Edapho-climatic zoning for Eucalyptus urograndis in the State of Tocantins, Brazil

Abstract

Edaphic and climatic zoning was undertaken in the State of Tocantins for eucalyptus crop in the State of Tocantins, in particular, Eucalyptus urograndis using ArcGIS 9.3 platform, a geographic information system (GIS) tool for working with maps. Thus, the study was based on the parameters that reflect the climatic requirements for the proper development of the species, natural edaphic aptitude and the slope of the land for crop mechanization purposes. The first phase of the study comprised the cross-checking of maps of precipitation, temperature and water deficit, which resulted in the zoning of climatic aptitude. The second phase comprised the zoning of natural edaphic aptitude, based on existing soil units in the state. Based on the results obtained an edaphic and climate zoning was performed for the species to. The findings showed temperature constraint to the development of Eucalyptus urograndis. However, they stress the importance of the present study regarding the clones that are being implemented in Tocantins. Concerning natural edaphic aptitude, there was a predominance of soils considered unfavorable, yet significant areas were found to have favorable soil aptitude.