Authors : H. Rahimi Lake , R. Taghizadeh Mehrjardi , A. Akbarzadeh and H. Ramezanpour
Abstract: Problems caused by immethodical and unsuitable using of lands, irregular development of urban areas and therefore reduction in cultivation zones have received widespread attention throughout the world. Using of optimum and suitable methods of lands is the main concern of policy makers for the sustainable planning and management most of the cultivation areas. Hence, studies related to land suitability evaluation will provide sustainable using agricultural lands. The objective of this study is to evaluate qualitative and quantitative Land suitability of the Roodbar region (Guilan province) of Iran on the basis of FAO model for olive plant. This study carried out in an area including 2200 ha in the south part of Roodbar city in the form of semi-detailed surveying level. The soils are classified on the basis of soil taxonomy system (2006). In study area, 6 soil series and 6 phases were identified and the soils were classified in two orders of Aridisols and Entisols. The various procedures of this investigation are site setting, sampling, qualitative and quantitative land suitability evaluation. Qualitative evaluation accomplished according to limitation and parametric methods. Quantitative evaluation was done on the basis of the observed yield level as well. The olive production according to cultivation area and yield values selected as a dominant utilization in Roodbar region. The results showed that the climatic characteristics of the region were very Suitable (S1) for olive plantation. Also, the most important limiting factors of land characteristics were topography, coarse fragment, shallow soil depth and salinity and alkalinity. Evaluation of land suitability using simple limitation method and limitation regarding number and intensity method distinguished that all separated units had moderate suitability to marginal suitability for olive cultivation (S2-S3). Based on Storie method, 4 units of separated units had marginal Suitability (S3) and 2 units had corrigible non-suitability to Non-corrigible Non-suitability (N1-N2). Evaluating the land suitability using root square method indicated that 2 units of separated units were moderately Suitable (S2), 3 units were marginal Suitable (S3) and 1 unit was corrigible Non-suitable (N1) for olive cultivation. Quantitative land suitability for olive based on observed yield level identified that three units of separated units had marginal Suitability (S3) and 2 units were Non-suitable (N) for olive production as well.
H. Rahimi Lake , R. Taghizadeh Mehrjardi , A. Akbarzadeh and H. Ramezanpour , 2009. Qualitative and Quantitative Land Suitability Evaluation for Olive (Olea europaea L.) Production in Roodbar Region, Iran. Agricultural Journal, 4: 52-62.