Paisagens sertanejas: uso e cobertura das terras e adequabilidade no sertão central do Ceará

Abstract

The unit fitoecogeografic called Caatinga is unique and characteristic of the brazilian semiarid region. Its natural landscape, formed by various mosaics, has been losing its primary characteristics due unplanned socioeconomic activities, hindering sustainable development. In recente years, it has been observing an extreme landscape modification’s caused by strong anthropic activity manifested by soil erosion, microclimate changes, loss of biodiversity and agricultural productivity reduction. Landscape’s Ecology studies, Land use/Land Cover’s maps and suitability of land use are importante for better management in the region. Thus, in this study, I evaluated how suitable is the land use in specifc central semiarid region of Ceará State and I have qualified the landscape fragmentation. For this, I drew up land use and land cover’s map and I crossed this map with agricultural suitability and slope informations, using Geografic Information System and Remoting Sensing, which allowed me to assess the land use suitability. I used landscape’s metrics of the structure on the same land use and land cover’s map to characterize and evaluate the landscape fragmentation process. The results show the region presents itself with land used inappropriately and inappropriate use could become an increasingly common practice due to greater need of land for local population subsistence. There isn’t environmental planning for land use suitable and, beyond the problems caused to soil conservation, the natural landscape is becoming increasingly fragmented.