Dual-objective pattern optimization method for land suitability zoning in mountain counties

As the basic administrative unit of China,counties have grown rapidly in recent years in the context of rapid urbanization,especially for counties located in mountainous areas.The drastic changes in land in mountainous areas can easily cause irreversible damage to the sensitive ecological environment.Through the dual-objective suitability zoning of ecological and construction balance,regional sustainable land use patterns can be realized.In this study,Hantai District in Southern Shaanxi province,China,was chosen as the research area aiming at creating a balance between ecological supply and the development of construction in spatial planning.A dual-objective process evaluation system for ecological protection and construction development was proposed with 15 resistance factors selected from three attributes:natural ecology,economic society,and policy.The minimum resistance surface discrimination methods for ecological land and construction development land were proposed based on vertical space superposition and horizontal minimum cumulative resistance models.Finally,the land in Hantai District was divided into four development grades from the optimal angle of dual goals,i.e.,the construction core zone being 134.56 km^(2),the suitable construction zone 115.77 km2,the ecological buffer zone 153.74 km^(2),and the ecological control zone 151.93 km^(2),using the method combining resistance difference and threshold division.In addition,the development direction of each town under jurisdiction was identified.This study compensates for the deficiency of traditional methods that evaluate land only from a single vertical or horizontal process.

Extensive Pineapple Production Constraints and Land Suitability in the Centre Region of Cameroon

The low level of productivity observed in pineapple fields in Centre Came-roon must be sustainably reduced in order to increase producers’ income while using the same resources. The identification and control of production constraints are key steps in optimizing the use of limited resources. To this end, the FAO land assessment methodology following the Fuzzy-MCDM pro-tocol was used for the two pineapple production basins in the Centre, namely Awae and Bokito. It was found that the land in Awae Basin is moderately suitable S2sf with constraints imposed by texture, pH and base saturation. In the Bokito Basin, 25% of the land is suitable S1wf and 75% is moderately suitable S2wsf with constraints imposed by soil texture (27%), temporary soil water saturation (99%), pH, base saturation and exchangeable sodium. Constraint correction improves the land index (potential suitability) and re-mains limited by permanent constraints that cannot be corrected. Improve-ment of the technical itinerary through modification of plant densities, selec-tion of improved cultivars and balanced fertilization must be undertaken to optimize pineapple production in Centre Cameroon.

Ecological Land Suitability for Arid Region at River Basin Scale:Framework and Application Based on Minmum Cumulative Resistance(MCR) Model

As an important and typical arid inland region in China,Shiyang River Basin plays an important role in maintaining the sustainable development of eco-environment,whose ecological land suitability restricts the development of the local human activities.Therefore,Shiyang River Basin was selected as the case study,the minimum cumulative resistance(MCR)model and GIS technique were integrated to create land suitability evaluation map.We calculated the MCR value of ecological source and living source,and divided the whole basin into five partitions according to the difference between ecological source and living source,and analyzed the patterns and characteristics of the ecological land suitability evaluation(ELSE)regions,respectively.The results showed that:1)The suitable ecological land includes prohibited development region and restricted development region,which accounts for 15.45%and 23.35%of the total land area of the Shiyang River Basin,respectively.These two regions mainly distributed high altitude region in the southern Qilian Mountain and low altitude region where had high density of rivers.2)The protection of ecological land requires not only conserving existing ecological land but also focusing on ecological buffer belts around ecological sources and improving ecological land service ability.3)Ecological networks should be constructed through artificial planting trees around the boundary of oasis and ecological restoration region.Buffer greenbelts should also be established between optimized development region and ecological restoration region.

Assessment of land suitability for oilseeds crops(sesame and groundnut)using geospatial techniques:In the case of Diga district,East Wollega zone,western Ethiopia

Sesame and groundnut crops are the major oilseed crops produced for exports and local consumptions in Ethiopia.This study attempted to evaluate land suitability for oilseeds crops using Geographic Information Systems(GIS)and multi-criteria evaluation in Diga district of East Wollega zone,western Ethiopia.To support the growing population,sesame and groundnut land suitability evaluations were carried out to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production.Different data inputs were used,including mainly climate data(temperature and rainfall),topography data(slope),soil data(soil texture,soil depth and soil drainage),and infrastructure data(road and market).In this study,sesame and groundnut land suitability areas were categorized into 4 classes:highly suitable,moderately suitable,marginally suitable,and not suitable.The result revealed that,about 252.1 ha(0.4%)and 113.1 ha(0.2%)were highly suitable for sesame and groundnut respectively.Result showed that most parts of the study area were moderately suitable for sesame and groundnut productions.Specially,the central and western parts of the study area were highly suitable and moderately suitable for sesame production.The study recommended the local communities to utilize the existing potential of the study area for sesame and groundnut productions.Moreover,decision makers should promote the suitability of the area for both small-and large-scale investment on sesame and groundnut production.

