Application of GIS in land unit mapping and evaluation of land suitability for agriculture in Uong Bi district – Quang Ninh province

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in land unit mapping and the evaluation of land suitability for agriculture in Uong Bi District, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Given the complex and spontaneous changes in land usage driven by market fluctuations and environmental challenges, assessing land quality becomes crucial for sustainable agricultural development. Integrating soil, topographic, and climatic data within a GIS framework led to the creation of land unit maps for 40 different units in Uong Bi district, classified based on soil type, slope, soil depth, soil fertility, and hydrological conditions. The assessment of land suitability for seven main crops, including Litchi, Citrus, Dragon fruit, Cinnamon, Vegetables, Pine, and Macca, was conducted using the FAO framework for land evaluation. The results indicate that Pine and Cinamon have the highest arable area across all crops (with 15,895.40 ha and 15,502.40 ha respectively) while Vegetables show the lowest total arable area (4,063 ha). The findings provide valuable insights into the suitability of land for specific crops, facilitating informed decision-making to optimize land use and improve agricultural production.