POTENTIAL FOR THE USE OF SUGAR CANE STUBBLE (Saccharum spp.) FOR BIOGAS PRODUCTION

Abstract

During the sugarcane harvest (Saccharum spp.) 2011-2012 in Mexico, a generation of 1,082,245 tons of waste was estimated as stubble for the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Querétaro, Tabasco, Veracruz and Yucatán. The availability of this waste in the region presents an excellent opportunity for its use in the generation of biogas. The use of biodigesters for their production can provide the sugarcane sector with an environmental and social welfare solution if an adequate processing of said waste is carried out, and it raises a possibility for the diversification of the economy in the field given the generation of high-quality products. Added value such as biogas and biofertilizers. This article provides a brief overview of the stubble potential of the southeastern part of the country to be used as a raw material for biodigesters to produce energy, and at the same time improve environmental and health aspects.