Adverse weather conditions and intensive use for fiber production have caused decline of natural populations of Agave lechuguilla. By these reasons, it is important to develop a sustainable management of this specie t...Adverse weather conditions and intensive use for fiber production have caused decline of natural populations of Agave lechuguilla. By these reasons, it is important to develop a sustainable management of this specie to avoid this situation. One of the first steps is to establish forest plantations as an alternative to restore A. lechuguilla habitat and increase its range while at the same time indirectly reducing erosion rates. The aim of this study was to identify the potential areas for establishment of plantations of A. lechuguilla in the State of Coahuila, Mexico. Areas for planting establishment were selected according to multi-criteria analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS) Idrisi32 Ver 2.0 and 3.2 Arc.View. The analysis was based on comparison of climate and soil requirements in contrast to environmental conditions of the tested area. The evaluated variables were: soil type, texture, depth, average annual temperature, annual precipitation, elevation and slope. Results derive in potential area maps, geo-referenced and their distribution by Agricultural Development District. An area of 5 million 159,273 hectares was determined with potential for establishment of A. lechuguilla forest plantations in the State of Coahuila. It was concluded that, use of GIS is a reliable tool to determine potential areas for A. lechuguilla forest plantations, where this specie has higher probability of success in survival and biomass production. This study will support programs aimed to strengthen the economy of rural producers and also recover and preserve the arid state.展开更多
文摘Adverse weather conditions and intensive use for fiber production have caused decline of natural populations of Agave lechuguilla. By these reasons, it is important to develop a sustainable management of this specie to avoid this situation. One of the first steps is to establish forest plantations as an alternative to restore A. lechuguilla habitat and increase its range while at the same time indirectly reducing erosion rates. The aim of this study was to identify the potential areas for establishment of plantations of A. lechuguilla in the State of Coahuila, Mexico. Areas for planting establishment were selected according to multi-criteria analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS) Idrisi32 Ver 2.0 and 3.2 Arc.View. The analysis was based on comparison of climate and soil requirements in contrast to environmental conditions of the tested area. The evaluated variables were: soil type, texture, depth, average annual temperature, annual precipitation, elevation and slope. Results derive in potential area maps, geo-referenced and their distribution by Agricultural Development District. An area of 5 million 159,273 hectares was determined with potential for establishment of A. lechuguilla forest plantations in the State of Coahuila. It was concluded that, use of GIS is a reliable tool to determine potential areas for A. lechuguilla forest plantations, where this specie has higher probability of success in survival and biomass production. This study will support programs aimed to strengthen the economy of rural producers and also recover and preserve the arid state.