Land Suitability Evaluation for Agricultural Cropland in Mongolia Using the Spatial MCDM Method and AHP Based GIS

The purpose of this study was to prepare a cropland suitability map of Mongolia based on comprehensive landscape principles, including topography, soil properties, vegetation, climate and socio-economic factors. The primary goal was to create a more accurate map to estimate vegetation criteria (above ground biomass AGB), soil organic matter, soil texture, and the hydrothermal coefficient using Landsat 8 satellite imagery. The analysis used Landsat 8 imagery from the 2016 summer season with a resolution of 30 meters, time series MODIS vegetation products (MOD13, MOD15, MOD17) averaged over 16 days from June to August 2000-2016, an SRTM DEM with a resolution of 30 meters, and a field survey of measured biomass and soil data. In total, 6 main factors were classified and quality evaluation criteria were developed for 17 criteria, each with 5 levels. In this research the spatial MCDM (multi-criteria decision-making) method and AHP based GIS were applied. This was developed for each criteria layer’s value by multiplying parameters for each factor obtained from the pair comparison matrix by the weight addition, and by the suitable evaluation of several criteria factors affecting cropland. General accuracy was 88%, while PLS and RF regressions were 82.3% and 92.8%, respectively.

Land suitability analysis for maize production using geospatial technologies in the Didessa watershed,Ethiopia

Physical land suitability assessment is a prerequisite for enhancing yield production and enables the agricultural communities to use the right place for the right crops.Maize is one of stable one food crops of Ethiopia and cultivated in three agroecological zones:highland,midland and lowlands.Despite these facts,maize yield is very low due to a lack of knowledge and information gaps on land suitability.Physical land suitability for maize cultivation is essential to minimize the problem of food security.The present study aims to identify the potential land suitability for maize production in the Didessa watershed,Western Ethiopia using Multi-Criteria Evaluation(MCE)and geospatial technologies.Land use land cover(LULC)change,climate,topography,soil,and infrastructure facilities were considered for maize land suitability assessment.The MCE based pairwise comparison matrix was applied to estimate land suitability for maize crop cultivation.The results showed that,about 977.7 km^(2)(14.1%)is highly suitable,4794.9 km^(2)(69.1%)is moderately suitable while 1118.8 km^(2)(16.1%),and 51.5 km^(2)(0.7%)of the study area were categorized under marginally and not suitable for maize production,respectively.This research provides crucial information for decision making organs and the farming community to utilize potential areas for maize cultivation.

Land suitability assessment for apple(Malus domestica)in the Republic of Korea using integrated soil and climate information,MLCM,and AHP

Apples(Malus domestica)are one of the major fruits cultivated in South Korea and worldwide.To both sustain the productivity of apple trees and preserve the land,a land suitability assessment has been conducted.Two methods were used to analyze land suitability,a Most-Limiting Characteristic Method(MLCM)and an Analytic Hierarchy Process(AHP)with integrated soil and climate information based on the FAO classification framework.The most-limiting characteristic analysis showed that almost all areas were classified as marginally suitable(S3)or not suitable(N),which together accounted for 94.54%of the land in the Republic of Korea.On the contrary,AHP showed that S1(34.1%)and S2(44.17%)account for the majority of the land.

