A Temporal Analysis of the Evolution of the Area Irrigated by Central Pivot Systems in the Municipality of Paracatu, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Resumo

Agriculture plays a crucial role in economic and social development, particularly in regions where irrigation is essential to ensure stable agricultural production. The availability and demand for water resources are critical factors for guaranteeing water security and promoting sustainable management of natural resources in agricultural environments. This study aimed to analyze the temporal evolution of the irrigated area using central pivot irrigation systems in the municipality of Paracatu, Minas Gerais, Brazil, between 2019 and 2023. Data collection involved hydrological information provided by the National Water Agency (ANA) and metadata on irrigation pivots available from the National Water Resources Information System (SNIRH). Satellite images obtained from Google Earth were used to perform a spatial and temporal analysis of irrigation expansion in the region. The results showed that in 2019 the municipality had approximately 837 central pivots, covering about 61,698.2 hectares of irrigated area. By 2023, the number increased to 1,140 pivots, covering 72,662.83 hectares. This represents a growth of approximately 17.75% in irrigated area and 36.23% in the number of pivots. The findings highlight the importance of irrigation for local agricultural development and reinforce the need for efficient water resource management to ensure environmental sustainability and support future agricultural expansion.