Analyzing factors affecting on unsustainably of agricultural lands in East Azerbaijan Province (case of Malekan County)

Unsustainably of farmland has received much attention in recent years. Hence there is a need to assess the unsustainably factors of different land management systems. Understanding these factors are critical to formulate appropriate policies and programs for achieve sustainable agriculture. Therefore current research aimed to analyses the factors affecting on unsustainably of agricultural lands within wheat farmers in Malekan County. Using Cochran formula sample size was estimated (n=162) samples have been selected by stratified multi-stage random sampling. Validity of the questionnaire as research tools was confirmed by a panel of agricultural extension and education professionals and some experts from Jihad-e Keshavarzi Management of Malekan County. The reliability of the questionnaire was verified based on pilot study and calculated Cronbach's alpha coefficient equal 0.71. Collected data was analyzed by SPSS21. The results of the factor analysis showed six factors named: characteristics of water and soil, inappropriate climate, economic poverty of farmers, chemical inputs, weakness in technical knowledge and the structure of land that contain 21 variables, explained 71 percentage of variance of unsustainably of agricultural lands in study area.