. Desde lo económico se generan fuentes de empleo y divisas para países en vías de desarrollo influyendo en la estabilidad socio-política con externalidades aún sin remunerar. Dados los drásticos cambios derivados de la explotación cafetalera se han desarrollado acciones con impactos positivos en la biodiversidad y la calidad del suelo, donde la cubierta vegetal evita la erosión y asegura su fertilidad, como aspecto fundamental ligado a la producción, a través de procesos biológicos naturales. Los factores sociales, económicos y ambientales asociados a las áreas dedicadas a la producción de café, aunque muy bien delimitados teóricamente, en la práctica están integrados y son interdependientes uno del otro, y esa interacción es muy necesaria para el éxito holístico del sistema

Contribution of existing vegetation in suburban agroecosystems of Santiago de Cuba to food

En los momentos actuales alcanzar la seguridad alimentaria resulta vital, por tanto, el análisis de cómo contribuyen los diferentes tipos de sistemas productivos al logro este objetivo es de suma importancia. El trabajo se centró en valorar la percepción de los productores y consumidores sobre el aporte de la vegetación dedicada a la producción de alimentos, en agroecosistemas suburbanos de Santiago de Cuba, a la alimentación. Seleccionadas las fincas se realizaron muestreos para establecer un listado base sobre las especies de plantas encontradas en las fincas, luego se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a productores y consumidores en las localidades cercanas a cada uno de los sistemas agrícolas. En el listado elaborado se contabilizaron 185 176 individuos, 33 familias, 55 géneros y 72 especies. La composición de plantas destinadas para la alimentación es bastante estable y las especies sobre las cuales se sustenta la dieta de productores y consumidores tienen una representación superior al 59 % destacándose los vegetales, viandas y frutas frescas. Hay correspondencia entre las formas de adquirir los productos por parte de los consumidores y las formas de comercialización utilizadas por los productores. Las hortalizas, viandas y frutas frescas son los productos más adquiridos por los consumidores y a los que más acceso tienen los productores con un reconocimiento de la disponibilidad y la calidad superior al 50 %. La flora cultivada con fines alimenticios en las fincas suburbanas estudiadas contribuye al logro de la seguridad alimentaria.Actualmente, o alcance da segurança alimentar é vital, pelo que a análise de como os diferentes tipos de sistemas de produção contribuem para a concretização deste objectivo é da maior importância. O trabalho se concentrou em avaliar a percepção de produtores e consumidores sobre a contribuição da vegetação dedicada à produção de alimentos, em agroecossistemas suburbanos de Santiago de Cuba, para a alimentação. Uma vez selecionadas as fazendas, foram realizadas amostragens para estabelecer uma lista de base das espécies vegetais encontradas nas fazendas, em seguida, foram aplicadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com produtores e consumidores das localidades próximas a cada um dos sistemas agrícolas. 185 176 indivíduos, 33 famílias, 55 gêneros e 72 espécies foram contados na lista elaborada. A composição das plantas destinadas à alimentação é bastante estável e as espécies que servem de base à dieta alimentar dos produtores e consumidores têm uma representação superior a 59%, com destaque para os vegetais, carnes e frutas frescas. Existe uma correspondência entre as formas como os consumidores compram os produtos e as formas de comercialização utilizadas pelos produtores. Legumes, carnes e frutas frescas são os produtos mais comprados pelos consumidores e aos quais os produtores têm mais acesso, com um reconhecimento de disponibilidade e qualidade de mais de 50%. A flora cultivada para fins alimentares nas fazendas suburbanas estudadas contribui para o alcance da segurança alimentar.At present, achieving food security is vital; therefore, the analysis of how the different types of production systems contribute to achieving this objective is of utmost importance. The work focused on assessing the perception of producers and consumers about the contribution of the vegetation dedicated to food production, in suburban agroecosystems of Santiago de Cuba, to food. Once the farms were selected, samplings were carried out to establish a base list of the plant species found on the farms, and then semi-structured interviews were applied to producers and consumers in the localities close to each of the agricultural systems. 185 176 individuals, 33 families, 55 genera and 72 species were counted in the list prepared. The composition of plants intended for food is quite stable and the species on which the diet of producers and consumers is based have a representation of more than 59%, with vegetables, meats and fresh fruits standing out. There is a correspondence between the ways consumers purchase products and the marketing ways used by producers. Vegetables, meats and fresh fruits are the products most purchased by consumers and to which producers have the most access, with recognition of availability and quality of more than 50%. The flora cultivated for food purposes on the studied suburban farms contributes to the achievement of food security

