Revista Agro Productividad
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Agroecological production experiences in four agricultural regions of Mexico
Get PDFObjective: Analyze the experiences of various activities and practices that are carried in different agroecological regions of Mexico, in various crops and without, and use of chemicals.
Design/methodology/approach: Surveys were conducted in four agricultural regions of Mexico (Texcoco, State of Mexico, Vicente Guerrero, Tlaxcala, Michoacán, and Tetela del Volcan, Morelos); related to the general description, antecedents, inputs, and agroecological practices, which allowed a descriptive analysis to be carried out.
Results: 60.00% of the agroecological units belong to the common land tenure system and 40.00% to the small property. The producers are between 25 and 68 years old. The plots are from 0.50 to 20.00 ha. Of surface. The main crops were corn (Zea mays ssp. Mays) and avocado (Persea americana Mill.). 45.00% is temporary and 36.00% is irrigated / temporary. Half carry out crop rotation and 40.00% crop association. In more than 15 years of experience, they went from 59.00% using chemicals to 95.00% without using chemical herbicides. Crop nutrition is based on elements such as compost (27.00%), manure (23.00%). 50.00% manage pests and diseases through agroecological practices. 68.18% have technical advice, and 77.27% know the decree to reduce the use of glyphosate.
Limitations on study/implications: 13.60% are in transition, and still carry out chemical control of pests and diseases, as well as chemical fertilization.
Findings/conclusions: It is possible to grow crops with respect for biodiversity, use of local resources, be friendly to the environment, soil conservation, and obtain healthy food.Objective: To analyze experiences with various activities and practices carried out in different agroecologicalregions of Mexico, involving diverse crops, but excluding the use of chemicals.Design/Methodology/Approach: Surveys were conducted in four agricultural regions of Mexico (Texcoco,Estado de México; Vicente Guerrero, Tlaxcala; Michoacan; and Tetela del Volcán, Morelos); they tackled abroad description, background, inputs, and agroecological practices, in order to enable a descriptive analysis.Results: Out of all the agroecological units, 60% are ejidos and 40% are small private properties. Producersare between 25 and 68 years old. Plots range from 0.50 to 20 ha. The main crops are corn (Zea mays ssp. mays)and avocado (Persea americana Mill.). Forty-five percent of the crops are rainfed and 36% are irrigated/rainfed.Half of the producers perform crop rotation, while 40% prefers crop association. After 15 years of experience,the number of producers who did not use chemical herbicides increased from 59% to 95%. Crop nutrition isbased on such elements as compost (27%) and manure (23%). Fifty percent of the producers manage pests anddiseases through agroecological practices. Sixty-eight-point-two percent receive technical advice, while 77.3%are familiar with the decree to phase out the use of glyphosate.Study Limitations/Implications: Currently, 13.6% of producers are still transitioning and continue toperform chemical control of pests and diseases, as well as chemical fertilization.Findings/Conclusions: It is indeed possible to produce crops and obtain healthy food while caring forbiodiversity, making use of environmental-friendly local resources, and achieving soil conservation
Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit as protein supply for heifers
Get PDFObjective: To estimate the percentage of Leucaena in the diet of heifers fed with Taiwan grass, in order to maximize the efficiency of the ruminal supply of microbial Nitrogen (ERSMN).
Design/Methodology/Approach: Five heifers were randomly selected for each of the five treatments (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80% supplementation with Leucaena), according to a 5×5 Latin square experimental design. We determined the ruminal supply of microbial nitrogen (RSMN), ERSMN, and the urea-N by measuring N and purine derivatives in urine. Subsequently, we predicted the duodenal RSMN, the rumen nitrogen balance (RNB), and the urea cost with the Large Ruminant Nutrition System (LRNS v. 1.0.33) model.
Results: The inclusion of Leucaena improved (P≤0.05) the RSMN. The ERSMN estimated by purine derivatives had a quadratic response (P≤0.05) at the inclusion level of Leucaena in the diet. The RNB, the cost of urea, and the urea-N increased (P≤0.05) with a higher inclusion percentage of Leucaena. The maximum ERSMN and N balance were obtained with 20% Leucaena in the ration.
