Analysis on the Land Suitability for Coconut Cultivation using Geographic Information System

Abstract

Objectives: This study developed a GIS-based approach for the spatial classification of land resources to assist planners to easily identify and increase areas for the cultivation of coconuts. Methods: The evaluation of land for its suitability application was a GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation involving guidelines on matching land quality diagnostics against crop requirements and assigning suitability rates for each land quality. Factors such as elevation, landform, soil drainage, slope, soil texture, and soil depth were used as parameters. Findings: Results showed that the existing coconut plantation is within the final suitability map developed. It revealed that around 420,000 hectares or 45.2% of the area considered in this study were found suitable locations for coconut production. Applications: Land suitability analysis for coconut cultivation using multi-criteria assessment in the GIS environment is a great tool for assessing and evaluating land in terms of its varying importance to decision-makers for sustainable agricultural production. Novelty: This study implemented spatial analysis in land evaluation that offered better land options in the study area.