Agricultural land use in Osmancık district

Rapid population growth global climate change and serious shortages in food production in recent years require planning for the use and sustainability of our existing land potential. Changes in land Cover that are'nt compatible with the natural environment will pose a serious problem in the future if measures are not taken. In this study the land use and planning of Osmancık district, which is located in the Central Black Sea Region of the Black Sea Region and administratively connected to Çorum province is discussed. CORINE Project and Landsat 8 satellite data were largely utilized in the study. The data received from HGM and MTA were processed through geographical information systems to create an up to date land use map. The aim of the study is to reveal the planning in terms of land use, change and sustainability in the district where water resources are sufficient and fertile agricultural lands are located. The study area is located at the crossroads connecting Western Anatolia to Central and Eastern Black Sea and Eastern Anatolia. Osmancık can be divided into three separate units; the mountainous masses in the west and north of the district, the gently sloping areas in the South and the areas covered by settlements and agricultural areas in the Kızılırmak Valley. Osmancık is geologically dominated by metamorphic and volcanic masses. Sedimentary areas are also encountered. The most important river of the district is Kızılırmak River. In addition to its mild climate, the fact that the district has fertile lands along the Kızılırmak Valley has reinforced the position and value of the district. Thanks to the Obruk Dam constructed between 1996 and 2002, irrigable areas reached 1641 hectares. In the last 20 years, however, class I lands have been opened for settlement and paddy production areas and resitential areas in the district have become intertwined.