A geospatial study has revealed that the area under citrus cultivation in Tucumán decreased in the 2017-2024 period. The study was carried out by researchers from INTA's Famaillá Agricultural Experimental Station and was presented at the VII International Territorial Planning and Geographical Information Technologies Congress in Acapulco, Mexico. "Using satellite images to monitor and evaluate crops has become a tool for planning and prospective studies," the researchers said.
The goal was to analyze the evolution of the area cultivated with citrus, using LANDSAT 8, SPOT 6 and 7, and SENTINEL 2A satellite images from CONAE and the European Space Agency. The techniques employed included multi-temporal analysis, plot digitization, and supervised classification using SNAP 7.0, ERDAS IMAGINE 9.1, and QGIS software. The results showed growth until 2021, reaching 51,972 hectares, followed by a decrease to 42,317 hectares in 2024, returning to 2017 levels.
"The data show a significant decline in citrus activity compared to the previous three seasons," the authors explained, attributing the drop to factors such as low profitability, low prices for the industry, lower volumes exported, increased production costs, and competition from other markets.
Another study on land use and land cover change in Burruyacú found that the region suffered a loss of 1,641 hectares in 2023. The analysis, based on SENTINEL 2A imagery, showed that 45% of the reduced area was destined for sugar cane, 20% for soybeans, 15% was left as bare soil, and 20% for new fruit plantations. "Burruyacú has experienced a change in land cover, from one agricultural system to another, without significant urban expansion," the researchers concluded.
Source: eltucumano.com