Effect of lime water – manure organic fertilizers on the productivity, energy efficiency and profitability of rainfed maize production

Transdisciplinary Interventions to Improve the Sustainability of Maize Agroecosystems: A Case Study from Mexico

“…Regarding the use of agricultural inputs based on organic sources, the research group evaluated biofertilizers made with residues from livestock production and nixtamalization. Results of these experimental trials indicated organic sources produced average maize yields 2.1 tons higher than those obtained using chemical fertilization [30]. Additionally, in another experiment, the use of manure-based soil amendments and mulches was shown to lower the incidence of weeds in agroecological systems.…”

“…In addition, the recovery of nutrients contained in manure and other organic wastes allows mitigating the polluting potential of agriculture [36]. Also, the use of manure and wastewaters increased energy efficiency by 27% more than chemical fertilization [30]. In economic terms, organic fertilization generated a benefit-cost ratio up to 88% higher than conventional fertilization.…”

“…The practices proposed and promoted included fertilization using manure (previously validated), split fertilization, mulching and soil amendments, application of mechanical cultivation to reduce the incidence of weeds, reduction in the use of agrochemicals, the application of emergency irrigation and the use of higher planting densities, among others [30,48,49]. In the CS, the producers were shown how to apply the practices and what they entailed during a series of visits to the "Rancho Laguna Seca" experimental unit.…”

“…It was designed with an approach that involved collaborative work with the actors of the system including producers, academics, and the local government. Agricultural experiments were carried out at the plot level, to experimentally validate agroecological practices [30,31] that would address the productivity limitations (critical points) of local agroecosystems. Finally, a management plan (intervention/solution) based on the results, was designed, proposed, and evaluated at a pilot scale to know its impact on the lives of local producers.…”

Agroecological Fertilisation Practices to Improve Sustainability and Circularity in Maize Crop Systems

“…In Mexico, the agro-industrial process of using maize to produce tortillas and nixtamalized flour generates a contaminating waste called nejayote. This residue can be mixed with manure to produce organic fertilisers that offer several benefits in the maize agroecosystem, such as cost reduction and increased yield [9]. In this research, two organic fertilisers derived from mixtures of nejayote and ovine manure were Biol.…”