GIS approach for assessment of land suitability for different land use alternatives in semi arid environment in Jordan:Case study(Al Gadeer Alabyad-Mafraq)

The semi arid lands of Jordan are fragile and severely degraded due to low rainfall and mismanagement of natural resources.As human demands increase,sustaining the productivity of land becomes more and more important.Land suitability evaluation can contribute towards better land management;mitigation of land degradation;and designing land use pattern that prevents environmental problems through segregation of competing land uses.Suitability analysis allows identifying the main limiting factors for the agricultural production and enables decision makers to develop crop managements able to increase the land productivity.The purpose of this study was to develop a Geographic Information System(GIS)based approach for land use suitability assessment in order to assist land managers to identify areas with physical limitations for different land use alternatives based on research criteria developed by FAO and modified by stakeholders.This study was conducted using various data and maps incorporated within(GIS)in order to derive potential suitability for different Land Utilization Types(LUTs).Land suitability mapping was developed using an innovative approach that integrates soil and climatic data for land suitability assessment.Suitability maps for each land use were developed to show the suitability classes and display the spatial representation of soils suitable for agriculture.The output of suitability analyses provided not only the type of land use for which the land was suitable,but also information about the type of limitation(s)facing the utilization of the land.Optimum land use alternatives(scenarios)were formulated to improve and optimize the agricultural production in the study area.

Analysis of the land suitability for paddy fields in Tanzania using a GIS-based analytical hierarchy process

The importance of irrigation development is considered a key factor for food security and poverty reduction because it improves crop productivity,and ensures stable expansion of agricultural production.However,irrigation development requires understanding of the avail-able resources including the suitability of the land for agriculture.In this study,the land suitability for paddy fields was evaluated within the United Republic of Tanzania mainland by integrating the geographic information system(GIS)and analytical hierarchy process(AHP).In this study,11 criteria based on various sources(soil type,soil drainage,soil organic carbon,soil pH,soil depth,elevation,slope,land use,topographic wetness index,temperature,and precipitation)were used.These criteria were used within the GIS-based AHP to identify the most suitable land for sustainable paddy field cultivation considering the preservation of the natural environment of forests and protected areas by examining two scenarios:rainfed condition and irrigation priority.The former ten criteria were assumed to be constant in both scenarios and were assigned the same scores,while the latter criterion(precipitation)was assigned different scores for varying amounts to plan new irrigation projects.Unsuitable land represents 72.8%of the study area,reducing the potential agriculture land(PAL)appropriate for cultivation to 27.2%.In the rainfed condition scenario,the very high and high suitability classes represent 17.6%of the total land of the study area and 64.7%of the PAL.In the irrigation priority scenario,the same classes represent 21.4%of the total land of the study area and 78.6%of the PAL.Finally,the distribution of the land suitability for both scenarios was analyzed within eight administrative irrigation zones to determine the irrigation zone with the greatest potential for paddy field cultivation.

Ecological niche suitability model with an application in Taojiang land use planning

Ecological suitability analysis is an important step in ecological planning. It applies the basis toestablish a sound development planning. In this paper, by applying multi-dimension niche concept, an eco-logical niche suitability (ENS) model was developed. The ENS model, combined with geographical informa-tion system (GIS) and spatial simulation, was used to analyze regional resources and environmental features ,and identify the suitability of regional resource and environment to regional development. An application ofthe ENS model in Taojiang agricultural land use planning is presented.

Land development suitability analysis for transport planning evaluation and optimization in mountainous ecological region

Transportation planning is a critical component for creating an orderly,intensive,and sustainable pattern of land development.By comprehensively considering the potential and suitability of transport construction,a comprehensive method combining resources and environmental carrying capacity(RECC)and land development suitability(LDS)was developed by using techniques of GIS,analytic hierarchy process(AHP)and threedimensional magic cube.Taking Aba prefecture in Sichuan Province of Southwest China as a case study,LDS for transportation was analyzed from three aspects,including overall planning layout,different transport modes,and transportation projects.The results showed that the transport planning scales of most counties in Aba were suitable,and the order of LDS of different transport modes was railway>highway=superhighway>tourism track,which already included 42 new transportation projects.We found that two counties(Maoxian County and Jiuzhaigou County)should improve the ecological protection level of transportation,in which the railway network construction should be encouraged,and some transportation projects with low LDS should be postponed or constructed harmlessly.We suggest the combination of RECC and LDS for transportation could enhance the territorial space optimization and sustainable transport construction.