Study Limitations/Implications: The expression of the nitrogen utilization potential of Leucaena for microbial protein synthesis in this study was likely restricted by the limited availability of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC). Further studies must be conducted to determine the most affordable source of NFC to match Leucaena nitrogen utilization in the rumen.
Findings/Conclusions: Leucaena could be used as an efficient protein source for heifers at a 20% inclusion in their diet
Vegetative propagation of bird’s-foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) using different rooting agents
Get PDFObjective: To evaluate the growth dynamics based on the dry matter production of Lotus corniculatus L. variety 202700 and its morphological composition.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was carried out in the glass greenhouses of the Colegio de Postgraduados in Montecillo, Texcoco, Edo. Mexico, from December 2020 to May 2021. The effect of indole butyric acid (IBA) growth promoter in solid presentation Radix 1500 and liquid Radix T 3000 (S+ESolid and S+ELiquid) and a control (Substrate) was evaluated., a completely randomized design with three replicates was used, each with twenty pots as replicates. 1300 pots were planted, of which 20 of each treatment were taken monthly (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days) for subsequent data recording.
Results: S+ESolid was the one that presented the highest values followed by S+ELiquid and Witness (S) respectively.
Study Limitations/Implications: Destructive sampling of less than 30 days or greater than 150 days was not considered.
Findings/Conclusions: The plants with the application of 1500 ppm of IBA registered the greatest response in terms of variables: number of leaves, number of stems, leaves (g), stems (g), roots (g), root height (cm), root volume (cm3), greenness index, leaf area (cm2 /g) and plant height (cm), with respect to the rest of the treatments
Cassava-based (Manihot esculenta Crantz) fermented energy-protein food for bovines
Get PDFCassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a tuber that is used for human consumption and in the diet of animals, it is characterized by having a high starch content and low protein content. In this sense, it is proposed to use solid state fermentation (FES) to obtain a fermented feed based on cassava with a high energy-protein value for cattle. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the levels of yeast inoculum (IL) and days of fermentation, in the chemical, fermentative and microbiological composition of fermented foods based on cassava. A completely randomized design was used with factorial arrangement, 3 levels of yeast inoculum (0, 5 and 10%) and 5 days of fermentation (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 days). Interaction was found between the factors studied in the variables pH and crude protein (CP). The highest pH values ??were obtained with the addition of 10% of the IL (8.67) and values ??of 16.55% of PC were found. In relation to true protein (PV) and in situ degradation of dry matter (DIMS), no differences were found in the inoculum level or the days of fermentation studied, the PV values ??were 8% and DIMS 80 %. The yeast inoculum and the days of fermentation did not increase the true protein of the fermented cassava-based food.L
Objective: To assess the effect of different yeast levels and fermentation times on the chemical, fermentative, and microbiological composition of cassava in order to produce a cassava-based fermented food.
Design/Methodology/Approach: We used a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement, three yeast inoculum levels (0, 5, and 10%), and five fermentation times (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 days).
Results: We found significant interaction of the studied factors with the pH and crude protein (CP) variables. The highest pH values were obtained adding 10% yeast inoculum (YI) (8.67). CP values of 16.55% were found. No differences caused by the studied inoculum levels and fermentation times were found in true protein (TP) and the in situ degradation of dry matter (IDDM). TP and IDDM had 8% and 80% values, respectively.
Study Limitations/Implications: A behavior test with bovines must be conducted to demonstrate the potential of cassava-based fermented foods in meat and/or milk production.
Findings/Conclusions: The yeast inoculum and the fermentation days did not increase the TP in the cassava-based fermented food
Reproductive and morphological phenology of eight Mexican cacao clones (Theobroma cacao L.)
Get PDFObjective: To describe the dynamics of floral biology and fruit development until physiological maturity, by performing a qualitative and quantitative characterization in eight Mexican cacao clones (Theobroma cacao L.), called: Caehui, Chak, Canek, Chibolon, Supremo, Tabscoob, K'in and Olmeca.
