The Effect of bocashi on the protein content in native corn grown in agroecological transition under an Intercropped Milpa system with Fruit Trees in Veracruz, Mexico

Abstract

Background: Native maize is a fundamental crop in traditional systems like the milpa, standing out for its productive and nutritional importance. In this context, the agroeco logical transition promotes the use of organic inputs such as bokashi to improve soil fertility and crop quality. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of bokashi application on the yield and protein content of native maize grain cultivated in a Milpa Intercropped with Fruit Trees (MIAF) system in Axochio, Veracruz. Methodology: The experiment was established using a completely randomized block design with four treatments: control (no fertilization), 100 % bokashi, 50 % bokashi + 50 % chemi cal fertilization, and 100 % bokashi + 100 % chemical fertilization. Grain yield adjusted to 14 % moisture and protein content were evaluated using the Kjeldahl method. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.05). Results: The results showed significant differences between treatments. The highest yield (6.95 t ha⁻¹) and protein content (8.0 %) were obtained with the application of 100 % bocashi. In contrast, the combined treatment showed the lowest values, suggesting possible nutrient immobili zation effects. Conclusion: The use of bocashi as an organic fertilizer improves both the productivity and nutritional quality of native maize in agroecological systems, rep resenting a viable and sustainable alternative for agriculture in the Los Tuxtlas region of Veracruz.