SPACE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOIL PROPERTIES AND WATER STRESS IN CAÑA DE AZÚCAR IN THE HACIENDA CHURIMAL-ROLDANILLO-VALLE DEL CAUCA, COLOMBIA

Abstract

Climate change is an important problem in agriculture, and it is necessary to take actions in different aspects in order to reduce its negative effects such as high temperatures, solar brightness and evaporation. Because of climate change, agricultural production will be affected in a high percentage, specifically in the reduction of available area and lower productivity. In the last years, water related stress has been one of the factors that has negatively influenced agricultural activities in the Churimal Roldanillo farm, Valle del Cauca department in Colombia.The methodology consisted on: i) georeferencing the located points in planted area 1, ii) physical analysis of soil samples in laboratory and, iii) the systematization of field work data using the ArcGIS tools. Spatial interpolation methods were used in this study, supported by the ArcGIS (Armap) software and its IDW interpolation tool, which is practical and flexible. It shows spatial distribution and quantification of each analyzed variable in both top-soil and sub-soil layers. In addition, annual precipitation historical evolution (2011 to 2016) was analyzed with physical soil properties in the study area. Based on water requirement of sugarcane crop, a theoretical approach of irrigation application in the cultivation of sugarcane was developed. Results showed relations between plant, climate and soil characteristics. Thus, a serie of maps was presented characterizing soil physical properties distribution in the planted area. Historical precipitation data between the years 2011 to 2016 were analyzed and graphed and finally sugar cane cultivation water requirement was analyzed in relation to existing water from precipitation. Therefore, it was concluded that there is a water deficit for sugar cane cultivation in high period of its phenology.