Design/methodology/approach: In the phenological study, five trees were taken into account and five flower buds per tree were randomly identified (n=225). Twenty-one (21) qualitative and quantitative morphological descriptors were evaluated in fruits and grains. Descriptive statistics were established and a principal component analysis was applied to the quantitative descriptors.
Results: The Chak clone presented the highest value for length and diameter of flowers buds in reproductive phenology, with 7.4 mm and 4.2 mm; the K ́in clone stood out in fruits, with 252 mm length; and Supremo in fruit diameter, with 102 mm. Significant differences were found in the morphological variables evaluated, in addition to significant positive correlation (p<0.05 and p<0.001) between most of the variables. The first two main components described 62.5% of the total variation.
Findings/conclusions: The differences in measurements (length and diameter) of the flower buds are attributable to the genetic constitution; however, knowing the opening times allows us to have an exact reference in production levels. The parameters that contributed most to the variability observed were weight and diameter of the fruit, length and width of the grain, thickness of the exocarp, and weight of grains per pod
Characterization of agricultural practices in the community Mulato Viejo in Oaxaca
Get PDFABSTRACT
Objective: Document the standard of living of the "Mulato Viejo" community, their culture and agricultural practices in light of current development policies.
Design/methodology/approach: The study was carried out during the year of 2019, applying surveys and interviews using key informants with experience in community positions.
Results: The results showed that families practice some traditional farming techniques with family labor. A delay was also observed in the incorporation of women (5.5%) and in the generational rotation of producers, 84% are over 40 years old and of these 69% only have primary education, so they do not know the fundamentals of agricultural practices used, this limits the use of machinery to reduce workload, production costs or innovate
Limitations on study/implications: The main limitation was the sample size and the repeatability of the study, a single community was analyzed. It is proposed to extend to other communities with similar characteristics
Findings/conclusions: Semi-traditional agriculture has preserved the local maize races. However, it is necessary for the community to incorporate dynamics that diversify agricultural activities, crops, establish intra-community cooperation and trade networks, so that agricultural activities are a profitable economic option for the new generations, who would have a greater capacity to acquire the foundations of a sustainable agriculture that improves its yield but, with the challenge of keeping traditional agricultural practices intact
Keywords: Mulato Viejo, rural nucleus, solidarity networks.Objective: To describe the standard of living in the "Mulato Viejo" community; culture and their agricultural practices facing the current governmental development policies.
Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted during 2019, applying surveys and interviews to key informants with experience in community-elected positions.
Results: The results showed that families practice some traditional farming techniques based on family labor. There was also a lag in the incorporation of women (5.5%), and in the generational renewal of producers. For example, 84% are older than 40 years-old and out of those, only 69% completed elementary education. Thus, they do not know the rationality fundamentals of the agricultural practices they use. This limits the use of machinery to reduce the workload and the production costs, or to innovate.
Study limitations/implications: The main limitations were the sample size and the replicability of the study; a single community was analyzed. It is proposed then to expand the study to other communities with similar characteristics.
Findings/conclusions: Semi-traditional agriculture has preserved local landraces of maize. Yet, it is necessary for the community to incorporate dynamics that may diversify agricultural activities, crops; and allow establishing networks of cooperation and intra-community trade. So that agricultural activities may become an economic option profitable to further generations, who would have a greater capacity to acquire the bases for a sustainable agriculture. With the goal to improve yield but, with the challenge of keeping the traditional agricultural practices intact
Proximal and mineral composition analysis of castilla squash seeds (C. moschata), green pea (P. sativum) and green bean (P. vulgaris) for use in 4.0 Agribusiness
Get PDFObjective: To determine the proximal and mineral composition analysis of of castilla squash seeds (C. moschata), green pea (P. sativum) and pinto saltillo green bean (P. vulgaris).
Design/methodology/approach: The contents of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, crude fiber, protein, and ash) and micronutrients (minerals) of the evaluated species were determined using the AOAC standard procedures, and the quantification of minerals was performed by mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. A variance analysis and means comparison were performed with Tukey’s test (α = 0.05).
