Abstract
In this study appraisal of four different agricultural land evaluation methods including the so-called Storie method, square root method, maximum limitation method and fuzzy sets method, was done. The study was performed in Bastam region, located in Semnan province at the north east of Iran. Three crops including tomato, wheat and potato were assessed for the purpose of this research. Soil characteristics assessed were rooting depth, CaCo3, organic carboncontent, clay content, pH and slope gradient. Statistical analyses were done at significance levels of α = 0.1 and α = 0.05. Results of regression between land indices, calculated through the four methods, with observed yields of the crops, showed that the regression were significant in fuzzy sets method for all of the assessed crops at p = 0.05 but not significant in maximum limitation method for any of the crops. The Storie and square root methods also showed a significant correlation with wheat yield at p = 0.1. This study was a demonstrative test of fuzzy sets theory in land suitability evaluation for agricultural uses, which revealed that this methodology is the most correct method in given circumstances.
Highlights
Classification of rural lands with regard to their suitability for a specific crop production is important, since different land units have different advantages and limitations
As every land unit has its own restrictions and advantages and each crop has its own requirements for growth, a precise land evaluation method is required for rational decision making on agricultural land use management and allocation of crops to different land units
In The dependence of yield on four different land use indices is presented on Fig
Summary
Classification of rural lands with regard to their suitability for a specific crop production is important, since different land units have different advantages and limitations. To allocate each land unit for optimal and sustainable production of a crop, land use planning should be implemented in. As every land unit has its own restrictions and advantages and each crop has its own requirements for growth, a precise land evaluation method is required for rational decision making on agricultural land use management and allocation of crops to different land units. Gradual and continuous variability in characteristics values and their influence on crop growth has been clearly observed in soils. Applying this approach causes losing some information when reflexing the values within or out of the rigid limits, since variability in soil qualities and characteristics is rather continuous or fuzzy and not discrete
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
