Determination of suitable cropping pattern for Golestan province by geographical information system (GIS)

In order to determination of suitable cropping pattern for agricultural lands of Golestan province, were used geographical information system (GIS) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP).
At first, agroecological requirements of crops were identified from scientific resources then classified and required thematic maps were provided. The digital environmental layers overlaid and integrated in GIS media with AHP weights, then zoning of lands were done in 4 classes for any crops. In future step, the crops feasibility maps and land type and unit maps (as management unit) were overlaid then were identified the high suitable and suitable classes in each unit for crops cultivation and suitable cropping pattern was selected with respect to parameters such as plant water requirements, water resources status, the net benefit and the other economic and development factors. In introduced patterns for south lands of province, were suggested dry farming of high net benefits and autumn crops. In the most agricultural lands in southern and central of province were proposed crops such as wheat, canola, beans, chickpea, berseem clover in the patterns. The results showed that the north and northeastern lands of this province, has more adapted to cropping pattern of chickpea and barley due to environmental constraints. Also, cultivation of spring and summer crops is possible in high suitable areas, in the south and southwestern province as rainfed farming with supplementary irrigation.