Potencial agroclimático do Estado de Pernambuco para o cultivo da acerola (Malpighia glabra L.).

Abstract

Based on the climatic water balance data, according to the method THORNTHWAITE & MATHER-1955, for 125m of soil moisture capacity both, in the regions of natural dispersion and in several areas of commercial crop production of the acerola (Malpighia glabra L.), were defined the climatic limit-indices for its cultivation. Using the monthly climatic values of temperature and precipitation in the different regions of the state of Perbambuco, Brazil, were calculated the water balances for 124 localities in the state. There is no thermal limitation, in Pernambuco's climate, for the acerola three. However, larger contents of vitamin C are obtained from fruits of acerola planted in areas of hight mean temperatures. So, in this paper, zones presenting full aptitude, under thermal aspect were subdivided into three different subzones, according to the values of their respectives annual average temperatures. The zones with hydroclimatic aptitude were established in accordance with the annual moinsture index (THORNTHWAITE, 1948). there are four classes of climatic conditions for the acerola cultivation in Pernambuco, under rainfed cropping systems: 1 - full aptitude; 2 - regular aptitude; 3 - restricted aptitude; 4 - inaptitude. Theesee classes are showed in map 4.