The journal Ingeniería Agrícola, edited by the Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (IAgric), is a serial publication that began its edition in paper (ISSN 2306-1545) and digital (ISSN 2306-1545) formats. 2227-8761) since 2011. It is aimed at professionals and technicians in the field of Agricultural Engineering and related areas. It publishes texts in Spanish, Portuguese and English, with a continuous publication frequency consisting of one volume per year (January-December) in the form of original articles, technical notes, review, points of view, software, letters to the editor and thesis summaries, which are submitted to a blind peer review process. The journal complies with the certification requirements established for scientific-technological serial publications, provided for in the third section, article 20 of Resolution No. 59/2003 of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment of the Republic of Cuba. It is an open access journal under the CC Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0), which does not establish costs for processing, publication, or embargo period.
Instituto de Investigaciones de Ingeniería Agrícola (IAgric)
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Ecological improvement of seeds of three tomato cultivars with recycled agromaterials
Organic seeds treated with residual solids from the productive agroecosystem, not yet managed for these purposes, are obtained; with the objective of evaluating the effect of coating seeds of three (Solanum lycorpesicum L.) tomato cultivars, with recycled agromaterials from the agroecosystem, on the physical and physiological properties of the seeds, as promoters of quality and efficiency of the germination process, of the first vegetative stage and conservation, which guarantees the sustainability of the crop production process. With the purpose of expanding the forms of application of the conceived bioproducts, establishing a methodology under the guidelines of the circular economy, reducing the amount of residual solid used and validated together with plant collagen. More effective protocols were established for the preparation of agromaterials, coating and evaluation of the quality of the treated seeds. The most efficient collagen extraction was obtained from 300 g plant material with 375 ml of water, the proportions of the coating mixtures when using 0.5 g residual solid in 1 ml of collagen. 80-95% of seeds were coated with 40-98% of the surface coated and mass of the adhered mixture of 0.30-0.60 g. The economic valuation of the process is manifested by using a lower consumption of agromaterials to achieve a promoting effect on the coated seeds in the seedbed stage in the physiological indicators: quality of the germination process, biomass formation, growth rates of the seedlings under conditions laboratory and productive; which provides for a more advantageous production process conditioned by positive externalities in its environmental impact. It is proposed as an alternative that will allow the development of sustainable circular agriculture.
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Hidrics Requirements to Future of Pineapple Crop in Ciego de Ávila Province
The Climatic Change believes conditions that modify the irrigation requirements of the cultivations, with the objective of determining the hidrics necessities to future in pineapple crop (cv. Red Spanish) under the conditions of the Ciego de Ávila province was carried out an evaluation for the period 2020 - 2050 by means of the application of the program CROPWAT 8.0, using the information obtained during the studies related to the evapotranspiration, the answer to the crop irrigation, and the climatic information contributed by the climatic regional pattern PRECIS with employment of the climatic scenario Echam (evolutionary line A2); for the evaluation were selected the characteristic years (half dry, half and half humid). The results confirm that the precipitations will stay in the range between 1200 and 1500 mm annually, always below the evapotranspiration of the cultivation, concentrating the irrigation necessities on three stages of the year, being reached the biggest values of hidrics requirements in the months of March and April, with a maximum of 4,12 mm/day; the net irrigation norms are shown in the range between 1313 and 1384 m3/ha, the effect of the limited supply of water in the yield during the final stage of physiologic development is low (2,6 - 2,7 %), should be considered more marked goods if the deficit of humidity takes place in the maxim stage of hidrics demands. The results confirm that it should be expected to future an increase of the irrigation requirements in relation to the norms that are applied at the present time.
Exploratory Study on the Irrigation Regime in a Pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus) Plot
The cultivation of pitahaya has expanded in recent years in many regions of the world, especially in Ecuador with predominance in its tropical regions. Although its production constitutes an important source of income, there are few publications related to its cultivation techniques and irrigation management in the country. This work constitutes an exploratory study conducted in Manabí, Ecuador in a 1.25 ha plot planted with red pitahaya. The average field capacity expressed as a percentage of dry soil was determined by the gravimetric method with a value of 42.96% pss (value equivalent to 45% of volumetric humidity measured with a DELTA-T HH2 probe at the same site). To know the water requirements of the crop irrigated by a microsprinkler system, irrigation programming was developed using the CROPWAT program. The average annual irrigation interval obtained was 3.7 days, with extreme values ​​of 9.3 days in February and 2.7 days in November. These results were compared with the spatial and temporal distribution of humidity in periods of 1 hour, 72 hours and seven days after irrigation. The humidity measured with the electromagnetic probe showed that surface humidity maintained values ​​lower than the critical depletion fraction of 30% up to 72 hours after irrigation. This result is similar to that provided by CROPWAT (3.7 days), which confirms the need to water the crop every four days on average depending on the season and rainfall contributions.
