Cotton farming in the different mesoregions of Mato Grosso and land use and cover between 2019 and 2021

Abstract

Cotton is a major agricultural crop in Brazil, particularly in the state of Mato Grosso. Despite its significance, little is known about the spatial and temporal distribution of cotton farming and its environmental impacts in the region. This study aims to evaluate the presence of cotton farming in various mesoregions of Mato Grosso and assess soil use and coverage trends between 2019 and 2021. Utilizing satellite images provided by Mapbiomas, the dynamics of cotton cultivation were analyzed. The results reveal that the Northern Mesoregion has the largest cotton cultivation area, although it represents a small fraction of overall land use, with forest formations being predominant. The Northeast and Southeast Mesoregions also exhibit an increase in cotton areas, albeit on a smaller scale. Moreover, significant changes in land use are associated with livestock and soybeans, which dominate most studied mesoregions. The study concludes that cotton farming has limited expansion in Mato Grosso, presenting lower environmental impact compared to other human activities. Nevertheless, continuous monitoring of the crop and the adoption of sustainable soil and water management practices are recommended.