Results: The squash seeds with shells contain 291,500 ppm of protein, 417,000 ppm of fat, 66,700 ppm of carbohydrates, 134,000 ppm of crude fiber, 972,319.678 ppm of phosphorus, 3,380.09158 ppm of potassium and 3,183.2744 ppm of magnesium. The whole pea pod has 230,600 ppm of protein, 17,200 ppm of fat, 456,000 ppm of carbohydrates, 220,800 ppm of crude fiber, 5,438.18,991 ppm of phosphorus, 7,349.23753 ppm of potassium and 1,719.56882 ppm of magnesium. The whole green bean pods had a content of protein (185100 ppm), fat (2540 ppm), carbohydrates (377500 ppm), fiber (208000 ppm), phosphorus (6068.44661 ppm), potassium (15626.9991 ppm) and magnesium (17222.16567 ppm)).
Study limitations/implications: Studies on the chemical characteristics of other agroindustrial residues should be carried out.
Findings/conclusions: The foods analyzed have adequate characteristics to satisfy the demands with respect to some macronutrients and micronutrients. They can optimize the availability of nutrients in the generation of natural or synthetic foods that can change the future
Potential areas for taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) cultivation in Tabasco, Mexico: Zoning of Malanga in Tabasco, Mexico
No full textThe taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) Schott) is a herbaceous plant that produces a highly nutritious corm, and is adapted to lowlands and highlands. Due to the climate and soil requirements, this plant is capable of being cultivated in the state of Tabasco, so the objective of the research was to analyze the productive potential of taro in the state of Tabasco, to suggest the edaphoclimatic zones with the best conditions for its use. For this, an analysis was carried out using geographic information systems QGIS 3.16.1 and Arc GIS 10.2.2, to generate spatial interpolations of edaphic and climatic variables. Through map algebra, the edaphoclimatic zoning was generated for this crop in the state. The results indicate that the edaphoclimatic conditions allow the establishment of this crop in 1 608, 565 hectares, which is equivalent to 67% of the territory of Tabasco, although the optimal surface is only 655, 632 hectares (27%). The main limitations for cultivation are mainly edaphic, rather than climatic. From the edaphic point of view, the most suitable soils are flat, deep, with loamy or clayey textures, with slightly acidic or neutral pH. The physiographic areas of the alluvial plain, river valley and hills are the optimal ones for the cultivation of taro. The unsuitable areas are found in areas with permanent flooding and close to the coast, as well as in the highest areas of the Sierra de Tabasco.Objective: To analyze the productive potential of taro in the state of Tabasco, Mexico, in order to suggest the edaphoclimatic zones with the best conditions for its use.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The analysis was carried out using geographic information systems QGIS 3.16.1 and Arc GIS 10.2.2, to generate spatial interpolations of edaphic and climatic variables. The edaphoclimatic zoning for this crop in the state was generated through map algebra.
Results: The results indicate that the edaphoclimatic conditions allow the establishment of this crop in 1 608, 565 hectares, which is equivalent to 67% of the territory of Tabasco, although the optimal surface is only 655, 632 hectares (27%).
Study Limitations/Implications: The main limitations for cultivation are mainly edaphic, rather than climatic.
Findings/Conclusions: From the edaphic point of view, the most suitable soils are flat, deep, with loamy or clayey textures, with slightly acidic or neutral pH. The physiographic areas of the alluvial plain, river valley and hills are the optimal ones for the cultivation of taro. The unsuitable areas are those with permanent flooding and close to the coast, as well as in the highest areas of the Sierra de Tabasco
Effect of pruning on Jatropha curcas L. seedlings during the nursery stage
Get PDFObjective. The aim was to assess the effect of pruning on Jatropha curcas L. seedlings during the nursery stage.
Design/Methodology/Approach. In order to determine the effect of pruning on Jatropha curcas L. seedlings under nursery stage, a study was carried out at the nursery of the CPA “Abel Santamaría” of the Martí municipality, Cuba. A complete randomized design was used. Three treatments (T) were tested: 1) control (without pruning), 2) pruning at 30 cm from the soil and defoliation of seedlings, 3) pruning at 30 cm from the soil and without defoliation of seedlings. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine survival, regrowth and quantity of plants with primary branches. For the number of leaves and branches, height and diameter, a simple variance analysis was used, with partitions for each observation.
