Plan de manejo de efluentes en la actividad de ordeño en 4 tambos pequeños del cantón Mejía

Abstract

Mejía is the canton, in the province of Pichincha, considered one of the areas that produce the largest number of liters of milk. The production of milk encompasses large, medium and small producers, focused on increasing the production and profitability of the dairy sector. This implies to increase the grazing areas, number of livestock, increase of inputs and water, involving above all an increase in the generation of effluents and solid waste. However, the feasibility of having with an adequate infrastructure and at the same time with a friendly and reliable management, aimed at a clean production, it is a challenge for small dairy production. Under this context, the present work is focused on proposing a rational management plan for effluents in the milk activities, in 4 small dairy farms, which are located in the following parishes of the Mejía canton: Uyumbicho, Manuel Cornejo Astorga (Tandapi), Alóag and Machachi. In the first instance, we did a diagnosis of the environmental situation in the four establishments considered as case studies in the present work of investigation. Later, we identified critical points in the milking process, and prevention, mitigation and control measures for the reduction of the environmental impact, through proper effluent management. To meet with these objectives, the study areas were located, and the information was collected on the activities of the milking process through of tools such as observation, interviews and surveys. The amount of residual water generated during the milking process was measured and the samples were taken for a physical-chemical and microbiological analysis of these. At the same time, we proceeded to the identification, characterization and qualification of environmental impacts using the Leopold Matrix. With the information collected, finally we were obtained relevant data that allowed to make the diagnosis and propose an effluent management plan. Through a meeting, we showed to the owners of the small dairy farms in study the results obtained and the proposal for the proper management effluents, as well as we delivered a didactic manual of good milking practices.