Examinando por Materia "Physicochemical properties"

Mostrando 1 - 2 de 2

Geospatial distribution of cadmium in soil profiles of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) plantations in the Peruvian Amazon basin
(Frontiers Media S.A., 2026-02-25) Vallejos Torres, Geomar; Chuchon Remon, Rodolfo Juan; Gaona Jimenez, Nery; Marín, César; Cruz Luis, Juancarlos Alejandro; Solórzano Acosta, Richard Andi
Introduction: Cacao plants can translocate heavy metals from the soil to vegetative tissues, potentially leading to concentrations that exceed maximum permissible limits. This study aimed to analyze the geospatial distribution of cadmium (Cd) in soil profiles of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) plantations in the Amazon basin of Peru. Methods: The research was conducted in the localities of Jeberillos, Arahuante, and Luz del Oriente, within the department of Loreto. In each locality, 10 plots of 100 m² were selected, totaling 30 plots. Cd concentrations and physicochemical soil parameters were evaluated. Results: In cacao soils from Luz del Oriente at 0–30 cm depth, Cd concentrations averaged 1.11 ± 0.26 mg.kg⁻¹, representing the highest values; whereas the lowest average was recorded in Arahuante at the same depth, with 0.61 ± 0.15 mg.kg⁻¹. Cd levels in Luz del Oriente cacao soils (0–30 cm) were above the average among all localities, while Jeberillos and Arahuante soils showed comparatively lower Cd levels. Discussion: Overall, Cd in cacao soils was found to be strongly associated with edaphic factors such as pH, texture, effective cation exchange capacity (CEC), and cation composition. The maps represented the spatial distribution of the metal and guided the identification of potential accumulation zones. These findings provide essential insights for guiding agricultural management decision-making, environmental monitoring, and metal contamination risk assessment in cacao-growing areas and other agrarian systems in the Peruvian Amazon basin.
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.