Tuesday, November 14, 2006
194-14
Using GIS Technology to Inventory Soils of Citrus Groves in Hidalgo County, Texas.
R.S. Fletcher, USDA-ARS-IFNRRU, 2413 E. Hwy. 83, Weslaco, TX 78596 and D.W. Bartels, USDA-APHIS-PPQ-CPHST, Moore Air Base, Bldg. 6414, 22675 N. Moorefield Rd., Edinburg, TX 78541.
This poster illustrates the application of geographic information system (GIS) technology to inventory soils of citrus (Citrus spp.) groves in Hidalgo County, the major commercial citrus production area in Texas. Using spatial and tabular data provided by government agencies and commercial GIS software, we were able to develop a soil-citrus database, determine the hectares of citrus per detailed soil map unit, identify grove areas located on soils having high, medium, or low ratings for growing citrus, and use queries to create maps pertaining to specific soil properties and citrus attributes. Producers, extension agents, scientists, and government agencies can use the data stored in the GIS to assist them in making management decisions.