Remote sensing, spatial multi criteria evaluation (SMCE) and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in optimal cropping pattern planning for a flood prone area

A GIS‐aided multi‐criteria evaluation (MCE) approach in land suitability analysis for crops was described in this study and used to suggest suitable cropping patterns for a flood prone area, the Bogra district of Bangladesh. The major objective of this study was to suggest an optimal cropping pattern to combat adverse effects of flood using integrated analysis of land suitability for crops derived by spatial multi‐criteria evaluation (SMCE) and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). For land suitability analysis, Rice (Aman), Mustard, Potato and Wheat crops, which were prominent in the study area, were selected for this study. IRSP6: LISS III satellite data was used to generate flood and post flood land use/land cover maps of the area. To classify the satellite data, an object‐oriented digital classification procedure was performed. To generate the necessary factors and constraints for the SMCE approach, remote sensing and GIS integrated techniques and models were applied. To standardize all of the factors for the MCE, the AHP method was used. The results of the suitability analysis depicted that in the study area, the land was highly to moderately suitable for the crops. Due to the flood hazard in the flood season (Kharif), some areas were found marginally suitable for Rice (Aman). Optimal cropping patterns for the flood and post flood season based on crop suitability and expert knowledge indicated that the Rice‐Wheat/Potato, Rice (Late sowing)‐Potato, Rice‐Potato and Rice‐Mustard combinations were found the most suitable suggested pattern for the study area.

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