Land use suitability analysis for town development planning in Nanjing hilly areas: A case study of Tangshan new town, China

Land use suitability analysis plays an important role in sustainable land use and solving environmental problems caused by rapid urban development.A land use suitability mapping approach for town development planning in hilly areas was constructed based on two multi-criteria evaluation methods:Weighted Linear Combination(WLC)and Ordered Weighted Averaging(OWA),to comparatively evaluate and map land use suitability of Tangshan new town in Nanjing,China.Fourteen evaluation factors related to topographic,environmental,socio-economics and historical sites data were used as suitability criteria.The analytic hierarchy process(AHP)method and GIS techniques were integrated into the evaluation models to create the land use suitability map for town development planning.The results of WLC approach showed that 11.4%of the total area is highly suitable while the 48.6%is unsuitable.The results of WLC and OWA approach showed the distribution of degree of land use suitability is almost the same.The areas located at the southern and eastern flat regions are highly suitable for land use,whereas the areas close to the mountain forests,steep slopes,waters,and hot springs,have lower suitability for land use.Sensitivity analysis indicated that the suitability results of the two proposed methods are robust.Indirect validation was achieved by mutual comparison of suitability maps derived from the WLC and OWA methods.It demonstrated that the overall agreement is 90.81%and kappa coefficient is 0.81,indicating that both methods provide very similar spatial suitability distributions.By overlaying the resultant map with the previous master plan map of Tangshan new town,the overlay map once again indicated a satisfactory ecological fit between the two maps.At last,several recommendations are proposed aiming at improving the long-term town development plan for Tangshan new town.

Evaluation of suitability,adaptability,and reserve potential of construction land on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Construction land is the leading carrier of human activities such as production and living.Evaluating the construction land suitability(CLS)on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)holds significant implications for harmonizing the relationship between ecological protection and human activity and promoting population and industry layout optimization.However,no relevant studies provide a complete CLS assessment of the QTP.In this study,we developed a model-based CLS evaluation framework coupling of pattern and process to calculate the global CLS on the QTP based on a previously developed CLS evaluation model.Then,using the land-use data of 1990,2000,2010,and 2020,we examined the adaptability of existing construction land(ECL)to the CLS assessment result through the adaptability index and vertical gradient index and further analyzed the limitations of maladaptive construction land.Finally,we calculated the potential area of reserve suitable construction land.This article includes four conclusions:(1)The highly suitable,suitable,moderately suitable,marginally suitable,and unsuitable CLS classes cover areas of 0.33×10^(4)km^(2),10.42×10^(4)km^(2),18.06×10^(4)km^(2),24.12×10^(4)km^(2),and 205.29×10^(4)km^(2),respectively.Only approximately 11%of the study area on the QTP is suitable for large-scale permanent construction land,and approximately 79.50%of the area is unsuitable under current economic and technological conditions.(2)The ECL adaptability index is 85.16%,85.93%,85.18%,and 78.01%during 1990–2020,respectively,with an average adaptability index exceeding 80%on the QTP.The ECL distribution generally conforms to construction land suitable space characteristics but with a significant spatial difference.(3)From 1990 to 2020,the maladaptive ECL was dominated by rural settlement land,transport land,and special land,with a rapidly increasing proportion of urban and other construction land.The maladaptive ECL is constrained by both elevation and slope in the southern Qinghai Plateau,the Hengduan Mountains,and the Qilian Mountains.In contrast,elevation is significantly more limiting than slope in the northern Tibet Plateau,the Gangdis Mountains,and the Himalayan Mountains.(4)The potential area of reserve suitable construction land is 12.41×10^(4)km^(2),accounting for 4.81%of the total land area of the QTP,and the per capita area is 9928 m^(2).Regions of Qaidam Basin,Gonghe Basin,and Lhasa-Shannan Valley have the richest and most concentrated land resource of reserve suitable construction land.The research results provide spatial decision support for urban and rural settlement planning and ecological migration on the QTP.

Ecological planning for land use and ruraldevelopment of Taojiang County

ＥｃｏｌｏｇｉｃａｌｐｌａｎｎｉｎｇｆｏｒｌａｎｄｕｓｅａｎｄｒｕｒａｌｄｅｖｅｌｏｐｍｅｎｔｏｆＴａｏｊｉａｎｇＣｏｕｎｔｙＯｕｙａｎｇＺｈｉｙｕｎ；ＷａｎｇＲｕｓｏｎｇ；ＪａｓｏｎＷｅｉｓｍａｎ（ＲｅｓｅａｒｃｈＣｅｎｔｅｒｆｏｒＥｃｏ－Ｅｎｖｉ...

