Capability Classification Research Articles

Land Suitability Analysis for Potential Agriculture Land Use in Sambhunath Municipality, Saptari, Nepal

Rapid and unplanned urbanization and haphazard infrastructure development causes pressure on the finite land resource and there is urgent need to preserve the arable land for food security. Land suitability analysis is a technique in which the land quality assessment is performed through interpretation of land properties for allocation of lands for particular use. The present paper attempts to conduct a land suitability analysis to determine the potential sites for agriculture land use in Sambhunath municipality of Saptari district. The criteria/ factors for the land suitability analysis were identified through literatures and modified in the local context through expert opinions and focus group discussions. The evaluation of agriculture land is accomplished using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Multi-Criteria Evaluation (MCE) and Geographic Information System (GIS). Agriculture suitability index was developed and optimized qualitatively through the strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT) analysis. Finally, potential agriculture suitability index map is prepared. The analysis shows almost 3139 ha (29%) lands as 14 highly suitable and 3001 ha (28%) of moderately suitable agriculture land within the municipality. Almost all the suitable agriculture land is located at low land with flat terrain to gentle slope having high natural fertility and mainly in land capability classes I and II. The unsuitable and poorly suitable agriculture land is occupied in the undulating areas and hilly terrain of the Siwalik hill. The study found the GIS tool integrated with MCE-AHP useful in land suitability evaluation process and anticipated that it could act as the planning tool to allocate lands in land use planning for sustainable agricultural practices.

Land Inventorization at Tardi-Babhlaj Villages of Shirpur Taluka Maharashtra State using RS and GIS

Scientific evaluation of the land is essential in order to understand the suitability for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes and identification of capabilities and constraints of the land for various crops and their cultivation helps in appropriate and sustainable usage. In order to uplift the production, productivity as well as profitability from a farm land, the knowledge regarding various land resources and soil properties become pre-requisites. In this, direction, a land inventorization was carried out using RS and GIS techniques. The prime objective was to carry out land evaluation studies based on land based on land capability classification and suitability of lands for commonly cultivated crops in the region. Soil morphological features, physical, physico-chemical and fertility properties of the land were analysed and the results indicated that the soils are good in inherent properties even with the slight variation in the morphological and physicochemical properties. Land evaluation based on Land Capability Classification (LCC) revealed that, all the blocks fall under Class-IV with some of the limitations like, erosion, texture and low organic carbon content in soils. Suitability of land to the crops indicated that there are limitations with respect to erosion, slope and soil fertility. Based on the obtained results, corrective measures were suggested for all the blocks to reduce the erosion losses improve the soil properties for higher productivity of the cultivated crops. The study concludes that variation in soils in all blocks is due to the close relationship between soils, physiography and climate which are interrelated.

Geomorphology as a tool to digitize homogeneous management zones based on soil properties in the semiarid central Argentinean Pampas

In many regions of the world, detailed soil maps are not available to improve decisions on land use and soil management for sustainable agricultural production. The central Argentinean Pampas are semiarid lands that have been extensively used for livestock and crop production and there is no detailed soil map that allows to identify erosion prone areas or differentiate between different productive potentials of soils. We used geomorphological maps elaborated through a combined index of NDVI and slope derived from satellite images as a proxy for identifying different soil and land capability classes, and to delineate homogeneous land management areas. Soil pits were dug, and sampling was carried out in three landscape positions in an experimental area identified by the combined index, and soils were classified by Soil Taxonomy and Land Capability classes. Soils differed in their profile depth and water storage capacity, calcium carbonate depth, pH, available phosphorus contents, taxonomic and land capability classification among three landforms: plateau, back-slope and toe-slope. Soil types and their capability class were then extrapolated to the entire study area according to the geomorphological map. The map showed the areas of erosion prone back-slope soils and highly productive toe-slope soils, different from the plateau area that dominates the region. This allows for a more sustainable management, protecting the slopes with permanent cover, using high value crops in the toe-slope areas and a better choice of adapted crops in the plateau, which may result in improving and stabilizing farmer's incomes and reducing wind and water erosion of the slopes.

