LIMITING FACTORS ON CONTINENTAL SALT PRODUCTION IN THE CHIHUAHUA DESERT: SALINAS DE CARRILLO CASE

Abstract

The Carrillo salt marshes are located in the influence zone of the Mapimí Biosphere Reserve. The yearly salt production is of 10 000 tons (NaCl) using two operating systems called Charcas and Planillas. A conceptual model was designed from some physico-chemical parameters and operating organization data. This conceptual model connects the daily rain and evaporation climatologic parameters to the water levels in both systems. This model allowed us to analyze the climatic efficiency of this operating system for seven years. The relationship between the evaporated water levels in the salt marsh and the pluviometric deficit was considered as a climatic efficiency since it is representative of the system output, according to the available energy (air evaporating power). The climatic efficiency in the Charcas was 39 % and in the Planillas 35 %. Moreover, the yearly distribution of salt harvests according to the model and the operating system type enables us to identify a labor distribution which can allow alternative activities of rainfed farming or cattle-rearing. The prediction of the salt concentration cycles periods allows, according to the season and the operating system, the improvement of production resources.