Modeling and determination of areas suitable for organic agriculture for certain crops in the Lower Kelkit basin with GIS and AHP

In this study, it is aimed to develop a model that can be used to determine areas suitable for organic farming for different crops in the Lower Kelkit Basin with the Analytical Hierarchy Method (AHP) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In determining the ecological suitability of the selected twelve crops (Barley, Sunflower, Pea, Pepper, Wheat, Tomato, Bean, Carrot, Cabbage, Corn, Potato, Onion) in the Lower Kelkit Basin; seven soil criteria as slope, texture, EC, organic matter, pH, CaCO3 and aspect; two long-term climate data, namely temperature and precipitation, were used. Soil criteria were compared in AHP tables prepared separately for each crop plant, and weight values were calculated and soil compatibility maps were produced with ArcGIS Weighted Overlay analysis. Ecological suitability maps were obtained by combining the soil suitability maps with the climate suitability maps produced separately for each cultivated plant with the EcoCrop model. Ecological suitability maps were arranged according to the Lower Kelkit Basin agricultural lands map obtained from ESRI and Corine land use maps and classified according to FAO land suitability classes. The result maps produced in the study were interpreted according to the areal distribution of the ecological suitability classes of cultural plants in the agricultural lands, and the suitability of these areas for production with organic agriculture at the district level was evaluated. As a result; It has been determined that three districts in the Lower Kelkit Basin, namely Erbaa, Niksar and Taşova, are highly suitable for organic farming for different crops compared to other districts.