Land use Optimization using Combination of Goal Programming and Multi Objective Land Allocation Methods

In recent years, deferent methods for determination of optimal pattern of using water and soil resources have been applied. Due to importance of natural resources, watershed management through land use modification and correct application of land is necessary. However, single objective linear programming is not an efficient method in this matter. In this study, multi objective method of goal programming was applied and optimal models of land use were proposed in Chelgerd watershed. Suggestive procedure is based on optimum area determination in various land uses including, dry farming, rangeland, irrigated agriculture, gardens and forest plantation and also their optimum local position. In current research, two models have been proposed. In this models, maximization of benefit and minimization of soil erosion are in first priority respectively. More over limitations of mentioned models are production resources involving water and land as well as economic and social problems. Results obtained show that proposed method is an efficient method in land use optimization and sustainable area development and can increase benefit to 97% and decrease erosion to 12%, respectively. Also, the results indicated that under optimized condition, the area allocated to dry farming lands will decrease about 33% and the area of rangelands, irrigated agricultures, gardens and forest plantation will increase about 0%, 9%, 906% and 82% in model 1 and the area allocated to dry farming lands will decrease about 54% and the area of rangelands, irrigated agricultures, gardens and forest plantation will increase about 1%, 9%, 906% and 82% in model 2 respectively.