Determination of optimal areas for the establishment of buffalo herds and German grass in Tabasco, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: To determine optimal (suitable) areas for the establishment of fattening buffalo herds (Bubalus bubalis) and german grass (Echinochloa polystachya Kunth Hitchc) based on biophysical environmental conditions that favor the comfort state of the animal species and the better development of the plant species.

Design/methodology/approach: The methodology consisted of an analysis of the bioclimatic parameters for water buffalo and agroclimatic parameters for german grass in the state from Tabasco. A comparative table of the optimal biophysical variables of the water buffalo and the german grass was elaborated with respect to the digital geographic base of soils and the climatological normals registered in the state from Tabasco. Edaphoclimatic maps were elaborated for the establishment of buffalo herds associated with german grass from a cartographic crossing.

Results: Obtaining the edaphoclimatic aptitude map of both species at a scale of 1:135,000.

Limitations of the study/implications: In the state of Tabasco, there is a lack of basic information on the soil and climatic conditions suitable for water buffalo, since its exploitation is recent.

Findings/conclusions: The areas for the establishment of buffalo herds and German grass were identified. 4.29% of the state of Tabasco has suitable potential, followed by 56.67% classified as moderately suitable, while 38.48% were classified as unsuitable