DETERMINAÇÃO DA APTIDÃO AGRÍCOLA DA MICRORREGIÃO DE MOSSORÓ-RN

This study sought to determine the agricultural sustainability of a region of great economic importance, located in the western Potiguar. The micro-region of Mossoro is composed of the municipalities of Tibau, Grossos, Areia Branca, Barauna, Mossoro and Serra do Mel. The methodology proposed by the National Service of Surveying and Soil Conservation of the Brazilian Company of Agricultural Research (EMBRAPA) was used, which classifies the sustainability of the land related to water, mechanization and fertility linked to the soil classification verified in the area. In the development of this paper the technology of geographic information systems (GIS) was implemented via digital databases. The area of greatest predominance in relation to agricultural suitability was classified as restricted for different technologic levels, representing 71.67% of the study area. Also verified were areas of regular and limited agricultural potential for natural pasture, 16.35% and 1.35% respectively. It was found that 1.96% of its area was classified as sustainable for crops of different technology levels. Additionally, 8.68% of the area was classified as unfit for agriculture practices, suitable only for preservation of local fauna and flora.