Resumen

LORENZO-SANCHEZ, Martín et al. Management and Use of Native Maize Residues in Two Mazahua Communities. Rev. fitotec. mex [online]. 2026, vol.49, n.1, pp.35-43.  Epub 02-Jun-2026. ISSN 0187-7380.  https://doi.org/10.35196/rfm.2026.1.35.

Traditional agriculture in two Mazahua communities in San Felipe del Progreso includes the management of organic waste from native maize, called granza. Currently, there is little information on its management and use in rural communities. The objective was to analyze the management and use of native maize granza during harvest and post-harvest. Using a qualitative participatory action research approach, participatory observation, two focus groups, six semi-structured interviews, and two workshops were conducted with farmers from San Antonio de Las Huertas and El Carmen Ocotepec, State of Mexico. Data collection took place from August 2023 to January 2025. The audio recordings of the focus groups and interviews were transcribed, the observation notes were described, and the information was coded and analyzed using thematic discourse analysis. The information obtained from the scientific literature was integrated to generate a farmer’s guide to maize husk management. The results show that maize husk management begins at harvest, followed by a process of cleaning and sorting, drying, disinfection, and storage. This resource is mainly used to feed backyard animals, make tortillas during times of scarcity, and as fertilizer. It is recommended to harvest at the appropriate maturity, separate healthy and damaged cobs, use gloves and face masks, protect the maize husks from moisture, grind them, and monitor them during storage. In terms of its use, it is suggested not to exceed its consumption in animals, composting, and nixtamalization. The management and use of maize husks is key to family nutrition and economy as it allows for savings in animal feed. In addition, maize husks have an important value in the economy and food security of family production units, as this resource is fully utilized by Mazahua peasant families.

Palabras llave : Zea mays L.; animal feed; Participatory Action Research; peasant farming; maize residues; mycotoxins.

        · resumen en Español     · texto en Español     · Español ( pdf )