Evaluation of lands suitable for oil palm with Geographic Information Systems in the Sierra de Tabasco, Mexico
Main Article Content
Keywords
Elaeis guineensis, precition agriculture, Gleysols, Lixisols, Luvisols
Abstract
Objective: The objective was to evaluate the edaphic aptitude of Elaeis guineensis J. at a semi-detailed level (scale 1: 50000) in Plains and Terrazas de Tabasco (PTT). Design/methodology/approach: The edaphic requirements consisted of a semi-detailed soil map. The evaluation of the edaphic aptitude was based on the agroecological zoning methodology proposed by FAO, and the final 1: 50000 scale map was designed with the algebra mapping tool with the ArcGis Geographic Information System.
Results: The Gleysols, Fluvisols, Luvisols and Lixisols groups dominate the PTT, with 65.1%, 16.2%, 6.3% and 4% respectively. 79.95% of the soils have zero aptitude towards oil palm.
Limitations on study/implications: In the economy of the Mexican Southeast, oil palm is the eighth most important perennial crop above cocoa, in this scenario it is possible the expansion of plantations in the country, therefore, it is important to comply with internal regulations and carry.
Findings/conclusions: The limiting factor to establish Elaeis guineensis plantations in the plains and terraces of Tabasco, Mexico, is the internal drainage of the Gleysols soils.