Examinando por Autor "Cabello Torres, Rita"

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Production of biochar derived from guinea pig manure as a soil amendment in high Andean and coastal acidic soils in Peru: agronomic potential and cost analysis for sustainable circularity
(Frontiers Media SA, 2026-03-17) Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi; Damián, Lucía; Herrera, Sherly; Pichis García, Roger; Cabello Torres, Rita; Padilla Castro, Cesar Franco; Arias Arredondo, Alberto; Chávez Collantes, Azucena; Vallejos Torres, Geomar
Introduction: The valorization of local resources, such as guinea pig manure, allows traditional inputs to be transformed into more stable products with higher added value, such as biochar, rather than being used as raw manure. Methods: This study evaluated the physicochemical properties, toxicity, and neutralizing capacity of biochar obtained from guinea pig manure, produced by open pyrolysis in a pyrolytic oven in Huancayo, Junin, Peru. Fresh manure was also characterized prior to pyrolysis, and its median lethal dose was determined. Results: The results indicated that guinea pig manure had an approximate volume of 2,883.99 cm3 in an uncompacted state and 2,205.41 cm3 in a compacted state, with densities of 0.293 and 0.380 kg/cm3, respectively. Guinea pig manure biochar has high N, P, and K contents, as well as a significant percentage of ash (34.6%) and fixed carbon (37.9%). Its alkaline pH (9.17), high cation exchange capacity (48.8 meq/100 g), and high organic matter content (62%) suggest its potential for improving acidic soils. It also has a considerable moisture content (34.8%) and microelements such as Mg, Cu, Ca, and Zn. In economic terms, the production of 1 ton of guinea pig manure has an estimated cost of 231.23 soles, while the sale price of biochar reaches 3,515.31 soles per ton, demonstrating its high added value. Discussion: Biochar derived from guinea pig manure has a superior nutritional profile compared to biochars obtained from plant biomass, making it a viable alternative for agriculture. Its application, however, must take into account specific safety tests for each crop to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
Soil management in Lepidium meyenii (maca) monoculture: trends and challenges for small farmers around Lake Chinchaycocha in the Andean highlands of Junin (Peru)
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2025-01-17) Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi; Chanco, Mirella; Seminario, Martín; Camel Paucar, Vladimir Fernando; Cabello Torres, Rita; Lastra Paucar, Sphyros Roomel Luciano; Arias Arredondo, Alberto Gilmer; Verástegui Martínez, Patricia; Quispe Matos, Kenyi Rolando; Carbajal Llosa, Carlos Miguel; Cuevas Gimenez, Juan Pablo; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro; Turín Canchaya, Cecilia Claudia
Introduction: Monoculture is a significant concern due to its negative impact on soil quality, resource productivity, and agricultural sustainability, particularly in vulnerable communities. This research aims to evaluate high Andean soil management for maca monoculture. Materials and methods: To this end, interviews were conducted with maca farmers adjacent to Lake Chinchaycocha. The effect on soil quality was evaluated based on principal component analysis (PCA), weighted soil quality index (SQIw), and physico-chemical characteristics. Results: The results indicated differences between farmers in agronomic management, monoculture period (from 5 to 9 years), and fallow time (up to 10 years in the best cases). Regarding soil quality, the PCA highlighted boron andtotal nitrogen locations in the same quadrant, with the highest contribution to the analysis. Finally, the SQIw showed that soils without maca cultivation presented better quality. Conclusion: This research’s results indicate a need to optimize soil management practices, especially for small farmers, who are the most vulnerable group. In addition, further studies on boron and nitrogen availability in soils cultivated with maca are required, emphasizing areas that exceed 10 years of continuous use.