Water demand estimation for irrigation in three rice poles in Cuba
In Cuba, rice consumes more than 30% of the total water demanded by crops in the Ministry of Agriculture. Taking into account the current climate conditions together with the new rice varieties, the present work is developed with the purpose of knowing the total net irrigation requirements for an average sowing cycle (130 days) and probabilities of occurrence of rainfall in three rice poles of Cuba. For this purpose, it was necessary to carry out a hydrological study of the work sites that allowed the characterization of the wet, medium and dry years from which the climatic variables involved in the determination of the reference evapotranspiration were defined, the crop coefficients were identified by development phases and the hydraulic parameters of soil functioning in the poles analyzed for their run in the CropWat program. From the study, the wet, medium and dry years were defined taking into account the probabilities, it was possible to specify that the total net standards vary according to the type of soil, climate and crop life cycle, being in the range for a medium year (50% probability) in the December-May period (876,59 and 1016,47 mm), May-September (1006,98 and 1035,97 mm) and July-October (1011,27 and 1022,97 mm). When compared to those proposed by INRH Resolution 7/2020 for the same study areas (10500 mm), they are lower, compared to the highest standards obtained, by 9,6; 9,8 and 9,7%, respectively.
Behavior of anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz.) in mango cultivation Bizcochuelo variety
An example of the behavior of anthracnose (Colletrotrichum gloesporioides Penz.), with the presence of four phases of epiphytiological development in the from July 2022 to July 2024, in the cultivation of the Bizcochuelo variety mango in the area of El Caney, Santiago de Cuba. To carry out the research a sample of 15 random plants and 5 branches per plant in the different strata, with a periodicity of 10 days to determine the pest infestation. The statistical analysis was performed with the application of the Simple Linear Regression Model between the infestation index and each recorded climatic factor, using the StatSoft Statistic version 7 Analysis System. The results in the epidemiological development are characterized by the phases of maximum infestation, decay, slow development and accelerated development and indicate the highest severity of the fungus are December and January, favored mainly by the climatic factors of relative humidity and temperatures.
Productivity and quality of Kiwano Cucumis metuliferus Linn grown under the biointensive cultivation method
In order to evaluate the productivity and quality of the Kiwuano crop (Cucumis metuliferus L) under the biointensive cultivation method, an experiment was conducted in the second half of May 2021 on the La Ceiba farm owned by the producer Enerledis Fitó Duvergel belonging to the CCS Orlando. López municipality of La Lisa, Havana. The crop was planted on a typical red Ferralitic soil applying the Biointensive Cultivation Method. The biointensive beds have a dimension of 1.30 m x 8 m long for a total area of 10 m² and each bed was divided into two plots four meters long, double excavation was carried out, pig manure was applied at a rate of 2 kg¬/m2. Sowing was carried out with 30-day-old positions. The following were evaluated: number of fruits per plant, equatorial diameter of the fruits, length of the fruits, fruit mass and yield in kg per square meter; as well as analysis of fruit quality: fruit mass, firmness (kg), fruit length and width (cm) and bromatological analysis: Determination of SS Brix, total soluble solids, pH index and electrical conductivity and shelf life. The MCB increased the yield by 60% compared to the traditional flower bed. The physical-chemical evaluations of the fruits are in correspondence with the sensory analyzes with the overall quality being good, the values of mass loss due to physiological activity were low, while the fruits maintained their firmness showing good quality during shelf life.
Design of an Integrated Irrigation Management Model for Electric Center Pivot Machines
It is predicted a reduction of the readiness of the hidrics resources like consequence of the Climatic Change, starting from that is indispensable the application of working methods that allow to achieve each day a more efficient use of the water. The rector’s documents of the irrigation activity available in Cuba have been conceived at the macro level due to this they don´t offer the parameters that consider the basic characteristics of the productive units and don´t provide the technical elements for the organization and execution of irrigation at base level. With the objective of designing a model for the organization, execution and control of the irrigation that contributes to the efficient use of water in systems with electric central pivot machines research is carried out in areas of the Camagüey Agricultural Company. As a result of the evaluation carried out, exploitation parameters were determined such as: preparation, organization, execution and determination of the effectiveness of irrigation. The indicators include all the aspects contained in each of these parameters such as the technical review, training, among others, which allowed obtaining a management model in which irrigation is not valued in isolation but in its interrelation with all the activities that are linked to the production of bean crops, whose use demonstrated its feasibility of application by being precise and dynamic, also, adaptable to other conditions of soils, crops and irrigation technologies.
