La modelación hidrológica requiere datos de precipitación como insumo básico, ya que representa la principal entrada de agua en el sistema hidrológico. Estos datos se obtienen principalmente de estaciones climatológicas, pero en muchos casos la cantidad de estaciones es insuficiente, además de que pueden tener datos faltantes, lo que ocasiona errores en la modelación. Con el avance tecnológico en la teledetección, los datos de precipitación satelitales de libre acceso están tomando importancia como insumo potencial para la modelación hidrológica. El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar dos fuentes de datos de precipitación: estaciones meteorológicas e imágenes CHIRPS (Climate Hazards Center InfraRed Precipitaion Station). Se compararon ambas fuentes en tres cuencas con climas contrastantes (seco, templado y tropical). El análisis se basó en medidas estadísticas como el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman ρ (rho), el error medio cuadrático (RMSE) y la prueba de Wilcoxon para detectar correlaciones y diferencias estadísticas. Los resultados revelaron una correlación positiva y significativa (P < 0.05) entre ambas fuentes de datos en las tres cuencas, aunque con variación según el tipo de clima. Los errores de precipitación más bajos (RMSE < 21 mm) se registraron en las zonas templada y seca, mientras que, en la zona tropical, las imágenes CHIRPS subestimaron la precipitación, mientras que la mayor similitud (P > 0.05) entre ambas fuentes se encontró en la zona templada. Por lo tanto, las imágenes CHIRPS son una alternativa viable que puede sustituir a las estaciones meteorológicas en la modelación hidrológica, especialmente en cuencas de climas templados.

The gypseous soils of San Luis Potosí State, México, are not well map-delimited, despite their broad extent and the specific agricultural and environmental management they require. The present article highlights the location and extent of the gypseous lands in the Altiplano and Zona Media of San Luis Potosí State. For this purpose, soil, geology and vegetation maps as well as studies related to gypsum-rich soils, aerial photographs, and satellite maps (termed ‘espaciomapas’ in Spanish, these refer to Landsat-5 Thematic Mapper images of Red-Green-Blue:432 composition printed at 1:250,000 scale) were reviewed. Additionally, field and laboratory work were carried out. The maps provided by the Commission for Studies of the National Territory (CETENAL) proved very useful during the mapping process, especially as an initial reference to the presence of this soil type. The gypseous surface extent (397,258 ha) delineated in this study is double that (193,907 ha) reported in the CETENAL cartography at 1:50,000 scale. Moreover, areas with shallow gypsum, i.e., a gypseous horizon occurring at a depth of less than 50 cm, were discriminated from areas with deep gypsum (termed shallow and deep gypsum phases, respectively). This distinction between shallow and deep gypsum phases is very useful for resource management planning. The maps produced serve as a reference for specific studies aimed at evaluating the suitability of land for production or environmental purposes at large scales, in which case more detailed mapping will be required.

The continued use of agrochemicals in Valle de Arista, SLP, Mexico, has generated loss of effectiveness of active ingredients and impacts on public health and the environment. To identify environmental and socioeconomic impacts, a quantification method was designed using the Kovach Environmental Impact Quotient and environmental accounting of pesticides (Leach and Mumford) that included agricultural diagnosis and identification of agrochemical impacts. Producers, technical advisors and agrochemicals dealers were surveyed as key agents of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and chili pepper crops (Capsicum annuum) due to their economic importance. Gower quotation coefficients were calculated to measure similarity of quantitative, qualitative and dichotomous variables with continuous, discrete and binary characteristics. The use of fungicides (carbendazim and chlorothalonil) showed the greatest environmental impact, followed by insecticides (endosulfan and thiametoxam) and herbicides. The negative externality averaged US$15.60 ha⁻¹ annually, corresponding to 50% of tomato, 31.25% of poblano pepper and 18.75% of serrano pepper. Estimated damages due to the use of greenhouses were 37.7% to the consumer, 21.2% to the worker, 14.8% to aquatic life, 3.6% to birds, 9.2% to bees and 3.3% to insects.

Mexican yuca (Yucca decipiens Trel.) is native to the semi-desert region of north-central Mexico. Based on its medicinal uses, the flour produced from its leaves and stems was evaluated to determine new food uses. The flour was characterized based on granulometry, rheology, texture and functional properties, which were analyzed with the RStudio software. The results indicate that the Water Absorption Index (WAI) of yuca flour (0.11 mL g−¹) is similar to that of wheat flour (0.56 mL g−¹). However, the Fat Absorption Index (FAI) of yuca flour (0.40 mL g−¹) is significantly lower than that of Saltillo Pinto bean flour (1.55 mL g−¹). This suggests that yuca exhibits hydrophilic behavior comparable to that of wheat flour and requires less oil in potential formulations. The expansion capacity of yuca flour is similar to that of wheat flour, demonstrating a gluten-like behavior ideal for food applications that require this structural component. The flour also exhibited notable foaming properties, high stability and low fat content, highlighting its food potential. Fermentation matched the parameters of the Cereal & Grains Association’s physicochemical test methods 56–60; consequently, yuca flours are classified as the same as those produced from soft, weak wheat, supporting their use for fermentation processes. Internal friction values (0.85–0.92) suggest limited flow; however, its high density shows fine granulometry that facilitates the bagging, handling and storage of the flour, complying with the Mexican standards.

The continued use of agrochemicals in Valle de Arista, SLP, Mexico, has generated loss of effectiveness of molecules and impacts on public health and the environment. To identify environmental and socioeconomic impacts, a quantification method was designed using the Kovach Environmental Impact Quotient and environmental accounting of pesticides (Leach and Mumford) that included agricultural diagnosis, identification of agrochemicals impacts. Producers, technical advisors and agri-inputs dealers were surveyed as key agents of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and chili pepper crops (Capsicum annuum) due to their economic importance. Gower quotation coefficients were calculated to measure similarity of quantitative, qualitative and dichotomous variables with continuous, discrete and binary characteristics. The use of fungicides (carbendazim and chlorothalonil) showed the greatest environmental impact, followed by insecticides (endosulfan, thiametoxam) and herbicides. The negative externality averaged USD$15.60 ha-1, corresponding to 50% of tomato, 31.25% to poblano pepper and 18.75% to serrano pepper. Estimated damages due to the use of greenhouses were 37.7% to the consumer, 21.2% to the worker, 14.8% to aquatic life, 3.6% to birds, 9.2% to bees and 3.3% to insects.

Objective: To assess yield and growth responses of castor bean collections under soil moisture-restricted conditions. Design/methodology/approach: The study was conducted in the municipality of Salinas de Hidalgo, San Luis Potosí. Twenty castor bean collections were evaluated under rainfed conditions and irrigation at 50% of crop evapotranspiration, with treatments arranged in randomized blocks. Results: Significant differences (α = 0.05) between collections were observed for variables such as stem diameter, plant height, number of clusters per plant, number of fruits per cluster, 100-seed weight, and aerial biomass. Regarding soil moisture levels, variables including stem diameter, plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, number of clusters, number of fruits per cluster, 100-seed weight, seed yield, and aerial biomass showed significant differences (α = 0.05). Limitations on study/implications: The results are based on a single production cycle. Findings/conclusions: The Calvillo and Encarnación de Díaz collections showed the highest seed yields under rainfed conditions, with 385 and 326.7 g/plant, respectively, while the Luis Moya collection exhibited the highest yield under irrigation, with 680.7 g/plant. Seed yield was influenced solely by soil moisture, independent of collection origin. Collections under the most restrictive soil moisture condition (rainfed) flowered and fruited slightly earlier.