Agro-Ecological Zones and Land Use Planning at the Kuzgun Dam Irrigation Area

Soils are a major source which restricts the agricultural production because of the limited and non-producible

properties. So, it is very important to be evaluated in a manner appropriate to the characteristics of farm lands. This study was

undertaken to prepare the agro-ecological zones and the land use planning of farmlands, on the irrigation area of the Kuzgun Dam

which is constructed by State Hydraulic Works in Erzurum. Factors affecting crop production (climate, soil texture, salinity,

alkalinity, permeability, groundwater level, erosion grade, soil profile depth, land slope, farmer preferences) in research area were

considered and multiple query was made. As a result of the query, it was obtained that soil profile depth and slope of the land will

play dominant role for crop pattern and the others will have low-impact. Probable land use forms of the farm lands were estimated

base on dominant factors according to the geographic information system (GIS) method, and some suggestions were presented for

the crop production. As a result of this study, cereals, forage crops, natural pasture and afforestation areas were identified in the

fields with production limitations for Kuzgun Dam irrigation area. In areas without production limitations in terms of soil

properties, two factors, climate and farmer preference, were effective.