Plant extracts of Cleome viscosa L. as biostimulants of the in vitro germination of two varieties of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

The aim of the work was to evaluate the biostimulant effect of plant extracts of Cleome viscosa L. on the in vitro germination of two varieties of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). A bioassay was set up on a completely randomized design with a control and 18 treatments with three samples each, evaluating the effect on the dynamics and percentage of germination, radicle length and hypocotyl length. The chemical families present in the extracts were determined by phytochemical characterization. For the length of the radicle and the hypocotyl, the extracts with the best potentialities in the Verano 1 variety are those obtained from the root and stem, although the concentrations with the best influence on both indicators are 1 and 3 of the root extracts. Differences in the richness of chemical families were verified in the extracts with the best results, although the best composition was obtained in those of the root and stem, showing the presence of free amino acids in all cases. Cleome viscosa is promising for obtaining products with a biostimulant effect on the varieties of pepper studied, obtaining a better effect when root, stem and whole plant extracts are applied

Chemical Soil Properties of Four Suburban Farms in Santiago de Cuba

Context: Soil is an important resource and it is the basis for agricultural forestry exploitation. The chemical properties are linked to nutrient availability. Proper research of the soil chemical nature indicators is needed to understand soil fertility. Aim: To evaluate the behavior of some chemical properties of the soil on four suburban farms in Santiago de Cuba. Methods: The soil was dug to collect samples from every soil horizon. After identification, the samples were taken to the laboratories of Oriente Geomining Company. The contents of calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), aluminum (Al3+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) were determined, along with the cationic ratios, the pH, the effective cationic exchange capacity (CICe), base saturation percentage (V), the saturation associated with CICe, and the organic matter (M.O.) Results: The Ca2+, Na+, and K+ contents underwent a variable behavior, whereas Al3+ and Mg2+ behaved similarly, in all the cases above the soil permissibility limits. The pH was the least variable property, above 7, the V value in all the cases surpassed 85%, and CICe was above 50 cmol.Kg-1. The Ca2+/MG2+ showed a favorable balance, Na+ saturation was high, and the O.M. content was generally low. Conclusions: The chemical properties of the farm soils analyzed were a constraining factor to the development of production. Despite the potential fertility and proper nutrient contents, the ratios between the elements makes them so fixed in the soil in forms that cannot be assimilated by the crops

Nutritional Potential of Weeds on Suburban Farms in Santiago de Cuba

Context: Although weed species have traditionally been considered a problem, today, they are a resource in need of preservation. Objective: To determine the food potential of weed vegetation on suburban farms in Santiago de Cuba Methods: An ethnobotanical study was conducted in communities adjacent to various farms. The botanical composition, percentage of species with a food potential, and their most frequently used organs, food types, and most favored species for animal nutrition, were determined. Results: A total of 22 weed species with food potential were identified, family Poaceae being the most commonly found, and Bothriochloa pertusa (L.) A. Camus, was the most dominating species. Together with Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) Sim. & Jac., their reference percentage was 100%. The most commonly used organ of weed was the leaves (77.27%), especially in animal nutrition (63.63%). Eight species are used in human nutrition, of which Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth and Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. are consumed as scarce fruits. Conclusions: The grass studied has a potential for use as human and animal nutrition

Composition and diversity of the existing flora in suburban farms of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

La biodiversidad es esencial en los ecosistemas cultivados. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar la composición y diversidad de la flora existente en fincas suburbanas de Santiago de Cuba. Se realizaron muestreos en las fincas seleccionadas y se contabilizó el total de individuos, familia, géneros y especies. De diversidad alfa se evaluó la riqueza de especies, dominancia de Simpson, dominancia de Berger-Parker y diversidad de Shannon. Como medida de similitud se tuvo en cuenta la formación de grupos homogéneos mediante un análisis multivariado (CLUSTER). Se contabilizaron un total de 261.024 individuos, 74 familias botánicas, 201 géneros y 238 especies. Por período (poco lluvioso y lluvioso) se encontró una tendencia a la disminución en el número de especies en el periodo lluvioso. Las especies arvenses fueron el grupo más representado, y Leguminosae y Asteraceae las familias más representadas. Aunque la dominancia es variable, existe una distribución homogénea de las especies donde predominan las clasificadas como escasas. La similitud entre fincas es de baja a moderada y se evidencia la existencia de especies comunes con pocos individuos y de especies exclusivas adaptadas a las condiciones de cada finca.Biodiversity is essential in cultivated ecosystems. The objective of this work was to evaluate the composition and diversity of the existing flora in suburban farms in Santiago de Cuba. Samplings were carried out in the selected farms and the total number of individuals, family, genera and species was counted. Alpha diversity was evaluated for species richness, Simpson dominance, Berger-Parker dominance and Shannon diversity. As a measure of similarity, the formation of homogeneous groups was taken into account by means of a multivariate analysis (CLUSTER). A total of 261.024 individuals, 74 botanical families, 201 genera and 238 species were recorded. By period (little rainy and rainy) a tendency to decrease in the number of species was found in the rainy period. Weed species were the most represented group, and Leguminosae and Asteraceae the most represented families. Although dominance is variable, there is a homogeneous distribution of species where those classified as scarce predominate. The similarity between farms is low to moderate and the existence of common species with few individuals and exclusive species adapted to the conditions of each farm is evident