Bio-Factor Inspired Contemporary Agriculture-Horticulture with Innovative Researches and Ecosystem Transformation for Healthy Life Plausible Governance

While developing countries focused their endeavors on development of livelihood and sustainable food security, developed countries diverted their attention towards development of feel good and wellness. It is found that lot of satisfactory progresses had been made in agriculture and horticulture and forestry land uses as per land capability classes. This scientific persuasion brought considerable improvement in situations and with development of knowledge many innovative developments and constraints also emerged. This study inspired by bio factors “feel good and wellness” brought contemporary transformations of forestry land use in to Forestry- Horticulture, least liable to damage by climatic aberrations. Control of the Governance of countries remains its fast adaptations. This researchers’ theme, “Food is Medicine”, recommended intake of suitable fruits and nuts as mini snack after around 3h of meal of any kind of food menus, to regulate acidity in human animal and fish bio systems. These fruits and nuts needs’ will get easily accomplished by the innovative transformation, “Forestry Horticulture”, which will support accomplish fulfillment of livelihood need and food securities in countries world over. With this transformation nutrient and water management in forestry sector will naturally get revamped for building still better vegetation cover, raising efficiency of fruits and nuts bearing through integrated fostering of wild as well as honey bee pollinators. The bio-factor feel good and wellness will get accomplished under both developing as well as developing countries enable bringing development of healthy stress free life of all gentry facilitating plausible stable governances.

Evaluasi Kemampuan Lahan di Desa Sungai Jelayan Kecamatan Kedawangan Kabupaten Ketapang

Sungai Jelayan Village is one of the villages in Kendawangan District, Ketapang Regency, which still has the potential for sustainable management. Evaluation of land capability is one of the efforts to overcome the reduction of land degradation. Land capability is an assessment of land units for particular uses, assessed from each inhibiting factor. This study aimed to determine the characteristics of the land according to the land capability parameter, assessed the land capability sub-class, and provided suggestions for land use based on the land capability sub-class in Sungai Jelayan Village. The research stages started from preparation, preliminary survey, determination of research location based on land units consisting of soil type, slope class, land use and there were 9 land units, and determination of observation points, as well as field observations and soil sampling, laboratory analysis, data processing and presentation of results. The results obtained 2 soil orders, namely Entisols and Inceptisols. The results of the land capability evaluation were divided into five land capability classes and sub-classes, namely class II-s, III-s, IV-w, V-w, and VIII-es. Improvement efforts or efforts to use land sustainably could be carried out in 5 ways, namely intensive cultivation, moderate cultivation, limited cultivation, nature reserves/protected forests, and intensive grazing.

Soil and Climate Characterization to Define Environments for Summer Crops in Senegal

Investigating soil and climate variability is critical to defining environments for field crops, understanding yield-limiting factors, and contributing to the sustainability and resilience of agro-ecosystems. Following this rationale, the aim of this study was to develop a soil–climate characterization to describe environmental constraints in the Senegal summer-crops region. For the soil database, 825 soil samples were collected characterizing pH, electrical conductivity (EC), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and total carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). For the climate, monthly temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration layers were retrieved from WorldClim 2.1, CHIRPS and TERRACLIMATE. The same analysis was applied individually to both databases. Briefly, a principal component analysis (PCA) was executed to summarize the spatial variability. The outcomes from the PCA were subjected to a spatial fuzzy c-means algorithm, delineating five soil and three climate homogeneous areas, accounting for 73% of the soil and 88% of the climate variation. To our knowledge, no previous studies were done with large soil databases since availability field data is often limited. The use of soil and climate data allowed the characterization of different areas and their main drivers. The use of this classification will assist in developing strategic planning for future land use and capability classifications.

