Agroclimatic Mapping for Olive Cultivation in Brazil: Pinpointing Optimal Growing Regions
Lucas Eduardo de Oliveira Aparecido, Guilherme Botega Torsoni, Rafael Fausto de Lima, Daniel Zimmermann Mesquita, Pedro Maranha Peche- Nutrition and Dietetics
- Agronomy and Crop Science
- Food Science
- Biotechnology
Abstract
Background
This research aimed to identify the agroclimatic zones in Brazil, excluding Rio Grande do Sul, that are suitable for olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivation, considering both climatic and topographical factors. Olives require specific conditions: moderate winter temperatures (7‐15 °C), warmer summers (25‐35 °C), and sufficient water during growth and fruit maturation. They can endure some drought, making them a viable option for agricultural diversification. Using daily meteorological data from 1989 to 2023 from NASA‐POWER, this study analyzed variables like air temperature (minimum and maximum) and rainfall. Key climate variables were the mean air temperature in winter (T_w), spring (T_s), summer (T_su), and autumn (T_a), and total annual precipitation (Prec). Criteria for suitability included: T_w between 5‐20 °C, T_s between 15‐23 °C, T_su between 15‐30 °C, T_a between 15‐22 °C, annual precipitation over 900 mm, and altitude below 900 meters. Geographic information system software and Python 3.8 were employed for data analysis and zoning.
Results
Results indicated that only 1.92% of the analyzed area, mainly in Minas Gerais, was suitable for olive cultivation. High temperatures and low rainfall in Brazil, particularly in the North and Midwest, make 59.56% of the country unsuitable for olive farming. Additionally, 18.58% of the land, mainly in the Northeast, faces challenges due to extreme heat (T_w) and insufficient water supply.
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