Geo-spatial analysis of corn (Zea mays L.) production areas in Isabela, Philippines

Geo-spatial analysis using Arc-View geographic information systems software (Arc-View GIS) tools was performed to find ways to further improve corn production in Isabela, Philippines. The study aimed to identify the biophysical indicators of an ideal tropical corn production system suitable for Isabela, and classify corn growing areas and provide recommendation wherein corn production can be promoted in Isabela by using GIS tools. The biophysical indicators of suitable areas for corn production in Isabela consists of loamy, siltloam, clayloam, sandy loam, and silt clay loam soil type, limited or slight erosion occurence, and 0-3% slope (edaphic factors), cultivated areas with open canopy (land use); with an average growing season rainfall ranging from 500-900 mm, temperature of 18 deg C-35 deg C, and solar radiation of 100-500 W/sq m (climatic factors); and are located 3 km or less from roads and 10 km or less from buying stations (accessibility). The geo-spatial evaluation using Arc-View GIS based on biophysical indicators indicates that the municipalities of Burgos, Reina Mercedes, Gamu, Santo Tomas, Aurora, Cauayan, and Benito Soliven are suitable for corn production which covers 38% or 405,270 ha of the province. Moderately suitable areas for corn production are mostly located in municipalities of San Guillermo, Jones, Cabagan, Angadangan, Quirino, and areas in other municipalities covering 23% or 245, 295 ha of Isabela. Thirty six percent or 383,940 ha of the province is classified an unsuitable areas for corn production. Portions of municipalities of San Pablo, Ilagan, San Mariano, San Agustin, Echague, San Guillermo, Naguillan, Tumauini, Santa Maria, and Delfin Albano are classified as unsuitable for corn production. Currently, areas in the western portion of the province are underutilized for rice production and these areas are suitable for corn production. These areas are located in the municipalities of Alicia, Cabatuan, Roxas, San Mateo, San Manuel, Mallig, Ramos, and San Isidro. Hence, corn production can be expanded to these municipalities