Author : Soontaree Boonme

Summary : Land suitability evaluation is one of the most effective methods for proper agricultural land use planning as it evaluates the suitability of land for a specific crop. Soil clusters were obtained using cluster analysis which groups soils according to similar characteristics. Fertility Capability Classification of Soil (FCC) groups soils according to the kind of limitations present for agronomic management of the physical and chemical properties. For any particular soil, the FCC is presented as code such as Lek, a soil which is loamy for topsoil and subsoil (L) having high leaching potential and low nutrient capital reserves. The fertility constraints were high leaching potential (e) and low nutrient capital reserves (k). The interpretation of the code provides information that guides the user in choosing the right practices for the classified soil. By knowing soil clusters, FCC, and the land suitability, farmers can identify the fertility and the limitations of their land and the most suitable crop to cultivate. This study can contribute to the generation of information useful in characterizing the soil into classes, group of soils, as well as evaluating the fertility of the land and also land suitability for the above-mentioned crops. The conformity of land suitability and present land use can ensure the proper use of land. The proper land use planning management can be practiced in the land reform area.