Potential of Irrigated Agricultural Production of Corn (Zea mays L.) in Semi-Arid Region using Geoprocessing

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate and map the potential of irrigated agricultural production for corn for the watershed of the region of the middle course of the Paraíba River. Using SPRING, a map of soil irrigation potential and soil retention capacity was prepared and a partial map was generated through matrix crossing. Using average annual rainfall data, the climate condition map was prepared. After using LEGAL, the agricultural production potential map was generated through the matrix crossing between the partial map and the climate scenario. For maize, a Full climatic condition (C1) was identified in 2.02% of the basin's total; the full climatic condition with prolonged rainy season (C2) and the climatic condition moderated by excess water (C3) were not identified; the climatic condition Moderate by water deficiency (C4) in 0.86%; the unfit condition due to severe water deficit (C5) in 97.12% of the basin. The potential of irrigated agricultural production for maize did not show Very High (MA), High (A), Medium (M) and Low (B) potential, only the Very Low (MB) potential in 100% of the basin.