Agro climatic zoning to Saffron culture in East Azarbayjan province

Recent continuous drought and decreasing ground water table led us to improving irrigation schedule and introducing less water-needed plants. Recent study conducted for determining suitable zone for saffron in East Azarbayjan with GIS and model AHP. Parameters like climate data, soil and water for 30 years collected from synoptic and climatologic station such as Tabriz, Ahar, Marand, Jolfa, Mianeh, Sarab, Bostanabad, Bonab, Maraghe, Malekan, Kaleybar around province and from four neighbor provinces like Orumieh, Piranshahr, Ardabil and Zanjan. 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 42% of province land was suitable and moderate suitable for culturing saffron. But 14% showed critical suitability and 44% was not suitable for Saffron culture. Tabriz, Marand, Osku, Azarshahr, Ajabshir, Bonab, and Malekan plains are suitable places and Sarab, BostanAbad, Maragheh, Ahar, and Hashtrud plains are in critical suitability for Saffron culture.