Edaphoclimatic zoning: Methodology and application to apple cultivation in a Brazilian watershed

Abstract

The planning of land use and occupation is essential when it comes to seeking the best results in view of socioeconomic and environmental sustainability. In this context, Geographic Information Systems are tools that allow, through mapping, to identify physical and climatic characteristics aiming at the best result for a particular crop, which characterizes the edaphoclimatic zoning. This article aimed to elaborate and apply a methodology to create an edaphoclimatic zoning, focused on apple cultivation, having as study unit, the hydrographic basin of the Socorro river, located in countryside of the municipality of Vacaria, Brazil. Water demand and winter rest were considered as climatic parameters and pedology, areas of permanent preservation, and land use and slope as physical parameters, obtaining a map with the representation of suitable and restricted areas. The results showed about 80% of the hydrographic basin corresponding to areas suitable for apple cultivation. The proposed methodology can be applied to other regions and other crops, thus supporting decision-making regarding land use and occupation, sensitivities and potenciality.