Climatic zoning and evaluation of autumn-sown sugar beet planting in Kerman province

Sugar beet planting under autumn season has significant importance owing to higher water use efficiency especially in semiarid regions. In Kerman, sugar beet is only sown in spring, therefore it is important to evaluate the feasibility of autumn-sown sugar beet planting. Using geographic information system (GIS) combined with various factors influencing sugar beet growth is the best and economic method for identification of prone areas for autumn-sown sugar beet planting. The aim of this study was climatic zoning of Kerman region for autumn-sown sugar beet planting. Meteorological data including temperature and rainfall were collected. Then, cumulative thermal units, biomass productivity index, vernalization times, freezing, rainfall, and day length of each meteorological station were determined and their map was drawn. After weighting maps using hierarchical method, the final map was developed with ARC-GIS software. Results showed that sugar beet plants are susceptible to bolting in Baft, Bardsir and Shahr Babak cities; however in southern parts of the province, sugar beet plants could not receive required vernalization temperature. Less than 50 mm precipitation during the growing season may decrease the feasibility of sugar beet planting in these areas. Although, most of the lands with more than 200 mm precipitation are endanger of freezing, inadequate GDD reception, and vernalization occurrence. Based on final zoning map, 19.42% of the lands including Kahnooj, Manoujan, Anbar Abad, southern part of Jiroft, East of Bam, and south of Baft are classified as prone areas. Remained areas were regarded as proper (22.67%), medium (21.76%), and improper (36.15%) for autumn-sown sugar beet planting. In conclusion, autumn-sown sugar beet planting can be performed in most parts of the province.