Soil Fertility Sampling and Interpolation Using Ordinary Kriging for Thematic Mapping
The objective of the research was to interpolate soil fertility variables using Ordinary Kriging to perform a thematic mapping of a rice area of the Agroindustrial Grain Company "Sur del Jíbaro". Soil sampling was carried out following the international methodology of FAO and NC 36:2009. Global Positioning Systems (GPS) were used to georeference all the information; with the Statgraphics software, the data was analyzed in an exploratory manner, corroborating that the PH and MO variables did not adjust to normality. With the Smart-Map plugin in the Qgis V 3.36 software, it was determined that the exponential model is the most appropriate to adjust the data to normality and to perform the interpolation. Thematic maps were made which represent the variability of the content of PH, MO, K2O and P2O5; the interpolation was reaffirmed through a cross-validation where the metrics projected values that ensured a good prediction.
Weed control with agroecological practices
The cuban cane agriculture lacks financial resources and suffers the effects of the climatic change. Under these conditions the establishment of a weeds adequate control constitutes a challenge for the producers. The work was carried out with the objective of elaborating a strategy based on agroecological practices for weed control on sugarcane shoots in Calcium Ferralitized soils. It was carried out in three stages: conception, validation and impact evaluation. In the conception of the strategy bibliographic sources referring to the study of weeds and methods for their control were consulted and three ranges of agricultural yield were considered; in the validation stage the demonstration plots were set up in sugarcane production units and, in the economic impact evaluation were considered the official prices in the country of the herbicides, the fuel and the ton of cane harvested and the environmental impact it had in account the polluting load the thrown into the atmosphere from the beginning of functioning of the internal combustion engine. The results showed that the developed strategy showed respect actual one an excellent control of the weeds, an economic impact between 37 849,12 y 49 055, 48 CUP ha-1 based on agricultural yield and reduction of the contaminant charge between 3,73 y 44,22 kg. ha-1, depending on yield range.
Tillage potential in the selection of soil preparation technologies for sugar cane
Soil preparation constitutes one of the important pillars in the promotion and replacement of sugarcane since one of its purposes is focused on creating an adequate planting bed for the development and establishment of the crop. In this technological process it is crucial to consider technical, economic, energy and environmental aspects to achieve a satisfactory balance in sustainable agricultural production. With the objective of evaluating the potential of the tillage service in the selection of soil preparation technologies for sugarcane this paper was developed. The research was carried out on a Red Ferralitic soil from the Basic Cooperative Production Unit (UBPC) Vietnam, belonging to the Antonio Sánchez Agroindustrial Sugar Company (EAA), in Cienfuegos. A total minimum tillage technology with traditional implements, commonly applied in the EAA, was compared with the stripped tillage proposed by the Soil Tillage Service. The evaluation of the exploitation indicators followed the procedures established in the Cuban standards. The results showed that the application of the technology recommended by the tillage service brought as a benefit, the management of crop residues, the reduction of the total soil preparation time in 25 days, the decrease in fuel consumption by 44 L ha- 1 and the reduction of labor cost up to 46%. These elements constitute important aspects to achieve the maximum use of resources, promote cooperative development and recover the sugar agroindustry of Cuba.
Determination of the Crop Coefficient (Kc) of Corn, in the Central Region of Cuba
With the objective of determining the crop coefficients (Kc) of corn under the conditions of the Horquita Agricultural Company of the Cienfuegos province, this research was carried out at the “La Prosperidad” Farm in the winter planting campaign, with variety of H-Ame 15 corn from CIGB. With the meteorological variables of Station 78335 of Aguada de Pasajeros, the reference evapotranspiration was determined (Eto from 3 mm day-1 to 5,85 mm.day-1) and by monitoring soil humidity by the gravimetric method and Considering the rainfall recorded in the production scenario itself through the installed rain gauge and the applied irrigation sheets, the evapotranspiration of the crop was determined (Etc of 2,35 and 4,4 mm dia-1) and from the relationship between both types of evapotranspiration, the crop coefficient was determined for each of the phases of physiological development: Beginning, middle and end, which reflected the values ​​of 0,83; 0,91 and 0,50 respectively, which are an expression of the water demands in the requirements of corn for this winter planting season and depending on the soil and local climate variables. For the same soil, climate and crop conditions, average yields of 10,29 t ha-1 were obtained, with a standard deviation of 0,49 and a coefficient of variation of 4,8 %.
Inspection and Diagnostic Program for Critical Technological Assets in a Biopharmaceutical Enterprise
The objective of this work was to propose an inspection and diagnosis program for critical technological assets of a biopharmaceutical company, to reduce the occurrence of failures by monitoring the condition of the technological assets, through timely intervention. A procedure for the implementation of said program was proposed. To meet this objective, tools such as mathematical and statistical modeling for criticality analysis, analysis of failure modes and effects, expert criteria for analysis and technical diagnosis tools were used. The result obtained in the research was an inspection and diagnosis program for critical assets and a procedure for the application of the program. Its implementation will allow planning a timely intervention, the reduction of interventions and a considerable reduction in the time in the intervention, with economic and environmental effects.
