Zoneamento agroclimático e ambiental da cultura do caju para o estado de Pernambuco

Abstract

Agroclimatic zoning is a powerful tool used in agricultural and environment planning of a particular region. However, in most cases Permanent Preservation Areas are disregarded in these studies. The objective of the present study was to perform agroclimatic and environmental zoning for the cashew species (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Pernambuco state, taking into account the Permanent Preservation Areas. The work was divided in two stages: (i) preparation for agroclimatic zoning of the cashew plant, and (ii) preparation for environmental zoning, based on the Permanent Preservation Areas, according to Law 4771 of the Brazilian forest code. Agroclimatic zoning was carried out based on the topographic and climatic requirements of the species. Normal data was used (> 20 years) of precipitation, air temperature and soil water deficit. In environmental zoning, four classes of permanent preservation were considered: (1) around springs, (2) streams, (3) hills with slope greater than 45°, and (4) hilltops. In delimiting the classes of permanent preservation, information on elevation was used as extracted from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission and the hydrographic network of the state of Pernambuco. Only 3.28% of the area of the state is agro-climatically suitable for the cashew cultivation. When considering environmental zoning, there was a 5% reduction in the arable area great, regular and restricted for crowing the cashew crop. In studies of agroclimatic zoning and suitability, Permanent Preservation Areas as defined in the Brazilian forest code should be considered.