Evaluation of the natural agricultural and livestock potential as the first phase in the territorial planning of the Ochomogo river sub-basin, Nicaragua

Abstract

The analysis of territorial potential is considered one of the first steps in territorial planning; Nicaragua is a highly agricultural country, identifying which areas are and zoning them constitutes a valuable tool in decision-making regarding territorial planning policies. The article presents the results of areas with greater and lesser potential for agricultural and livestock activities in the Ochomogo River sub-basin, which are considered essential elements for the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources, particularly soil. In the Ochomogo sub-basin, the main suitability of the soils is livestock with values between 14 and 18 points, indicating that its main use must be livestock. Regarding agriculture, I present values ranging from 12 to 15 points, indicating a low natural aptitude for agriculture. One of the main recommendations is that soils following the found aptitude should be used and agricultural systems in agroforestry, livestock in silvopasture, and forestry should be implemented to avoid the deterioration of the natural resources present in the area, including forest, water, and soil.