Arsenic content in Cubans Typical Red Ferralitic soils profiles
Arsenic (As) is an element that is toxic at a certain concentration. Inorganic As is present in soil, water, air and food. In Cuba, Red Ferralitic soils, although they are not the most abundant, are among the most used in agriculture, so present work studied the As content in 10 Typical Red Ferralitic soil profiles selected throughout the country, from the National Soil Map of Cuba at a scale 1: 25,000, and depths 0-20, 20-40, 40-60, 60-80 and 80-100 cm, in areas with minimal anthropic effect, as well as its availability to plants. Pseudototal As contents were extracted using the USEPA 3051A method and its sequential extraction using the Shuman method. The determination was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with a hydride system. The statistical evaluation of the results indicates that although the contents were high, most of it is in a form that cannot be assimilated by plants, so there is no risk for its agricultural use. His parental origin is discussed and the need for further studies is warned.
Effect of Seaweed Extracts on Germination and Growth of Vegetables of Economic Interest
Biostimulants based on seaweed extracts may be an option to improve plant germination and growth. The objective of the work was to evaluate the effectiveness of the application of seaweed extracts in the germination and growth of vegetables of economic interest. For its development, two experiments were conducted to know the effects of the product with different dilutions. The first experiment demonstrated the potential of this product in the germination phase of vegetable seeds (cabbage, chard and lettuce); In the second experiment, this experience was carried out in the field with the best results obtained in the previous experiment to evaluate the influence of the product on the growth and development indicators of vegetables. The results showed that the treatment of the seeds with a 1% solution of the extract stimulated the germination and growth of the radicles of the vegetable seeds under study. In addition, its growth-stimulating effect is evidenced by the increase in height, number of leaves, length, width of the leaf and yield of the vegetables under study when using the 1% dilution of the product.
Quality and Efficiency Requirements in Mechanized Processes in Small Agricultural Industries
In Cuba has had a great impulse the creation of agricultural miniindustries, especially those dedicated to the postharvest treatment and the processing of products such as vegetables, fruits, grains and condiments, and exists state and institutional politics for the development of these miniindustries, of which exist 350 in cooperative and other entities of the Ministry of the Agriculture and Azcuba, and some 619 mipymes of the private sector, all dedicated to the processing of meat, conserves, milk and other agricultural products. During the works carried out in research projects on this topic was set the objective of perform a study relative to the indicators of quality that should be complied in the mechanized processes of the miniindustrias, as well as to specify the efficiency that is expected from the used machinery, whose fundamental results are exposed in this work. These analyses have the fundamental purpose of serving as basis for the elaboration of new research projects and themes of international collaboration.
Rational and More Stable Composition of the Sugar Cane Harvest-Transport-Reception Brigade
The present research was carried out in the Hector Molina Riaño Base Business Unit, with the aim of determining the rational organization of the sugarcane harvest-transport-reception system, through the integration of mathematical models that guarantee the stability of the flow of the system. The rational conformation of the harvest-transport brigade was determined using the following methods: linear programming, queuing theory for a single service station and for stations in cascades. When analyzing the stability of the compositions with the Markov chain model, the most stable variant is when the cascade queue theory is used when working in fields of 75 t/ha, with two CASE IH 8800 combine harvesters and four BELARUS 1523 tractors + four VTX 10000 self-dumping trailers, four SINOTRUCK HOWO aggregates + two trailers and three reception centers with a probability of 53.79% that the cycle will not be interrupted and a cost per system stoppage of 33.05 peso/h, making it possible to reduce the costs per stoppage by more than 30%, observing a marked influence when increasing the number of collection centers.
Phytochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Different Parts of Moringa oleifera
The multifaceted benefits of Moringa oleifera position it not only as a promising agricultural product but also as a versatile resource with implications for health, biodiversity and economic growth. Moringa has a rich history of traditional use for the treatment of various ailments and nutrition. Beyond its traditional uses, the plant's antioxidant properties suggest potential applications to combat conditions related to oxidative stress. For this reason, the objective of this work was to obtain and characterize hydroalcoholic extracts from different parts of the plant (apical, flakes, peel and seed cake). Hydroalcoholic extracts at 30 and 70% ethanol were prepared at a proportion of 1/10 and 1/30 w/vfrom the different parts of the plant. The concentration of total extractable solids, polyphenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity was determined using 1,1-diphenylpicrylhydrazine. According to the phytochemical analysis, all extracts presented acceptable levels of the studied metabolites. The hydroalcoholic extract 70% of the apical part ofMoringa oleifera presented the highest total phenolic content (512,48 ± 1,08 mg EAG/g DM), as well as flavonoids (56.86 ± 0.77 mg EQ/g DM). Consequently, the hydroalcoholic extract 30% of seed husk exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (74,05 ± 0,14%). This finding is fundamental for the use of Moringa oleifera as a potent source of antioxidants that could be used as an antimicrobial agent.
