C) Land suitability classification
Land suitability classification refers to the fitness of
a given type of land for a defined use. Suitability classification is arrived
at on the basis of:
* soil survey information,
* economic and social analysis,
* kinds of land use
* need for change.
Separate classification are made with respect to each kind of land use that appears
to be relevant for the area (Fao, 1976). The categories recognised in land suitability
classification are order, classes, sub-classes and unit. There are two orders
suitable (S) and non-suitable (N).
The classes distinguished are S1- highly suitable, S2- moderately suitable, S3-
marginally suitable, N1- presently not suitable but potentially suitable and N2-
not suitable.
The sub-classes reflect kinds of limitations as in land capability sub-classes.
The suitability units in a sub-class differ in management requirements. Depending
upon the purpose, scale and intensity of study either all or limited number of
categories may be adopted.
Three methods of suitability evaluation are in vogue. viz.
i) Simple limitation method
ii) Limitation method with the criteria, number and intensity of limitations and
iii) Parametric method.
Soil suitability models Fao (op.cit) and Sys (1985) for specific crop are dependent
upon the suitability criteria of soil site characters under the existing management
conditions. Since the suitability of a soil to the crop is determined on the limiting
characteristic(s), the suitability of a soil with respect to a crop might be underestimated.
An ideal method to decide adoption of a cropping pattern (land use) on a particular
soil unit is to have prior knowledge of the yield performance or yields. Yields
are the integrated end products of interactive processes of all factors and inputs
and are, therefore, the best indices of productivity potentials.
It is hardly possible to obtain such information for all soil units in all the
area in view of the cost nor it is necessary.
Soil survey and classification aid in transfer of technology and are therefore
the basis for evolving rational land use and management methods.
Analysis of crop yields obtained by farmers over the years in relation to management
levels on known soils (soil series) in surveyed area or field experimental data
should help in deciding cropping pattern and transfer of technology to similar
areas.
Land use planning
Land use planning is a positive systematic way of addressing
the problems of scarcity of land and of competing influences on land use. Its
focus is the evaluation of land and the options for land use. The purpose is to
select and to put into practice those land uses that will best meet the needs
of the present and at the same time protect for the future.
Land use planning incorporates the concept of the need for change. But this need
must be accepted by the people involved to it. In addition, the political will
and the ability to put the plan into effect must be present.
Land use planning could be at watershed, farm/village, district and state level
as per the need, objective and available information of an area.
Land use planning is the process of evaluation of land and alternative patterns
of land use and other physical, social and economic conditions for the purpose
of selecting and adopting the kinds of land use and courses of action best calculated
to achieve specified objectives.
Land development process
* Inventory of land resources: survey, mapping, data collection.
* Land suitability evaluation: classifying land-matching suitability to requirements
of land use indicates alternative use.
* Land use planning: decision making to be done in cooperation with the land user.
* Implementation: results and dynamic aspects of land use.
Steps in land use planning
Step 1: Decide what you want to achieve. Establish the present
situation; find out the needs of the people; agree and specify the goals to be
worked for
Step 2: Plan to plan. Organise the work needed
Step 3: Identify and structure the problems and opportunities of the planning
area
Step 4: Devise alternative solutions. Identify or design alternative land use
types that might achieve the goals
Step 5: evaluate land suitability. For each promising land use type, establish
its land requirements and match these with what the land has to offer to establish
physical suitability.
Step 6: Appraise alternatives. For each physically suitable combination of land
use and land, assess its environmental, economic and social impact
Step 7: Choose the best achievable land use
Step 8: Draw up a land use plan, allocating land use to land and making provision
for appropriate management
Step 9: Put the plan into action. Action by decision-maker sectoral agencies and
land users
Step 10: Learn from the plan. Monitor progress towards the goals: revise the plan
in the light of experience and to accommodate new goals.