Modeling crop suitability under micro irrigation using a hybrid AHP-GIS approach

Abstract Crop suitability analysis using novel models is a pillar for sustainable land-use planning. In this work, the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was integrated with GIS to produce maps wheat and maize under sprinkler irrigation broad bean drip irrigation. The study conducted in an arid area, west Nile Delta of Egypt. characteristics local climate, landscape, groundwater quality were matched crop requirements assigned scores. A GIS-based model implemented integrate scores AHP weights generate maps. climate conditions fitted optimum requirements; however, slight slope limitations affected maize. electrical conductivity (EC), exchangeable sodium percentage, CaCO 3 most important soil factors affecting bean, these besides coarse fragments EC, Na + , Cl – influential irrigation, while EC adsorption ratio had greatest priority Irrigation water highest specific weight (0.38) followed by (0.36), (0.15), (0.10). final showed that 97 3% total area suitable (S2) moderately (S3) wheat, respectively. Moreover, 85 15% S2 S3 classes bean. For maize, 36 64% classes. Integrating would provide effective planning also suggest proper management practices areas.