Evaluation of water quality for supply and irrigation in livestock
In animal production, water is a food and as such it must be treated, given the characteristics of the prevailing cattle production systems in the country and the associated feeds, there should be an optimal quality of water, however, there is not enough information to establish these differences. Therefore, in order to evaluate the effect of the quality of water with and without magnetic treatment used for water supply and irrigation in livestock, a study is carried out on the La Victoria farm belonging to the Evelio Rodríguez CCS in the Jimaguayú municipality. The tasks carried out for the study were the placement of a magnetizer, the taking of water samples, the evaluation of the same and the interpretation of the values obtained. The results show that the pH increases after magnetization from 7.4 to 9.3, contradictory parameters according to the different authors and the Ce values decrease so they are acceptable for supply; The results for irrigation define it as doubtful waters with which it can be irrigated with proper management. It is concluded that the discrepancies between the pH values indicate the need to design a quality standard for animal drinking water in the climatic conditions of Cuba and although the quality of water for irrigation is not the most adequate, it can be irrigated with systematic control over pH and Ce.
Spectral Signature Determination in Oryza Latifolia: in Rice Cultivation (Oryza sativa L.)
Oryza latifolia Desv. is a species present in commercial rice cultivation in Cuba, known as a weed that is difficult to control. In order to generate site-specific strategies where this plant grows, reflectance measurements of the weed were carried out to create spatial distribution maps that discriminate it. The reflectance of the weed was measured in three stages of its development in the UBPC production bases “El Cedro”, “Sur del Jíbaro” and “Las Nuevas”. In addition, the reflectance of the commercial rice varieties was measured: INCA LP-7 and IACUBA-41 in “El Cedro”, J-104 in “Sur del Jíbaro” and IACUBA-32 and IACUBA-41 for “Las Nuevas”, in the vegetative and reproductive stages. For this, 20 measurements were made for each variety and weedy rice, in each location and stage of development. An ANOVA and Duncan test were performed. The results showed significant differences (p˂0.05) for mean wavelength values ​​in the NIR band, between the reflectance of weedy rice and the rice varieties, for each of the evaluations. In addition, in the green band there were also some significant differences between the reflectance of the species, so both bands demonstrated potential for discrimination. Likewise, the spectral signature of weedy rice in the plots with sandy and clayey soil textures was different, but it should be noted that not only the texture but also other environmental and physiological factors influence reflectance.
Determination of the irrigation regime for the corn (Zea mays L.) in Cienfuegos province
The knowledge of the water requirements of a crop allows us to infer the possibilities of its development and makes it possible to evaluate the amount of water that is not satisfied by precipitation to be covered by irrigation. With the objective of determining the exploitation irrigation regime for the cultivation of corn, variety H-Ame 15, on the “La Prosperidad” farm of the Horquita Agricultural Company, this work was developed in the period included in the sowing campaign of spring. The planting frame was 0,90 m by 0,25 m. The area is benefited by the central pivot machine No 2, Western model, with 5 towers and covers an area of ​​30,7 ha. The IV quadrant of the machine was taken in which 5 plots of 60 m2 were established, one in each section of the machine, for sampling. The soil, crop, climate and machine parameters were determined, with which the time and irrigation standard required for each phase of crop development was established based on the moisture balance with the CROPWAT 8.0 program. The main results were that the corn variety H-Ame 15 found ideal soil, climate and irrigation conditions to express its maximum potential yield. Irrigation management allowed increasing the use of rain and reducing the volume of water applied by irrigation up to 48,5% of that consumed by the crop. The average yield of corn planted in spring with 13% grain moisture was 10,3 t ha-1 with a standard deviation of 0,5 and a coefficient of variation of 4,86%.
Effect of EcoMic® and CBFERT ecological fertilizers on the growth of tomato seedlings
Using alternatives to chemical fertilizers continues to be a priority for sustainable agriculture in Cuba. EcoMic® and CBFERT are ecological fertilizers of national production with promising results; however, their combined effect on plant growth has not been sufficiently explored. The present study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the effect of the simple and combined use of EcoMic® and CBFERT on the growth of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. L-43) in trays. A completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement was employed. The treatments included seedlings that were either untreated or inoculated with EcoMic® biofertilizer, in conjunction with three levels of CBFERT (0, 1, and 2 applications). The evaluations were carried out on 20 seedlings selected at random from each treatment. The variables measured included leaf number, stem length and diameter, biomass (both fresh and dry weight), and water content. The results demonstrated a differentiated response in tomato seedling growth between one and two applications of CBFERT, either alone or in combination with EcoMic®. At this early stage of the crop, CBFERT applications may determine changes in seedling growth; however, the relative proportion of dry biomass is favored with EcoMic®. Consequently, the combination of EcoMic® and two applications of CBFERT allows to obtain healthy seedlings, with quality morphological and phenological parameters. Future trials should explore the applications of these biostimulants in crop production.
