The interaction between agriculture, land use and physical geographical factors in the Kurtalan Plain

This study examines the interaction between agriculture, land use, and physical geography elements in the Kurtalan Plain, located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. The study area, situated between the Garzan and Botan rivers, is characterized by young alluvial deposits and fertile soils, making it a strategic agricultural zone. The research integrates geomorphological parameters (slope, aspect, and elevation), climatic factors (temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration), soil properties, and hydrological conditions to evaluate their influence on agricultural practices and land-use distribution. Additionally, remote sensing and GIS techniques were applied to analyze temporal land-use changes between 1970 and 2025. Findings indicate that agricultural lands are concentrated in alluvial plains, while slope and drainage significantly determine crop distribution. Over the past five decades, irrigated farmlands have expanded, whereas pasturelands have shrunk considerably. NDVI analyses reveal an increase in vegetation density associated with irrigation projects, although improper irrigation has triggered salinization problems in certain areas. Furthermore, climate change, manifested by rising temperatures and declining precipitation, has shortened cultivation periods and intensified pressure on water resources. The study also highlights the socio-economic dimension, showing that population growth and agricultural policies have reinforced the transformation of land use in the region. In conclusion, agricultural sustainability in the Kurtalan Plain depends on the delicate balance between natural geographic conditions and human-driven pressures. The thesis emphasizes the need for sustainable land management strategies, efficient irrigation techniques, and adaptation measures to climate change. Thus, the research contributes both to academic literature and to regional planning policies aimed at securing food production and environmental resilience in semi-arid transition zones.