A CLIMATIC EDAPHIC DATABASE AND PLANT-GROWTH INDEX PREDICTION SYSTEM FOR AFRICA

A microcomputer program is described which can indicate the broadscale suitability of any perennial plant taxon for cultivation at sites across Africa. The program is demonstrated using the Petford provenance of Eucalyptus camaldulensis. The program uses a climatic and edaphic database for over 10000 locations. Mean monthly values of maximum temperature, minimum temperature, precipitation, evaporation and solar radiation were estimated for each location. Information describing the chosen plant's edaphic and climatic requirements is entered into the computer. Colour maps are produced on the microcomputer screen indicating edaphic, climatic and overall limitations for the particular plant. A cursor can be moved over any location on the maps and detailed model calculations examined for that location. It is concluded that together the database, model and user interface provide a powerful tool for testing descriptions of requirements and identifying suitable regions for particular taxa.