Agro-ecological zoning of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in the eastern part of the state of Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

Productive activities are developed in the eastern part of the state of Chiapas, among them, livestock and basic crops highlight, in addition of other plant species of agro-industrial importance such as the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). This oleaginous plant, very polemic from the environmental perspective, maintains interest and expectation for the farmers. However, the areas with greater productive potential considering the natural characteristics of the zone, are unknown, for this, in the present study, it was proposed to analyze the edaphoclimatic perspective by using the available information and the Agro-Ecological Zones methodology proposed by the FAO (1997), adapted to Mexico and particularly in the eastern part of Chiapas, in order to know their natural environmental vocation to grow the oil palm, recognizing that the available edaphoclimatic information matches with what is required agro-ecologically according to the literature. Among the results of this study there is the identification of an area of 61 991.4 hectares, where there are no restrictions in terms of climate and soil to grow palm and 235 021.7 hectares with a particular level of restriction, where, with a proper management of the soil components it is possible to increase the production yield and quality, so the cultivated area with this oleaginous plant, could be extended. As a result of this, it is concluded that there are appropriate agro-ecological conditions to continue growing this palm, using the existent productive potential and in this way contribute to improve the planning of agricultural development within the region.