Multicriteria analysis applied to prospection of potential areas for center pivots installation in a tropical ecosystem

Use of irrigation techniques is essential to ensure agricultural production and food security. Agricultural borders irrigated by center pivots have been expanding on a large scale. However, to make investments feasible and promote sustainable production, preliminary studies based on technical-environmental criteria are essential to support decision-making in areas where technology is intended to be installed. Thus, this study aimed to determine potential areas for center pivots installation in Espirito Santo state, Brazil, ensuring greater returns from production process, socioeconomic growth, sustainable use of natural resources and lower financial risks for investors. Chosen method was multicriteria analysis, using a weighted linear combination and fuzzy logic. The methodological steps of the study were: (a) database compilation; (b) Euclidean distance application for matrix and vector variables; (c) fuzzy logic application to Euclidean distance of matrix variables; (d) WLC method application to fuzzified matrix variables; (e) reclassification of potential areas; and (f) results statistical analysis. It is concluded that there are 1,272,238.05 ha technically suitable for center pivots installation. Currently, only 1 % of this area is explored (12,799.42 ha), resulting in 1,259,458.63 ha of potential areas for center pivots installation. Most areas considered suitable (62.6%) were classified as medium potential (790,764.67 ha), while 232,102.00 ha (18.24 %) were classified as low potential and 249,371.38 ha (19.16 %) as high potential. The municipalities with the greatest potential were: Sao Mateus (118,812 ha), Linhares (106,099 ha), Montanha (90,830 ha), Aracruz (75,580 ha), Pinheiros (75,291 ha) and Conceicao da Barra (71,597 ha). Similarity analysis pointed out the method accuracy, in which 97.31 % of real areas which already have installed center pivots are located in areas considered by the study as potential for center pivots installation. Considering several technical and environmental criteria, this study presents an innovative proposal for impartial identification of the most suitable areas for center pivots installation. Results contribute to application of public policies in irrigated agriculture planning and to a more sustainable agricultural production, in addition to bring greater security in investments made by private sector. Moreover, the method provides guidelines that allow its application in any other area of interest on the planet.