ABSTRACT
The targeted area for plant
reforestation in the state of Michoacan is made up of eroded areas and pasture
induced areas, both adding to 525,260 ha and representing 10.9% of the total
surface of the state. The regions with the largest areas in need of
reforestation are the Costa with 185,396 ha (29%), Oriente with 106,836 (17%)
and Tierra Caliente with 96,284 (15%). Commercial forest plantations are an
alternative for reducing the pressure on natural forests and creating options for
sustainable and diversified development, changing the land use from fragmented
agricultur and livestock
purposes to forestry. The object of this study was to determine potential areas
for the establishment of commercial forest plantations of Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) DC. in the state of Michoacan, Mexico, by
using geographic information systems. The outlining of potential areas was
performed with the IDRISI 32 and ArcView programs, according to the environmental
requirements of T. rosea. These
environmental requirements include precipitation, temperature, soil, altitude,
land use and slope. The analysis resulted in two maps where the potential areas
for the establishment of commercial forest plantations with this species were shown, which turned
out a total potential area of 54,320 ha, distributed in 47,566 ha considering a slope of 0% - 15% for
non-manual forest plantations, and 6754 ha considering a slope of 15% - 30% for
manual forest plantations. The ecologic conditions in Michoacan are favorable
for successful establishment and development of commercial forest plantations
of T. rosea.
Share and Cite:
Muñoz-Flores, H. , Castillo-Quiroz, D. , Castillo-Reyes, F. , Sáenz-Reyes, J. , Avila-Flores, D. and Rueda-Sánchez, A. (2017) Potential Areas for Commercial Timber Plantations of
Tabebuia rosea (Bertol.) DC. in Michoacan, Mexico.
Open Journal of Forestry,
7, 48-57. doi:
10.4236/ojf.2017.71004.