Determination of optimal areas for the establishment of buffalo herds and German grass in Tabasco, Mexico

Objective: To determine optimal (suitable) areas for the establishment of fattening buffalo herds (Bubalus bubalis) and german grass (Echinochloa polystachya Kunth Hitchc) based on biophysical environmental conditions that favor the comfort state of the animal species and the better development of the plant species. Design/methodology/approach: The methodology consisted of an analysis of the bioclimatic parameters for water buffalo and agroclimatic parameters for german grass in the state from Tabasco. A comparative table of the optimal biophysical variables of the water buffalo and the german grass was elaborated with respect to the digital geographic base of soils and the climatological normals registered in the state from Tabasco. Edaphoclimatic maps were elaborated for the establishment of buffalo herds associated with german grass from a cartographic crossing. Results: Obtaining the edaphoclimatic aptitude map of both species at a scale of 1:135,000. Limitations of the study/implications: In the state of Tabasco, there is a lack of basic information on the soil and climatic conditions suitable for water buffalo, since its exploitation is recent. Findings/conclusions: The areas for the establishment of buffalo herds and German grass were identified. 4.29% of the state of Tabasco has suitable potential, followed by 56.67% classified as moderately suitable, while 38.48% were classified as unsuitableObjective: To determine optimal (suitable) areas for the establishment of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) herds fattened with German grass (Echinochloa polystachya Kunth Hitchc), based on the biophysical environmental conditions that favor the comfort of the animal species and the best development of the plant species.Design/Methodology/Approach: An analysis of the bioclimatic parameters for water buffalo and the agroclimatic parameters for German grass was carried out in the state of Tabasco, Mexico. A comparative table of the optimal biophysical variables of water buffalo and German grass was developed from the digital soil geographic databases and the climatological normals recorded in the state of Tabasco. Edaphoclimatic maps were developed to establish buffalo herds associated with German grass, based on a cartographic cross-checking.Results: The soil-climatic aptitude map of both species was developed at a scale of 1:135,000.Study Limitations/Implications: Given its recent introduction, there is a lack of basic information on the edaphoclimatic conditions suitable for water buffalo in the state of Tabasco.Findings/Conclusions: The areas for the establishment of buffalo herds and German grass were identified. Regarding their potentiality, 4.29% of the state of Tabasco is suitable, 56.67% was classified as moderately suitable, and 38.48% is not suitable