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UTILIZING COMPOSTED AGAVE BAGASSE AS A GROWTH MEDIUM FOR STRAWBERRIES AND TOMATOES

Javier Antonio López Pérez·María Gabriela Torres González·Carlos Alberto Ramírez López
Published 23 January 2025
Vol. 12, No. 1 (2024)
pp. 33-38
CC BY 4.0
  1. 1
    Javier Antonio López Pérez
    Departamento de Producción Agrícola, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
    MX
  2. 2
    María Gabriela Torres González
    Departamento de Ingeniería de Proyectos, CUCEI, Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
    MX
  3. 3
    Carlos Alberto Ramírez López
    Departamento de Madera, Celulosa y Papel, CUCEI, Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico
    MX

In Mexico, the rapid growth of tequila production has led to a substantial increase in agave utilization, resulting in a surge of agave bagasse, a lignocellulosic by-product. This study explores the potential agricultural applications of agave bagasse, which now accounts for a significant portion of agave processing residues. Over the last 6 years, the production of agave bagasse has risen significantly, aligning with the booming tequila industry and related agavebased products. Agave bagasse can be effectively integrated into plant growth substrates, offering numerous advantages over traditional soil cultivation. Common substrates in Mexico, such as coco coir, perlite, and vermiculite, facilitate higher strawberry yields, improved quality, and greater plant density. Substrate-based systems also promote environmental sustainability by reducing chemical usage and enabling the collection and disinfection of runoff water for reuse. Moreover, substrate cultivation allows growers to maintain consistent planting locations and respond swiftly to weather fluctuations. While substrate cultivation offers substantial benefits, it requires initial investments and a learning curve for growers to adapt to the technique and optimize fertilizer schedules. This study highlights the potential of utilizing agave bagasse in plant growth substrates as a sustainable and productive approach in the context of increasing agave production.

JournalColumbia Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
ISSN3065-0380
Volume / IssueVol. 12, No. 1 (2024)
Pages33-38
Published23 January 2025
Access Open Access
LicenseCC BY 4.0 — reuse with attribution
PublisherKeith Publications
Pérez, J., González, M., López, C. (2025). UTILIZING COMPOSTED AGAVE BAGASSE AS A GROWTH MEDIUM FOR STRAWBERRIES AND TOMATOES. Columbia Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Vol. 12 No. 1, pp. 33-38

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