The main objective of this study was to implement a spatial model with a multicriteria assessment approach for rice (Oryza sativa L.) land suitability by using geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The land mapping units resulting from the overlay of the selected theme layers had unique land quality information on which land suitability was based. | Turkish Journal of Agriculture and Forestry Turk J Agric For (2014) 38: 926-934 © TÜBİTAK doi: Research Article Application of a multicriteria decision-making approach for rice land suitability analysis in Turkey 1 2, İsmail SEZER , Orhan DENGİZ * Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey 2 Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Samsun, Turkey 1 Received: Accepted: Published Online: Printed: Abstract: The main objective of this study was to implement a spatial model with a multicriteria assessment approach for rice (Oryza sativa L.) land suitability by using geographic information system (GIS) techniques. The land mapping units resulting from the overlay of the selected theme layers had unique land quality information on which land suitability was based. The selected theme layers of rice include topographic factor (slope), soil physical factors (soil depth, soil texture, drainage, stoniness, hydraulic conductivity), and soil chemical factors (pH, electrical conductivity, CaCO3, soil fertility). These theme layers were collected from existing information. Spatial information of soil physical and soil chemical factors were formulated using a soil map database. Each land characteristic was also considered as a thematic layer in the GIS. In addition, each land quality layer associated with attributed data was digitally encoded in a GIS database. After combining these layers, a resultant map was produced. A land suitability rating model applied to the resultant polygonal layer provided the suitability classes for rice cultivation. Results showed that 79% of the study area was highly or moderately suitable for rice cultivation, whereas 21% of the area was unsuitable for rice cultivation due to soil and topographic conditions. The model was also .
