The Preparation of the Colza (Brassica napus) Suitability Map Using Statistical Analysis and GIS; Case Study: Sabzevar Township, Iran

In this study, 10 environmental data items including climatic and physical variables for colza cultivation collected from 24 sample farmlands in Sabzevar township within the period of agricultural year 2004-2005 and then required statistical analysis carried out for the selected farmlands in order to select the significant linear multiple regression procedures including enter, stepwise and backward in connection to colza yield. After selecting backward procedure as the best model, four environmental condition variables including degree-day, mean temperature, slope and EC of used groundwater extracted as necessary variables for zonation of suitable areas in the whole the study area. Then the spatial maps of the selected variables were prepared and the zonation map of suitable areas for cultivation of colza was prepared using GIS functions. The results show that the appropriate regions for cultivation of colza are located in the plain region in Sabzevar. Toward the border of the plain, suitability conditions of colza cultivation is degrading.