Land capability classification and suitability assessment for selected crops in Gateno watershed, Ethiopia

The aim of the study was to evaluate the capability and suitability of the land for rain-fed major crop production. The study was conducted in Woleh Kebele of Sekota Woreda Wag-Himira administration zone in Ethiopia. In this study area, four homogeneous land units were identified based on topography. Soil survey was conducted on each land unit to observe the physical and chemical properties of the soil. The soil property analysis results indicate that the area is highly susceptible to erosion and low fertility that limit the land capability for various cultivated lands. The land capability assessment was undertaken based on USDA criteria. The results showed that three land unit maps were rated as capable for rain-fed crop production, whereas the fourth land unit was not capable due to permanent limitations associated with slope and soil depth. The land suitability assessment for rain-fed major crops was performed by using the maximum limitation method. The results showed that three land unit maps were marginally suitable for wheat and faba bean and not suitable for barley, due to poor soil fertility, slope, and high erosion. The potential land suitability results showed that 7.05% of land is highly suitable for barley and wheat but moderately suitable for faba bean, 25.04% moderately suitable for barley and wheat but marginally suitable for faba bean, 58.65% marginally suitable for barley and wheat but not suitable for faba bean, and 9.3% not suitable. The land suitability of the area can be enhanced by implementing appropriate interventions such as soil and water conservation, improving soil fertility, and agronomic practices