Edaphoclimatological study of cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) in Loja province, southern Ecuador

A study about climate and soil conditions in areas where wild cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) trees can be found, was carried out between August and October 1995 in Loja province (southern Ecuador), which is probably the centre of origin of this fruit species. The objective was to examine the range of edapho-climatological conditions in which wild cherimoya trees occur, in order to obtain an indication of its growth requirements. A zonal classification of Loja province was carried out, using a GIS (Geographical information System), to determine and define characteristics of zones where optimal production is to be expected. A combination of climatological maps, soil maps and 52 soil analyses data from 20 locations allowed to determine requirements in annual mean, maximum and minimum temperatures, yearly precipitation, relative humidity, soil texture, pH and organic matter content. In Loja province, wild cherimoya trees are generally found in mild (mean annual temperature between 19 and 20.5 degrees C) and relatively dry (mean annual precipitation varying between 650 and 1,250 mm) areas with relative humidity ranging from 75 - 85 %. Well drained soils with textures ranging between sandy loam, loam or sandy clay loam, a slightly acid pH that is slightly acid (varying between 5 and 6.5) and a moderate organic matter content (ranging 1 - 5 %) seem to be optimal.A study about climate and soil conditions in areas where wild cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) trees can be found, was carried out between August and October 1995 in Loja province (southern Ecuador), which is probably the centre of origin of this fruit species. The objective was to examine the range of edapho-climatological conditions in which wild cherimoya trees occur, in order to obtain an indication of its growth requirements. A zonal classification of Loja province was carried out, using a GIS (Geographical information System), to determine and define characteristics of zones where optimal production is to be expected. A combination of climatological maps, soil maps and 52 soil analyses data from 20 locations allowed to determine requirements in annual mean, maximum and minimum temperatures, yearly precipitation, relative humidity, soil texture, pH and organic matter content. In Loja province, wild cherimoya trees are generally found in mild (mean annual temperature between 19 and 20.5 degrees C) and relatively dry (mean annual precipitation varying between 650 and 1,250 mm) areas with relative humidity ranging from 75 - 85 %. Well drained soils with textures ranging between sandy loam, loam or sandy clay loam, a slightly acid pH that is slightly acid (varying between 5 and 6.5) and a moderate organic matter content (ranging 1 - 5 %) seem to be optimal.P