Land classification for choice of tree species on farm lands in the Attock District of Punjab, Pakistan

In Pakistan, particularly in Punjab Province, it is difficult for agrofarmers to combine their indigenous knowledge and modern scientific methods to evaluate existing traditional farming systems and forestry practices. This requires an evaluation of indigenous soil classification in simple terms along with knowledge of the local flora, especially trees. This study focuses on land suitability classification for trees in the Attock District of Punjab, Pakistan. A survey was conducted which included interviews of local agrofarmers as well as standard soil analyses including both chemical and physical determinations of local soil types. An evaluation of soil types for cultivation of various crops was carried out given its total extent, component soil series and their proportions, spotting characteristics of each soil series and their major limitations/hazards for trees/crops. These would lead to the identification of various tree species according to soil characteristics. Then, according to the soil types and species, a land suitability map was obtained for the choice of tree species by using geographic information system （GIS） software. Land suitability classification will help local agroforesters/agrofarmers in matching suitable agricultural trees/crops properly for different soils in the area.

Suitable Land Assessment for Rice Crop in Burkina Faso Using GIS, Remote Sensing and Multi Criteria Analysis

In Burkina Faso, rice consumption is currently common and increasing in both, rural and urban areas. Although several efforts have been made by the state to develop land for rice cultivation, the population’s demand is still greater than the supply. Nevertheless, the country has great potential for rice cultivation. This study aims to analyze the suitability of land for rice cropping in the province of Nahouri. Field and satellite data were collected to map the rice crops developed areas. Furthermore, morphopedological, topographic, land use/cover, and accessibility to land data were collected and integrated into a Geographic Information System (GIS) based on simple Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA). Land suitability for rice crop was performed. The results show that the total suitable area for rice cultivation in the province is 106,373 ha (28% of the province) where the most suitable areas cover 32,614 ha and the suitable areas cover 73,759 ha. Already 3144 ha of the province area had been developed for rice cultivation with 815 ha and 845 ha of most suitable and suitable areas respectively whereas more than 45% of the developed lands were not fit for the rice crop suitable land.

Evaluation method and empirical application of human activity suitability of land resources in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The current suitability evaluation methods for land resources human activity in China suffer from theoretical deficiencies related to fundamental data accuracy,elevation and slope classification,and suitability class judgment.Empirical application of these methods is also hindered by excessive evaluation indicators,data acquisition difficulties,and limited applicability to high altitude regions.To address these issues,this paper proposes a technical evaluation framework for the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP) that employs selected key parameters varying with elevation and slope to establish grid-scale evaluation models for construction land suitability(CLS) and arable land suitability(ALS).A generalized algorithm is then proposed for key parameters such as air density,air temperature,slope suitability for construction,and soil erosion resistance of sloping arable land.Empirical research is conducted using Milin County in southeast Tibet as a case study,with interval measurements of 100 m in elevation and 1° in slope.The evaluation model is tested using grid accuracies of 30 m,50 m,100 m,250 m,500 m,and 1000 m.The results reveal that:Firstly,the CLS and ALS can be categorized into five classes:highly suitable,suitable,moderately suitable,marginally suitable,and unsuitable,with varying area ratios under different grid accuracies.Secondly,existing construction lands in Milin County are mainly distributed in suitable,highly suitable,and moderately suitable CLS classes,accounting for over 94% of the total area studied under different grid accuracies.While arable land is mainly distributed in suitable,highly suitable,and moderately suitable ALS classes,accounting for over 96%.Thirdly,the empirical research in Milin County indicates that the evaluation method,quantitative model,and parameters algorithm for evaluating human activity suitability of land resources on the QTP are feasible and applicable,with a recommended grid accuracy within 100 m and a maximum of 250 m.Fourthly,the paper establishes a correspondence between land suitability(including construction land and arable land) and topographic factors(elevation and slope) that can be applied to the QTP.Finally,some professional defects in the evaluation methods of available land resources in Major Function Zoning and “Double Evaluations” of Territorial Spatial Planning in China when applied to the QTP are identified.

