Physical land suitability classification in a semi-arid condition: The Çiçekdai State Farm-Kirsehir, Turkey

Studies regarding land evaluation are based on the decision to land use according to their current potentials and to protect natural sources for the next generations. This study aims to determine the suitability and land use variations of the fields considering the characteristics of the soils in Kirehir- CicekdaState Farm. Primarily, detailed soil mapping studies were carried, and subsequently, 20 different soil series and their 167 different mapping units were determined according to Soil Taxonomy considering land characteristics. In the study, ILSEN computer model was used for the determination of the potential groups of land use and agricultural land suitability, as well. Considering the regional conditions, ten (10) potential land use types and their requirements were determined. Characteristics of the mapping units of the land units were compared to the requirements of the land use types. In the light of the results, suitable land use types and suitability classes were determined for each mapping units. According to the data of the land use suitability maps, 4.16% of the soils were classified as the best agricultural lands, 9.46% highly good, 42.51% problematic, and 38.27% suitable only for limited use and 5.60% unsuitable for agricultural use.