Agroclimatic Zoning cultivation Saffron in Khorasan Shomali Province: Approach to changing the pattern of cultivation

AbstractRelate temperature change Problems, soil salinity and the sharp drop I groundwater levels on the one hand and the recent drought combined with the problems have let to the reduction of consumption in the agricultural sector due to the reduction of the crop production and the adaptation to alternative climates get current products. Recent study conducted for determining suitable zone for saffron in North Khorasan with GIS and model AHP. Parameters like climate data, soil and water for 30 years collected from synoptic and climatologic station around province and from four neighbor provinces. Then parameters weighted upon AHP in parameter importance each region. Data transferred to Expert choice and clustered, rated, integrated for producing the last layer. Results showed that 47.1 % of province land was suitable and moderate suitable for culturing saffron. But 35.99% showed critical suitability and the remined was not suitable for Saffron culture. Jajarm, Garmeh, Safia Bada, Esfarayen, Shirvan and Faroj plains are suitable places and Mane, Samalghan, Raz, Jargalan and Bojnourd plains are in critical suitability for Saffron culture.Keywords: drought, suitability, expert choice, land characteristics.