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Advanced Information Technologies (TAInf) in the Study of Terrestrial Ecosystems (ET) and Agroecosystems (AES)
A scheme for the application of TAInf (hereinafter EsqTaInf ) is presented and analyzed aimed at the application of Science and Technological Innovation in areas dedicated to productive processes, related to sustainable food security and adaptation to climate change. Through the description of each of the parts that make up the aforementioned scheme, emphasis is placed on technical aspects and an example of its application is developed in one of the territories where intervention areas and sampling sites are located, within the framework of the ECOVALOR project. The development of the example is based on the importance of knowing the characteristics of the territories in which projects aimed at soil conservation and improvement are executed, in interrelation with the other key components of terrestrial ecosystems ( ET ) and agroecosystems ( AES ). All of which requires the highest possible quality in the acquisition, organization, processing, analysis and integration of information, treated under a systemic approach, aspect on which the present work is focused.
Benefit-cost analysis of a water supply system with solar pumping in a dairy farm
The present work was developed at the Scientific and Technical Unit Base of the Agricultural Engineering Research Institute, with the objective to make a benefit-cost analysis of a water supply system for cattle with a solar pump. The methodologies used consisted in calculate the electrical and hydraulic system elements based on the known volume of daily water consumption of 20 cows in milk production, in order to select a pump and the number of panels necessary for this one, the methodology was also used for the design and economic analysis of the system. As a result of the analysis and knowing the total volume of water that the tanks had to contain to ensure the daily supply to the cows (3.60 m3/day), the average water flow in the 5 peak solar hours of the place (0.20 L/s) and the height that the pump had to overcome (19.42 m.c.a.), the LORENTZ PS2-100 AHRP-07S solar pumping system was selected, which met these needs. Knowing the energy consumption (0.077 kW/h), it was decided to use four panels of 20 kW and thus the necessary power required by the equipment for its correct operation was obtained. In the economic analysis, the initial investment (46,243.65 CUP), the operating costs (55,080.05 CUP), and the monetary income (98,550 CUP) were taken into account. It was concluded that the pumping system was profitable with a payback of 1 year, 3 months and 11 days.
Characterization of the Structural State of Ferralitic Soils in Semi-Protected Crops on the "Roma" Farm
The soil structure is defined as the ability of the soil mass to disaggregate by itself into separations of different shapes and sizes, which can be evaluated through the stability of the aggregates. The following work was carried out with the aim of evaluating the impact of structural state in Ferralitic soils on the Roma farm, San Nicolás de Bari municipality, Mayabeque Province. The stability of the structure determines the degradation state of the soils and is an important parameter of their quality, summarizing both the negative and positive effects on agricultural management systems. Furthermore, it is very closely related to the formation of microaggregates, especially in Ferralitic soils. Samples were taken at different depths. Soil profile horizons were analyzed under dry and wet conditions by measuring the structural stability coefficient and the distribution of aggregates. It was evidenced that the values reflected for the dry stability coefficient in the upper horizons of the profile showed a good distribution of aggregates, which had high percentages in the ranges of 0.25 to 10 mm in diameter, indicating the presence of granular structure on the surface and abundant medium subangular blocks deeper down. However, from 45 to 90 cm deep in the profile, this distribution is affected, as larger aggregates of the mainly prismatic block type begin to form.
Environmental Education for Agricultural Development in a Rural Community
An environmental education process was developed in La Dolorita´s Community, located 11 km away from Santiago de Cuba city. The limitations in environmental treatment in the agricultural context, associated with an insufficient environmental culture of the community, affects agricultural performance in the tasks of conservation and improvement of the quality of the environment. To respond to the insufficiencies of the community, actions were implemented that allowed the formation of environmental knowledge, in the practice of agricultural exercise with an integrating and systematizing relationship. The statistical processing of the results was the T test analysis for related samples, with the use of SPSS Software version 21.0, which allowed knowing the behavior of the estimated variables in the investigation. The learning process in environmental training allowed the community members to achieve responsible conduct in the development of agricultural processes, in a space for the construction of environmental knowledge, which provided understanding for the protection of the environment in La Dolorita´s Community.
