Land use determination of arid regions using geographical information system

Abstract

Soil serves as one of the most important components of natural resource. The vast areas in the arid region with low
rainfall in the world were affected by land degradation due to natural factors, anthropological activities (agricultural)
and ultra-utilization of land, and they became vain and desert land. Meanwhile, the importance and vitality of land
use is more than that of other factors due to the effective role played by humans. The study area is located at the
North and Northwestern region of the Semirom County. Based on the studies and operations that were carried out,
almost 30 to 35% of the basin’s total lands are in the mountain area with high outcrops and slopes. In addition, there
are series of limitations in the soil of the observed land which include: Topographical factors, water erosion, soil
appropriate physical condition, soil type, lack of nutrient (micro and macro), flooding of the flat plain and
calcification of the area by which each of these limitations were identified and measured and the correspondent
maps were prepared using software ArcGis9.2. Some of the aforementioned limitations are amenable and some of
them are not. Limitations such as: Slope and soil depth gravel are those that their modification is impossible or not
cost-effective, while limitations such as: Water erosion, inappropriate physical properties, relief, surface gravel,
salinity and alkalinity are modifiable limitations that can be possibly dealt with by investment. This process showed
that the area has a potential to irrigational forming application, dry forming, range management, forest and other
applications.