Volume 17, No. 1, 2020
Land Suitability Assessment For Pomegranate Cultivation Using Multi-Criteria Analysis In GIS
ANIL S.YEDAGE , R.S.GAVALI , SAGAR MALI
Abstract
Pomegranate stands as one of the globally significant high-value agricultural crops, playing a pivotal role in the economic development of semi-arid regions. The selection of optimal sites for cultivating various agricultural crops, especially in diverse geographic regions, is a crucial aspect of agricultural research, leveraging the capabilities of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). This study aims to compare three distinct weighing methods—Ranking, Rating, and Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP) pair-wise comparison—within the GIS framework, seeking to identify the most effective model. The initial step involves generating essential maps based on specific environmental conditions essential for pomegranate cultivation. These conditions encompass elevation, slope, land use, soil depth, soil properties, surface water availability, groundwater, and temperature threshold maps, all processed through GIS. Subsequently, the processed data layers undergo multi-criteria evaluation analysis using the three comparison methods. The resultant maps are then produced for each method within the GIS environment, facilitating a comprehensive comparison of the outcomes. The findings of the study reveal that the AHP comparison method outperforms the Ranking and Rating methods, showcasing the potential of GIS in selecting suitable land for pomegranate cultivation. The research concludes by identifying the central and southern parts of Sangola Taluka in the study area as highly suitable for establishing pomegranate orchards. In conclusion, this research underscores the significance of GIS and advanced analytical methods in agricultural studies, specifically in the context of site selection for high-value crops like pomegranates. The recommendation is to employ the AHP method in similar studies for its demonstrated superior performance.
Pages: 738-749
Keywords: AHP, GIS, Multi-Criteria Analysis, Pomegranate, Site suitability.