Unpublished map highlights the water retention capacity of soils in Mato Grosso do Sul

A map developed by Embrapa researchers shows the water retention capacity of soils in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). The concept of available water (AD) makes it possible to estimate climate risk and optimize the planting of different agricultural crops, considering the climate at different times, the characteristics of the soil and the water requirements of the crops. The map was developed on a scale of 1:100.000, which measures AD in millimeters per centimeter of the soil. According to the head of Research and Development at Embrapa Soils (RJ), Silvio Bhering, “Mato Grosso do Sul is the only Brazilian state to have work on this scale of detail”. 

Knowledge of the capacity to retain and make water available in different classes of soils (latosols, argisols, neosols, etc.) helps in the planning and execution of agricultural practices at all times of the year. The best planting times depending on AD are available on the page of the Agricultural Zoning of Climate Risk (Zarc), of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (Mapa), carried out in partnership with Embrapa, and also on the application Zarc-Plantio Certo, which can be accessed via cell phone.

Information about AD also contributes to specific agricultural policies to encourage the planting of crops with lower climate risks, in addition to benefiting agricultural financing and rural assistance agencies. Additionally, this data is used in models of plant growth and water flows in rural areas.

“The judicious use of the agricultural calendar for planting in seasons with lower risks, which varies between different crops in different regions, allows harvest losses due to lack and excess of water to be reduced. It enables the planning of agricultural practices related to preparation and planting and, when followed sparingly, reduces financial losses for farmers and the payment of rural insurance”, reports Embrapa Solos researcher, Wenceslau Teixeira.

The results presented in this study are based on the methodology presented in Embrapa Soils Bulletin 282 and are supported by calculations of weighted average AD values ​​of the different soils existing in the regions of Mato Grosso do Sul.

New maps are already in MS's sights

Mato Grosso do Sul presents agroecological conditions with great environmental variations regarding the potential for agroforestry exploitation and environmental degradation. Knowledge of these variations is of fundamental importance when intending to implement rural development strategies on a sustainable basis.

The map is the result of the MS government's agroecological zoning project, coordinated by the then State Secretariat for the Environment, Economic Development, Production and Family Agriculture (Semagro), currently the Secretariat for the Environment, Development, Science, Technology and Innovation (Semadesc ).

The state of MS, in partnership with Embrapa and other Brazilian research and teaching institutions, has invested in surveying its soils, potential and skills. This is just one of the results that these studies will generate in favor of better planning for the use of the state's lands, enhancing their use, increasing productivity and reducing the climatic risks of crop losses.

The map is available to all interested parties, from farmers who want to better plan their planting calendar, representatives of technical assistance, government to improve agricultural policies, as well as financing and rural insurance agencies.

Soon, other maps and information about the soils of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul on a 1:100.000 scale will be released.