Agro-ecological zoning of isabgol in Sistan region using Boolean models and hierarchical analysis processing approach

Because of the ever-increasing human population and the limited quantity of resources that are currently accessible, it is imperative that these resources be used as effectively as possible. The Sistan region experiences a significant lot of hardship in terms of the availability of water and soil that are suited for agricultural purposes (Wang et al., 2015). The elimination of discrimination between different regions, the guaranteeing of food security, and the lessening of the severity of deprivation among the population of the world are some of the key objectives of sustainable agriculture in the context of environmental protection (Shokati and Feizizadeh, 2019). The cultivation of medicinal plants such as isabgol, which have a low requirement for moisture, a high tolerance to drought, and a high value added, are key solutions for dealing with a multitude of environmental, economic, and social constraints in the Sistan region (Asgharipour and Rafiei, 2010). Using a method known as spatial analysis, the purpose of this study was to determine the agro-ecological zoning of the isbgol plant in the Sistan region in order to identify potential areas for the cultivation of this plant in the Sistan region. This was accomplished in order to fulfill the objective of this research.

In the course of this research, the climatic, topographic, and hydrological layers of the area were analyzed. The appropriate planting areas were zoned using a Geographic Information System (GIS) technique that consisted of Boolean models and Hierarchical Analysis Processing (AHP). In this study, equivalence maps were created with Arc/GIS 10, and then the two-dimensional matrix of each layer was mapped in order of importance using the Idrisi software. Finally, the degree of importance of each component was calculated. At the very end of the process, final maps were produced by combining existing maps in Arc/GIS 10.

According to the findings, only 11 percent of the total arable land area is suitable for the cultivation of isabgol, while 42 percent is suitable, 42 percent is moderately suitable, 31 percent is marginally suitable, and 14 percent is not suitable at all. According to the final map, the areas of the Sistan area that have the greatest potential for isabgol cultivation include the northern parts of the area, as well as parts of the west and southwest, and a small portion of the northeast of the region. Isabgol could be grown successfully in the majority of Zabol's landscapes thanks to the region's favorable growing conditions. However, there are areas of the northwest and a portion of the southwest and northeast, as well as scattered parts of the west and southwest and a portion of the northeast, that are not appropriate for the cultivation of isabgol. Due to the high precision of the Boolean model and the inherent limitations of the AHP model in this respect, the Boolean model also provides better results than the AHP model. Therefore, it is possible to draw the conclusion that the final map that was derived from the Boolean model is very accurate and that it can be used for locating suitable land areas for isabgol in arid and semiarid regions of Iran.

It is possible to apply feasibility assessment models for the aim of management awareness in order to plan appropriately and to maintain environmental sustainability. This can be accomplished through the utilization of management awareness. These models are used to identify medicinal plants that are capable of thriving in each region and are suited for cultivation there. In addition, prospective land-based planning is the best alternative for averting the ongoing crises and lessening the impacts on the environment. This is because prospective land-based planning is focused on looking forward.