Suitability for reforestation of the canal do cunha and canal do mangue watersheds, state of Rio de Janeiro

Abstract

The suitability for reforestation of parts of the North Slope of the Tijuca neighborhood not covered by buildings, the Mangue and Cunha watersheds, was studied. The plan was to subsidize the "Mutirão" Reforestation Program of the Environmental Department of Rio de Janeiro Municipality. Nutrient deficiency, water deficiency, erosion susceptibility and management impediments were considered in the evaluation of land suitability. The limitation degrees were evaluated for the components of soil survey units, considering soil and landscape information from the available maps. Geographical information systems were used for data input, geoprocessing and results presentation. The studied area presented the following distribution of suitability classes for reforestation: 11.2 % regular, 81.5 % restricted and 7. 3 % unsuitable. Slope is the most limitant factor in the restricted class followed by the presence of rocks.