Qualitative Land Suitability Evaluation for Maize (Zea mais L.) in Abyek, Iran Using FAO Method

In the recent study, land suitability evaluation for maize has been determined using FAO method in Abyek area, located in Qazvin province of Iran. This study was carried out for maize at Abyek area with 16618 ha. Soil and climate data were collected from 61 soil profiles at research farms and bagh kousar climatological Station, respectively. Maize growth of landscape, soil and climate requirements were determined using Sys et al tables and qualitative suitability classification of this crop was done by parametric square root method. The results showed that the study area climate was highly suitable for maize. Based on parametric square root method, 24.19% of the area S1, 37.28% S2, 29.53% S3, 5.26% N and 3.74% are NS for maize. In addition, soil depth, gravel percentage, lack of organic matter, salinity, alkalinity, and gypsum are important limiting factors in the area.