Regional Development Model Based on Organic Production of Nopal

Abstract

The compost production has been poorly explored in the agricultural areas of Mexico City. Farmers tend to use fresh manure as fertilizer on soil cultivation. The borough of Milpa Alta, as the main nopal producer in Mexico, requires a high amount of fertilizers to guarantee the fulfillment of yields and times of cultivation. Nevertheless the wide use of manure as only fertilizer implies several negative aspects not only for the crop but also for the environment. The compost is presented as a feasible option to improve the quality of crops and also to diminish the production cost. Compost has features and benefits that are directly reflected in the decrease of costs against the economic and conservation costs emerged with the use of fresh manure. The present research aims to evaluate the alternative use of harmless compost with quality to be used in agriculture. It was carried out through an analysis in an experimental plant built exclusively for the project. The main goal is to demonstrate the cost reduction in the nopal production in Milpa Alta by using compost instead of fresh manure.