Valorización sostenible de la pulpa de café en la finca La Nueva Reforma

Abstract

In the farm La Nueva Reforma for about 15 years are engaged in the production of coffee, this is a product of great economic importance, however, during the process various wastes are generated, but the most representative is coffee pulp which is equivalent to 73% of the by-products. This is a waste of great environmental impact since in farm can be generating 300 to 1800 kilos of pulp per month whose disposal is not the most appropriate, this can lead to social and environmental problems, therefore, a sustainable valuation of the coffee pulp will be carried out through worm farming, composting and biogas production, with which the most efficient method will be evaluated and which will allow the maximization of the use of coffee husk. It will be determined which of the treatments is the most suitable to use as a plant cover, for this purpose an experimental design will be made where the variables temperature, moisture retention, weed suppression, plant growth and nutrient release. Through a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), aspects and impacts generated during the phases of the production of coffee pulp, from harvesting to processing, will be quantified. Finally, a plan will be presented for the valorization of coffee pulp on the farm in which the steps, resources, activities and times necessary to carry out adequate management of coffee husks are evidenced and thus promote environmental sustainability.