Classification, suitability and zoning of crops in the high course of the Paraíba River Basin – Brazil

Abstract

Characterization, agroclimatic zoning and crop suitability are important for defining the agricultural potential of a given region or location, defining the planting season and types of crops suitable for the region. Based on the results of the Water Balance and the corresponding evapopluviogram, it was used to carry out the agroclimatic zoning and its aptitudes for crops suitable for planting in the area of ​​the hydrographic basin of the upper course of the Paraíba River. Monthly and annual rainfall data series were used, collected by the Northeast Development Superintendence and provided by the Executive Agency for Water Management of the State of Paraíba. Municipality to municipality). The average air temperature values ​​estimated by the Estima_ T software. The region has an annual water deficit of 794.0 mm, with no storage and excess of water in the soil. The indices of aridity, humidity and water were 65.38; 0.00 and -39.23%, respectively. The climate was classified as Semi-arid, Megathermal, with little or no excess of water and with 29.41% of the potential annual evapotranspiration concentrated in the hottest quarter of the year. There was restricted aptitude for the cultivation of pineapple, cashew, beans and corn; bananas and sugarcane are unsuitable for cultivation, while herbaceous cotton has moderate conditions. To ensure profitable agricultural productivity, the supply of water through irrigation is essential.