Abstract

SUAREZ VENERO, Gicli Manuel et al. Edaphoclimatic zoning of cacao cultivation in the state of Chiapas. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2021, vol.12, n.4, pp.629-641.  Epub Feb 21, 2022. ISSN 2007-0934.  https://doi.org/10.29312/remexca.v12i4.2518.

The state of Chiapas is the second largest cacao producer in Mexico; however, agricultural yields are low, and in many regions, there are limits related to edaphoclimatic factors. Therefore, the research aimed to identify edaphoclimatic areas that meet the requirements of cacao, based on achieving a higher yield in the state of Chiapas. The methodology used was founded and designed as a simplified form of the general methodology of FAO and based on methodological proposals made in coffee and cacao cultivation in other countries, with specific adaptations to the specific conditions and existing information of Chiapas. The edaphoclimatic conditions characterizing four categories of zoning (optimal, medium optimal, acceptable and unsuitable), represented on maps at 1:100 000 scale, were determined. A total area of 1 549 804.4 ha with different productive potentials was identified, representing 20.08% of the total area of the state and distributed in 59 municipalities. Of these, 34 have no history of cultivation, indicating the possibilities of exploring new areas for it. Extreme temperatures (low and high) and the physical properties of the soil were the main limiting factors for cacao development and occupy the largest unsuitable area of the state. From a practical point of view, the results are a tool for making decisions on a wide scale for the establishment of cacao cultivation in Chiapas.

Keywords : Theobroma cacao L.; areas; climate; municipalities; soils.

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