University of Chihuahua starts microalgae project to boost pecan water efficiency

The Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (UACH), via its Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnológicas (FACIATEC), has launched a research project titled “Application of microalgae to improve water efficiency, soil health and productivity in pecan walnut in Chihuahua.” The study, led by Dr. Anabel Ortega Rodríguez, involves UACH researchers, agricultural companies and national and international innovation agencies. It will be carried out in 2026‑2027 on a pecan orchard owned by Grupo Bafar, comparing plots treated with live microalgae through the irrigation system to untreated control plots.

The investigation will track water volume applied, crop yield, soil physicochemical characteristics, plant health and nut quality, using monitoring tools and spatial analysis. Objectives include increasing the productivity of water used in pecan cultivation, improving soil quality indicators and stabilising both yield and nut quality, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Chihuahua’s pecan sector.