Sustainable fertilization using local resources such as manure is crucial for soil health. This study evaluated the potential of guinea pig manure to replace mineral fertilizers in hard yellow maize (hybrid INIA 619) under Peruvian coastal conditions. A split-plot design tested four doses of guinea pig manure (0, 2, 5, 10 t⋅ha⁻¹) and four levels of mineral fertilization (0%, 50%, 75%, 100%). The study assessed plant height, ear characteristics, yield, and nutritional quality parameters. The results indicated that 100% mineral fertilization led to the highest plant height (229.67 cm) and grain weight (141.8 g). Yields of 9.19 and 9.08 t⋅ha⁻¹ were achieved with 5 and 10 t⋅ha⁻¹ of manure, while 50% mineral fertilization gave 8.8 t⋅ha⁻¹, similar to the full dose (8.7 t⋅ha⁻¹). The protein content was highest with 10 t⋅ha⁻¹ of manure combined with mineral fertilization. However, no significant differences were found between the 50%, 75%, and 100% mineral fertilizer doses. In conclusion, applying guinea pig manure improved nutrient use efficiency, yield, and grain protein quality in maize, reducing the need for mineral fertilizers by up to 50%. This provides a sustainable fertilization strategy for agricultural systems.

The exploration and identification of spontaneous weed species in heavy metal–contaminated soils represent a relevant approach for understanding the role and their potential application in phytoremediation. In cacao cultivation, cadmium contamination poses a significant risk due to the restrictions established for soils and cacao-derived products, thereby threatening productive sustainability and export viability. The objective of this study was to identify weed species associated with cacao cultivation exhibiting accumulation patterns and phytoremediation potential for Cd and Pb, through the assessment of biomass production and the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF), in natural conditions. Soil samples were collected from seven cacao-growing zones, and the site with the highest Cd concentration (1.65 mg kg⁻¹) was selected, where ten dominant weed species were identified and evaluated. Significant interspecific differences were observed in biomass production and in Cd and Pb concentrations (p < 0.05). Talinum paniculatum exhibited the highest total biomass (6.15 g) and the highest TF for Cd, whereas Cyperus aggregatus showed the greatest total Cd accumulation (2.68 mg kg⁻¹). BCF and TF values enabled the identification of species with accumulation patterns consistent with Cd phytoextraction (T. paniculatum, C. aggregatus, Pseudelephantopus spiralis, Bidens riparia, Euphorbia heterophylla, and Malvastrum coromandelianum) and with phytostabilization (Ocimum campechianum). For Pb the observed patterns were consistent with potential phytoextractive behavior in B. riparia, P. spiralis, E. heterophylla, Hilleria latifolia, and Acalypha stachyura. Although these results do not constitute functional evidence of remediation, they describe heavy metal accumulation and translocation patterns in native weed species, providing a technical basis for the design of future experimental trials aimed at the sustainable remediation of contaminated soils.

Sustainable fertilization using local resources like manure is crucial for soil health. This study evaluated the potential of guinea pig manure to replace mineral fertilizers in hard yellow maize (hybrid INIA 619) under Peruvian coastal conditions. A split-plot design tested four doses of guinea pig manure (0, 2, 5, 10 t⋅ha⁻¹) and four levels of mineral fertilization (0%, 50%, 75%, 100%). The study assessed plant height, ear characteristics, yield, and nutritional quality parameters. The results indicated that 100% mineral fertilization led to the highest plant height (229.67 cm) and grain weight (141.8 g). Yields of 9.19 and 9.08 t⋅ha⁻¹ were achieved with 5 and 10 t⋅ha⁻¹ of manure, while 50% mineral fertilization gave 8.8 t⋅ha⁻¹, similar to the full dose (8.7 t⋅ha⁻¹). Protein content was highest with 10 t⋅ha⁻¹ of manure combined with mineral fertilization. However, no significant differences were found between the 50%, 75%, and 100% mineral fertilizer doses. In conclusion, applying guinea pig manure improved nutrient use efficiency, yield, and grain protein quality in maize, reducing the need for mineral fertilizers by up to 50%. This provides a sustainable fertilization strategy for agricultural systems.

The valorization of agro-industrial waste represents a pivotal strategy for enhancing the sustainability of horticultural systems in arid regions. This study evaluated the potential of compost derived from sugarcane residues as an ecological alternative to chemical fertilization in the cultivation of Cucurbita moschata (loche), a culturally and economically significant crop on the northern coast of Peru. Four fertilization treatments were compared: conventional mineral fertilization, compost from sugarcane residues enriched with efficient microorganisms, compost supplemented with digestive enzymes, and guano from islands. Physiological parameters (plant vitality, elongation, number of shoots, and SPAD index) and productive indicators (fruit number, length, diameter, and °Brix) were evaluated under dry climatic conditions. Significant differences were observed in SPAD values at 107 days after sowing, with conventional mineral fertilization exhibiting the highest index (51.39 ± 5.4). While yield related traits did not differ statistically among treatments, compost from sugarcane residues enriched with efficient microorganisms showed vegetative development comparable to that of the mineral treatment, along with a positive trend in plant length. No significant differences were observed in fruit quality or number. These results suggest that composted sugarcane residues, especially when enriched with microbial agents, can support crop growth without compromising productivity. This study constitutes the first formal report on the application of sugarcane waste compost in C. moschata cultivation. Its implementation could promote agroecological practices, reduce reliance on mineral.