Investigation on soil genesis and land suitability evaluation of Anarak region: a case study in Fars province

Land capability is governed by the different land attributes such as the types of soil, underlying geology, topography, hydrology, and etc. This study was conducted in order to study of soil genesis of Anarak region in Fars province. Using the findings of the semi-detailed soil studies for this area, 8 land units were selected. Results showed that climate and topography are two important soil forming factors affecting genesis, characteristics, and classification of soils. Soils of study area were classified as Calcixerepts, Haploxerepts (Inceptisols) and Xerorthents (Entisols). Moreover, land suitability evaluation study for some crops including irrigated wheat, barley and potato was carried out in the study area. Qualitative evaluation was carried out by means of parametric methods (Storie and Square root) and comparing land and climate characteristics with crop needs. Results of this investigation showed that the most important limiting factors in wheat and barley productions in study area included physical properties. Limiting factors in potato yield in the region along included soil physical properties and fertility. The land indices obtained for Barley was higher in comparison to irrigated wheat and potato. Minimum values of land indices observed in potato crop. It can be showed that the cultivation of potato cannot be recommended for this area.