A GIS model for determination of water resources suitability for goats grazing (Case study: Kerman rangeland)

Proper use from water resources، especially in arid and semi arid of Iranian rangeland is very important. In this area water is one of the valuable ecosystem components. The study was conducted in Jmil abad watershed which is located، Kerman province. Four criteria’s of water quality، water quantity، water distance and livestock information were integrated to water resources suitability for goats grazing. FAO (1991) method (recommended for land capability evaluation) was used for suitability classification According to the results، water distance and accessibility to water is a most declining factor for suitability. A quality and quantity factor is a no limiting factor in part of study area. The results show that from 1036505 ha of studied rangelands، (93. 4%) classified as Sl class (with no limitation)، 728. 4 ha (6. 6%) classified as S2 class (with low limitation)، and 0% classified as N class (non suitable). Based up on slope classes، areas that far from water point more than 75% of slope is not suitable and less than 15% are very suitable. Good distribution of water resources increases water suitability and cause better and monotonous utilization of rangeland.