Spatial distribution of Canola culture in the State of Parana (Brazil) between the agricultural years of 2005 and 2009

There are a number of crops that are viable for small farms. To increase our knowledge of the occurrence of canola cultivation in the State of Parana, the present study aimed to identify the areas sown with canola (ha) and to examine canola production (t) during the growing seasons of 2005 to 2009. The methodology involved a literature review and analysis of spatial data from the Secretaria da Agricultura e do Abastecimento do Parana (SEAB/PR). We used the software ArcGis 9.3 for elaboration of thematic maps of variables as well as the free software GeoDa 0.9.5-i. The identification of spatial dependence was conducted through global univariate spatial autocorrelation using Moran's Index (1) statistic and, at a local level, using Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA). Spatial correlation was detected in the data on the area sown (ha) and production (t) for the canola crop. The results also indicated the possibility of expansion of cultivated areas in the State of Parana, in addition to providing interesting options regarding the composition of systems of crop rotation and soil cover. The application of the spatial statistical area contributed to the recognition of the evolution of the canola crop in the State of Parana, based on the spatialization of production and sown areas in its municipalities. It is evident that most municipalities show no significant pattern, demonstrating the potential for the expansion of sown areas in the State. For the High-High standard, it was noted that the municipalities were grouped mainly in the western and south-central State of Parana.