Location of suitable zones for protected agriculture in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

This study was conductedto define potential sites to establish protected agriculture inBaja California Sur, Mexico, taking into account weather andsoil variables. A soil sampling was conducted in 51 sites fromOctober to November 2010; besides, the available amountof N, P and K, pH and Electrical Conductivity (EC) wereanalyzed. Results showed a low concentration of N, highcontent of P, and a variant concentration for K. Moreover,observed pH was alkaline and EC varied from moderate tolow level. Based on the results, it can be stated that BajaCalifornia Sur has different weather and soils in each of itscounties. As a consequence, there are considerable variationsin protected agriculture development. The higher surfacein Baja California Sur, suitable for protected agriculture,measured in May 2010, was quantified in 6,811,778 ha. Mostof the year is optimal to cultivate under protected agricultureapproach, without the need for additional mechanisms forweather control. However, during the summer conditionsare suboptimal and it is necessary to introduce means todecrease high temperatures.