Zoneamento agroclimático para a cultura do pinhão- manso (Jathopra curcas L.) no Estado de Pernambuco

Abstract

In this study, we tried to make the agroclimatic zoning of jatropha (Jathopra curcas L.) in Pernambuco. For this, we used climate data of mean air temperature and rainfall of 146 stations, being 73 with historical data series over 30 years and other 73 with series less than 30 years,however, more than 20 years of observations. The choice of jatropha was motivated by its potential as a renewable energy source to replace fossil fuels, as well as for its hardiness, being a new option for semi-arid climate regions, as takes place in much of the Northeast region. The choice of the study area is related to climate variability shown by this state and the potential that this culture has to develop in regions where there is little rain. It was also characterized the climate type of Pernambuco State through moisture index (mi) of Thornthwaite, generated from variables of Climatic Water Balance of Thornthwaite and Mather (1955). The results showed that Pernambuco has at least seven different climate types, from arid to humid. Localities were classified according to the climatic requirements of the culture into suitble, constrained by water stress and unfit. According to this study, Pernambuco state showed 14.92% of suitable areas for cultivation of jatropha, 44.26% of constrained areas by water stress and 40.82% of unsuitable areas.