ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION OF THE UBERABA RIVER WATERSHED: A METHODOLOGICAL BOARDING

摘要

abstract_textpThe present study is about the evaluation of the environmental degradation of the Uberaba river watershed situated in a region called Triangulo Mineiro. It possesses an area of 241,904.30 ha, which encloses the cities of Uberaba, Verissimo, Conceicao das Alagoas and a small portion of Planura. In this study the map of ambient degradation was produced containing four levels: low, moderate, accented and severe. The parameters used in this classification were: vegetation, topography, soil/geology, natural potential for erosion, mechanization, agricultural area, population density, cattle-raising and area of conflict for which it was attributed values. For "the low" level of degradation it was defined values = 13 points. For "the moderate" level, values situated in the interval of 14 to 16. Values between 17 and 19 for "the accented" level, and "the severe" level with values = 20 points. This study consolidates the consequences of the inadequate use of land when it is not respected its natural aptitude. The areas with moderate level of degradation represent 47; however the areas of accented level (48) and severe (4) represent 52, what discloses a strong indication in the advance of the destruction of natural resources. The areas classified with low level represent only 1, sufficiently inexpressive, detaching the indifference in the preservation of natural resources./p/abstract_text