Land Suitability Assessment for Sugarcane in "Herois de Caxito" (Angola)

Abstract

The suitability of the soils surrounding the sugarcane plantation at "Herois de Caxito" (7068 ha) is assessed. The main goal is to identify land suitability for the enlargement of the present plantation, using FAO land evaluation models (modified to suit Herois de Caxito conditions) and GIS. Calculations of the radiationthermal production potential (RPP), land production potential (LPP), irrigation suitability index, and evaluation of the irrigation water quality are done. The water-limited production potential (WPP) is found equal to the RPP, because water needs were fully met under irrigation. Maps showing the spatial distribution of the LPP and the suitability for irrigation are generated. The matching of irrigation and fertility indices has shown that, about 40% of the soils with good fertility for sugarcane production present low suitability for irrigation, the main limitations being the very fine texture and the drainage. The available surface water at Herois de Caxito (Dande river) is of very good quality for irrigation of sugarcane