Agro - Ecological Zoning, Employing Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System in Takestan Area

Optimal use of lands heavily relies on careful assessment of agro-ecological resources. This approach is employed to categorize agro-ecologically uniform geographical areas for agricultural developmental planning. Other such interventional modern tools as satellite remote sensing and geographical information system (GIS) have been providing newer dimensions to effective monitoring and management of land resources in an integrated manner for proper agro-ecological characterization. In this paper it is tried to demonstrate incorporation of new tools to extend applicability of Agro-Ecological zoning (AEZ) in Takestan area. Ultimately agro ecological zoning of the region was accomplished through use of collected data as based upon overlaying of climatical zones, as well as on soil and topographical maps. Twenty seven agro ecological zones were finally defined for the study area. Land suitability class and crop yield potential were determined for wheat, barely, maze and alfalfa. The limiting factors were topography ones in the western parts of area and salinity, alkalinity in the eastern parts. The results indicate that number 1 zone benefits from most fertility while the 10th suffers from the least. Based upon a comparison of land use presently in practice with the potential of each zone and a lack of conformity of each application with the potential of land, the importance of land management programming becomes more evident, and is better realized.