Dynamics of land use and coverage in sugar cane producing municipalities (Saccharum officinarum l.) in Maranhão

Abstract

This study analyzes the changes in coverage and land use in sugarcane producing municipalities in Maranhão in the period between 1998 and 2018. For this purpose, secondary data provided by the Pesquisa Agrícola Municipal (PAM) were used, such as the variables sugarcane production and cultivation. The MapBiomas Project was also used to obtain georeferenced images and data on land cover and land use, such as areas of agricultural, pastures, native vegetation, including savannahs, grasslands and forests, water bodies and non-vegetated areas. In addition, calculations of the evolution of the classes in the study period and the analysis of correlation between agriculture and vegetation suppression were carried out. Thus, a graphical, tabular and cartographic analysis was performed. The results showed the quantification of the areas of native vegetation suppressed in the municipalities of Maranhão located in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes. There was an increase in the areas destined for cattle farming, including agriculture and planted pastures. The growth of agricultural activities was positively correlated with the suppression of native vegetation in all sugarcane producing municipalities. Therefore, it is concluded that it is necessary to implement public policies to promote the conservation of native vegetation.