RELAÇÃO ENTRE CONDIÇÕES HÍDRICAS E O CRESCIMENTO VEGETAL DA CANA-DE-AÇÚCAR NO MUNICÍPIO ITAMBÉ, PERNAMBUCO

Abstract

The best period for sugarcane growth for Itambé, Pernambuco, Brazil, was evaluated, based on observed daily precipitation and potential evapotranspiration data, for years classified as "dry", "normal" or "rainy". Potential evapotranspiration monthly values were estimated through Hargreaves methods, and transformed into 10-days period averages. Ten-days period distribution of precipitation, full evapotranspiration and half of potential evapotranspiration are used to characterize sugarcane growth phase, by determination of pre-humid, humid and post-humid periods. Results show that the best period for the growth phase of this culture in Itambé region for dry years is from January 26th to September 28th, with 245 days duration and total precipitation of 822 mm. In normal years, it begins on March 9th and ends on October 5th, with 210 days duration, and precipitation of 1064 mm. For rainy years the best period for sugarcane growth phase begins on February 20th and ends on October 13th, with 235 days duration, and average precipitation of 1426 mm.