Land capability classification of Khezrabad plain on the basis of Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) for Amygdalus communis cultivation

To feasibility development of Amygdalus communis cultivation, land capability classification on the basis of Multiple Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) and Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI) indices was studied in Khezrabad desert area (with 53˚, 55 - 54˚, 20' E and 31˚, 45- 32˚, 15 N), in Yazd province. In this study, the environmental vulnerability index was determined in each work unit; then the final maps of land potential with a 1:50000 scale resolutions were obtained by units with the same class, by Arc View3.2 software. The results showed that 22.43% of the whole studied area (17604 ha) was proper for almond cultivation. This part is located at mountainous and hilly areas. These areas have better ecological and biological conditions comparing to other parts of studied area. According to the results, EVI index was suitable ability for zoning of land capabilities for Amygdalus communis cultivation. The results could be apply for decreasing the risk of agricultural development projects and making balance between development projects and environment according to priorities and zonation of land capability of the area.