FAHP and GIS based land use suitability analysis for agriculture in Aksaray City, Turkey

Abstract

As a result of rapid population growth with the developing technology, resources are used unconsciously, and the need to use these resources effectively has emerged to transfer them to future generations. Land, which is a scarce resource, is among the most critical areas of use, agricultural lands. These areas meet the basic nutritional needs of living things, therefore, determining the suitability of the lands for agriculture, increasing productivity in agriculture, sustainability of resources, and contribution to the country's economy is of great importance. In the suitability analysis of agricultural areas, it is necessary to consider the land's specific use, the physical characteristics of the land, and the socio-economic and environmental characteristics in terms of land sustainability. Land use analysis is a complex process that includes multi-criteria decision-making analyses. This study aims to determine the areas suitable for agriculture in Aksaray city with Geographic Information System (GIS) and Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP). Nine parameters were used to determine the most suitable area. These parameters are; slope, aspect, elevation, proximity to water surfaces, drainage density, soil depth, land use capability, great soil group, land use capability sub-class. Expert opinions were taken in the weighting of the criteria and an agricultural suitability map was produced.