Avocado Crops Evapotranspiration and Irrigation demand at Güira de Melena-Alquizar Region, Cuba
Avocado is a fruit of economic and nutritional importance: and in Cuba, crop policy about this crop is aimed at increasing yields and planted areas. Although numerous agronomic studies have been conducted on this crop in the Country, there are no national reports on water and irrigation requirements. Therefore, this study aimed to determine crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and irrigation demand for the area comprised of the municipalities of Güira de Melena and Alquízar in Artemisa Province, using the CropWat 8.0 program with decadal average values of climate variables obtained for the Güira de Melena-Alquízar Station, collected from the National Agrometeorological Bulletin of the Institute of Meteorology, and 48 year historical rainfall series from a rain gauge located in the study area. The results indicate that under the conditions studied, crop evapotranspiration in the months of November to February reaches the lowest values and from this date onwards the ETc increases until reaching its maximum value in the months of April to May (4,5 mm/day) coinciding with the period of development and thickening of the fruit, the total irrigation demand for the harvest to harvest period fluctuated depending on the probability of rainfall, with values of 258,6, 308,1 and 363,2 mm, distributed in 5, 7 and 7 irrigations for the years of 25, 50 and 80% probability, respectively.
Standardized precipitation index for drought assessment in Artemisa
Currently, there are many procedures for characterizing droughts; most are based on the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), which is calculated from historical precipitation records for a given study period. The objective of this study was to evaluate drought intensity in the Alquizar region of Artemisa province, Cuba, using the SPI. Climate values from the SSP5-8.5 scenario from the HadGEM3, MPI-ESM1.2-HR, and MRI-ESM2.0 models were used. The SPI was determined for a 6-month period using precipitation data from the 2015-2050 period. Annual precipitation ranged from 1246.25 to 2109.76 mm. Of the three models, the MPI-ESM1.2-HR estimates the highest precipitation values in 22 of the 36 years studied, all above the current annual average for Cuba of 1335 mm. While the HadGEM3 model estimates 2 years with less than 1335 mm and the maximum value with 2109.76 mm for the year 2039. Ten extreme drought events stand out, due to their intensity and duration (SPI6 ≤ -2), according to the SPP5-8.5 scenario of the HadGEM3 model. The periods that stand out for the severity of the drought, with SPI values classified as extremely dry, are: May-December 2035 with a maximum SPI6 of -3.09, April-December 2050 with a maximum SPI6 of -2.7, September 2020 to September 2021 with a SPI6 of -2.27, and the severe drought from November 2037 to November 2038 with a SPI6 of -1.29.
Identification of Burned Areas Using Spectral Indexes and Sentinel 2 Images in Mayarí, Holguin
This research aims to identify burned areas within the municipality of Mayarí in the Mensura-Piloto National Park from Sentinel 2 satellite images, obtained free of charge through the Browser Copernicus Data Space portal. Annually during the dry season this municipality is affected by fire, caused mainly by anthropogenic and tropical action. Sometimes this phenomenon gets out of control, causing large fires that seriously affect the ecosystem of the region. The NBR spectral index is used to highlight the areas affected by fires and to classify the severity of the event, showing as a result a classification according to a range of key values in qualitative continuous order offered by the Key & Benson severity thresholds (100 / 270 / 440 / 660 / Max). The ranger sites reported a total of 3 612 ha of Burned Area, classified between burn zones with high, moderate and low severity, which corresponds to 2,77% of the total area of the municipality, a worrying figure, which should alert the municipal government officials in charge of Disaster Risk Management, to assess damages and analyze the respective recovery processes of vegetation cover and the ecosystem in an effective manner.
Early macrofauna dynamics under agroecological soil management alternatives
Increasing biodiversity is recognized as one of the pillars of agroecological transition and sustainability. The biological component of soil has a high dynamism, expression of the interaction between physical and chemical conditions. The following work evaluated the early response of macrofauna in a leached red Ferrallitic soil dedicated to vegetable production to 18 treatments combining 3 types of primary tillage (moldboard plow with animal traction, tiller and multi-plow), 2 types of organic amendment (bovine manure and earthworm humus) and the use of mulch. A corn (Zea mays L.) - bean (Vigna unguiculata L. variety Lina) association was used as a crop. The percentages of total porosity, capillary pores, aeration pores and aggregation were determined in order to describe the physical aspects of the soil ecosystem, and the indices of diversity (Shannon), equity (Pielou) and similarity (Jaccard) corresponding to different morphotypes of the soil macrofauna, as a biotic component, were calculated; a relationship was found between them and the type of management. The favorable impact of the use of non-inversion tillage on the increase of diversity and equity of the macrofauna community stands out, due to its favorable effect on the physical conditions of the soil, and the use of mulch as a differentiating factor in the development and diversification of this community. These results allow us to quantify the value of agroecological soil management strategies in the recovery of soil biodiversity.