Results. It was found that no treatment influenced the plant survival and regrowth. With T2 and T3 up to 2 branches per plant obtained. The height was higher with T1 (38,63 cm) and differed from T2 and T3. The highest quantity of branches that formed primary branches was obtained by pruning and without defoliating (28 vs. 22 and 0, for T2 and T1, respectively).
Study Limitations/Implications. Pruning is an option to increase agronomic yield in Jatropha, but it has not been studied at nursery conditions.
Findings/Conclusions. It is concluded that pruning J. curcas seedlings in nursery at 30 cm of height with regards to the soil, with defoliation or without defoliation; neither affects crop survival or regrowth and the development of primary branches. However, it is possible to obtain more plants with primary branches and higher stem diameter by performing pruning without defoliation.Objective: To determine the effect of pruning on seedlings of Jatropha curcas L. during the nursery stage.Design/Methodology/Approach: To determine the effect of pruning on Jatropha curcas L. seedlings during thenursery stage, a study was carried out at the nursery of the CPA “Abel Santamaría” of the Martí municipality,Cuba. A complete randomized design was used. Three treatments (T) were tested: 1) control (without pruning),2) pruning 30 cm above the soil and seedling defoliation, 3) pruning 30 cm above the soil and without seedlingdefoliation. A descriptive analysis was carried out to determine the survival, regrowth, and number of plantswith primary branches. For the number of leaves and branches, height, and diameter, a simple analysis ofvariance was used, with partitions for each observation.Results: No treatment influenced the survival and regrowth of the plant: up to 2 branches of T2 and T3 wereobtained per plant. A greater height was recorded with T1 (38.63 cm) and this result is different from T2 andT3. The highest number of branches that formed primary branches was obtained by pruning and withoutdefoliation (28 vs. 22 and 0, for T2 and T1, respectively).Study Limitations/Implications. Pruning is an option that can increase Jatropha’s agronomic yield, but it hasnot been studied under nursery conditions.Findings/Conclusions. The pruning of J. curcas seedlings at 30 cm above the ground, under nurseryconditions, with or without defoliation, does not affect the survival or regrowth of the crops and thedevelopment of the primary branches. However, more plants with primary branches and a wider stemdiameter can be obtained by pruning without defoliatio
Using discarded oyster shells to obtain biodiesel
Get PDFBiodiesel production was studied through the transesterification of used edible vegetable oil, using a calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst derived from Crassostrea Virginica oyster shells. Which were calcined at 900 ° C for 2 hours and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The efficiency of conversion to methyl esters was evaluated using 2%, 3% and 4% of catalyst and they were analyzed by 1H NMR. The results showing that concentrations greater than 2% of CaO generate biodiesel conversions greater than 90%.Objective: To evaluate the CaO made from oyster shell (C. virginica) as a heterogeneous catalyst in the transesterification of edible vegetable oil used for the production of biodiesel.
Design / methodology / approach: A completely randomized experimental design was used, which grouped 3 treatments with 3 repetitions, generating a total of 9 experimental units. The response variable was the performance of the transesterification reaction that was evaluated with 2%, 3% and 4% of CaO obtained from oyster shells. The density, kinematic viscosity, acidity, and conversion efficiency to methyl esters were determined by 1H NMR of the products of each treatment.
Results: The treatment with 3% catalyst showed the highest reaction yield (92.2%) compared to the treatments with 2% (86.8%) and 4% catalyst (87.13%). The 1H NMR spectra confirmed the presence of methyl esters in the product of the three treatments. The treatment with 3% and 4% by weight of catalyst presented products with similar characteristics with acceptable values of density, viscosity and acid number in accordance with the ASTM D6751 and EN1421 standards.
Study limitations / implications: A concentration of 2% by weight of CaO generates a conversion percentage far from the content of methyl esters established by the ASTM D6751 and EN14214 Standards (> 96.5%).
Findings / conclusions: 1H NMR results indicate that the conversion efficiency to methyl esters is positively affected by the amount of catalyst. In the treatments with catalyst loading greater than 2%, the conversion to methyl esters increased significantly to values around 90%