A computer-based system of land classification for upland field qualities and limitations.

Abstract

The computer-based system used to evaluate the upland field qualitics and limitations was developed using the mesh data of soils in consideration of various alternative land uses and regional feasibility. This system was applied to our case study in Yasato-cho, Ibaraki. The mesh data used consisted of profile description and chemical and physical data obtained by the Soil Survey Program for the Maintenance of Farm Land Fertility. The suitability of upland field for agricultural uses depends upon evaluation of cultural management and crop productivity. The evaluation of cultural management was the degree of the difficulty for tillage, soil fertility and erodibility. The evaluation of crop productivity based upon the degree of rooting ability and photosynthetic ability of general field crops. The results of individual evaluation steps are classified into five or six classes on the suitability. The system can be installed in a personal computer. The final output of synthetic evaluation coincided with the results of the research survey conducted to obtain data for the degree of cultural management and difference of growing crops in the region.