EVALUATION OF THE PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF AN EXPOSED SOIL PROFILE IN AN EXCAVATED ACRISOL, SOUTHEAST NIGERIA

Increased population density has led to a lot of pressure on the limited natural/land resources of south-eastern Nigeria. This includes the need for laterite, sand, kaolin, gravel and clay for buildings, backfills and road construction. This has led to extensive unmoderated excavation of these resources, particularly in Anambra state. The excavation has in turns, culminated in increased intensity of land degradation in the state, underscoring the need to characterize and evaluate the land use potentials of such sites to better understand the nature of the soils and the impacts of the attendant land use. Samples were collected from the different horizons of the profile to evaluate the physical, chemical and morphological properties of the soils. Coefficient of variation was used to measure the soil variability within the profile. Land capability class was determined, which informed the land use and management recommendations. The results show that the soil is very deep (>21.5m). The soil texture ranged from sandy clay loam to sandy. Infiltration rate and saturated hydraulic conductivity decreased by up to 300 to 560 % with excavation. The soils were strongly acidic; organic carbon and total nitrogen was low but highly variable; Al, H, Ca, Mg, K, Na, and phosphorus were moderately variable while pH, CEC and base saturation (BS) were the least variable. The land capability class was IIIes. Given the evidence of erosion and preponderance of erodible Nanka sands in the subsoil, the site should be reclaimed as soon as the mining activities are discontinued.

Identification of Land Resource Potential for Agricultural Landscape Planning Using Land Capability Evaluation Approach and GIS Application (a Case in Central Kalimantan Province, Indonesia)

Land allocation for agricultural lands is required when the region have potency to be developed while the same time, conservation aspects are still considered. Central Kalimantan Province with total areas of 15, 451, 287 hectares has potential land available for agricultural development. At initial stage, with a landscape scale, land resource potential is needed to be assessed for planning purposes. The aimed of this study was to design the spatial concept of agricultural landscape planning on sustained basis. Methodology used in this include concept of land capability evalution (LCE) approach and geographic information system (GIS) application. The result of evaluation showed that Central Kalimantan was classified into 6 land capability classes i.e class II, III, IV, VI, VII, and VIII with several limiting factors such as peat depth, drainage, slope, and texture. Within GIS environment, the result of spatial analysis shown that total areas of agricultural land region was 9,571,231 hectares or 61.95% of total Central Kalimantan province. This indicates that the lands are still widely available for agricultural development. These areas are located not only in wetlands typology but also found in dryland areas. Specific program that specific to location can then be formulated in order to develop the areas.

Determination of the Natural and Socio-cultural Landscape Values of Rural Settlements: Kırklareli Kocayazı and Kula Village Examples

Bu çalışmada, Kırsal alanlar; arazi yapısı, üretim biçimi, yerel peyzaj karakteri gibi doğal ve sosyo-kültürel değerleri ile özgünlük taşırlar ve özgün peyzaj değerlerinin tespiti planlama ve tasarım çalışmalarında etkendir" hipotezi üzerinde kurgulanmıştır. Bu kapsamda, çalışmada, Kırklareli İli Kocayazı ve Kula köyü özelinde doğal ve sosyo-kültürel peyzaj değerlerinin saptanarak, yere özgün karakteristiklerin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Bu çerçevede; literatür verileri ile arazi çalışmalarına dayalı olarak doğal ve sosyo-kültürel peyzaj değerlerine ilişkin yerel potansiyel belirlenmiştir. CBS aracılığı ile ArcGis 10.1 programı çerçevesinde topoğrafik yapı (yükseklik, eğim, bakı), hidrolojik yapı, büyük toprak grupları, arazi kullanım yetenek sınıfları, erozyon durumu, meşcere durumu, şimdiki arazi kullanım durumu ile tarihi ve arkeolojik değerlere ilişkin haritalar üretilmiştir. Literatür verileri, arazi çalışmaları ve haritalardan elde edilen verilere ilişkin olarak, doğal ve sosyo-kültürel kimlik kartları oluşturulmuş ve BEK Analizi ile de değerler ve potansiyeller belirli kavramlar eşliğinde ortaya konmuştur. Sonuç olarak, Kocayazı ve Kula köyleri arazi yapısı, etnik kökeni, yerleşim biçimi, folklorik değerleri, ekonomik yapısı gibi doğal ve sosyo-kültürel peyzaj değerleri ile yerel karakteristiklere sahip olduğu belirlenmiştir.

