Impacto de tratamientos con lodos residuales (biosólidos) sobre el rendimiento de maíz y parámetros agronómicos de la pitahaya para el aprovechamiento agrícola en suelos degradados

Abstract

This study evaluates the use of biosolids, derived from wastewater treatment, as a soil amendment for low-fertility soils. The objective of this research was to generate technical information supporting the use of these bioinputs as a sustainable agronomic practice. Field trials were conducted with maize (Zea mays) and pitahaya (Hylocereus spp.) crops at the Experimental Agroproductive Farm (GEA) of ESPOL. The research is justified by the need to reduce the environmental impact associated with the final disposal of biosolids and by their potential as a source of nutrients and organic matter. The study was carried out through a field experiment applying different biosolid doses. Agronomic variables of maize were evaluated over three production cycles, as well as the initial vegetative growth of pitahaya. In maize, treatments with biosolid application showed increases in plant height, biomass, yield, and nutrient availability in the soil. In pitahaya, higher biosolid doses resulted in a greater percentage of plants reaching a height of 1.50 m and being ready for trellising. Additionally, the evaluated treatments did not show soil or crop contamination by heavy metals. It is concluded that biosolids represent a viable and sustainable alternative to improve soil conditions in low-fertility agricultural systems. Keywords: biosolids, soil amendment, soil fertility, sustainable agriculture.