Determination of optimal areas for the establishment of buffalo herds and German grass in Tabasco, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To determine optimal (suitable) areas for the establishment of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) herds fattened with German grass (Echinochloa polystachya Kunth Hitchc), based on the biophysical environmental conditions that favor the comfort of the animal species and the best development of the plant species.Design/Methodology/Approach: An analysis of the bioclimatic parameters for water buffalo and the agroclimatic parameters for German grass was carried out in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. A comparative table of the optimal biophysical variables of water buffalo and German grass was developed from the digital soil geographic databases and the climatological normals recorded in the state of Tabasco. Edaphoclimatic maps were developed to establish buffalo herds associated with German grass, based on a cartographic cross-checking.Results: The soil-climatic aptitude map of both species was developed at a scale of 1:135,000.Study Limitations/Implications: Given its recent introduction, there is a lack of basic information on the edaphoclimatic conditions suitable for water buffalo in the state of Tabasco.Findings/Conclusions: The areas for the establishment of buffalo herds and German grass were identified. Regarding their potentiality, 4.29% of the state of Tabasco is suitable, 56.67% was classified as moderately suitable, and 38.48% is not suitable.