Tampico to Transform Invasive Plant Into Compost

Tampico has launched a program aimed at reducing water hyacinth in the southern Tamaulipas region's lagoons, particularly the Laguna del Chairel. The program removes the invasive plant and transforms it into compost, turning waste into a resource. 

The water hyacinth, once collected from designated areas around the city, is processed into compost. This natural fertilizer is then tested for quality before being distributed to local farmers, gardeners, and green spaces in the city. According to Yahaira Cruz, Director, Ecology Department of Tampico, the program will also enhance water quality in the Laguna del Chairel by tackling the invasive plant species that has overwhelmed the lagoon. Cruz highlighted that the second phase of the program will focus on generating biogas from the decomposition of the plant.

In support of the initiative, the municipal government has procured an industrial grinder and other necessary materials for the composting process. These include compost beds, fertilizer bins, and containers to transport the finished products. The process involves mixing the compost with black soil to create nutrient-rich material suitable for reforestation and maintenance of the city's green areas.