Identificación y comportamiento de la fauna entomológica asociada a la vegetación existente en dos fincas suburbanas en Santiago de Cuba, Cuba

Resumen. La fauna entomológica es un componente importante en los sistemas agrícolas. Sin embargo no siempre se le ha dado el valor que merece. El trabajo tuvo como objetivo identificar y evaluar el comportamiento de la fauna entomológica asociada a la vegetación existente en dos fincas de la agricultura suburbana en Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. Se realizaron muestreos directos, los insectos recolectados fueron conservados en etanol al 70% y luego se procedió a su identificación. Se contabilizaron aquellas especies que pertenecieron a una misma categoría taxonómica evaluándose la composición insectil. Se calculó la Riqueza de Margalef (DMg), Dominancia de Simpson (DSp), Índice de Berger-Parker (d) y Diversidad general (Shannon H´) como indicadores de diversidad alfa. Como medida de similitud (diversidad beta) se utilizaron los índices de Jaccard (Ij), Morisita-Horn (I) y Subordinación Ecológica (SE). Fueron recolectados 1.592 individuos, pertenecientes a cinco órdenes, 20 familias, 30 géneros y 31 especies. Los órdenes más representados fueron Coleoptera, Hemiptera e Hymenoptera, y los gremios tróficos con mayor presencia en ambos períodos fueron los fitófagos y los controladores biológicos (depredadores y parasitoides). La diversidad alfa disminuyó del período poco lluvioso al lluvioso, con valores de diversidad general dentro del rango establecido solo en la temporada poco lluviosa de la finca La Caballería. Existe una baja similitud entre las fincas que se compararon, evidenciando la presencia de pocas especies comunes, siendo la mayoría exclusivas de cada finca ya que se encuentran adaptadas a las condiciones ambientales del lugar. M-

Propiedades químicas del suelo en cuatro fincas de la agricultura suburbana en Santiago de Cuba

Context: Soil is an important resource and constitutes the basis for agricultural and forestry exploitation. Its chemical properties are related to the availability of nutrients. Without a proper study of the indicators of the chemical nature of soils, it is difficult to understand their fertility. Objective: To evaluate the behavior of some chemical properties of the soil in four farms of suburban agriculture in Santiago de Cuba. Methods: Pits were made to take samples in each of the soil horizons. Once the samples were identified, they were transferred to the Laboratories of Empresa Geominera Oriente. The content of calcium (Ca2 +), magnesium (Mg2 +), aluminum (Al3 +), sodium (Na +) and potassium (K +), cationic ratios, pH, Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (CICe), Percent of Saturation by Bases (V), Saturation with respect to CECe and Organic Matter (OM). Results: The content of Ca2 +, Na + and K + had a variable behavior while Al3 + and Mg2 + behaved in a similar way, exceeding the permissibility limits in the soil in all cases. The pH was the property that showed the least variation, being above 7, the V value in all cases was higher than 85% and the CECe was found above 50 cmol.Kg-1. The Ca2 + / Mg2 + ratio showed an unfavorable balance, the Na + saturation was high and the content of M.O. was generally low. Conclusions: The chemical properties of the soils in the studied farms are a limiting factor for the development of productive processes. Despite having potential fertility and good nutrient content, the relationship between the different elements means that these remain retained in the soil in ways that cannot be assimilated by crops.Contexto: El suelo es un recurso importante y constituye la base para la explotación agropecuaria y forestal. Sus propiedades químicas tienen relación con la disponibilidad de nutrientes. Sin un estudio adecuado de los indicadores de la naturaleza química de los suelos, es difícil comprender la fertilidad de estos. Objetivo: Evaluar el comportamiento de algunas propiedades químicas del suelo en cuatro fincas de la agricultura suburbana de Santiago de Cuba. Métodos: Se realizaron calicatas para tomar muestras en cada uno de los horizontes del suelo. Identificadas las muestras, fueron trasladas a los Laboratorios de la Empresa Geominera Oriente. Se determinó el contenido de calcio (Ca2+), magnesio (Mg2+), aluminio (Al3+), sodio (Na+) y potasio (K+), relaciones catiónicas, el pH, Capacidad de Intercambio Catiónico Efectiva (CICe), el Porciento de Saturación por Bases (V), Saturación respecto a la CICe y Materia Orgánica (M.O). Resultados: El contenido de Ca2+, Na+ y K+ tuvo un comportamiento variable mientras que el Al3+ y el Mg2+ se comportaron de manera similar, superando en todos los casos los límites de permisibilidad en el suelo. El pH fue la propiedad que menos variación mostró, encontrándose por encima de 7, el valor V en todos los casos fue superior al 85 % y la CICe se encontró por encima de 50 cmol.Kg-1. La relación Ca2+/Mg2+ mostró un balance desfavorable, la saturación por Na+ fue elevada y el contenido de M.O de manera general fue bajo. Conclusiones: Las propiedades químicas de los suelos en las fincas estudiadas son un factor limitante para el desarrollo de procesos productivos. A pesar de tener una fertilidad potencial y buen contenido de nutrientes, la relación entre los diferentes elementos hace que estos permanezcan retenidos en el suelo en formas que no pueden ser asimilados por los cultivos

