The Role of Site Detection on the Land Utilization Type in Planning and Management in Arid Areas Geographic

Aims & Backgrounds: One of the most important parts of Planning and management in arid areas is land evaluation surveys and determines the compatibility of the desired area for previously considered land use. The purpose of this research is to emphasize the importance and role of land suitability assessment classification as one of the main parts of management in this region. Methodology: In this regard, study was conducted in Reagan located 130 km southeast of Bam and the border between two provinces of Kerman and Sistan and Baluchestan. Field studies including site selection and drilling of 23 soil profiles and 160 soil sampling were conducted to attain above objective. Required thematic maps were prepared using auxiliaries’ data such as satellite imagery, geological and topographic maps, weather information, and laboratory analysis result from soil sampling. Two land utilization types included maize and sorghum which is interest to the inhabitants was selected to provide the residents' living and income. Conclusion: The results showed that the water quality of wells based on the Wilcox diagram is in two classes C4S3, C4S2. Therefore, it is unsuitable for irrigation with common methods. In the current situation, the degree of land suitability for the selected land utilization types is marginally suitable (S3) and temporarily non-suitable (N1) and permanently non-suitable (N2). However, the future land suitability and after the development of the construction, the degree of compliance of the environmental conditions (soil and land) with the needs of selected plants in some areas is enhanced or severely restricted and will be in moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3). Finally, by implementing site selection survey and regarding the principles of arid areas management and using the new technologies beside traditional experiences, it is possible to help the development of these areas by preventing and eliminating environmental imbalances.