Using PROMOTHEE technique to evaluate the optimal land suitability for pomegranate and pistachio in Miandoab plain

Land suitability evaluation is technically explained as the assessment of land performance when used for a specified target, particularly to use them based on their capability and production potential. This study aimed to determine the suitability of lands for Pomegranate and Pistachio using PROMETHEE II techniques in an area located in the Miandoab region, Iran. Eleven soil series were found in the study area. To explain the land suitability, some criterions including soil texture, soil acidity, salinity, organic carbon, soil exchangeable sodium (%), soil carbonate calcium (%), the number of households, both male and female population, illiteracy and literacy education, main occupation and age were determined. Then the entropy-weight method, which is based on Shannon Entropy theory, was utilized. Results showed that exchangeable sodium was found with maximum weight while age and occupation had the minimal weight for the both crops. Next, weighted values of criteria were analyzed using the PROMETHEE II technique. The results showed that for both pomegranate and pistachio, Soil series of Su. Wt and Su were identified to have the highest potential for cultivation with proper phi 0. 417 and 0. 328 for pomegranate and 0. 438 and 0. 358 for pistachio, respectively, while Ch and Fa. Wt soil series were found as unsuitable series with proper phi -0. 258 and -0. 522 for pomegranate and -0. 326 and -0. 478 for pistachio, respectively. Also, about 20. 11% of the region had very good suitability, 23. 6% good, 36. 26% moderate and 20. 03% had poor suitability for pomegranate cultivation and 27. 23% of the region had very good, 23. 9% good, 38. 87% moderate and 10% had poor suitability for pistachio cultivation.