The theory and method research on the double evaluation of land and space:A survey

By reviewing the theories and methods of resource and environmental carrying capacity evaluation and suitability evaluation of land and space development,it provides theoretical and technical support for rational layout and optimization of land and space development pattern.From the aspects of resource carrying capacity,environmental carrying capacity,the importance of ecological protection,the suitability of agricultural production,and the suitability of urban construction,we sort out domestic and foreign documents.The evaluation of resource carrying capacity has changed from single-factor evaluation to multi-factor comprehensive evaluation.At present,the optimization of land use pattern based on the“three-generation”space is still under exploration,it is not enough to systematize and summarize the thought of optimizing the spatial pattern of the national territory.The theoretical framework,model,method and index of“dual evaluation”of territorial space need to be improved continuously,it also needs the scientific analysis and cognition from the natural direction to the human location direction and the spatial equilibrium state as the new driving force.

GIS-based soil maps as tools to evaluate land capability and suitability in a coastal reclaimed area(Ravenna,northern Italy)

Land capability and suitability maps are useful tools for soil resource conservation.This study aimed to build land capability and suitability maps using a multi-thematic approach by GIS in a salt-affected coastal area of Italy.Topographic,morphological,geological,pedological delineations and land cover maps,remote sensing image and climate data were acquired and the main physical and chemical properties,including electrical conductivity(EC)and available water capacity,were analysed on the soil samples collected in the study area.The acquired information were elaborated through QGIS software to obtain the land capability and suitability maps.The suitability map showed that most of the area(80%)is suitable for cultivation and,therefore,can be addressed for agricultural purposes without risk of degradation.In fact,the land capability map showed that 42%of the investigated area belongs to class I and II indicating that they can be used for a wide range of cultivations.While 44%of the investigated area clustered in class III and IV.In these latter the cultivation should be allowed to a limited range of crops due to the high sand content,which does not allow a good water retention,and due to a strong intrusion of sea water with consequent increase of the soil EC.In our study area,where agricultural productivity and environmental impact are in conflict,to classify the lands on base the land capability and suitability could help to define the best agricultural practices to apply in order to preserve soil functions.

Studies on the Genesis of Soils in Jong River Basin in the Northern Province of Sierra Leone

The soil resources of Sierra Leone remain an integral part of sustainable agricultural development but knowledge of the suitability of soils and their management requirements for a variety of land uses is still lacking to a greater extent. In this view, a detailed soil survey of three chiefdoms in Northern Sierra Leone was undertaken to evaluate the genesis of soils and interpret soil-landscape properties and their relationships using the toposequence and free style approach of soil survey. Three major soil types, viz, gravelly, gravel-free over gravel and gravel-free soils, formed either directly or indirectly from weathered and disintegrated parent materials of two geologic origins namely Rokel River Series (comprising of sandstone, shale and mudstone), and Granite and Acid Gneiss were identified. The gravelly soils are formed from sandstone and sandy shales of the Rokel River Series, which upon weathering released iron and hydrated oxides that hardened into plinthite upon drying. The gravel-free over gravel soils are formed from acid gneiss containing acid and intermediate igneous and metamorphic rocks, which upon weathering produced sandy clay textured soils whereas the gravel-free soils are derived from sedimentary rocks (shales and mudstones) of Rokel River Series, which upon weathering and action of organisms produced sandy clay loam and sandy clay textured soils. The gravel-free over gravel soils are mostly located in the summit and back slopes and show dark brown to dark yellowish-brown hue and moderate chroma, weak to moderate structure and absence of coarse fragments in the 0 - 40 cm layer, and a strong brown hue and high chroma, very weak fine angular blocky structure having abundance of coarse fragments from 40 cm and above. In these soils, the compactness of ironstone and sandstone gravels increases with depth. The gravel-free soils are found on three landscape positions, viz, back slopes, foot slopes and toe slopes. On the back and foot slopes, the soils are characterized by very dark brown to dark yellowish-brown hue and high chroma, sandy loam to sandy clay texture, coarse angular to moderate sub-angular blocky structure and absence of coarse fragments throughout the horizon. In these soils, the clay content and sand grain sizes were observed to increase with depth. On the toe slopes, the soils show black to greyish-brown hue and low chroma, silty loam to sandy loam, structureless and high water holding capacity.