Land Evaluation and Application of Geographic Information Systems in the Zoning of Main Agricultural Crops in Southern Bulgaria

This paper presents data on the main ecological elements in the land of the village of
Tsalapitsa, Plovdiv region - soils and climate. By applying the methodology approved in
Bulgaria, an agro-ecological assessment of agricultural lands was made, calculating the Field
Ratings (FR) for certain crops under non-irrigated and irrigated conditions. The values of the
FR indicate the suitability of the land for growing the specified crop. The Average Agronomic
Rating (AAR) of the lands were also calculated, which also determine the final value
classification (grouping and categorization) under non-irrigated and irrigated conditions. The
results obtained (without irrigated) determine 99,6 % of agricultural lands as good and
medium-good lands, respectively the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th categories. Only a small part of 0,4
% is unsuitable land. When irrigation is applied, the suitability of the land and the possibilities
for growing certain crops change in a positive direction, so 62,5 % of agricultural lands fall
into the group of very good lands or 1st and 2nd categories, and 37,1 % are good and average
lands or 3rd and 4th categories. The final land quality classification is also harmonized with
the recommendations of the FAO. The data from the land evaluation are analyzed in a GIS
environment and are visually and spatially interpreted in the form of maps and graphs. A
zoning of the most suitable crops for growing has been made - wheat from cereals, tobacco
from technical crops, apples, peaches, plums, pears, cherries and vineyards from perennial
crops, and with mandatory irrigation - tomatoes and rice