Uso de Geotecnologias no Estudo da Degradação das Terras da Bacia do Rio Sucuru, na Paraíba

Abstract

The objective was to map spatially and temporally the degradation of the lands of the Sucuru River basin in the region of Cariri Paraibano. The SPRING 5.2.7 program was used for the digital processing of orbital images and the photointerpretative keys for evaluation of levels of degradation, field visits, consultations with literature and public agencies. There was a regeneration of the areas that previously were in the levels of degradation very serious and moderate severe, due to factors such as the drought that is hindering the agricultural exploration, as well as the reduction of the animal exploitation and of the arboreal extractivism. The banks of the water bodies of the basin, for the most part, are at the level of severe degradation, resulting from the removal of this vegetation due to the exploitation of these areas for the most varied uses. The degradation processes, together with the incorrect use of the lands of the studied basin had as main consequence, the rural exodus, requiring the intervention of the public power so that the local communities can develop sustainable activities, considering social, economic and environmental aspects.

Assessment of land use and cover in the Sucuru Watershed using Google Earth Engine

“…This class includes areas with crops and soils prepared for cultivation or fallow (ALENCAR, 2008). Cultivation areas are affected by the irregular rainfall in the region (SANTOS, 2015). Our data are comparable to those shown by Alencar (2008) and Santos (2015) with results of 36.51 and 45.59% of Sparse Vegetation and Exposed Soil, confirming the importance of this activity in the region.…”

“…Previous studies carried out in the Sucuru River Basin reported lower values of Dense Vegetation. For example, Santos (2015) reports that 2.32% of the area was covered by dense vegetation in 1990, while in 2013, this vegetation Revista Verde 17:4 (2022) 235-241 occupied 10.57%. Abandoned pastures in ecological regeneration processes may be increasing the dense vegetation areas over time (SANTOS 2015).…”

“…For example, Santos (2015) reports that 2.32% of the area was covered by dense vegetation in 1990, while in 2013, this vegetation Revista Verde 17:4 (2022) 235-241 occupied 10.57%. Abandoned pastures in ecological regeneration processes may be increasing the dense vegetation areas over time (SANTOS 2015). In addition, part of this vegetation is found in mountainous areas which hampers farming and livestock activities.…”

“…In 2013, the area of Semi-Dense Vegetation was 33.56%. Santos (2015) attributes this increase to the extraction of firewood, especially for charcoal production, while Souza et al (2009) recognize livestock as the dominant activity in the region, especially cattle, sheep and goats.…”

“…The percentage of water surface in the Sucuru watershed decreased from 4.1% to 0.85% between 1987and 2005(ALENCAR, 2008. Several factors may reduce the surface storage capacity of watersheds, such as low annual rainfall, irregular rainfall patterns, high evaporation, and the removal of riparian vegetation that leads to silting of waterbodies (SANTOS 2015;RÊGO, 2018).…”