Huauzontle: From Traditional Food to a Cultural Emblem- A Review
Huauzontle (Chenopodium berlandieri spp. nuttalliae) is a pseudocereal of Mexican origin with great cultural potential. This study analyzes its nutritional profile and its potential to become an emblematic food. Through a comparative literature review, its proximal composition was evaluated in comparison with other pseudocereals such as amaranth and quinoa. The results show that huauzontle has a high content of protein, fat and essential amino acid such as leucine, lysine and phenylalanine. In addition, minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Its profile makes it a functional food with health benefits. Culturally, its historical roots and presence in Mexican festivities give it a symbolic value that promotes its revaluation as gastronomic heritage. It is concluded that huauzontle combine nutritional and cultural attributes that justify its promotion as an emblematic food of Mexico.
Agricultural Engineering in the System of the Cuban Agriculture, a Challenge in the Current Times
In Cuba big advances have been achieved in the field of the agricultural engineering, but the machinery has suffered big affectations for the scarce availability of financial resources for its repair, maintenance and renovation, as well as for the purchase of fuel and spare parts. The Minag, following the state directives, has took on the task of improving the technical state and the grade of use of the agricultural machinery, the equipment for irrigation and water supply to the agriculture, the transport and other technical means. This work presents the results of a study carried out by the IAgric and the Minag on the current situation of the equipment, its availability, grade of use and the main problems to face.
Occurrence of Diseases in Tilapia Culture Worldwide: Review of the Current State of the Art
The tilapiculture has grown substantially in the last years for the productive intensification what presupposes the increase in the frequency of occurrence of diseases and the establishment of a propitious environment to the disappointment of new pathogenic outbreaks. Aiming to contribute to the qualitative production of tilapia, the guarantee of public health and the continuous growth of tilapiculture in a sustainable way controlling and preventing the occurrence of diseases in tilapiculture A rresearch was conducted on parasitic and microbial pathogens in tilapia farming in Angola. To provide an overview of the current scenario, a preparatory study was necessary to assess the present state of tilapia farming and its sanitary conditions.The article brings an appreciation of the current state of tilapiculture and its worldwide prosecution in terms of quantitative and qualitative production, geographical distribution of production, the commercially important tilapia species, the production systems applied in tilapiculture, current vision and sanitary approach in production: most frequent diseases and pathogens, the damage caused by diseases in the sector, the forms of recognition of the presence of disease in the farm adopted by producers and the route indicated until definitive diagnosis, the solutions taken in the treatment, control and prevention of cases of diseases common to tilapiculture as well as cases of new outbreaks ending with the difficulties encountered in facing the diseases.
From fertilization to the use of biofertilizers with an ecological perspective: a necessary paradigm change
The transition from chemical fertilizers to biofertilizers, as part of integrated plant nutrition management, requires a paradigm change in agriculture. The Green Revolution promoted an industrialized approach to fertilization, focused on yield, but with serious environmental impacts: pollution, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. In response, integrated nutrient management (INM) has emerged, combining mineral, organic, and biofertilizers to optimize efficiency and minimize ecological damage. Biofertilizers, formulated with beneficial microorganisms, improve nutrient absorption, protect crops, and strengthen soil health. In Cuba, their adoption-exemplified by products such as BIOFER®, AZOFERT®, and FOSFORINA®-has reduced dependence on external inputs. However, they do not completely replace mineral fertilizers, but rather complement them, especially in agroecological systems. For a successful transition, it is key to understand the soil as a living system, consider nutrient cycles and microbial interactions, and integrate technical and local knowledge. Furthermore, biofertilizers need to be rigorously evaluated in diverse contexts, thus ensuring sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.
Hydraulic Evaluation of Surface Irrigation with Discontinuous Flow in Ferruginous Nodular Gleysol Soil
The objective of this work was to determine different hydraulic and design parameters of the surface irrigation technology with discontinuous flow compared to traditional surface irrigation in a Ferruginous Nodular Gleysol soil. The study was carried out in the farm "Julio Noris" belonging to the Base Business Unit "Sierra Maestra" in Pinar del Rio province, with an area of 3 ha dedicated to tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) cultivation. Three variants were applied for the study, I (3 forward cycles and flow rate of 1,0 L s-1); II (4 forward cycles and flow rate of 0,6 L s-1) which were compared with the traditional variant III Witness (continuous flow and flow rate of 1,0 L s-1). The results show that for this type of soil with furrows 130 m long, the best variant is I, applying four irrigation pulses of variable times and flow rate of 0,6 L s-1, with which a water application efficiency of 69,23% is achieved. Irrigation with discontinuous flow compared to traditional irrigation improves water application efficiency by 29,55% and decreases the arrival time of the water advance front at the end of the furrow by 17,1 minutes.