GIS Based Mapping and Assessment of Major Soil Groups and Land Capabilities in Nevsehir Province of Turkey

Abstract

This study was carried out in Nevşehir province of Turkey with the aim of spatial evaluation of major soil groups, land use capabilities and subclasses by using 1/25.000 scaled digital soil maps. For this purpose, the Geography Information Systems (GIS) software, Arc GIS 10.3.1 was used. As a result of the research; The area covered by brown soils corresponds to 50.68% (304248.49 ha) of the total area. Hydromorphic soils were observed in an area of 7.23 ha. VI. class lands are in the majority in Nevşehir province and the ratio of these lands in the total area is 39.06% (234491.21 ha). II. class lands are 9.48% (56934.79 ha) of the total area and VIII. class lands cover the least area. These lands correspond to 5564.41 ha and 0.93% of the total area. It was determined that the areas with slope and erosion damage and soil insufficiency in the study area correspond to 62.80% of the total area and cover an area of 376990.54 ha. In the study, the spatial distribution maps of the land use capabilities will form the basis for the studies to be carried out for agricultural purposes in Nevşehir province.