Semi-detailed study of qualitative land suitability evaluation for major crops in paraf plain of Hormozgan province

Qualitative land suitability evaluation has been carried out for major irrigated crops (Watermelon, tomato, citrus and onion) in an area of about 5100 ha paraf plain in 801cin of south east of Minab city in Hormozgan province. In order to have more dependable soil data, particularly soil boundaries and update the soil information, the soil reports were studied and were found two soil series in this region more than last study.(Sarzeh, Dibdan, Mehmani is the last series and two new series that has added, Goajak and Sarderang). _ According the new soil map unit, coverage and agricultural activity, eleven soil profiles were selected and their morphological and physicochemical characteristics determined. Climatic data from Minb synoptic meteorological station as well as other close by meteorological stations have been used for climatological evaluation .Based on coverage , yield ,and climatic conditions Watermelon, tomato, citrus and onion have been considered and compared in the present land suitability evaluation on the basis of an irrigated agricultural system .In this region , the most important limiting land characteristics are: soil reaction , salinity and sodic problem and high calcium carbonate. In the survey area climatic classes for all crops are suitable (S1).Analysis of climatic data reveals that thr growing perid is about 92 daysm starting on January 4th until 10th April. Between two method of land suitability evaluation (parametric and simple limitation), we have been used the data of parametric method because the data of two method was much closed. And between two sub method in parametric method (stone and square root) we have been chosen the data of square root. According the data analysis land suitability for watermelon is N2 and S3 , and for other crops is N2.