Site Selection Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process in the Planning Process for Solid Waste Sanitary Landfills: The Case of Denizli City, Turkey

Waste management has grown into a significant matter for cities in line with the population growth and increased urbanization. Waste must be properly disposed to avoid causing a problem for environmental and human health. A variety of methods are used to dispose waste. Sanitary landfill, which is among these methods, is one of the common methods used for its safety and affordability. In the implementation of this method, a suitable site selection is a major factor that affects the whole process ranging from the construction to the operation of a sanitary landfill. It is aimed to determine the most suitable solid waste sanitary landfills (SWSL) for the city of Denizli in consideration of site selection criteria regarding solid waste landfills. The relevant legislation, academic studies and the current situation of the study area were taken into consideration to determine site selection criteria for SWSL. In this context, residential areas, primary traffic roads, protected areas, slope, aspect, water surfaces, rock structure, fault line, hydrologic soil groups, land use capability classification and land cover were determined as a site selection criteria. In the study, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) was used in spatial analysis, and analytic hierarchy process (AHP), one of the multi-criteria decision making methods, was used in weighting the site selection criteria. According to the suitability map which is generated as a result of the study, 19.536,40 hectares (1.76%) of 1.109.742,16 hectares of the area was determined to be the "most suitable" for sanitary landfill while 260.520,26 hectares (23.48%) of it was determined to be "suitable". An ideal area was determined for the construction of a sanitary landfill on the areas determined as the “most suitable" in consideration of the requirements of the city of Denizli based on the projections for the year 2040.

An Automated Machine Learning Framework in Unmanned Aircraft Systems: New Insights into Agricultural Management Practices Recognition Approaches

The recent trend of automated machine learning (AutoML) has been driving further significant technological innovation in the application of artificial intelligence from its automated algorithm selection and hyperparameter optimization of the deployable pipeline model for unraveling substance problems. However, a current knowledge gap lies in the integration of AutoML technology and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within image-based data classification tasks. Therefore, we employed a state-of-the-art (SOTA) and completely open-source AutoML framework, Auto-sklearn, which was constructed based on one of the most widely used ML systems: Scikit-learn. It was combined with two novel AutoML visualization tools to focus particularly on the recognition and adoption of UAS-derived multispectral vegetation indices (VI) data across a diverse range of agricultural management practices (AMP). These include soil tillage methods (STM), cultivation methods (CM), and manure application (MA), and are under the four-crop combination fields (i.e., red clover-grass mixture, spring wheat, pea-oat mixture, and spring barley). Furthermore, they have currently not been efficiently examined and accessible parameters in UAS applications are absent for them. We conducted the comparison of AutoML performance using three other common machine learning classifiers, namely Random Forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN). The results showed AutoML achieved the highest overall classification accuracy numbers after 1200 s of calculation. RF yielded the second-best classification accuracy, and SVM and ANN were revealed to be less capable among some of the given datasets. Regarding the classification of AMPs, the best recognized period for data capture occurred in the crop vegetative growth stage (in May). The results demonstrated that CM yielded the best performance in terms of classification, followed by MA and STM. Our framework presents new insights into plant–environment interactions with capable classification capabilities. It further illustrated the automatic system would become an important tool in furthering the understanding for future sustainable smart farming and field-based crop phenotyping research across a diverse range of agricultural environmental assessment and management applications.

Assessment and improvement strategies of sustainable land management (SLM) planning initiative in Turkey

Holistic planning and management of landscape is a prominent challenge. This paper provides a methodological framework for the assessment of an integrated land management plan with its action plans. Based on the scientific understanding, contemporary literature and the legal documents, a set of planning principles was developed and the strengths and weaknesses of the plan highlighted. Besides some shortcomings, the assessment indicated that the plan is a good initiative for a Sustainable Land Management (SLM) paradigm. The plan was based on a forest management plan from which the other action plans such as apiculture plan, grazing plan, biodiversity plan, non-wood products (NWFP) plan and income generating plan orbit around. A new inventory procedure was developed to determine growing stock in degraded forests. The climate change effects on four land use categories were projected with a limited set of measurements. Carbon storage was calculated for all land uses by considering various carbon pools. A typical governance option was proposed where each state organization prepare and implement their own activities according to the rights and responsibilities defined in the legal documents. While spatial database with thematic maps and attributes was built with GIS and remote sensing, the essential thematic maps such as land capability classes, non-systematic and traditional knowledge were absent. The lack of holistic planning vision, scenario analysis with sound decision making tools and methods, and insufficient participation, implementation and monitoring process were identified as major drawbacks. These shortcomings have created a significant design and governance concern and jeopardized by far the sustainable implementation of SLM activities. Consequently, a sound planning framework with its necessary components was developed as a basis for a comprehensive SLM and the appropriate revisions were proposed to improve each component of the plan.

