Land Suitability Assessment for Wheat in Some Saline Lands in the South of Khuzestan Province

The present study was conducted with the aim of studying the feasibility and determining the qualitative and quantitative suitability of irrigated wheat crop in some saline lands in the south of Khuzestan Province. Based on semi-detailed soil studies in the region, 13 series of soils were identified. The physiological needs of the wheat plant were determined and graded using available resources. Then, qualitative and quantitative assessment of land suitability was performed by parametric method (Square root) and, finally, the relevant maps were prepared in GIS environment. The results showed that climatic variables did not limit wheat production. Also, there were qualitative land suitability classes from relatively suitable class (S2) to unsuitable (N), and the most important limiting factors were salinity limits (4.7-115 dS), alkalinity (9.9-77%), calcium carbonate (40-60%), fertility characteristics (acidity) and soil wetness. The results of quantitative land evaluation also showed that 16260 hectares equivalent to 57% of the land available in the region for wheat cultivation was in class S2 (relatively suitable), 1380 hectares (4%) in class S3 (critical suitability), and 12680 hectares (37%) in class N (unsuitable lands). According to the results, in most units, the quantitative classes of land units for wheat cultivation corresponded to the qualitative class of land suitability, or had a higher suitability due to better management of this crop in the region. Therefore, due to the fact that most of the study area had salinity and alkalinity limitations, to increase production and create a sustainable agricultural system, land improvement operations are necessary.