Impact of the student scientific group on Environmental Management of Agricultural Ecosystems on professional training and environmental education

La investigación científica estudiantil es uno de los procesos que se ha venido potenciando en los últimos años como parte de la formación del profesional en las universidades cubanas. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar el impacto del grupo científico estudiantil de Gestión Ambiental de Ecosistemas Agrícolas en la formación del profesional y en la educación ambiental, evidenciando los logros y resultados científicos alcanzados por este grupo. Se aplicó una entrevista a los estudiantes miembros de este grupo científico y la evidencia de los resultados alcanzados se obtuvo a partir de los documentos bases del grupo, así como, de las bases de datos a la cual están indizadas las revistas en la que publican y los documentos bases del plan de estudio. Las temáticas de investigación del grupo han sido perfeccionadas continuamente permitiendo una mejor adaptación al contexto actual, dotando a los egresados de herramientas para dar respuesta a problemas profesionales. El trabajo investigativo, enfocado al desarrollo de habilidades profesionales, se ha centrado en la producción de alimentos, agroecología y capacitación en fincas suburbanas, patios familiares y ecosistemas cafetaleros. Se han formado hasta el momento 14 Ingenieros Agrónomos y se evidencia una adecuada integración entre los procesos de investigación científica, formación del profesional y educación ambiental.A pesquisa científica estudantil é um dos processos que se tem promovido nos últimos anos como parte da formação profissional nas universidades cubanas. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o impacto do grupo científico discente de Gestão Ambiental de Ecossistemas Agrícolas na formação profissional e educação ambiental, evidenciando as conquistas e resultados científicos alcançados por este grupo. Foi aplicada uma entrevista aos alunos integrantes deste grupo científico e as evidências dos resultados alcançados foram obtidas a partir dos documentos base do grupo, bem como das bases de dados em que estão indexados os periódicos em que publicam emos documentos básicos do plano de estudo. Os temas de investigação do grupo têm sido continuamente refinados permitindo uma melhor adaptação ao contexto atual, proporcionando aos graduados ferramentas para responder aos problemas profissionais. O trabalho investigativo, focado no desenvolvimento de habilidades profissionais, tem se concentrado na produção de alimentos, agroecologia e treinamento em fazendas suburbanas, pátios familiares e ecossistemas cafeeiros. Até o momento, já foram formados 14 Engenheiros Agrônomos e há evidências de adequada integração entre os processos de pesquisa científica, formação profissional e educação ambiental.Student scientific research is one of the processes that have been promoted in recent years as part of professional training in Cuban universities. This work aims to evaluate the impact of the student scientific group of Environmental Management of Agricultural Ecosystems in professional training and environmental education, evidencing the achievements and scientific results achieved by this group. An interview was applied to the student members of this scientific group and the evidence of the results achieved was obtained from the base documents of the group, as well as from the databases to which the journals in which they publish and are indexed and the basic documents of the study plan. The research topics of the group have been continuously refined allowing a better adaptation to the current context, providing graduates with tools to respond to professional problems. The investigative work, focused on the development of professional skills, has focused on food production, agroecology and training in suburban farms, family yard and coffee ecosystems. Up to now, 14 Agricultural Engineers have been trained and there is evidence of adequate integration between the processes of scientific research, professional training and environmental education