ARAHAN PENGGUNAAN LAHAN BERDASARKAN KELAS KEMAMPUAN LAHAN DI DAS PANGKAJENE BAGIAN HULU DESA LANNE KECAMATAN TONDONG TALLASA KABUPATEN PANGKEP

Land use must meet the requirements necessary for the land to be productive and not be damaged for an indefinite period of time. Transfer of land use is one of the causes of damage to watersheds (DAS), causing complex physical, economic and social problems both upstream and downstream. Land resources in the upstream watershed (DAS) are easily degraded due to erosion. Therefore, the management of land resources in the upstream watershed has an increasingly important role, especially in efforts to use it in a sustainable manner. This research is descriptive qualitative. The data obtained were based on purposive sampling, for each land use and were analyzed based on the land capability classification criteria. The results showed that the Pangkajene watershed upstream of Lanne Village, Tondong Tallasa District, Pangkep Regency has five land uses, namely Protected Forest with ability class VII, rice fields, gardens and shrubs with ability class VI and settlements with land capability class IV. The suitable land uses in the land capability class are Protection Forest and shrubs. Incorrect land use, namely rice fields, gardens and settlements. Unsuitable land use, namely rice fields and gardens, is directed towards land rehabilitation, while settlements are directed to use conservation techniques in the form of leveling the land on a sloping location and mixed garden settlements with moderate density in the form of fruit plants interspersed with grass cover crops. The process of this activity is carried out by still following the pattern of community activities and the principles of soil and water conservation to increase benefits both economically and ecologically

Agro–ecosystem sensitivity to climate change over the Ethiopian highlands in a watershed of Lake Tana sub–basin

The study analyzed the level of agro–ecosystem sensitivity to climate change among the agro–climatic zones (ACZs) that are situated in the highlands of Lake Tana sub–basin. The analyses considered the actual land capability class (LCC in % considering soil texture, slope and elevation zone), crop diversity (count), length of growing period (LGP, month), and inter–annual variability of climate (mean annual rainfall–MARF in mm, mean monthly minimum temperature–MMMinT in ºC, and mean monthly maximum temperature–MMMaxT in ºC). For comparison purpose, it was essential to index/standardize the values of specified indicators. The proportion of arable land varied from 13.30% (in the Sub-Alpine) to 93.00% (in the Moist–Cold). The value of coefficient of variation showed the presence of variations of 7.85–11.21 (%), 7.21–10.34 (%), 16.37–39.61 (%) for MARF (mm), MMMaxT (ºC), and MMMinT (ºC), respectively across the ACZs. The inter–annual variability of both onset and offset time of rainy season was found to be in the range of 0.3–1.25 months. The LGP (month) was in the range of 3.25–6.25 across the ACZs; whereas crop diversity (count) ranged from 2–7. The production of red onion (allium cepa), oat (Avena sativa), local wheat (Triticum), and pea (Pisum sativum) was abandoned in the Sub–Alpine; whereas the production of linseed (Linmu usitatisimum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and niger (Guizotia abyssinica) in the Moist–Cool. Yet, crops like maize and tef became the common crops in the Cold, possibly because of global warming. The indexed value of agro–ecosystem sensitivity to climate change ranged from 0.14–0.71. The level of agro–ecosystem sensitivity was higher towards the Sub–Alpine. The local development interventions to be made in the various ACZs need to be determined/prioritized considering the level of agro–ecosystem sensitivity.

