Agroclimatic aptitude of oil seed plant in the region of Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso state, Brazil

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the agroclimatic aptitude of oil seed plant Jatropha curcas, on the region of Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. Were utilized daily historic data of rainfall and temperature provided by the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) and National Water Agency (ANA), comparing them with specific climate demandings of the culture. The studied region demonstrated favorable characteristics to the development of Jatropha curcas, with average yearly rainfall ranging from 1,260.11 to 1,815.5 mm and average temperature between 24.4 °C and 26.1 °C. The monthly average temperature does not exceed in any period the ideal levels for the crop, however, the monthly rainfall indicates long periods of low rainfall, mainly during the months of June, July and August, with average below 30 mm. The region under study is classified as fully capable for the cultivation of Jatropha curcas, though, the use of irrigation technologies can maximize the production of this oil seed plant, since the water regime is the only limiting climatic element in some periods of the year.