PARTICIPATORY PROPOSAL FOR THE INTEGRAL MANAGEMENT OF LIVESTOCK MANURE IN FAMILY PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, CASE MICROCUENCA LA JOYA, QUERÉTARO

Abstract

A serious problem identified in La Joya microbasin is the inadequate management of animal excretions. The potential risk of contamination of the drinking water sources for human and animal populations demands the need to generate technologies that lead to environment-friendly production systems. The objective of this study was to document the factors associated to the adoption of ensilage technology and manure worm composting as part of a participative proposal for technology transference. The information presented next is the result of a participative study in the microbasin, where four demonstrative modules for manure management were established, two training workshops were carried out on worm composting and manure ensilage which 45 producers attended and, later, follow-up visits were performed in 16
production units where a questionnaire was applied making emphasis on the manure management practices, availability, location, corral cleaning actions and facilities, workforce employed, destination of the manure, use of chemical fertilizers, and factors why the decision was adopted; the sampling was directed at producers who received the training. As part of the conclusions it was found that the technologies were accepted by inhabitants of the microbasin, primarily because they adapt to the socioeconomic context of the communities, are of easy use and management by all family members, promote family organization in work division, do not imply a high cost and, on the contrary, there are savings in fertilizer purchase; also, the contamination of water sources is avoided and soil regeneration is promoted, especially in the PU II (intermediate marriages, between 40 and 59 years) which have the potential of recovering 54 % of the nitrogen and phosphorus that animals excrete