By Zoila Palma: Belizean Leticia Juanita Westby has successfully earned a Doctor of Conservation and Restoration of the Natural Environment degree after defending her doctoral thesis at the Universidad Centro Panamericano de Estudios Superiores (UNICEPES).
The university awarded her the degree with commendations in recognition of her performance throughout the academic process.
Westby’s doctoral research, titled “Effect of Agroecological Practices on Degraded Soils of Sugarcane Crops in Belize,” examined how agroecological practices can contribute to the recovery and sustainable management of soils affected by agricultural activities.
Her research focuses on the role of sustainable agricultural practices in addressing soil degradation, particularly in sugarcane cultivation, an important sector of Belize’s agricultural industry.
“My doctoral thesis evaluated the effect of agroecological management practices on degraded sugarcane soils in northern Belize. In two farmers’ fields in Corozal, a Vertisol in San Narciso and an Inceptisol in Santa Elena, I compared four management packages based on resources available in the sugar belt (sugarcane bagasse, crop residue retention, and intercropping with a legume) against conventional management with residue burning, using a randomized complete block design. Soil physical and hydrophysical properties were measured,” Westby explained.
The doctoral work was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Susan Smith Pinto.
UNICEPES congratulated Westby on her achievement, recognizing the significance of her academic accomplishment and research contribution to environmental conservation in Belize.
The post Belizean Pride: Leticia Westby earns Doctorate in Conservation and Restoration of Natural Environment appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Belizean Leticia Juanita Westby has successfully earned a Doctor of Conservation and Restoration of the Natural Environment degree after defending her doctoral thesis at the Universidad Centro Panamericano de Estudios Superiores (UNICEPES). The university awarded her the degree with commendations in recognition of her performance throughout the academic process. Westby’s doctoral research,
The post Belizean Pride: Leticia Westby earns Doctorate in Conservation and Restoration of Natural Environment appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
