THE 6 MOST OUTSTANDING NATURAL RESOURCES OF QUERÉTARO - GEOGRAPHY - 2025

Among the natural resources of Querétaro, the forest wealth stands out, which occupies more than 700,000 hectares; and mining, in which silver and copper deposits stand out.

This Mexican state borders the states of San Luis Potosí to the north and northeast, Hidalgo and México DF to the southeast, Michoacán to the southwest and Guanajuato to the west.

It is made up of 18 municipalities and the capital is the city of Santiago de Querétaro. The name of the entity comes from the native word queréndaro, which means "the place of the rocks."

As for its climate, it presents variations. The central part of the state is dry or semi-dry, with very little rainfall. The northern region is also characterized by its almost desert climate.

For its part, the south is generally cool and humid, with abundant rain in the summer, as well as frequent hail and frosts.

The main natural resources of Querétaro

1- Forest resources

The forest area of ​​the state is 776,007.22 hectares. This is one of the great natural resources of Querétaro.

It includes forests and arid areas. The formations that occur in these two ecosystems are: conifers, broadleaves, mountain mesophiles, low jungles, chaparral and scrub.

Among the best exploited species are pines, cedars, oaks, oyameles, juniper, mesquite and eucalyptus.

2- Mineral resources

Since pre-Hispanic times, the mining wealth of the state of Querétaro has been used, particularly in the Sierra Gorda.

The extraction of cinnabar (mercury sulfide) and quicksilver (mercury) has been constant, although irregular in terms of the quantity extracted.

At different stages in the history of Queretaro, the protagonism has changed from mercury, to silver, to lead or to zinc.

The state is also well known for its opals. The main mining districts are in Cadereyta and Toliman.

Silver, iron, copper and mercury are the main metals that we will find in the region. Its presence is due to volcanic activity.

Magmatic fluids transport metals that they deposit on the earth's surface, giving rise to the formation of deposits.

Although gold reserves are not unlimited and production has decreased in recent years, it is still important. The presence of gold and silver in mines operated by large companies is a source of wealth for the region.

The export of precious materials generates billions of dollars annually, a part of which is reinvested in Querétaro.

3- Soils, agriculture and livestock

The soils in this entity are as diverse as its landscapes. Therefore, they can host a great biodiversity.

30% of the territory is agricultural, this being one of the main economic activities in the region. A variety of crops are grown in the southern lowlands including fruits, corn, beans, cabbage, alfalfa, onions, lettuce, sorghum, and medicinal plants.

Corn is also very important, as production in Querétaro represents 6.8% of the national total.

Every year, global agricultural production exceeds 130,000 tons. Querétaro has the disadvantage of its dry climate, but the lack of rainfall is partially solved with the use of irrigation systems.

Eventually, the lack of rainfall could lead to severe problems. For this reason, irrigation systems are becoming more and more sophisticated. Some local companies develop these mechanisms to extend the agricultural exploitation of the land as long as possible.

On the other hand, the rearing of cattle, especially dairy cows, is significant in rangelands.

The state of Querétaro is one of the main milk producers in the country. Another of the relevant activities is the breeding of fighting bulls.

4- Water resources

In Querétaro, the bodies of water are grouped into their two hydrological regions: Lerma-Santiago and Pánuco.

Many of its rivers are of tourist interest. Among these are: Ayutla, Santa María, Querétaro, Jalpan, Blanco and Escanela.

5- Flora

In the central part of the state, shrubs predominate, while in the northern highlands there are coniferous and oak forests.

The dry forests are located in the lower parts of the center and north. Additionally, near forests and jungles are grasslands.

6- Fauna

The fauna is differentiated according to the different topographies. In the bushes there are voles, squirrels, skunks, lizards, bats and others.

On the other hand, in coniferous and oak forests inhabit woodpeckers, flying squirrels, white-tailed deer, cacomixtles, opossums, lynxes, among others.

7- Dairy production

Querétaro is one of the main dairy producers in Mexico. The annual production volume reaches almost 400 million liters of milk.

The dairy sector in Querétaro includes some 200 companies related to production and distribution.

About 2,500 people in the state work for dairy companies or are involved in the sector - cattle ranchers, for example.

References

1. Queretaro. (2012, November 21). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from britannica.com
2. Queretaro. (s / f). In Nations Encyclopedia. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from nationsencyclopedia.com
3. Queretaro. (s / f). In Encyclopedia of the municipalities and delegations of Mexico. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from siglo.inafed.gob.mx
4. Angulo Carrera, A. (2010, April 14). Interview with Eng. Manuel Valdés, Secretary of Agricultural Development of the Government of the State of Querétaro. At the Center for Legal and Environmental Studies. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from ceja.org.mx
5. Zavala, JF (2008). Mining in La Sierra Gorda de Querétaro. In The Office of History. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from eloficiodehistoriar.com.mx
6. INEGI. (s / f). Queretaro. Flora and fauna. Retrieved on September 21, 2017, from Cuentame.inegi.org.mx