Evaluasi Kelas Kemampuan Lahan dan Usaha Perbaikan di Sebagian Das Riawajo Kabupaten Sikka

Agricultural activity in several villages in the Riawajo Watershed (DAS) is very high. The high agricultural activity will affect the quality of the watershed. For this reason, it is necessary to conduct research on evaluating land capability classes in the Riawajo watershed, Sikka Regency. The variables observed were soil texture, salinity, soil structure, slope, effective depth of soil, erosion damage, rock conditions, flood threat, and drainage. The data is processed by the arithmetic matching method. The results showed that the agricultural lands in the villages in the Riawajo watershed were in the first class and were still able to support their agricultural activities.

Characterization and land evaluation of three tropical rainforest soils derived from the coastal plain sands of southeastern Nigeria

Soils on coastal plain sands of southeastern Nigeria have hitherto been referred to as fragile sandy and acidic soils of low base saturation, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and fertility, as evidenced by the extensive land degradation evident in the region. This underscores the need for the characterization of the soils for sustainable use. Three profile pits were therefore dug on the upper, middle and bottom slopes of three towns in the rainforest belt underlain by the coastal plain sands. The results showed that the topsoil of the soils was generally sandy, with relatively more clayey subsoil. The pH ranged from extremely acidic (< 4.4) to slightly acidic (6.1- 6.5). They had low organic matter, low total nitrogen, low effective CEC, low Al saturation and moderate base saturation. The soils of the upper and the middle slopes were classified as Arenic Kandiudult by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Soil Taxonomy or as Chromic Acrisols by the World Reference Base (WRB) for Soil Resources classification system, while that of the bottom slope was classified as a TypicDystrudept (USDA Soil Taxonomy) / Dystric Cambisol (WRB classification system). The upper slope had a USDA land capability class of IIes and a United States Bureau for Reclamation (USBR) land capability class of 2v/C. The middle slope and the bottom slope both had USDA and USBR capability class of IVs and 3v/C, respectively. Though moderately to marginally irrigable, the soils can still produce increased and sustainable agricultural yield if the appropriate land use and husbandry practices are adopted.
 Key words: Coastal plain sands, land use planning, soil characterization, toposequence, tropical rainforest

Soil survey and land capability evaluation for sustainable crop production in Abocho, Dekina local government area of Kogi state

A survey of soils of Abocho, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, was conducted to characterize, classify and assess the potentials of the soils for sustainable crop production. The area was reconnoitered and three representative profile pits were dug and described according to international procedures and standard methods. Soil samples were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties and the land was assessed for its capability to produce commonly cultivated crops. Results revealed well-drained and deep soils. Texture showed loamy sand overlying sandy loam except few portions with loamy sand throughout the profile depth. Soils were very strongly - strongly acid (4.5-5.5) with very low (subsurface) to moderate (surface) organic carbon (5.25-14.21gkg-1). Available phosphorous was moderate (8.93-16.42 mgkg-1). There were generally low exchangeable bases and cations exchange capacity (CEC) values ranging from 2.67 to 6.05 cmolkg1. Typic Psammustepts and Typic Kandiustalfs were identified, based on the USDA soil Taxonomy and were correlated as Fluvisols and Lixisols respectively in World Reference Base. Land capability classification rated 67 % of the land area moderate (III) for arable crop production and 33 % for non-arable (V) with soil reaction and high sand fraction as constraints. Since the soils were low in fertility and highly acidic, the judicious use of lime and full complements of organic manure and fertilizers are recommended.

Evaluation of soils on a toposequence formed from the coastal plain sands of the Imo river basin, Southeastern Niger

Due to the increasing land degradation in southeastern Nigeria – with particular reference to the ubiquitous gully network in the region – selected soils formed from the Coastal Plain Sands of the Imo River Basin were evaluated and characterized to determine their potentials and capabilities. , Three profile pits were consequently dug on the upper slope (Umuariam), -mid-slope (Umulogho), and foot slope (Umungwa) of three towns on the Imo River Basin underlain by the coastal plain sands. The soil color ranged from greyish brown (5 YR 5/2) to dull brown (7.5 YR 5/3) in the topsoil and from dull orange (5 YR 6/4) to orange (5 YR 6/7) in the subsoil. The soils had sandy topsoil and relatively more clayey subsoil. The pH (in KCl) ranged from very strongly acidic (4.5 – 5.0) to moderately acidic (5.1 – 6.0). They had low organic matter, low total nitrogen, low ECEC, low Al saturation, and moderate base saturation. The soils of Umuariam (Upper Slope) and Umulogho (Mid Slope) were classified as Typic Hapludults (Chromic Acrisols), while that of Umungwa (Foot Slope) was classified as Typic Udipsamments (Rubic Arenosols). Umuariam had a USDA land capability class of IIes and a USBR land capability class of 2v/C. Umulogho and Umungwa both had a USDA and USBR capability class of IVs and 3v/C respectively. Though moderately to marginally irrigable, the soils can still produce increased and sustainable agricultural yield if the appropriate land use and husbandry practices are adopted, with particular reference to erosion control, organic manure, lime, and fertilizer application.

GIS and Multicriteria Decision Analysis for Landfill Site Selection in Edirne Province, Turkey

A sustainable solid waste management system planning is a complex and interdisciplinary subject, which requires considering technical, environmental, economic, and social factors. Landfills play an essential role in solid waste management strategies, and landfilling is an extensively accepted preference for the clearance of solid waste worldwide. Site selection of landfill facilities can be a considerable problem as all infrastructural projects can deteriorate the ecology of the site on which they are developed because of changing land uses, loss of habitats, and displacement of fauna. These effects are mainly specific for location and need to be evaluated on every example. Landfill site selection is related to certain factors and limitations defined by natural and artificial thresholds and/or legislation. Legal provisions may vary according to the country's policy and even to the provincial policies. In addition to these features of study zones or sites, landfill site selection methods may have different criteria and sub-criteria in identifying parameters. This paper aims to identify landfill site(s) multicriteria decision analysis depending on Edirne's environmentally sensitive areas by using the Geographic Information System (GIS) technique. Data of land use, geologic features, protected areas, natural and archeological sites, transportation network, hydrological data, soil suitability for agricultural activities, and land capability classes which have been acquired from the relevant public authorities were used to proposed model. Regional factors were identified and assessed according to the risk of contamination for environmental components such as natural resources, sensitive ecosystems, and unique habitats. The chosen criteria were graded in this context, and alternative landfill sites were proposed by applying GIS-based analysis. According to the analysis, the northern subprovince of the study area, Lalapasa, has the most appropriate landfill sites.

Land capability evaluation and classification of Obosi Land in Anambra State Nigeria

Land capability evaluation and classification of Obosi land was carried out on an approximately total area of 25.58km2 using the map of the area. The aims of the study were to map out the soils of Obosi, classify them for suitability and sustainability for agricultural production and other land use development projects. Auger sample and profile pit samples were collected and examined. Using morphology and topography of the surveyed area, three mapping units; MUI-lowland areas, MUII- upland areas and MUIII-gullied areas were established. The result of the study indicated the textural class of the soils to be sandy loam, except for upland areas in Auger 1 were the textural class were loamy sand. The particle sizes range from 50gkg-1-90gkg-1 clay, 50-90gkg-1 silt, 130-590gkg-1 fine sand and 310-650gkg-1 sand. The pH of the soils varies from slightly acidity to slightly alkaline and was fairly uniform throughout the depths. The exchangeable bases, CEC, TEA, SAR and ESP of the soils were found to be low and below their critical level for crop production the base saturation value of the soils range from 22.28-99.21%. The low land areas and the upland areas were found to be suitable for arable crops. They fall under the suitability class S2 (suitable) and the capability class 11. Their major constraint on agricultural production is low fertility status. The gullied areas MUIII were found within the uplands and low-land areas. They fall under the non-suitability class NS (not suitable) and the capability class vi. The prominent limitation of this unit is erosion hazard. The area cannot be used in their present state without serious reclamation activities. The soils were classified as mixed isothermic kandic argiudult using the USDA soil Taxonomy and correlated as eutric ferralsols by FAO-WAB classification. Generally the soils need to be upgraded in soil nutrients through soil organic matter application and reclamation processes to produce maximally.